‘He provoked me’: Sudhakaran to campaign against minister Prasad as rift in Kerala CPM widens | India News
New Delhi: CP(M) rebel leader G Sudhakaran on Friday announced that he will campaign in Cherthala against Kerala Agriculture Minister P Prasad, accusing him of “making inappropriate remarks”.“Speaking to reporters in Alappuzha, Sudhakaran, who is contesting as an independent with the support of the Congress-led opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), mentioned that he had earlier decided not to participate in campaign activities outside his constituency.
“I had decided not to campaign outside Ambalapuzha. But now I have decided to campaign against Prasad in Cherthala, as he has made unnecessary statements against me,” he told reporters in Alappuzha.Sudhakaran alleged that Prasad made these comments without consulting the state or district leadership of the CPI.“He is the only person in the CPI who has spoken against me. The party has not officially commented on the matter so far. I have been silent, but he instigated me to take this stand,” added the rebel leader.Prasad recently described Sudhakaran’s decision to contest the election as driven by a “lust for power” and insisted that voters would reject him.Rejecting the CPI(M)’s charge that he was motivated by parliamentary ambitions, Sudhakaran questioned whether other leaders did not harbor similar aspirations.“People are elected to the assembly to strengthen the communist movement. Earlier qualified leaders were sent. Now look at those who are being elected. I joined the party in 1963 and now people are trying to teach me,” he said.He also alleged that his past statements during the campaign are now being used against him and expressed anger over attacks on his family by party workers.He added, “That is why I am contesting this time. Even the top leadership who made false allegations have not been corrected.”However, the four-time MLA did not comment on the UDF’s decision not to field a candidate in Ambalapuzha.“Local UDF leaders have met me and expressed their support. I will contest as an independent candidate for the people. Political criminals, in the name of the party, are indulging in campaigning.” People will not vote for them,” Sudhakaran remarked.All 126 assembly constituencies in Kerala will go to polls on April 9, with counting scheduled on May 4, along with elections in Assam, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry.The ruling Left Democratic Front is seeking a third consecutive term, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also eyeing a hat-trick at the top post.
