'I wanted to contest in Dharmadom, cannot say for sure that Pinarayi won't return to power'

KANNUR: Senior Congress leader K Sudhakaran said that one cannot say for sure that the Pinarayi government will not return to power for a third consecutive term. The former KPCC president added that he does not have enough grounds to completely rule out such a possibility. He made the remark even while expressing confidence that the Congress and its alliance would come to power. Sudhakaran also said that he withdrew from contesting the Assembly elections based on assurances given by the AICC leadership.

"I'm disappointed at not getting an opportunity to contest in the Assembly elections. I'm upset as I was denied a seat despite being eligible. I had also sought tickets for my supporters, but they were rejected by the state leadership. Apart from me, MPs M K Raghavan, Kodikunnil Suresh, Adoor Prakash, and Benny Behanan had also wished to contest. However, the high command decided that MPs should not contest in the Assembly elections," Sudhakaran said.

Sudhakaran said that senior leader A K Antony had personally called him and requested him not to take any extreme decision. He also revealed that he was willing to contest against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Dharmadom. However, his friends advised him against it.

He clarified that his recent visit to Delhi was not related to seeking a ticket but was a routine trip. Sudhakaran also dismissed claims that he had put the party under pressure and said he had never considered contesting as an independent candidate.

He further stated that when he was denied a seat in Kannur, he had suggested alternative candidates, but those names were also not considered.