K Sudhakaran returns to Kannur; Grand reception accorded to him at airport

KANNUR: Former KPCC chief K Sudhakaran, who had challenged to contest the assembly elections as an independent in Kannur, finally returned to his hometown, yielding to the party's decision. Hundreds of supporters waited awake to receive him at the Kannur airport early Friday morning. The three-day-long uncertainty ended when Sudhakaran clarified that he would be loyal to the party and would not contest as an independent. He told media that he would contest only if the party asks him. With this, the main crisis that had been plaguing the Congress in the discussions over the selection of candidate has been resolved.

It is hinted that the ice melted after senior leader A K Antony and party national president Mallikarjun Kharge spoke to Sudhakaran. Both took a firm stand that MPs need not contest the assembly polls. Although Sudhakaran stayed in Delhi and exerted pressure, the Congress leadership was not ready to give in to any pressure. No matter how much pressure, Sudhakaran should not be made to contest, opposition leader V D Satheesan had demanded it during the Delhi talks. In the discussions that lasted until early morning yesterday at the residence of party president Mallikarjun Kharge, the leadership reiterated its stand that there should be no compromise with Sudhakaran.