No compromise on Kannur seat; K Sudhakaran to meet Rahul Gandhi on Monday

KANNUR: Former KPCC president and MP K Sudhakaran yet again expressed his desire to contest from the Kannur seat in the assembly elections. Sudhakaran believes that such a move would benefit the UDF as a whole across the Kannur belt. The leader will most likely apprise Rahul Gandhi of this opinion on Monday.

Sudhakaran also demanded a relaxation of the policy that prevents MPs from contesting assembly elections. Supporters in Kannur put up posters in support of his stance and raised emotional reactions on social media. This sudden show of support for the leader has put the Congress leadership in a fix.

Senior leaders, including VD Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala, have held talks with K Sudhakaran to persuade him, but he has not relented. Sudhakaran will once again clarify his position in his meeting with Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday. If the high command insists on the strict stance that MPs should not contest, the Congress is also examining whether the issue can be resolved by considering another candidate proposed by Sudhakaran in Kannur. The screening committee, which will meet the day after, is likely to make a final decision on this matter.

It is reported that Sudhakaran made some demands to the high command before stepping down as KPCC president. If the leadership goes back on its promise, Sudhakaran will likely cause pandemonium in the coming days.