Not power-hungry, I'm a people's independent: G Sudhakaran

ALAPPUZHA: Senior leader G Sudhakaran has said that he has no parliamentary ambitions and is contesting as an independent candidate in Ambalappuzha against what he called "political criminalism.”

Speaking to the media, Sudhakaran questioned whether CPM leaders like A M Ariff, Saji Cherian, and U Prathibha do not have parliamentary ambitions. He also said that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was given certain relaxations by the party’s Politburo. He pointed out that A K Gopalan had remained a Member of Parliament until his death.

"How many former MLAs from Alappuzha had made strong speeches in the Assembly. It was the internal inquiry report alleging reduced votes for Salam in Ambalappuzha that forced me to take this stand. Many Congress leaders visited my home, extended support and are working sincerely. Hasn't the CPM allied with Congress in states like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu? The Congress is not the same semi-fascist party it once was," Sudhakaran said.

Sudhakaran also demanded a CBI probe into the disappearance of a fisherman named Sajeevan from Thottappally, stating that even his body has not been recovered.

Sudhakaran reacts angrily to questions
Sudhakaran appeared visibly upset while responding to questions from media personnel. He reacted strongly to a question about whether development in the region was brought by the Left government.

He criticised claims that development was solely due to the government and said such arguments were not realistic. Referring to a past incident during his tenure as minister, he said compensation was provided after three girls died by suicide in Ambalappuzha, and only then did Salam step out.

He also said he would campaign against P Prasad, the LDF candidate in Cherthala. "Prasad pretends to be a decent person. He made statements against me even though I'm not his adversary. I would not campaign in any other constituency," Sudhakaran said.