Sudhakaran’s independent bid; grassroots support for veteran leader grows in Alappuzha

ALAPPUZHA: Party supporters held a meeting in Charummoodu, the hometown of former minister G. Sudhakaran, who recently declared himself a public independent. It is reported that approximately 20 people attended the meeting, which was held at the home of a party office-bearer.

Meanwhile, Sheeba Rakesh, former president of the CPM Ambalappuzha Block Panchayat, has come forward to publicly support Sudhakaran. She stated that CPM cadres intend to vote for him, noting that many remain silent due to fear of cyberattacks. "Party members have tried to avoid me on the pretext of supporting Sudhakaran. After declaring my support publicly, I have also become a victim of cyberattacks. I am facing threats, including threats against my family. I do not intend to surrender to them," said Sheeba.

As public protests and online hostility against G. Sudhakaran have intensified, the police have stationed a guard at his residence in Punnapra Paravur. A police jeep and officers are now present in the vicinity. Additionally, a banner appeared opposite his house in the name of "Bhagavathikkal comrades," which reads: "One who stabs his own family will be called a traitor by time."

Congress unhappy over praise for Chief Minister

G. Sudhakaran’s recent statement at a press conference—that he would be happy to see Pinarayi Vijayan return as Chief Minister—has caused dissatisfaction within the Congress party. Although Sudhakaran has not actively sought their support, the UDF has notably left the candidate name for the Ambalappuzha seat vacant in the expectation that he might cooperate with them. The Congress district leadership has expressed that support for G. Sudhakaran should not be declared unless he explicitly seeks their cooperation. A senior Congress leader is expected to hold talks with him soon, and the party’s formal stance should be clear within two days.

CPM protest march scheduled for Saturday

A protest march, led by CPM supporters, is scheduled to take place on Saturday at 4:00 PM, moving from near the house of V.S. Achuthanandan to G. Sudhakaran’s residence. As part of heightened security measures, police guards have been deployed in front of Sudhakaran’s home, and additional CCTV cameras were installed along the perimeter wall earlier this evening.