Kurup's resilience shines: Navigating political waters through LDF's toughest times

KOTTAYAM: Suresh Kurup, known for his gentleness, is widely respected even by his opponents, earning him the reputation of a gentleman. He has secured victories multiple times in the Kottayam Lok Sabha constituency, a stronghold of the UDF and in the Ettumanur assembly constituency with votes transcending political affiliations.

In his debut contest in 1982, Kurup clinched the Kottayam Lok Sabha seat by 5853 votes defeating the incumbent MP Scariathomas. Notably, he was the sole CPM MP elected from Kerala during the sympathy wave following Indira Gandhi's assassination. Over his four terms as MP, he vanquished formidable opponents like Ramesh Chennithala and PC Chacko.

Reflecting on his early political career, Kurup recalls his grassroots campaign in 1982, led by SFI workers who canvassed door-to-door, supported by teachers from CMS College. He credits Kerala Kaumudi for its effective coverage and acknowledges the contributions of prominent campaigners such as N. Sreedharan, Vaikkom Viswan, M.A. Baby and Dr Thomas Isaac.

Despite voting for Scaria Thomas in the 1980 elections, Kurup found himself contesting against him just two years later, a twist of fate he remembers vividly.