Relief for Congress, Sudhakaran backs down following intervention by Antony and Kharge; party releases second list of candidates

NEW DELHI/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress has resolved a major crisis in its candidate selection discussions in Delhi after K Sudhakaran MP backed down from his challenge to contest in Kannur.

Following this, the party released its second list of 37 candidates on Thursday night. While Advocate T O Mohanan will contest in Kannur, Prof. Satheesh Kochuparambil will contest in Konni, a seat earlier claimed by Adoor Prakash MP. Sitting MLA Eldhose Kunnappilly, who is facing a sexual harassment case, has been denied a ticket in Perumbavoor. Manoj Moothedan has been named as his replacement.

The uncertainty that lasted for three days ended after Sudhakaran clarified that he would remain loyal to the party and would not contest as an independent. He told the media that he would contest only if the party asks him to do so. Sources indicate that the situation eased after senior leader A K Antony and party president Mallikarjun Kharge spoke with him.

Sudhakaran had been putting pressure on the party from his Delhi residence since Tuesday. However, he made a sudden change in his stand yesterday. It is also reported that Kharge assured him that he would speak to Rahul Gandhi on his behalf.

Opposition Leader V D Satheesan had strongly opposed giving a seat to Sudhakaran during the Delhi discussions. In a meeting that continued till early morning at Kharge’s residence, the leadership repeated its stand against making any compromise.

Changing signals?
There were strong rumours since morning that a disappointed Sudhakaran might leave the party. Reports also suggested that he might contest in Kannur and field supporters in other constituencies.

When it was announced that he would address the media at noon to reveal his future plans, senior leader Ramesh Chennithala intervened. He reportedly spoke to Rahul Gandhi and warned that ignoring Sudhakaran, who has influence among the Ezhava community, could have political consequences. He also spoke directly with Sudhakaran. Senior leader A K Antony also contacted Sudhakaran from Thiruvananthapuram and advised him to step back from the press conference.

Meanwhile, Adoor Prakash wrote to the high command seeking to contest in Konni after learning that there could be concessions for Sudhakaran. However, the leadership decided to move ahead with other candidates in both Kannur and Konni. Rumours grew that Sudhakaran might take strong action. However, he later denied such reports while leaving for the airport.

'Party is bigger than me'
Sudhakaran said he would continue to remain loyal to the party and was not disappointed over being denied a ticket. He said he is not in a position to challenge the party.

“The party is much bigger. I am much smaller. I will contest only with the party’s approval. I have no plans to contest as an independent,” he said.

He added that his supporters across constituencies would continue to work for the party.

Meanwhile, preparations had begun in Kannur to give Sudhakaran a grand reception by his supporters. Minor tensions were also reported at the DCC office between his supporters and those of T O Mohanan, who has been included in the candidate list.