Kozhikode: Former Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader and Ambalappuzha MLA-elect G Sudhakaran paid a visit to Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) state president Panakkad Sadikali Shihab Thangal on Tuesday, describing the meeting as a thanksgiving visit. Addressing reporters after the interaction, which was also attended by IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikitty, Sudhakaran acknowledged that the support extended by the Congress party and the IUML had acted as a protective shield throughout his election campaign.
Election Campaign and Booth-Level Analysis
Sudhakaran, who contested as a United Democratic Front (UDF)-supported independent candidate, provided a detailed breakdown of the election results. He noted that out of the 195 booths in the constituency, 72 booths had a substantial Muslim population ranging from 60% to 95%. He further stated that he had secured leads in the majority of these booths. Attributing this success to the direct intervention of the Thangal family and Kunhalikutty, Sudhakaran emphasized the crucial role played by the IUML leadership in mobilizing support.
Secularism and Majority Margin
Sudhakaran expressed his observation that the Muslim community is highly secular, a fact he claimed has been proven repeatedly. He highlighted that he received his largest majority of over 22,000 votes, even while contesting against a Muslim candidate. This, he said, underscored the community's commitment to secular values and their willingness to support candidates based on merit rather than religious identity.
Financial and Logistical Support from UDF Allies
Commending the support he received from UDF allies, Sudhakaran revealed that Congress and IUML workers were responsible for putting up his posters. He stated that he did not have to spend money on the campaign, as approximately 80% of his election expenses were handled by the Congress party. He added that any money given to him was promptly handed over to the election committee. This level of organizational backing, he noted, was instrumental in his victory.
The meeting concluded with Sudhakaran reiterating his gratitude to the Thangal family, Kunhalikutty, and the entire UDF coalition for their unwavering support during the electoral process.
