In the recently concluded assembly elections, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) faced one of its most disappointing performances in decades. Adding to the party's woes was a significant defeat at the hands of its former senior leader, G Sudhakaran, in the Ambalappuzha constituency.
Sudhakaran's Victory
Months after severing ties with the CPM, Sudhakaran contested as an independent candidate backed by the United Democratic Front (UDF). On Monday, when the results were declared, he emerged victorious. Sudhakaran secured 75,184 votes, defeating the CPM candidate H Salam, who polled 47,249 votes, by a margin of 27,935 votes.
Sudhakaran's Reaction
Reacting to his win, Sudhakaran said the result is a setback for those who consider the people of the state as 'idiots' and for those who sidelined a large group to support a small group. He emphasized, "Broad-mindedness is of utmost importance in democracy." He also acknowledged the support extended by the Congress party after his decision to contest as an independent. "Support of Congress, the country's largest secular political party, strengthened me," he told reporters.
Background of the Fallout
The veteran leader ended his six-decade-long association with the CPM in March following differences with the party leadership. The fallout stemmed from the party's decision to field H Salam instead of him in the 2021 assembly election, as part of the CPM's implementation of its two-term norm.
Political Significance
A prominent face in Kerala politics, Sudhakaran represented Ambalappuzha multiple times in the assembly. He also served as a minister in the V. S. Achuthanandan government and later in the first Pinarayi Vijayan cabinet. His victory is being viewed as a politically significant setback for the CPM in a constituency long associated with the party.
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