Congress high command ignores K Sudhakaran, decides not to field him from Kannur seat

Though there were indications on Thursday morning that the Congress high command had yielded to pressure from former KPCC president K Sudhakaran and that he would be allowed to contest Assembly polls from Kannur seat, latest information is that his name is missing from the party’s list of candidates for the Assembly elections.

Reports say that Rahul Gandhi has taken a firm stand that there is no need to compromise with Sudhakaran. It is reported that the Congress high command has cleared the name T O Mohanan for the Kannur constituency. With this, there are also indications that Sudhakaran may contest as an independent candidate from the constituency.

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Earlier on Thursday morning, there were indications that the Congress high command had caved in to Sudhakaran’s pressure. It has been reported that senior Congress leader A K Antony stepped in to defuse a brewing crisis within the Congress, persuading K. Sudhakaran, to stay back after he was on the verge of quitting the party.

It has also been reported that Sudhakaran was even exploring the possibility of floating a new party and contesting independently, a move that could have significant impact on the winning chances of the UDF.

Sources said Antony apprised the high command of the political risks involved, particularly in Malabar region, where Sudhakaran remains one of the Congress’ most influential figures and a key opponent to the CPM.

Following Antony’s interference, it has been reported that the Congress high command has relented, agreeing to field Sudhakaran from the Kannur Assembly seat.However, latest reports say that the Congress high command has decided not to grant exemption to former KPCC president K Sudhakaran MP to contest the upcoming Kerala assembly elections
The Congress leadership in Kerala had recommended to the high command that sitting MPs should not be fielded in the Assembly elections.