The Congress high command is actively trying to persuade former Kerala
Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president and sitting Kannur MP K
Sudhakaran to step back from his demand to contest the upcoming Kerala
Assembly elections from the Kannur constituency.
Sudhakaran is insisting on contesting from Kannur, stating, “I will
fight the Assembly elections from Kannur.” He reportedly told the
leadership that his presence is necessary in the state legislature.
Reports indicate that the AICC is against allowing sitting MPs to
contest Assembly elections, creating a conflict with Sudhakaran’s
aspirations. Following discussions in Delhi, a frustrated Sudhakaran
returned to Kerala and posted an emotional message on Facebook on
Friday, describing Kannur as his “heart’s blood” and recalling his
sacrifices in defending party workers against the CPM.
KPCC leaders, including KPCC president Sunny Joseph, have met
Sudhakaran to persuade him to fall in line with the party’s official
candidate selection process and avoid public controversy.
Sudhakaran’s supporters have warned the leadership that blocking his
candidacy could backfire, highlighting his popularity in the region.
This conflict has created a significant challenge for the Congress in
Kerala as it attempts to finalize candidates, with concerns that
allowing an exception for Sudhakaran could lead to demands from other
MPs.
It is learnt that Sudhakaran has been called back to New Delhi for
fresh deliberations on Monday following his abrupt return to Kerala,
expressing dissatisfaction over candidate selection and the refusal to
grant him the Kannur seat. Rahul Gandhi personally tried to pacify
him. Both Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge are
expected to engage in further discussions with him as he is expected
to return to Delhi on Monday for these discussions.
In his message on social media, he emphasized his emotional
connection to the Kannur seat and his role in defending the party
there, signaling his resistance to backing down easily. He recalled
the struggles and sacrifices of party workers over the years and said
he has always stood at the forefront to defend and support his
colleagues.
The post reflects on his long political journey in Kannur and his
commitment to the party and its cadre at a time when internal
discussions over candidate selection for the Assembly elections are
underway. Sudhakaran wrote that he had often placed himself on the
frontline to protect Congress workers during periods of political
violence in the district.
Comparing his role with that of a mother shielding her chicks, he said
he could never remain a silent spectator when party workers were
attacked by political opponents.
Describing Kannur as a land shaped by the sacrifices of Congress
workers, Sudhakaran wrote he would always stand at the forefront
carrying the party’s tricolour flag. He added that the district’s soil
carries the blood, sweat and memories of many workers and the grief of
families who lost loved ones in political conflicts.
Reflecting on his decades-long association with the district,
Sudhakaran said he had travelled through every corner of Kannur and
shared deep bonds with its people. The difficult and turbulent paths
the movement had taken, he said, remain vivid memories that will stay
with him for life.