‘He irritated me’: Sudhakaran to contest against minister Prasad as rift widens in Kerala CPM

New Delhi: Communist (Mapai) rebel leader G Sudhakaran on Friday announced that he will oppose Kerala Agriculture Minister P Prasad in Cherthala, accusing him of making “baseless statements”.“Sudhakaran, who is contesting as an independent with the support of the Congress-led opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), told reporters in Alappuzha that he had earlier decided not to campaign outside the constituency.“I decided not to contest any campaign outside Ambalappuzha. But now I have decided to campaign in Cherthala against Prasad because he made unnecessary remarks against me,” he told reporters in Alappuzha.Sudhakaran alleged that Prasad made the remarks without consulting the state or district leadership of the CPM.“He is the only person in the Communist Party of India who has opposed me. The party has not officially commented on the matter so far. I have remained silent but he has provoked me to take this stand,” the rebel leader added.Prasad recently described Sudhakaran’s decision to contest as a “lust for power” and claimed voters would reject him.Sudhakaran denied the CPI(M)’s accusation that he was driven by parliamentary ambitions and questioned whether other leaders did not have similar aspirations.“People were elected to the Congress to strengthen the communist movement. Earlier, capable leaders were sent. Look at those who are elected now. I joined the party in 1963 and now people are trying to teach me about it,” he said.He further claimed that his past comments were now being used against him during the campaign and expressed anguish over attacks on his family by party workers.“That’s why I’m running this time. Even those at the highest levels of leadership who supported false complaints have not been corrected,” he added.The four-time MLA, however, did not comment on the UDF’s decision not to field a candidate in Ambalappuzha.“Local DMK leaders have met me and expressed their support. I will contest as the people’s independent candidate. Political criminals are indulging in campaigning in the name of the party. People will not vote for them,” Sudhakaran said.All 126 Assembly constituencies in Kerala will go to polls on April 9 and counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, while elections will also be held in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry.The ruling Left Democratic Front is seeking a third consecutive term and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is also hoping for a hat-trick in the top job.