Former CPI(M) leader G Sudhakaran, who won the Ambalappuzha assembly election as an independent candidate backed by the UDF, on Thursday slammed Left leaders in Kerala for targeting him over his late brother Bhuvaneswaran, who is considered a martyr by the party.
G Bhuvaneswaran, an SFI activist, was killed in campus violence at NSS College, Pandalam, in 1977.
Mr. Sudhakaran paid homage at the Martyr’s Memorial at Charummood in Alappuzha district after his election victory on Wednesday.
Local CPI(M) leaders reacted against the move and alleged that Mr. Sudhakaran had “betrayed” his brother by contesting the CPI(M) as an independent candidate supported by the UDF.
This topic also appeared during the election campaign.
On Thursday, Mr. Sudhakaran responded to the criticism to reporters at his residence.
“What right do they have to say that? Should they say such things in the name of Bhuvaneswaran? If they are criticizing people for paying homage to a martyr, who are they trying to deceive?” he asked.
He alleged that the CPI(M) lost votes by raising the Bhuvaneswaran issue during the election campaign.
Mr. Sudhakaran also said that the martyr’s memorial was built by the family and not by the party, adding that the land for it was provided by the Cashew Workers Union.
“If they play politics in the name of Bhuvaneswaran, the existence of the party in Mavelikara will be damaged. Even now the parties have reduced from 35,000 to 15,000,” he alleged.
Mr. Sudhakaran also reacted angrily to reporters for repeatedly asking questions about Bhuvaneswaran.
About the chief ministerial candidate, he said that the matter has to be decided by the Congress leadership and that his opinion was not sought.
“I will be grateful to the Congress for the support. Why should they ask me for my opinion? They will decide that,” he said.
Mr. Sudhakaran, who has been associated with the CPI(M) for more than six decades, has served as an MLA and Minister. He later decided not to renew his membership of the party, claiming that he disrespected the district leadership and attacked him on social media.
Published – 07 May 2026 11:56 IST
