Veteran CPI(M) leader and former minister G Sudhakaran announced his decision to contest as an Independent from the Ambalapuzha constituency in the upcoming Kerala assembly elections.
Sudhakaran, a four-time MLA and two-time minister, stated that he has not renewed his membership in the CPI(M) and will fight against 'political criminals and corruption.'
His departure from the party is seen as a significant setback for the CPI(M) ahead of the Assembly elections and may impact nearby seats as well.
Sudhakaran served as the cooperation and coir minister between 2006 and 2011 and as the Public works minister between 2016 and 2021, playing a key role in expanding the state's infrastructure.
His exit from the party may also affect the CPM's caste calculations, particularly among the Ezhava community, which forms the backbone of the CPM's support in Kerala.
