Kerala polls: G. Sudhakaran says will campaign against Minister R. Prasad in Cherthala

G. Sudhakaran announces his campaign against Minister R. Prasad in Cherthala, citing unwarranted remarks and party value erosion.

Former CPI(M) leader G. Sudhakaran on Friday (March 20, 2026) said he would campaign against Agriculture Minister P. Prasad in Cherthala, accusing the latter of making “unwarranted remarks.”

Speaking to reporters in Alappuzha, Mr. Sudhakaran, who is contesting as an Independent candidate from Ambalappuzha with the backing of the UDF, said he had earlier decided not to take part in campaign activities outside his constituency. “I had decided not to attend any election campaign outside Ambalappuzha. But now, I have decided to campaign against Prasad in Cherthala as he has made unnecessary statements against me,” he said.

Mr. Prasad had recently said that Mr. Sudhakaran’s decision to contest the election was driven by his “desire for power” and that voters would reject him.

Mr. Sudhakaran alleged that Mr. Prasad made the remarks without consulting the CPI State or district leadership. “He is the only person in the CPI who has spoken against me. The party has not officially commented on the matter so far,” he said.

He said he now has “every right” to campaign for Mr. Prasad’s defeat in Cherthala. “I was silent, but he provoked me into taking this stand,” Sudhakaran said.

He also claimed that Mr. Prasad had won the last election by a margin of around 6,000 votes and that his position was not secure this time.