G Sudhakaran NEW DELHI: CP(M) rebel leader G Sudhakaran on Friday announced that he would campaign against Keralam agriculture minister P Prasad in Cherthala, accusing him of making “unwarranted remarks.”Speaking to reporters in Alappuzha, Sudhakaran, who is contesting as an independent with the backing of the Congress-led opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), noted that 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 told reporters in Alappuzha.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Israel pounds Tehran as Iranians mark Nowruz; UAE, Kuwait defences respond to missile barrage’World’s first hit’: Iran claims strike on US F-35 lightning 2 – why it’s a big dealIran hits Ras Laffan facility: Qatar’s 17% LNG capacity gone, $20bn loss; which countries will be impacted?Sudhakaran alleged that Prasad made the remarks without consulting the CPI’s 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. I was silent, but he provoked me into taking this stand,” the rebel leader added.Prasad had recently described Sudhakaran’s decision to contest the election as being driven by a “desire for power” and asserted that voters would reject him.Rejecting CPI(M)’s allegation that he was motivated by parliamentary ambitions, Sudhakaran questioned whether other leaders did not harbour similar aspirations.“People are elected to the assembly to strengthen the communist movement. Earlier, capable leaders were sent. Look at those being elected now. I joined the party in 1963 and now people are trying to teach me about it,” he said.He further alleged that his past statements were now being used against him during the campaign and expressed anguish over attacks on his family by party workers.“These are the reasons why I am contesting this time. Even those in the top leadership who supported false complaints were not corrected,” he added.However, the four-time MLA did not comment on the UDF’s decision not to field a candidate in Ambalappuzha.“Local UDF leaders have met me and extended their support. I will contest as an Independent candidate for the people. Political criminals, in the name of the party, are indulging in campaigning. People will not vote for them,” Sudhakaran remarked.All 126 assembly constituencies in Kerala will go to polls on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4 alongside elections in Assam, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, and the Union territory of Puducherry.The ruling Left Democratic Front is seeking a third consecutive term in office, with chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan also eyeing a hat-trick in the top post.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Faces Energy Shock As Qatar’s LNG Output Drops By 17% After Missile Strike Damages Ras Laffan’Your Husband Will Die’ Retired Navy Officer Turned Astrologer Used Fear To Rape, Blackmail WomanIndia Draws Red Line: Shashi Tharoor Rejects Donald Trump Call, Signals Strategic Autonomy Over WarIndia Blasts Pakistan At United Nations, Says Must End Terror Before Talking Of Indus Waters TreatyDelhi HC Orders Tight Security In Uttam Nagar After Eid Threat RemarkAmid West Asia War, Rajnath Sounds Alarm On India’s Drone Power Push900 Indians Flee Iran Chaos, Rush Home Via Armenia And Azerbaijan Escape Routes: MEA’Urgent Need For De-Escalation’: PM Modi Speaks To French President Macron On West Asia ConflictMEA Receives Consular Access Request After Arrest Of Six Ukrainians By NIA’Condemnable’: PM Modi Dials Jordan’s King, Slams Attacks On Energy Infra In West Asia123PhotostoriesFrom a massive living room to a beautiful garden: Arjun bijlani buys a lavish mansion and gives a glimpse of the fancy property5 best Good Friday long weekend getaways near BengaluruYour sweat pattern can reveal hidden health issues: Doctors explain warning signs, causes, and when to seek medical helpPune’s busiest Chandni Chowk to get 508-metre foot-over-bridgeDinesh Karthik’s self-designed bungalow in Chennai with superstar Rajinikanth as his neighbour is a ₹10 crore sporting sanctuaryWorld Sparrow Day 2026: Different types of sparrows in India and where to find them6 rare supercars owned by Indian celebrities7 traditional sweet dishes to make for Ugadi festivalWalking speed could signal hidden heart health risks: Doctors explain how monitoring your pace can help detect problems early and improve cardiovascular fitnessWhy Sadhguru recommends drinking Hibiscus Flower Tea in the months of March-April123Hot PicksIran newsGlobal Terrorism Index 2026World Happiness Report 2026Gold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingOrissa high courtUttarakhand High CourtAndhra Pradesh high courtQatar LNG ExportsIran Karaj Missile PlantIsrael Haifa Refinery AttackStrait of HormuzNowruz 2026Jaish OGWsRajya Sabha billionaires
NEW DELHI: CP(M) rebel leader G Sudhakaran on Friday announced that he would campaign against Keralam agriculture minister P Prasad in Cherthala, accusing him of making “unwarranted remarks.”Speaking to reporters in Alappuzha, Sudhakaran, who is contesting as an independent with the backing of the Congress-led opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), noted that 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 told reporters in Alappuzha.Sudhakaran alleged that Prasad made the remarks without consulting the CPI’s 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. I was silent, but he provoked me into taking this stand,” the rebel leader added.Prasad had recently described Sudhakaran’s decision to contest the election as being driven by a “desire for power” and asserted that voters would reject him.Rejecting CPI(M)’s allegation that he was motivated by parliamentary ambitions, Sudhakaran questioned whether other leaders did not harbour similar aspirations.“People are elected to the assembly to strengthen the communist movement. Earlier, capable leaders were sent. Look at those being elected now. I joined the party in 1963 and now people are trying to teach me about it,” he said.He further alleged that his past statements were now being used against him during the campaign and expressed anguish over attacks on his family by party workers.“These are the reasons why I am contesting this time. Even those in the top leadership who supported false complaints were not corrected,” he added.However, the four-time MLA did not comment on the UDF’s decision not to field a candidate in Ambalappuzha.“Local UDF leaders have met me and extended their support. I will contest as an Independent candidate for the people. Political criminals, in the name of the party, are indulging in campaigning. People will not vote for them,” Sudhakaran remarked.All 126 assembly constituencies in Kerala will go to polls on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4 alongside elections in Assam, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, and the Union territory of Puducherry.The ruling Left Democratic Front is seeking a third consecutive term in office, with chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan also eyeing a hat-trick in the top post.