Sudhakaran on his exit: Not a natural transition

T'puram: Days after expressing support for the newly-appointed Congress leadership in Kerala, former KPCC president K Sudhakaran on Thursday voiced strong objections to the manner in which he was replaced. "I have a disagreement on the reasons cited for the change of guard in KPCC. I do not want to explain this as it would create disturbance to some leaders," he told a news channel.

Sudhakaran stated he was unhappy with how the transition was handled, though he accepted the decision made by the party high command. He expressed deep dissatisfaction, alleging that a section within the party wanted to remove him. While speaking to vernacular television channels, he specifically named AICC general secretary Deepa Dasmunshi as having played a role in his ouster. Criticising AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, Sudhakaran said Venugopal never engaged in political discussions with him. He added that even during his last meeting with AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, neither leader mentioned his removal from the post.

Sudhakaran maintained that this was not a natural change in leadership and criticised the lack of communication. He said he was not informed about the appointment of the new working presidents. The former KPCC chief also claimed he had the backing of many loyal party workers, some of whom, he said, were ready to ‘sacrifice their lives' for him.

He asserted that he had no difficulty rallying his supporters and pointed out that they would respond if provoked. Stressing the need to consider experienced individuals for leadership roles, Sudhakaran alleged that some leaders actively block the growth of capable members.

He warned that if he spoke further, it would embarrass several senior leaders, adding that he didn't receive adequate protection from the party leadership. He further pointed out that Sunny Joseph was appointed considering his opinion and urged party leaders to reflect on whether his removal was carried out in the right manner.