Alappuzha (Kerala) | The war of words between the CPI(M) and rebel leader G Sudhakaran intensified further, with minister Saji Cherian alleging that the former party leader lacks political morality, drawing a contrast with Congress leader K Sudhakaran.
Speaking at an election convention of minister P Prasad in Cherthala, here on Friday night, Cherian said that Sudhakaran, who is contesting as an independent candidate from Ambalappuzha, had betrayed the party.
He compared G Sudhakaran with Congress MP K Sudhakaran, who had differences with his party leadership after being denied a ticket in the Assembly election from Kannur.
"K Sudhakaran did not betray his party. That is political morality. He was denied a ticket, which followed disputes, but in the end, he abided by the party's stand," Cherian said.
Cherian also took a swipe at the Congress, saying its claims of "miracles" during election periods had materialised in Alappuzha through G Sudhakaran's exit from the CPI(M) and decision to contest as an independent.
"They said CPI(M) in Alappuzha is going to end. But nothing is going to happen. No one from our party will be part of the Congress's so-called miracle," he said.
He further remarked that even if he were to leave the party like Sudhakaran, no one, including his wife, would follow him.
Slamming the rebel leader, Cherian said that after the party had given him positions and responsibilities, he should not have betrayed the organisation.
"If the UDF believes it can win in Kerala by aligning with those who stabbed the party, it will not happen in Alappuzha," Cherian added.
Earlier, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPI(M) leaders in Alappuzha had also termed Sudhakaran's decision to contest the election as betraying the party.
On the other hand, Sudhakaran maintained that the party is now in the hands of "political criminals".
The four-time MLA and two-time minister is being backed by the UDF in Alappuzha after the front decided not to field a candidate in the constituency.
