Of. Sudhakaran Interview | 'There is no respect for democratic values ​​and justice in CPI(M)' -bloggerheart

Why did you change your initial decision to withdraw from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Kannur constituency?

Due to my roles and responsibilities as President of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, I had initially decided not to contest the Lok Sabha elections again. But due to the decision of the top leadership of the party, I had to change my stand. He asked me to contest the elections and as a responsible party functionary I had to follow his instructions.

Did your dual role as KPCC president and an MP affect your performance as a public representative?

I know that my presence in Parliament reduced due to my additional responsibility as KPCC President. But this does not mean that this has affected the implementation of developmental projects or welfare activities in the Kannur constituency. I am far ahead of many other Members of Parliament in completing various promised development projects. I am also one of the biggest spenders of MP funds. No one can deny the role I played in getting more roads approved here. Even the funds which were not spent properly during the tenure of former MP PK Smt., were put to good use during my tenure. I spent ₹7.5 crore for this constituency.

According to you, what was the main reason for the slow pace of welfare activities in Kannur constituency?

You must understand that I did not receive any appreciable support from the ruling Left Democratic Front-led (LDF) state government for the implementation of welfare schemes. The government was not in our favor. We had to struggle a lot during our tenure. There were many important development projects which could have been completed on time with better support from the state government. Due to a kind of non-cooperation we could not achieve it. Due to lack of desired cooperation, we were also in a position to withdraw from some major undertakings. Now, those who opposed and ruined all such projects are projecting it as my failure in their political campaigns. This is unfair and voters know the truth.

Is this election challenging because you want a second term carrying the same responsibilities as KPCC president?

I don't say it is challenging but we have rivals. This is a constituency where there are immense chances of our victory. We have a lot of development needs here. Development of our airport is a major demand. Expansion of existing railway facilities is also important. There are many issues related to centrally funded road projects. We need to address all these in a phased manner on priority. I had already started several projects for this. If elected again, completing these development works will be my top priority. I also have the same ambition as a politician from this land. I will do this.

What are the new campaign strategies adopted by you and your campaigners to reach more voters?

We are not adopting or experimenting with any different style or method of campaigning to reach out to our voters as we still continue with the traditional way of greeting maximum voters directly through our interactive meetings, rallies and campaigns. Has happened. We have already covered most of the voters in urban and rural areas. Apart from the usual road shows and rallies, efforts are being made to visit more homes directly. Distribution of pamphlets is also going on to make people aware of our promises. There are also interactions with the media for better reach.

How do you view the Left parties' allegations that the Congress has sidelined concerns over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in election campaigns and manifestos?

Who would make such baseless allegations? This is what we talk about everywhere during our daily campaigns. This is a serious political agenda for the Congress Party. We have clearly mentioned this in all our publicity materials prepared for distribution among voters as part of the election campaign. The propaganda that we have not taken this seriously in the election manifesto is completely wrong and politically motivated.

Have you seen the allegations by LDF candidates that some Congress workers are running an 'obnoxious' social media campaign against them?

There is no such indecent campaign against any LDF candidate in Kerala. No one can complain against any of our leaders that they are promoting such unhealthy activities. Congress workers can never be a part of such mudslinging activities. To my knowledge, no Congress worker would dare to make such an outrageous attempt. This is not in line with the political values ​​and standards of our party. We are always straightforward in our actions and respect rival candidates. We compete only in elections. And, voters choose the right candidates. We do not believe in victory achieved by slinging mud against rivals. This can never really be considered a victory. The pride is always in touching the hearts of the voters and then winning them over in the appropriate manner.

How do you react to the criticism from Left parties against Rahul Gandhi's candidature from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency?

Such criticisms are not worth much. CPI(M) or other left parties have nothing to do with the decisions of our party. Rahul Gandhi is such a top leader of Congress who has made a place in the hearts of the people. CPI(M) is now shamelessly campaigning against such a leader without any reason. Why should Rahul Gandhi not contest elections from Wayanad? Will this universe collapse if he contests against the Left from Wayanad? Let CPI(M) go ahead with its preferred candidate. Why should they be afraid of Rahul Gandhi's entry?

Are the UDF candidates apprehensive about the talk that the crude bombs exploded in Panur (in Kannur) were meant to threaten political rivals of the CPI(M)?

They (CPI-M) make bombs. When they do this, people like us will try to run away. There is no other option for us. All candidates in Kerala know the style of CPI(M). We are all ready. We travel very carefully these days. Anything can happen anytime and anywhere because this is the political status of CPI(M). This is a party that has no respect for democratic values ​​and justice.

If we really follow the democratic system then top CPI(M) leaders should also be questioned. No one will attempt to make a country-made bomb without clear instructions and information from the party leadership. He should be brought before the police for questioning. None of these has been revealed yet. Collecting evidence after interrogation is an important step on the part of the police.