'CPM leaders should attend school for the elderly to learn to behave respectfully': G Sudhakaran

Alappuzha: Escalating his ongoing confrontation with the CPM, Ambalapuzha MLA G Sudhakaran on Monday launched a sharp attack on the party leadership, suggesting that its leaders attend a "school for the elderly" to learn how to behave properly with the public.

The intensifying political friction follows a turbulent phase for the veteran politician. Sudhakaran, formerly a stalwart of the CPM, previously chose not to renew his party membership. He subsequently contested the Assembly election from the Ambalappuzha constituency as a UDF-backed Independent candidate and emerged victorious.

The relationship between the MLA and his former party has rapidly soured. Recently, CPM workers had confronted Sudhakaran over his repeated criticism of the party and its leaders. This confrontation escalated into a formal demonstration, followed by a protest march by CPM activists to his MLA office in Alappuzha. In response to his continuous public statements, the CPM had also recently warned that it would respond strongly if Sudhakaran continued making remarks against the party.

"Learn to behave respectfully"

Addressing a Residents' Association meeting in Alappuzha, the Independent legislator reflected on the aggressive demonstrations outside his residence, noting that a large crowd had marched towards his house shouting slogans. Turning his focus toward the decorum of the party cadres, he remarked:
"First, all of you should go and study at a school for the elderly. CPM leaders should attend educational institutions meant for the elderly and learn how to behave respectfully with the public."

The legislator openly questioned the methodology of the agitators, asking whether there was any point in using abusive language against opponents.
"Is there any point in hurling insults? Isn't that why you lost completely? I am saying this for CPM members to think about. I am not asking anyone to change their party. But why did these people march to my house and hurl abuses?"

Also read: ‘Do you have any shame?’: Alappuzha MLA G Sudhakaran reacts to CPM worker’s sharp attack | VIDEO

Police neutrality questioned

Sudhakaran did not spare local law enforcement either. Claiming that the local police had failed to act impartially, Sudhakaran said they were still not aware that the government had changed.
"The Alappuzha police are completely unaware of it. They are functioning as they used to. You don't need to show favour to anyone or hostility towards anyone. Just do your job."

Reiterating that he did not need anyone's favour, the MLA issued a stern warning regarding the accountability of the local administration, pointing to his strong democratic mandate.

"I have never called a police officer and demanded that someone be arrested. But they will not be allowed to act as they please. Otherwise, I will speak out. I have the mandate of the people. You must remember that I won by a margin of 28,000 votes." (PTI)