Chennithala defends G Sudhakaran amid ‘mullappoo’ row; criticises CPM over farmer policies

Haripad: Senior United Democratic Front (UDF) leader Ramesh Chennithala has defended G Sudhakaran following criticism of a recent remark he made about campaign practices in the 2026 Kerala elections.

Chennithala said, “Mullappoo (jasmine flower) is worn by everyone, and that is not a bad remark. Sudhakaran will surely win in Ambalappuzha.” He criticised the CPM for spreading slander against Sudhakaran and noted that while the Chief Minister used the derogatory term “chetta”, Sudhakaran himself had not insulted anyone.

Context of the ‘Mullapoo’ Controversy

The uproar followed Sudhakaran’s comments on CPM candidate C.S. Sujata, who campaigned in Ambalappuzha visiting homes of the Nair Service Society (NSS) community while wearing mullappoo (jasmine flowers) and thulsi (holy basil). CPM criticised the remarks as insulting to both women and the NSS community.

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Chennithala highlighted growing protests in hilly regions against the Left Front’s anti-farmer stance, including a proposed buffer zone along forest borders, which he described as “holding a knife to farmers’ throats.” He also expressed sorrow over a farmer suicide at the CPI office in Vaikom, calling the Agriculture Minister complicit and unfit to remain in power.

Chennithala reiterated his claim that the 2018 Kerala floods were man-made, citing the amicus curiae report. He accused the Pinarayi Vijayan government of submerging the state through unscientific dam management.

Sudhakaran’s Political Shift

Sudhakaran, who left the CPM after 63 years, is contesting the assembly elections as an Independent backed by the UDF. He has been outspoken in his criticism of his former party, questioning the CPM leadership’s adherence to communist principles.