Why should I cling on when national leadership no longer wants my service?: Sudhakaran

Thiruvananthapuram: In a candid interview with Mathrubhumi, K. Sudhakaran MP broke his silence on being removed from the post of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, stating that he did not seek either recognition or congratulations from the party. Emphasising his grassroots strength, he said, “I have committed workers who will stand by me wherever I call them — in Kannur and across Kerala. They are enough for me. I don’t need the party’s endorsement.”

Sudhakaran strongly refuted claims that he had lobbied for support during the leadership transition. “I did not walk behind anyone for support,” he asserted, in response to questions about the involvement of senior Congress leader K.C. Venugopal in the process.

When asked why he was removed at such a critical juncture, with elections approaching, Sudhakaran responded, “Let the party and the workers evaluate whether the timing was right. I have no complaints. If the national leadership no longer wants my service, I have no interest in staying. While the timing may not be entirely wrong, it isn’t entirely right either.”

He added that no one explained the reasons for the change. “One should ask those who removed me, and the person who replaced me. I wasn’t told anything directly. I now understand that there was a group that wished for my removal,” he said.

Although he received some indication from Delhi, Sudhakaran mentioned that neither Rahul Gandhi nor Mallikarjun Kharge conveyed anything specific during their meetings. On being appointed to the Congress Working Committee, he remarked, “It may be considered a prestigious position. But what good is it, if there is no freedom to work?”

He denied any personal conflict with AICC leader Deepa Das Munshi, though he did express concerns over a report she submitted. Asked whether she should be removed from her role overseeing Kerala, he replied, “That can be said in the appropriate forum.”

On the suggestion that the Leader of the Opposition should also be changed as part of a complete restructuring, Sudhakaran remained neutral. “They have not changed the Opposition Leader. Perhaps they wish not to. Every leader has their own personal interests,” he said.

Sudhakaran dismissed speculation that V.D. Satheesan played a role in his removal. “I don't believe he had any role. I have no evidence of that,” he said.

While not openly criticising the opposition’s performance, he admitted, “I wouldn’t call it poor, but there is room for improvement.”

Reflecting on the internal support he received during his tenure as KPCC president, Sudhakaran noted, “There was no opposition from within, but I did not receive wholehearted cooperation either. Had Ramesh Chennithala and V.D. Satheesan provided better support, we could have done more.”

He confirmed that new KPCC president Sunny Joseph was not his nominee, but added, “I was aware and gave my consent. Though I was not consulted formally, I was pleased to hear of his appointment. He has grown to become a close colleague and is a dignified political leader.”

On the question of reorganisation at the DCC level, Sudhakaran was cautious. “There is no compulsion for a change at the DCC level. Martin George is doing well in Kannur, and I don’t believe he should be replaced.”

Speaking to Mathrubhumi News Special correspondent C K Vijayan, Sudhakaran said he had received a communication from the All India Congress Committee (AICC) confirming that he had been entrusted with leading the party in the upcoming state assembly elections. Asked for his response, he replied without hesitation, “I will take on that responsibility. Not just take it up — I will deliver results.”

He questioned the urgency behind his removal. “Why the rush to replace me? Couldn’t it have waited until after the election?” he asked.

Sudhakaran made it clear that he has no plans to retire from politics. “I will continue to take up any responsibility the party assigns me. I don’t desire any position. I will live as an ordinary worker,” he said. He also reaffirmed his readiness to face political adversaries like Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan: “If needed, I am ready to contest against Pinarayi.”

He reiterated that no formal discussion preceded his removal as KPCC chief. “It was a decision taken by a few within the national leadership. I am not claiming it was fabricated. And I shouldn’t speak out against the leadership — that would be inappropriate,” he said.