Thiruvananthapuram: Senior CPM leader G Sudhakaran has launched a scathing attack on fellow party leaders, including Minister Saji Cherian and AK Balan, accusing them of hypocrisy and failing to respond to internal issues within the party.

Sudhakaran said that both Cherian and Balan had attempted to advise him while remaining silent on what he described as “vile, anti-Marxist elements” within the party.

“A.K. Balan has not said a single word against the attack by these vile, disgusting, anti-Marxist political criminals in Alappuzha. I cannot change like Balan. Why come here to advise me without opposing the dirty anti-Marxist culture being promoted here?” Sudhakaran asked.

The remarks came after AK Balan had criticised Sudhakaran in a Facebook post, saying, “Time has made some changes in me. But G Sudhakaran is the same old G Sudhakaran.”

Responding, Sudhakaran said he was proud of not having changed and continued to lead a simple life, maintaining that he had never made money through politics and still stood by the principles taught by the party.

Following the controversy, Balan issued a clarification, saying Sudhakaran might feel “ignored” by the party.

“He has had some concerns recently. Whether that is right or wrong, others should examine it. When you feel neglected, resentment builds up inside. But it should not affect the party’s public image,” Balan said, describing Sudhakaran as “a very adamant person.”

Sudhakaran also hit out at Minister Saji Cherian, accusing him of spreading rumours that he was was planning to join the BJP.

“Before Saji Cherian advises, he should be careful. When Swapna’s allegations were raised against the Chief Minister, I was the one assigned to defend them,” Sudhakaran said, adding that he had protected both Cherian and Nassar during their student days in Alappuzha.

Addressing allegations that he had tried to manipulate votes in Ambalappuzha, Sudhakaran claimed the complaints against him were politically motivated.

“The complaint would not have been filed without the knowledge of Saji Cherian and Arif. The move was to expel me,” he said, alleging Cherian’s involvement.

Sudhakaran also recounted a meeting with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, following an internal report by Elamaram Karim.

“After the state committee discussed Karim’s report, Pinarayi asked me why the MLA filed a complaint after winning. Kodiyeri asked the same. But Elamaram stirred it up in every way. I’m not talking about that now,” Sudhakaran added.