Sudhakaran likely to get assembly ticket amid mounting pressure in Kannur

Bengaluru/Kerala

In a significant shift within the Congress in Kerala, senior leader K Sudhakaran is now likely to secure the party ticket to contest the upcoming Assembly elections from Kannur, despite earlier resistance from the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee leadership.

Sources indicate that growing pressure from grassroots workers and escalating support in Kannur have forced a rethink within the party. The leadership, which had initially urged Sudhakaran to stay out of the electoral fray, is now believed to be reconsidering its stance to avoid internal backlash and possible political damage.

The BJP had opened backchannel talks with Sudhakaran as he was disgruntled. However, he was exploring option. The fresh development will stop BJP from pursuing the plan of taking the leader to the party fold.

The development comes amid parallel outreach attempts by the Bharatiya Janata Party, which had explored the possibility of bringing Sudhakaran into its fold. However, Congress insiders suggest that the renewed likelihood of a ticket may effectively stall any such move, reinforcing Sudhakaran’s position within the party. It should be noted that he is a strong contender for Chief Minister post.

Senior leaders, including K C Venugopal, who were reportedly opposed to Sudhakaran entering the Assembly race, are said to be reassessing the political cost of sidelining a mass leader with deep roots in Kannur.

The turning point appears to be the visible show of strength by Sudhakaran’s supporters, with continuous visits to his residence and public displays of backing across the district. His recent emotional appeal and strong assertion of loyalty to the Congress further consolidated his support base.

While no official announcement has been made by the All India Congress Committee, party sources suggest that a final decision could be imminent, with Sudhakaran emerging as the frontrunner for the Kannur seat.