Congress's resolute stand, local pushback force MP’s retreat

KOZHIKODE: For decades, Kannur strongman K Sudhakaran’s political persona was defined by tough posturing and an uncompromising stance, traits he forged in the turbulent and violent political landscape of Kannur.

Known for his combative style since his student days at Govt Brennen College, he has rarely yielded ground. But this time, he had to relent as the Congress high command did not entertain his demand to contest in Kannur despite a three-day standoff that delayed the party’s candidate selection process.Sudhakaran’s climbdown came after party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi maintained the party’s position against fielding MPs in assembly elections, thereby defusing a potential internal crisis just weeks before assembly polls.

Sources said Sudhakaran did not budge during initial discussions with state leaders on Thursday, especially since Congress selected T O Mohanan, who is not a Sudhakaran loyalist, for the seat.Though supporters even mulled the possibility of Sudhakaran contesting as an independent, he eventually softened his position after central leadership stuck to its stand.His assertive posture in New Delhi did not gain strong backing in the district, where he had long been considered the final authority of the party.

A meeting of block and mandalam committees saw a sizeable section of local leaders oppose his candidature. Office-bearers of two block committees and 10 mandalam committees argued that fielding an MP would trigger public backlash and make it difficult for the party to face voters in the ensuing Lok Sabha bypolls. The meeting also witnessed heated debates between those who opposed Sudhakaran’s candidature and those who supported him.Earlier, tensions spilled outside the DCC office in the morning with a section of Sudhakaran’s supporters raising slogans after reports emerged that former mayor Mohanan was likely to be fielded. Some protesters also levelled allegations against Mohanan, including claims of a pending vigilance case.The mood shifted later in the day following indications that the party leadership was re-examining the issue after interventions by senior leaders, including AK Antony. The same group later burst crackers outside the DCC office in celebration.

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