Alappuzha (Kerala), March 4 (NationPress) Veteran CPI-M figure and former Kerala Minister G. Sudhakaran has significantly intensified his clash with the party's leadership by declaring that he will not renew his membership amid the ongoing evaluation period. This decision is widely interpreted as a precursor to his departure from the party.

In a forthright Facebook update, the 75-year-old Sudhakaran accused the party of continuous disregard and degradation after his reassignment from the State Committee in 2022 to a role as a member of the branch committee under the Alappuzha District Committee.

Despite a lengthy 63 years of party affiliation, with 43 years spent in the State Committee, he highlighted that the District Secretary had failed to inquire about him even once and had excluded him from public events for the past five years.

Targeting the state Secretary M. V. Govindan directly, Sudhakaran criticized comments made at a recent press briefing that implied he was "not worthy of consideration".

He described these remarks as inappropriate and took issue with what he perceived as mockery during the media interaction.

A four-time MLA, Sudhakaran held the Ministerial position on two occasions, including during the initial Pinarayi Vijayan administration (2016–21).

Since being denied a candidacy in the 2021 Assembly elections, he has shown visible discontent and has occasionally expressed dissent, keeping the party leadership uneasy. Recognized for his candid and straightforward communication style, Sudhakaran earned respect across party boundaries, a recognition even acknowledged by the Congress-led Opposition.

His post also noted that he was not invited to the 50th anniversary commemoration of the Emergency, despite being the sole surviving leader in the district who had experienced arrest, imprisonment, and assault during that tumultuous time.

With a press briefing set for Friday, political observers are keenly anticipating his next steps.

Given the decisiveness and clarity of his position, many predict he may formally cut ties with the CPI-M.

Adding to the speculation are unverified reports suggesting that Congress General Secretary and Alappuzha MP K. C. Venugopal has met with Sudhakaran.

There are indications that if he chooses to leave, he may contest from his home constituency, Ambalappuzha, with support from the Congress-led UDF, a development that could dramatically shift the political landscape in Alappuzha district.

If Sudhakaran does part ways with the party, he will become the third former CPI-M legislator to do so, following multi-term MLAs S. Rajendran and Ayisha Potti, who left the party last month.

Rajendran has aligned with the BJP, while Potti has joined the Congress.