Amidst political tensions in Kerala, a CPI(M) MLA downplays the impact of a senior leader's decision to contest as an independent candidate in the upcoming Assembly election, asserting the party's strength remains intact.
CPI(M) MLA H Salam on Saturday said senior leader G Sudhakaran leaving the party and contesting as an independent from the Ambalapuzha constituency will not have any impact on the party.
He was speaking to reporters after four-time MLA Sudhakaran recently decided not to renew his party membership and to contest as an independent from Ambalapuzha after alleging that he was attacked by party cadres on social media platforms.
Salam is the current MLA of Ambalapuzha and is likely to contest again as the CPI(M) candidate in the upcoming Assembly election.
Salam said the strength of the Communist Party lies in its collective structure and not in individuals.
"Even if someone who created the party leaves it, it does not weaken the party. The Communist Party does not function on the basis of personal relationships but on collective decisions," he said.
He added that he continues to maintain respect for Sudhakaran but reacted only when there was a need to clarify matters before the public.
"When wrong things are said among the people, we have to convince them of the facts. Otherwise, I usually avoid responding," he said.
Referring to his tenure as MLA, Salam said that during the past five years neither the UDF nor the BJP had organised any protest accusing him of wrongdoing.
"I believe I have discharged the responsibility entrusted to me by the people and the party without any allegations," he said.
On Sudhakaran contesting from Ambalapuzha, Salam said the Left Democratic Front would face the election strongly regardless of the candidate.
"Every election is a tough contest. Whoever the candidate is, we are confident of winning again with the support and trust of the people," he said.
Responding to remarks by Sudhakaran calling him a "political criminal", Salam said he would reply only if the party asks him to do so.
"If the party decides that I should respond, I will do so with evidence," he added.
He also said the LDF would highlight the state government's development achievements during the campaign.
Sudhakaran's decision to contest as an independent after severing ties with the CPI(M) has not gone down well with party supporters, with posters appearing at various places in the constituency criticising him.
The CPI(M) is also planning a march near Sudhakaran's residence on Saturday.