The president of the Congress’s Kerala unit, K Sudhakaran, has stirred controversy with remarks suggesting that political leaders from northern Kerala exhibit greater honesty, straightforwardness, and courage compared to their counterparts in the south. Following strong criticism from the CPI(M), Sudhakaran retracted his statement and issued an apology.
In an interview with The New Indian Express published on Sunday, the MP from Kannur in north Kerala responded to a question about differences between politicians from south and north Kerala, citing a historical tale involving Lord Rama. In the face of backlash, especially from Education Minister V Sivankutty and CPI(M) minister VN Vasavan, who rejected the comparison, Sudhakaran apologized, stating that he had heard such stories since childhood and did not intend to malign anyone.
Sivankutty criticized the Congress for engaging in divisive politics, emphasizing the importance of human qualities over regional distinctions. Vasavan rejected the idea of one region being superior to another, calling for a boycott of such divisive politics.
Amid mounting criticism, Sudhakaran clarified that he was repeating a childhood story without intending to offend. He apologized for any hurt caused, withdrew his comments, and affirmed the party’s commitment to avoiding cheap politics in Kerala.
Known for his outspoken nature, Sudhakaran has been embroiled in previous controversies, including offensive remarks about Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during an Assembly by-election campaign. Despite his controversial statements, Sudhakaran was appointed as the state Congress chief after the party’s poor performance in the last Assembly elections. His public support for party members involved in criminal cases has also been a subject of scrutiny.
Earlier this year, Sudhakaran defended a Youth Congress worker accused of murder and supported another Youth Congress worker arrested for an explosive incident at the CPM office. He has been vocal in leading protests demanding Vijayan’s resignation amidst allegations related to the gold smuggling scam. Sudhakaran’s confrontational approach has marked a departure from the low-profile stance of his predecessors in the state Congress leadership.
