Emotional K Sudhakaran tries to reconnect with base in Kannur

Kozhikode: Amid reports of dissatisfaction over candidate selection, senior Congress leader and MP K Sudhakaran attended a party event in Kannur on Sunday after a two-day break. Speaking emotionally, he recalled his close bond with party workers and how their timely actions had saved his life on several occasions from alleged CPM attacks. When asked whether he would contest assembly elections, Sudhakaran said the party will take that decision. Sources indicated he remains firm on contesting from Kannur assembly constituency.Although the party high command directed him to come to New Delhi on Monday for discussions, Sudhakaran is likely to go only on Tuesday. His demand has put the Congress leadership in a difficult position. Granting him an exemption to contest could prompt similar requests from other MPs, while denying him a ticket could hurt the party's prospects in Kannur.Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said the issues surrounding Sudhakaran would be resolved through discussions. Opposition leader V D Satheesan added that the high command would decide whether MPs should contest in assembly polls.While handing over the key to a house built for local Congress worker Kappadan Rameshan, Sudhakaran said his survival was often due to the information and swift response of party cadres. He described Rameshan as someone who had repeatedly helped him during crises, even standing guard outside his home during periods of threat.