From red bastion to Cong-led treasury bench, Sudhakaran becomes Kerala Pro-tem Speaker
Thiruvananthapuram, May 20
In a politically loaded moment that underlined Kerala's dramatic change of guard, veteran legislator and former CPI strongman G. Sudhakaran was on Wednesday sworn in as a legislator of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at the Lok Bhavan.
Present on the occasion were Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and his cabinet colleagues.
Sudhakaran was nominated by the state cabinet on Monday as the Pro-tem Speaker, who was once among the most influential faces of the CPI(M) in south Kerala.
Now, an Independent backed by the Congress-led UDF has instantly become one of the most discussed political developments following the emphatic defeat suffered by the Left in the Assembly elections.
The 75-year-old two-time former minister and a seasoned tactician during Left rule, Sudhakaran, had contested from his traditional Ambalapuzha constituency after openly rebelling against the CPI(M) leadership.
Following his decision to enter the fray as an Independent, the Congress-led UDF threw its weight behind him, turning the election into a prestige battle.
His victory was later viewed in political circles as both a personal comeback and a symbolic rejection of the CPI(M) leadership's handling of senior leaders.
As Pro-tem Speaker, Sudhakaran will administer the oath of office to the remaining 139 newly elected MLAs when the Assembly convenes on Thursday.
His tenure, however, will last only till the election of the new Speaker on Friday.
Senior Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan is set to be elected Speaker, with the numbers overwhelmingly stacked in favour of the ruling front.
The UDF currently commands 102 seats in the Assembly, while the Left Democratic Front has been reduced to 35 members.
The BJP has opened its account with three seats.
But beyond the procedural formalities, all eyes are now on the conduct of the CPI(M) legislators inside the House when Sudhakaran occupies the Speaker's chair.
The development carries unmistakable political irony for the party, which had expelled him after he chose to contest against its official line.
For many observers, Thursday's Assembly session promises more than a routine swearing-in ceremony; it will also serve as the first visual reminder of Kerala's sharply altered political landscape.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, I'm a bit conflicted. Yes, the CPI(M) did him dirty and he has every right to switch sides. But this also shows how easily politicians can flip. One day you're a red flag bearer, next day you're on the treasury bench. Kerala politics never fails to surprise yaar!
The real story here is how the UDF managed to win 102 seats. This is a massive mandate against the Left's arrogance. Sudhakaran becoming Pro-tem Speaker is just the cherry on top. Can't wait to see the faces of CPI(M) MLAs when they take oath from him 😁
Interesting times in Kerala. From a political perspective, it's fascinating to see how personal grievances can reshape party loyalties. Sudhakaran must have felt deeply wronged to break away from a party he served for decades. The competitive federalism in India keeps producing such unique political dramas.
Does anyone else think this is just a power game? Sudhakaran might have had valid reasons to leave CPI(M), but joining Congress-led UDF so quickly feels opportunistic. He's 75 years old and still playing these games. Kerala needs fresh faces, not recycled politicians from both sides.
The political irony is too delicious! The man who was once a CPI(M) minister is now going to swear in his former party colleagues as opposition MLAs. This is what happens when parties forget that loyalty is a two-way street. Respect to Sudhakaran for standing his ground 💪
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