T’puram: Senior Congress leader K Sudhakaran has ruled out contesting as an independent candidate from Kannur, asserting that he would not challenge the party and would remain loyal to its decisions.Sudhakaran told reporters in New Delhi that he would contest only if directed by the party leadership and reiterated his commitment to Congress. “I have always been loyal to the party. I will contest only if the party asks me to,” he said, adding that he would continue to work within the party framework.Sudhakaran also clarified that his supporters across the state were not meant to challenge the party but to strengthen it. “My followers are present everywhere in Kerala, but that is to serve the party and engage in public work, not to build factions or challenge the leadership,” he said.Sources indicate that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge personally intervened to defuse tensions, reaching out to Sudhakaran and urging restraint. Kharge is learnt to have conveyed that granting concessions to one leader would compel the party to extend similar considerations to others.Sudhakaran’s remarks come after nearly four days of uncertainty during which he had kept the party on edge over his possible candidature from Kannur. He had earlier expressed displeasure after receiving indications that he may not be fielded from the constituency, even hinting at a possible independent contest.The situation escalated after reports emerged that the party was considering to field former Kannur mayor T O Mohanan. This triggered speculation that Sudhakaran might enter the fray as an independent candidate.However, following discussions with the central leadership, Sudhakaran softened his stance and announced his decision to abide by the party line.“Even if I am denied a ticket, I have not been expelled from the party. The party is far bigger than me. I am not someone who will challenge it,” he said, underlining that he would continue to move forward in accordance with party directives.The confusion came at a critical juncture, with only two days left for filing nominations and the Congress yet to release its second list. Disagreements reportedly persist in more than five constituencies, reflecting deeper factional divides within the party.Sensing the gravity of the situation, senior Congress leader A K Antony intervened to defuse the crisis, initiating efforts to bring Sudhakaran back on board. Following this, indications emerged that the high command may reconsider fielding him from Kannur.Antony sought to quell speculation over Sudhakaran’s political future, asserting that the Kannur strongman will not take any extreme step that could put the party in crisis. “He will not go against the party,” Antony said.The developments also had a ripple effect on other constituencies. In Konni, where Adoor Prakash was initially in contention, the leadership reportedly decided to field Satheesh Kochuparambil. However, with the possibility of Sudhakaran being accommodated, Prakash renewed his demand for a seat, withdrawing an earlier statement that he would abide by the party’s decision.With multiple leaders staking claim to key constituencies and the leadership struggling to strike a balance, the Congress faces mounting pressure to finalise its candidates and project unity ahead of the elections.
