CPI(M) veteran G Sudhakaran hits out at minister Saji Cherian

Alappuzha (Kerala) | Veteran CPI(M) leader G Sudhakaran on Wednesday criticised Kerala Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian, saying his party colleague should be cautious while speaking about him.

Sudhakaran, a former Kerala minister, also took aim at party leader A K Balan, saying, "He has no business to talk about me. Why is he trying to advise me?"

Responding to Sudhakaran’s remarks, Balan said the veteran leader may feel neglected, which could have made him angry. "But that anger should not come out in a manner that tarnishes the image of the party," he added.

Balan further said he was unaware if Sudhakaran was being neglected, noting that "this has to be examined by the concerned persons."

Cherian had recently reportedly said that Sudhakaran should go along with the party, following the CPI(M) veteran’s criticisms of the functioning of the party’s Alappuzha district unit.

Responding to Cherian’s remarks, Sudhakaran said the minister lacks the "qualifications, age or ideological understanding" to advise him. "I do not have to go along with the party as I am not one of its allies. I am inside the party," he said.

He also pointed out that Cherian was removed from the state cabinet for some time due to remarks contrary to the party’s stand. "I was a minister for 10 years, and I was never removed for any reason. So, such a person, who was removed from the cabinet, is trying to advise me. He does not have the standing to do that," Sudhakaran said.

"It would be better if Saji Cherian exercised caution in his statements," he added.

The CPI(M) leader also questioned Balan’s involvement, saying, "I have not said anything against him."

Sudhakaran further asked why Balan and Cherian were trying to advise him instead of focusing on those making anti-Marxist posts on social media.