G. Sudhakaran, a former leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), who recently won the Assembly election from Ambalappuzha as a United Democratic Front (UDF)-backed Independent candidate, has publicly criticized CPI(M) leaders in Kerala. This follows their backlash against him for paying tribute to his late brother, G. Bhuvaneswaran, who was killed during campus violence in 1977 and is regarded as a martyr by the party. Sudhakaran visited the martyr's memorial at Charummoodu in Alappuzha district, prompting CPI(M) leaders to accuse him of betraying his brother by running against the party. He responded by questioning their right to criticize him for honoring a martyr and stated that the memorial was established by his family, with land provided by the Cashew Workers’ Union. Sudhakaran also noted that the CPI(M) had suffered a significant drop in votes, from 35,000 to 15,000, due to their politicization of his brother's legacy. Additionally, he commented on the selection of a chief ministerial candidate, indicating that it was a decision for the Congress leadership to make without needing his input. Sudhakaran, who has had a long association with the CPI(M), chose not to renew his membership due to perceived disrespect from the party's district leadership and social media attacks against him.