Congress, IUML were protective shield during polls, says G Sudhakaran

Kozhikode: Former CPM leader and Ambalappuzha MLA-elect G Sudhakaran called on IUML state president Panakkad Sadikali Shihab Thangal on Tuesday in what he termed as a thanksgiving visit. Addressing reporters after meeting Thangal in the presence of IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikitty, Sudhakaran said the support extended by Congress and IUML had acted as a protective shield for him during the election campaign. Sudhakaran, who had contested as a UDF-supported independent candidate, said that of the 195 booths, 72 booths had substantial Muslim population ranging from 60-95% and added that he had secured leads in most of them. "This was due to the direct intervention of the Thangal family and Kunhalikutty," he said. Sudhakaran said that he has found the Muslim community to be highly secular. "This is a fact that has been proven before. I received my largest majority of over 22,000 votes, even while I was contesting against a Muslim candidate," he said. Commending the support he had received from UDF allies, Sudhakaran said that it was Congress and IUML workers who put up his posters. "I didn't even have to spend money. Around 80% of my election expenses were handled by Congress. If anyone gave me money, I just handed it over to the committee," he said.