Augusthy withdraws retirement decision from politics

Idukki

E.M. Augusthy, a three-time MLA and senior Congress leader from Idukki, has withdrawn his earlier decision to retire from politics following his defeat in the recent local body elections.

Mr. Augusthy said here on Wednesday that after announcing his retirement, several Congress leaders — most notably former Minister Ramesh Chennithala —had urged him to reconsider the decision. “I decided to heed to Mr. Chennithala’s advice and will be more active in politics again,” he said.

Announcing the reversal, Mr. Augusthy shared a photograph with Mr. Chennithala on social media, stating that he would continue to work under the senior leader’s guidance.

“My primary objective is to ensure victory for the United Democratic Front in all five seats in Idukki. At present, I am not thinking about Assembly election candidacy,” he said. Reflecting on his recent defeat, Mr. Augusthy said contesting the local body election was a mistake. “It was an avoidable decision,” he said.

Mr. Augusthy had announced his retirement from politics immediately after losing election in Ward 21 (Erupathekkar) of the Kattappana municipality.

Mr. Augusthy represented Udumbanchola in the Assembly from 1991 to 1996 and Peerumade from 2001. In the 2021 Assembly polls, Mr. Augusthy drew attention after losing the Udumbanchola seat to CPI(M) leader M.M. Mani.