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Key Points

P.V. Anvar has announced he will not participate in the upcoming Nilambur bypoll and will not join the Satheesan-led UDF, primarily due to financial constraints and unresolved political alliances. Having previously been a Left-backed Independent MLA, Anvar expressed his disappointment in the lack of clear decision from the Congress-led UDF regarding his party's involvement. With Anvar stepping away, the focus shifts to the electoral battle between Aryadan Shoukath of Congress and M. Swaraj of CPI(M). The political dynamics in Nilambur, traditionally a Congress stronghold, remain tense as both major parties prepare for a tough contest.

Key Points: Anvar Declines Satheesan-Led UDF Nilambur Contest

  • Anvar rules out Nilambur election citing financial reasons
  • Declines Congress-led UDF involvement led by Satheesan
  • Anvar's departure sets stage for Shoukath and Swaraj contest
  • Congress gears up for high-stakes Nilambur by-election campaign
2 min read

Anvar rules out joining Satheesan-led UDF, opts out of Nilambur bypoll

Anvar stays out of Nilambur bypoll, eschewing the Satheesan-led UDF amidst financial woes and political uncertainty.

"I will stay away from the election and do not seek any space in the Satheesan-led UDF. - P.V. Anvar"

Malappuram, May 31

Two-time Nilambur MLA P.V. Anvar, who resigned from the Assembly in January following a fallout with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, on Saturday announced that he will not join the V.D.

Satheesan-led UDF and will stay away from the upcoming bypoll. The Nilambur Assembly constituency is set to go to the polls on June 19 to elect a new representative.

Anvar, who was elected in 2016 and 2021 as a Left-backed Independent candidate, had been hoping to join the Congress-led UDF through his party, the All India Trinamool Congress.

However, with no clear response from the front, he has now declared his disinterest in contesting the election.

"I resigned only to take on Vijayan politically. I expected that my party would be accommodated in the UDF as an associate member. But despite repeated efforts, they haven't made a decision. I want to make my position clear -- I will stay away from the election and do not seek any space in the Satheesan-led UDF," Anvar told reporters here.

Citing financial constraints, he added, "I am completely broke. Though I wanted to contest, I simply don't have the funds. I will remain in and around Nilambur, but I will not contest."

With Anvar opting out, the political spotlight is now firmly on the face-off between Congress candidate Aryadan Shoukath and CPI(M) state secretariat member and former MLA M. Swaraj.

Nilambur has traditionally been a Congress stronghold, with Shoukath's father, Aryadan Mohammed, winning the seat eight times since 1965 and losing only thrice. The last time the CPI(M) fielded its own candidate in Nilambur was in 2006, when youth leader P. Sreeramakrishnan was defeated by Mohammed with a margin of over 18,000 votes.

As Anvar announced his decision, Swaraj arrived at the local railway station to a rousing welcome from CPI(M) workers. Like Shoukath, Swaraj also hails from Malappuram district.

Shoukath is expected to file his nomination soon, after seeking blessings from A.K. Antony, a close associate of his father.

Determined to reclaim Nilambur after back-to-back defeats to Anvar, the Congress is banking on a high-octane campaign led by Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, who secured a lead of over 65,000 votes from Nilambur in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

Meanwhile, UDF convenor Adoor Prakash and State Congress president Sunny Joseph maintained that talks with Anvar are still on.

"Just wait -- our discussions will continue," said Prakash.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Typical political drama in Kerala! Anvar seems to have played his cards wrong. First resigning to take on Vijayan, then expecting UDF to welcome him with open arms. UDF is right to be cautious - you can't trust turncoats so easily. Congress should focus on their strong candidate Aryadan Shoukath.
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Priya M.
Very interesting development! With Anvar out, this bypoll becomes a direct fight between Congress and CPI(M). Nilambur has been Congress territory for decades, but after two terms of Anvar, will voters return to their old loyalties? The Priyanka Gandhi factor might work in Congress's favor 🤔
S
Suresh T.
Financial constraints for contesting elections? That's rich coming from a politician! Shows how expensive our elections have become. Common man can never dream of contesting without big party backing or personal wealth. This system needs reform urgently.
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Ananya R.
As someone from Malappuram, I remember how Aryadan Mohammed was such a strong leader. If his son can carry forward that legacy with sincerity, Congress might regain its hold. But CPI(M)'s Swaraj is no pushover either. This will be an exciting battle! 😊
V
Vikram J.
UDF's hesitation shows they don't have a clear strategy. First they keep Anvar hanging, now they say talks are still on after his announcement. This indecisiveness might cost them. Meanwhile, CPI(M) seems more organized with Swaraj's grand welcome. Congress needs to get its act together!
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Meena P.
Whatever the political equations, I hope the winning candidate focuses on Nilambur's development. We've seen enough political drama - now we need good roads, better healthcare and employment opportunities. That's what really matters to common people like us.

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