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Key Points

The Nilambur bypoll has intensified with star campaigners like Priyanka Gandhi and Yusuf Pathan drawing large crowds. Congress and CPI(M) are locked in a tight contest, while P.V. Anvar’s performance could be decisive. BJP remains optimistic despite past poor showings. Results on June 23 will reveal if Anvar splits votes or reshapes the outcome.

Key Points: Nilambur bypoll heats up as Priyanka Gandhi and Yusuf Pathan campaign

  • Congress' Aryadan Shoukath faces CPI(M)'s M. Swaraj in tight race
  • Ex-Independent MLA P.V. Anvar may sway outcome
  • Priyanka Gandhi rallies Congress base amid heavy rain
  • BJP’s Mohan George faces uphill battle despite claims
3 min read

Nilambur bypoll: Final push by candidates ahead of June 19 voting

Congress, CPI(M), and BJP make final push in Nilambur bypoll with star campaigners like Priyanka Gandhi and Yusuf Pathan rallying voters.

"He’s going to be the man of the match in Nilambur – Yusuf Pathan on P.V. Anvar"

Nilambur, June 16

With just a day left for public campaigning in the Nilambur assembly by-election to end, the contest has reached a feverish pitch. All four candidates, along with their parties' star campaigners, are making a final push to woo voters ahead of polling on June 19.

While the main battle is between Congress candidate Aryadan Shoukath and CPI(M)’s former legislator M. Swaraj, the outcome could well hinge on how many votes are garnered by P.V. Anvar -- the two-time Independent legislator who vacated the seat in January following a fallout with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan -- and BJP candidate Mohan George.

As is typical in electoral contests, every major player is claiming victory. BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has declared that George is on course to win, despite the party securing only 8,595 votes in the constituency in 2021.

Anvar, meanwhile, has drawn star power with former Indian cricketer and Trinamool Congress MP Yusuf Pathan campaigning for him.

“I’m here for Anvar’s campaign now, and I’ll be back for his victory celebration -- he’s going to be the man of the match in Nilambur,” said Pathan during a whirlwind tour of the constituency.

However, the largest crowds have turned out for Wayanad MP and AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, whose rallies were packed despite heavy rain.

Nilambur falls under the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, where Priyanka Gandhi, in the November by-election, secured a massive lead of 65,132 votes from this assembly segment alone.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, too, has drawn impressive crowds, using every platform to target both the Congress and Anvar.

Both the CPI(M) and the Congress have deployed their top leaders in Nilambur, with each assigned specific responsibilities.

One of the most active campaigners has been first-time MLA Chandy Oommen, son of the late former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. He has reportedly visited over 2,300 homes in the Edakkara panchayat, which has a significant Christian population.

In 2016, Anvar defeated Shoukath by a margin of 11,504 votes. In 2021, his winning margin was reduced to 2,800 against Congress candidate V.V. Prakash, who tragically passed away on the eve of counting day.

Now contesting without the Left’s backing, Anvar's performance will be crucial. If he manages to draw more votes from the CPI(M)’s base, Shoukath could gain an edge. But if his support cuts into the Congress vote, it may be Swaraj who has the last laugh when results are declared on June 23.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Interesting to see how Anvar's independent candidature changes the dynamics! In Kerala politics, rebels often spoil the game for established parties. Hope voters choose development over personal egos this time. #NilamburVotes
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Sneha P.
Why do we need star campaigners like Yusuf Pathan who have zero connection to Kerala politics? Local issues should decide elections, not celebrity glamour. The focus should be on Nilambur's infrastructure needs and healthcare facilities.
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Vikram N.
Chandy Oommen's grassroots campaigning is impressive! Visiting 2300 homes shows real dedication. Young leaders should learn from this old-school approach rather than relying only on social media hype 👍
P
Priya M.
As someone from Malappuram district, I hope whoever wins focuses on solving Nilambur's water scarcity issues. Every summer it's the same story - political drama during elections but no permanent solutions afterwards.
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Arjun T.
BJP claiming victory with just 8k votes last time? 😂 Kerala has shown time and again it rejects communal politics. The real fight is between LDF and UDF as usual. Anvar might play spoiler but ultimately it's a bipolar contest.
M
Meera R.
Respectfully disagree with the article's framing - this isn't just about personalities. Nilambur needs better roads, schools and job opportunities. Hope media focuses more on these issues rather than just political drama.

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