Did Congress' Shoukath Aryadan Secure a Stunning Victory in Nilambur Assembly Bypolls?
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Synopsis
In a remarkable turn of events, Congress candidate Aryadan Shoukath won the Nilambur Assembly by-election, defeating his rivals decisively. This victory not only marks a significant political shift in Kerala but also sends a powerful message against the current administration. Read on to discover the implications of this win.
Key Takeaways
- Aryadan Shoukath won the Nilambur Assembly by-election decisively.
- The victory margin was 11,077 votes.
- This is a significant win for the Congress party in Kerala.
- Swaraj's defeat marks a historic moment as a Secretariat member lost for the first time in 28 years.
- P.V. Anvar exceeded expectations by securing 19,760 votes.
Nilambur, June 23 (NationPress) The eagerly anticipated results of the Nilambur Assembly by-election in Kerala on Monday revealed a decisive victory for Congress candidate Aryadan Shoukath, who secured 11,077 votes, outpacing his nearest competitor.
Shoukath garnered 77,737 votes, while CPI(M) candidate M. Swaraj received 66,660, Independent candidate P.V. Anvar earned 19,760, and BJP candidate Mohan George got 8,648.
The most astonishing aspect of this election was Shoukath's remarkable performance in areas traditionally dominated by the CPI(M), notably in Swaraj’s own polling booth, where he was trailing.
This election marked a historic moment, as it was the first time in 28 years that a member of the powerful State Secretariat lost a by-election.
Nevertheless, P.V. Anvar, the catalyst behind this by-election, can take solace knowing he exceeded expectations; he managed to secure nearly four times the anticipated 5,000 votes. He vacated this seat in January due to disagreements with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
“My father, Aryadan Mohammed, witnessed the Congress losing the Nilambur seat twice during his lifetime, leaving him disheartened. Now, his spirit will find peace,” stated Shoukath, embracing his elderly mother with tears in his eyes.
Mohammed represented Nilambur eight times, experiencing three defeats. He retired from active politics in 2016 and passed away in 2022.
“We anticipated a victory margin of over 10,000. This win belongs to the people of Nilambur and serves as a clear message against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan... the takeover has begun from Nilambur,” remarked Shoukath, expressing gratitude to all who supported him and the entire Congress-led UDF team.
In response to Anvar’s unexpected vote count, Shoukath said, “Nothing unexpected occurred; it unfolded exactly as we had planned.”
Swaraj, reacting to his defeat, extended his best wishes to Shoukath.
“This was a political contest, and we executed our responsibilities by informing the electorate about the achievements of the Left government. We will continue to serve the people. I do not interpret this result as a vote against the Left government,” Swaraj commented.
AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal, who campaigned in Nilambur, stated, “In the last four by-elections (since 2021), even during our loss in Chelakkara, we managed to increase our vote count. Now, having regained this seat, it signals substantial anti-incumbency against Vijayan.”
A.K. Antony, a close associate of Aryadan Mohammed, emphasized that the people have delivered a shock to CM Vijayan through this election.
“I extend my gratitude to the voters and the entire UDF team... My dear friend Mohammed’s son has reclaimed Nilambur. With this defeat, it is evident that Vijayan’s governance is merely caretaker, and it’s only a matter of time before the Congress-led UDF returns to power,” said Antony.
Point of View
It's vital to recognize the significance of Aryadan Shoukath's victory in Nilambur. This outcome not only marks a shift in the political dynamics of Kerala but also reflects the growing discontent with the current government's performance. The Congress-led UDF's successful campaign emphasizes the importance of listening to constituents' voices and responding to their needs. The results signify potential changes on the horizon, and we must remain vigilant in analyzing the implications for future elections.
NationPress
23/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the margin of victory for Aryadan Shoukath?
Aryadan Shoukath won the Nilambur by-election with a margin of 11,077 votes over his closest rival.
Who were the main competitors in the Nilambur by-election?
The main competitors were Aryadan Shoukath from Congress, M. Swaraj from CPI(M), P.V. Anvar as an Independent, and Mohan George from BJP.
What impact does this victory have on the political landscape in Kerala?
Shoukath's victory is seen as a significant political shift, indicating growing anti-incumbency feelings against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
How did P.V. Anvar perform in the election?
P.V. Anvar secured 19,760 votes, which was significantly higher than the expected 5,000 votes.
What did Swaraj say about his defeat?
M. Swaraj wished Shoukath well and claimed that the election outcome does not reflect a vote against the Left government.
