Kozhikode (Kerala), Jan 19 (NationPress) Beypore, traditionally viewed as a stronghold for the CPI(M) in Kozhikode district, is transforming into an unexpected electoral battlefield. The political rise of State Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas, who is also the son-in-law of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the current MLA for the area, is under scrutiny as signs of unrest surface.

Riyas’s rapid ascent within both the party and the government has garnered significant attention. After tying the knot with Vijayan’s daughter, Veena Vijayan, during the height of the Covid pandemic in a discreet ceremony at the Chief Minister's official residence, Riyas was nominated as the candidate for Beypore—a constituency that the Congress-led Opposition has been unable to reclaim since 1977.

His election victory was quickly followed by what many political analysts termed a surprising promotion to the cabinet, overseeing the crucial Public Works and Tourism departments—responsibilities typically managed by longstanding party stalwarts. His subsequent induction into the CPI(M) state secretariat further solidified his position within the party.

However, the previously stable political landscape in Beypore now appears to be shifting. The resurgence of P.V. Anvar, a former Left-aligned independent legislator who parted ways with Vijayan last year, has introduced new uncertainties into the electoral contest.

After a brief stint supporting the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), Anvar ran independently in the bypolls, finishing in a distant third. He has since rejoined the UDF, with his leadership of the Kerala unit of the Trinamool Congress resulting in the party being granted associate membership within the alliance.

In recent days, Anvar has been actively engaging with residents of Beypore, conducting meetings that cross political lines. “The electorate will make their choice. The past five years will be evaluated against the previous 50 years, based on the performance of the Left legislator,” he stated, alluding to a significant wave of discontent.

Claiming to engage with not only UDF leaders but also supporters of the Left, Anvar emphasized that calls for change and discontent with “family politics” are notably pronounced this election cycle. “A robust anti-Pinarayi and anti-son-in-law sentiment is sweeping through the constituency,” he asserted, predicting that the outcome would be telling once ballots are cast.

Veteran leader of the Indian Union Muslim League, C.P. Mayin Haji, who has strong connections to Beypore and previously lost narrowly to a CPI(M) candidate, echoed Anvar’s sentiments, indicating that the signs suggest Anvar may have the advantage.

As election campaigning intensifies, Beypore appears poised for one of its most closely monitored races in decades.

Riyas, maintaining a positive outlook, remarked that in a democracy, anyone is free to contest from any location.

In the meantime, rumors are circulating that Riyas might be reassigned to the nearby Elathur constituency, currently represented by the aging State Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran of the NCP.