Can Congress candidate Aryadan Shoukath maintain his lead in Nilambur by-elections?
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Synopsis
In the latest Nilambur Assembly by-election, Congress candidate Aryadan Shoukath has taken a commanding lead in the initial vote counting. With a history of Congress dominance in the region, the election results could set the stage for the upcoming legislative battles. Will Shoukath secure victory, or will the challengers rise?
Key Takeaways
- Aryadan Shoukath leads in the Nilambur by-election.
- Vote counting has commenced with early results favoring Congress.
- The constituency has historically supported Congress since 1965.
- 75.25% voter turnout recorded on June 19.
- Intense competition from CPI(M) and independent candidates.
Nilambur, June 23 (NationPress) Shortly after the commencement of the vote counting for the Nilambur Assembly by-election on Monday morning, Congress candidate Aryadan Shoukath took an early lead in both postal ballots and the Electronic Voting Machines.
By the conclusion of the first of the 19 rounds, Shoukath had amassed 3,614 votes, according to data from the Election Commission of India.
Shoukath was ahead by approximately 500 votes once the postal votes were counted and the initial round of EVMs commenced.
The voting occurred on June 19, with about 75.25 percent of the total 2.31 lakh votes cast.
The CPI(M) nominated former legislator M. Swaraj, who was currently lagging behind.
Also contesting were two-time sitting Left independent legislator P.V. Anvar, who resigned in January after disagreements with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The BJP initially fielded Mohan George, who later joined the saffron party.
The campaign, which lasted over three weeks, featured a fierce electoral contest, particularly between the Left faction led by CM Vijayan. The Left Democratic Front proclaimed their confidence in victory, viewing it as a semi-final for the 2026 Assembly polls, where CM Vijayan aims for a third consecutive term.
As vote counting progressed, it became apparent that Anvar had slipped in the rankings. It remains to be seen whether he can regain momentum, and it will be interesting to observe whose votes he might attract.
Notably, Nilambur has been a stronghold of the Congress since its inception in 1965, with Shoukath’s father, Aryadan Mohammed, having won the seat a record eight times and lost it three times.
Furthermore, the CPI(M) has historically relied on independent candidates for support, last winning under its party symbol in 1977. It was only in 2006 that the CPI(M) presented its own candidate.
At the end of the first round, Swaraj had secured 3,195 votes, Anvar received 1,588 votes, and the BJP's George had 400 votes.
Point of View
The Nilambur by-elections present significant insights into the shifting political dynamics in Kerala. The early lead of Aryadan Shoukath highlights the Congress's enduring influence in the region, traditionally a stronghold for them. However, the challenges posed by the CPI(M) and other contenders suggest a competitive landscape, making it imperative to observe how these results may impact future elections.
NationPress
23/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the Nilambur Assembly by-election?
As of now, Congress candidate Aryadan Shoukath is leading in the vote counts, having secured 3,614 votes after the first round of counting.
Who are the main candidates in the Nilambur by-election?
The main candidates include Congress's Aryadan Shoukath, CPI(M)'s M. Swaraj, independent P.V. Anvar, and BJP's Mohan George.
What percentage of votes were cast in the Nilambur by-election?
Approximately 75.25 percent of the total 2.31 lakh votes were cast during the by-election.
What has been the historical context of the Nilambur constituency?
Nilambur has been a stronghold for the Congress party since 1965, with Aryadan Mohammed, Shoukath's father, winning the seat multiple times.
What are the implications of these election results?
The results could influence the dynamics of the upcoming 2026 Assembly polls, especially with the Left Democratic Front aiming for victory.
