Congress Gains Ground with Anvar in Nilambur Ahead of Bypoll
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Synopsis
The Congress party in Kerala has successfully negotiated with P.V. Anvar, the resigned Nilambur legislator, leading to a resolution that bodes well for their prospects in the upcoming by-election.
Key Takeaways
- Congress leadership relieved after talks with Anvar.
- Internal resistance to Anvar's entry into Congress.
- Upcoming by-election in Nilambur is critical.
- Two candidates vie for Congress nomination.
- IUML youth wing actively campaigning.
Thiruvananthapuram, April 24 (NationPress) The Congress party's leadership in Kerala has expressed relief following their significant negotiations with P.V. Anvar, the recently resigned legislator from Nilambur, which concluded positively despite his previous defiance.
Key Congress figures, including State party president K. Sudhakaran and Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan, engaged in discussions with Anvar on Wednesday. By the end of their closed-door meeting, all three left with smiles, indicating a reduction in tensions.
This outcome marks a vital success for Congress, which is preparing for a critical battle in the forthcoming Nilambur by-election.
Anvar, a former CPI(M)-backed independent MLA, used to be an ally of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. However, their relationship deteriorated in late 2024 after Anvar’s request for an investigation into Vijayan’s close aides—political secretary P. Sasi and senior police officer ADGP M.R. Ajithkumar—was denied. Following this, Anvar shifted his stance against the CM.
This January, Anvar surprised many by resigning from the Assembly, expressing his support for Congress and declaring he would not run in the upcoming by-election. However, his hopes for a seamless transition into the Congress-led UDF were thwarted by internal opposition, with sentiments growing that Anvar, perceived as a political outsider since 2016, should retain that status.
During this period of tension, Anvar’s gestures towards the Trinamool Congress raised eyebrows, prompting a stern reaction from both Sudhakaran and Satheesan, who made it clear that such actions were unacceptable.
In Wednesday's meeting, Anvar reportedly consented to adhere to Congress' proposal—his inclusion in the UDF will be deliberated and resolved in the next meeting, in consultation with all coalition allies.
The consensus from the meeting indicated that a truce had been established. The Congress leadership seemed optimistic that Anvar would align with the party's directives.
With Anvar pacified, Congress must now determine its candidate for Nilambur. Two contenders are in the running—Aryadan Shoukath and V.S. Joy—each vying for the party nomination.
Nilambur, situated in Malappuram district, is a stronghold of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the second-largest ally in the UDF. The party's youth faction has already initiated its campaign.
“Our activists have covered nearly every area of Nilambur, spreading the message that the most corrupt government under Pinarayi Vijayan must be ousted in 2026—this movement must begin here,” stated IUML youth wing members.
“The candidate will be chosen by Congress, and regardless of who it is, we will provide our full support. That’s why we’ve already mobilized on the ground.”
In 2016, Anvar secured Nilambur with a margin of over 10,000 votes, but this decreased to under 3,000 in 2021. This time, he forecasts a significant victory for the Congress candidate.
