Is Congress in Kerala Standing Strong Against Anvar's Influence?

Thiruvananthapuram, May 29 (NationPress) The P.V. Anvar situation remains a contentious issue within the Congress party in Kerala. However, unlike previous instances, the historic party seems to be maintaining its stance despite subtle threats and political maneuvers.

Anvar, who secured the Nilambur Assembly seat in both 2016 and 2021 with backing from the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), resigned from his position in January.

On both occasions, he triumphed over Congress candidates. Nevertheless, his resignation was met with approval from the Congress, which viewed it as a chance to reclaim a seat that has long been a bastion for them, having only lost it three times since 1965.

The by-election for Nilambur is slated for June 19, with Congress announcing Aryadan Shoukath as their candidate, who has already embarked on his campaign. The LDF and the BJP-led NDA have yet to declare their candidates.

Initially, Anvar's commitment to support Congress — even claiming he would back “even a stick” put forth by the party — was received positively. However, tensions escalated after Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan clarified that any decision regarding the inclusion of Anvar’s party, the All India Trinamool Congress, into the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) would be postponed.

A visibly troubled Anvar had hoped to meet AICC general secretary (organization) K.C. Venugopal during his visit to Malappuram. However, Venugopal declined the meeting, reportedly advising Anvar to first address the concerns with the state leadership.

State Congress president Sunny Joseph expressed optimism that Anvar would reflect on the situation and that a favorable resolution was still achievable.

Senior Congress leader and former party president Ramesh Chennithala stated that discussions were ongoing and that the situation was improving.

However, not everyone within the party shares this conciliatory view.

Senior Lok Sabha MP Rajmohan Unnithan sharply compared Anvar to P.C. George, the former Chief Whip of the government during the Oommen Chandy era, who was ultimately removed for continuously disrupting the administration.

“Anvar is attempting to replicate the P.C. George strategy. He has already made several remarks against Congress, and under no circumstances will the party yield to his tactics. It is Anvar who needs Congress, not the other way around,” Unnithan stated.

Anvar is anticipated to disclose his plans in the coming days. However, as the situation stands, a misstep now could prove politically detrimental — more for him than anyone else.