What Prompted CPI(M) to Nominate Swaraj in Nilambur?

Thiruvananthapuram, May 31 (NationPress) The CPI(M)’s unexpected choice to nominate 46-year-old dynamic leader and state secretariat member M. Swaraj for the June 19 Nilambur Assembly by-election has sparked discussions in Kerala's political circles.

Although originally from Malappuram district, where Nilambur is situated, Swaraj has spent much of his time in Thiruvananthapuram or Kochi. He has contested twice from Tripunithura, achieving victory once and facing defeat another time.

A political analyst, wishing to remain anonymous, indicated that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan—recognized as the key figure in both the party and the government—might have a calculated rationale behind this decision.

The analyst highlighted the increasing prominence of Vijayan’s son-in-law and cabinet minister for PWD and Tourism, P.A. Mohammed Riyas.

“Swaraj was not on the radar until Thursday. The CPI(M) has not nominated a party candidate in Nilambur since 2006. Riyas, following his marriage to Vijayan’s daughter in 2020, has rapidly advanced within both the party and the government. The roles he occupies were previously managed by seasoned leaders. There’s no doubt that Swaraj holds significant potential and is viewed as a promising figure in the CPI(M). A second loss in the assembly elections could severely impact his future prospects—this could be advantageous to Riyas,” remarked the analyst.

Prior to Thursday, the CPI(M) was reportedly searching for an independent candidate—someone politically neutral yet aligned with the party’s ideology. Names that circulated included U. Sharaf Ali, a former Indian footballer, a high-ranking police official, and a well-known doctor based in Malappuram.

However, by Friday, circumstances shifted. During a state secretariat meeting led by Vijayan, Swaraj’s name was proposed—and swiftly accepted without opposition.

Swaraj first gained attention during the intense rivalry between Vijayan and his party adversary V.S. Achuthanandan, when he controversially stated that Achuthanandan deserved “capital punishment” for “waging war” against Vijayan.

He was nominated from Tripunithura in 2016, defeating Congress stalwart and then Excise Minister K. Babu. However, in the 2021 elections, Babu returned the favor. Following that defeat, Swaraj was denied a ministerial position, while Riyas was promptly inducted into the cabinet. In 2022, both individuals were included in the influential state secretariat.

Upon arriving in Nilambur on Saturday, Swaraj articulated that the by-election represents a “political battle” where all matters—including the performance of the Vijayan government—will be scrutinized.

Senior Congress figure and eight-time MLA K.C. Joseph commented to IANS that the CPI(M)’s choice is baffling. “Just the other day, they were discussing an independent candidate. Now it’s Swaraj. Perhaps they are using him as a scapegoat, as victory for the Congress candidate Aryadan Shoukath appears inevitable,” noted Joseph, confirming his plans to campaign in Nilambur.

Reportedly, dissatisfaction regarding Riyas’s ascension is brewing within the CPI(M). Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh is said to be discontent, alongside similar sentiments expressed by Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal and Industries Minister P. Rajeeve.