Did Congress Candidate Shoukath Surpass His Father's Electoral Legacy in Nilambur?
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Synopsis
In a groundbreaking win at the Nilambur Assembly by-election, Congress candidate Aryadan Shoukath not only clinched victory but also outperformed his late father's electoral legacy. This pivotal moment marks a significant shift in local politics, rekindling the Congress-led UDF's influence in Nilambur after a long hiatus.
Key Takeaways
- Aryadan Shoukath achieved a significant victory in Nilambur.
- The Congress-led UDF regained control of the constituency.
- Shoukath's win exceeds his father's historical record.
- The CPI-M faced challenges in retaining voter support.
- The upcoming Assembly elections may see shifts in voter alignment.
Nilambur (Kerala), June 23 (NationPress) - In a remarkable feat, Congress candidate Aryadan Shoukath clinched victory in the Nilambur Assembly by-election on Monday, garnering 77,737 votes and winning by a margin of 11,077 votes. This triumph surpasses the electoral achievements of his late father, Aryadan Mohammed, a veteran MLA known for his legendary eight wins and three losses.
Shoukath has secured the seat in just his second electoral contest, having faced defeat in 2016. In contrast, his father achieved victory in his third attempt during the 1977 elections after two previous losses in 1965 and 1967.
The runner-up in this election was CPI-M candidate M. Swaraj, who received 66,660 votes.
Significantly, the Congress-led UDF has regained control of Nilambur for the first time since the 2011 Assembly elections.
In the 2016 elections, P.V. Anvar, running as a Left-supported independent, defeated Shoukath by 11,504 votes and successfully retained the seat in 2021 against Congress candidate V.V. Prakash by 2,800 votes.
This time, Anvar, whose resignation prompted the bypoll, ran as an independent and secured 19,760 votes, while the BJP candidate Mohan George managed just 8,648 votes, losing his deposit.
Despite the unexpected vote count for Anvar, CPI-M state Secretary M.V. Govindan remarked on the defeat, claiming the UDF lost votes compared to the 2021 elections. He noted, "We cannot win here politically, but we have had success with independent candidates. Votes for the BJP-led NDA have declined since 2016, and their base has shifted elsewhere. The Congress's strategy of leveraging both majority and minority communalism has led to their success," he stated, asserting that the Left remains committed to securing secular votes.
Govindan further emphasized that this outcome does not reflect a wave against the Left government, as they are poised to form a third consecutive government in the upcoming Assembly elections next year.
On the other hand, Satheesan credited this victory to the ‘Team UDF’. He articulated, "From the onset of our campaign, we sensed considerable discontent with the (Chief Minister Pinarayi) Vijayan government’s nine years of rule. The dedicated efforts of Team UDF have yielded the results we anticipated, and we are determined to achieve a landslide victory in the 2026 Assembly elections."
Point of View
The recent by-election outcome in Nilambur reveals a significant shift in voter sentiment. Shoukath's victory not only highlights the Congress's potential resurgence but also poses questions regarding the CPI-M's strategies and voter engagement. The narrative of political discontent against the current government opens avenues for deeper analysis as we approach the upcoming Assembly elections.
NationPress
23/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the margin of victory for Aryadan Shoukath?
Aryadan Shoukath won with a margin of 11,077 votes.
Who were the main competitors in the Nilambur by-election?
The main competitors were Aryadan Shoukath from Congress and M. Swaraj from CPI-M.
What historical significance does this victory hold for Shoukath?
Shoukath's victory surpasses the electoral achievements of his late father, Aryadan Mohammed, who was a long-time MLA.
What impact does this by-election result have on the upcoming Assembly elections?
This victory signals a potential resurgence for the Congress-led UDF, influencing voter sentiment ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
How did the BJP candidate perform in the by-election?
The BJP candidate, Mohan George, received only 8,648 votes and forfeited his deposit.
