Is the Nilambur by-election campaign heating up as rival fronts claim victory?
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Synopsis
The Nilambur assembly by-election is heating up as rival parties vie for supremacy. With key figures like Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Priyanka Gandhi joining the fray, the stakes are high. Who will emerge victorious? Dive into the unfolding drama of Kerala's political landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Intense campaigning is underway in Nilambur as the June 19 election approaches.
- Both rival fronts are expressing confidence in their chances of winning.
- Notable leaders like Pinarayi Vijayan and Priyanka Gandhi are set to participate in the campaign.
- The seat has a rich history, with Congress having a strong track record.
- Controversies surrounding alliances and accusations are shaping the political discourse.
Nilambur (Kerala), June 10 (NationPress) As the second phase of campaigning for the Nilambur assembly by-election intensifies, both traditional rival factions in Kerala on Tuesday voiced their optimism regarding victory.
With campaigning hitting its peak post the Bakrid break, two prominent campaigners - Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan representing the CPI-M-led Left Democratic Front and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi for the Congress-led United Democratic Front - are set to arrive in Nilambur later this week.
The polls for Nilambur are scheduled for June 19, with the main contest between Aryadan Shoukath of the Congress and M. Swaraj of the CPI-M. Also in the race are P.V. Anvar, a two-time Left-backed Independent legislator who resigned in January after a major fallout with Chief Minister Vijayan, and Mohan George from the BJP.
On Tuesday morning, the ruling CPI-M convened its state secretariat meeting near Nilambur, concluding that the decision to field Swaraj has shifted the dynamics in their favor for the upcoming elections on June 19.
Similarly, Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan, who is leading the Congress-led UDF's campaign, declared confidence in a decisive win.
“We are on the path to victory, and we aim to reclaim Nilambur,” he stated.
In the meantime, a controversy erupted when CPI-M state Secretary M.V. Govindan criticized the Congress for forming an electoral alliance with the Welfare Party, backed by Jamaat-e-Islami. Satheesan retorted, highlighting the past ties between Jamaat-e-Islami, the Welfare Party, and CPI-M.
“When any party supports CPI-M, they are labeled secular, but when they support us, they are deemed communal. We remember how the E.K. Nayanar-led Left government imprisoned PDP leader Abdul Nazeer Madani, and now the PDP is backing the Left,” Satheesan remarked.
However, Govindan maintained that the PDP and Jamaat-e-Islami differ significantly.
Since 1965, Congress candidates have secured the Nilambur seat an impressive 11 times, while the CPI-M has won twice, and a Left-supported independent candidate has triumphed three times.
The Nilambur assembly constituency falls within the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, where Priyanka Gandhi garnered an impressive 65,132 votes during the November bypolls. Anvar, contesting as a CPI-M supported candidate in 2016, received 11,504 votes, and in 2021, the margin decreased to a mere 2,700 votes.
Point of View
I observe the Nilambur by-election as a pivotal moment in Kerala's political scene. With both major parties rallying their resources, the outcome will not only shape local governance but also impact broader electoral trends. This is a crucial time for voters to engage with the electoral process.
NationPress
11/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Nilambur assembly by-election scheduled?
The Nilambur assembly by-election is scheduled for June 19.
Who are the main candidates in the Nilambur by-election?
The principal candidates are Aryadan Shoukath from the Congress and M. Swaraj from the CPI-M.
What significant role does Priyanka Gandhi play in this election?
Priyanka Gandhi is a key campaigner for the Congress-led UDF and is expected to draw significant voter attention.
How many times has Congress won the Nilambur seat historically?
Congress has won the Nilambur seat a total of 11 times since 1965.
What controversies are surrounding this by-election?
Controversies include criticisms of electoral alliances and historical claims about past government actions.
