Nilambur By-Election Vital for CM Vijayan as CPI-M Marks Ninth Year in Governance
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Synopsis
The upcoming Nilambur by-election is critical for CM Pinarayi Vijayan as the CPI-M celebrates nine years in power. With discussions about his future leadership, the by-election's outcome may influence the party's narrative heading into the 2026 elections.
Key Takeaways
- CM Pinarayi Vijayan celebrates nine years of governance in Kerala.
- The Nilambur by-election poses a significant challenge for the CPI-M.
- Former CPI-M leader C.P. John criticizes reliance on Vijayan.
- Anvar's resignation complicates the CPI-M's strategy in Nilambur.
- The Congress is also facing internal competition for candidates.
Thiruvananthapuram, April 22 (NationPress) Celebrations are underway in Kerala as the Pinarayi Vijayan administration marks its ninth year, having commenced in 2016. This period of governance continued after he guided his CPI-M to a remarkable victory in 2021, securing an unprecedented second consecutive term, with discussions underway about his potential leadership in securing a third straight win in 2026.
However, beyond the rhetoric that the CPI-M is adept at utilizing, a significant challenge looms: the impending Nilambur by-election.
On Monday, Vijayan initiated the campaign to commemorate his ninth consecutive year in office and the fourth anniversary of his second term from the northern district of Kasargod. This campaign will span all 14 districts and conclude in the capital district next month.
The recent elevation of CPI-M General Secretary M.A. Baby has invigorated Vijayan's campaign, especially with Baby's provocative question to the media, asking if anyone could be suggested as a potential leader for the Left Democratic Front in the 2026 Assembly elections other than Vijayan.
Conversely, former CPI-M leader C.P. John, now aligned with the Congress-led UDF through his CMP, argued that the CPI-M's reliance on Vijayan will ultimately be their greatest downfall.
"The very fact that the CPI-M continues to showcase the soon-to-be-80 Vijayan will backfire on them. It’s surprising that they don’t consider alternatives to Vijayan, an elderly figure," John remarked.
The Nilambur by-election has become essential for Vijayan. This seat, traditionally a Congress stronghold, was captured by the CPI-M in both the 2016 and 2021 elections, largely due to a strategic political maneuver that saw P.V. Anvar, son of a prominent Congress leader, fielded as a CPI-M-supported independent candidate.
However, Anvar recently distanced himself from the CPI-M, resigning from his position as a legislator and announcing that he would not contest the upcoming by-election.
In recent weeks, Anvar has been striving to rejoin the UDF as the Kerala coordinator for the Trinamool Congress, but Congress leaders have indicated they would only consider him if he sheds the Trinamool label.
A political analyst noted that the CPI-M's assertion that Vijayan would continue as CM faced a setback with Anvar's resignation.
"To maintain Vijayan's momentum, the Left must secure the Nilambur by-election, as Anvar has been victorious for the past two terms. If a UDF candidate wins, the CPI-M will struggle to explain their inability to win a by-election in a seat they currently hold. How can they craft a narrative suggesting Vijayan will be the next CM?" the analyst questioned.
Meanwhile, CPI-M state Secretariat member and former legislator M. Swaraj stated that they are prepared and are just awaiting the announcement of their candidate, which will follow the Election Commission's declaration of the by-election date.
On the other hand, the Congress faces its challenges, with two candidates vying for the nomination, including Aryadan Shoukath, who lost to Anvar in 2016, and Malappuram district President, V.S. Joy.
Anvar has already claimed that Joy is the most viable option, given that he and Shoukath have not been aligned for several years.
