Political Landscape Shifts as Anvar Resigns, Preparing for Bypoll in Kerala's Nilambur
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Synopsis
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 14 (NationPress) Following P.V. Anvar's resignation, the Nilambur Assembly constituency is set for a competitive bypoll, with various political entities gearing up for the challenge ahead.
Key Takeaways
- P.V. Anvar's resignation opens up the Nilambur constituency.
- The Congress party aims to regain control after previous losses.
- The CPI(M) sees Anvar's exit as a non-issue.
- Upcoming elections are viewed as practice for the 2026 Assembly polls.
- Anti-incumbency sentiment is a key concern for the ruling government.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 14 (NationPress) Following the acceptance of P.V. Anvar's resignation by Kerala Assembly Speaker A.N. Shamseer, the Nilambur Assembly constituency is now open for a potential bypoll, setting the stage for a competitive showdown among various political factions.
The Nilambur region has historically been a bastion for the Congress party, but Anvar disrupted that trend in the 2016 Assembly elections when he triumphed over Aryadan Mohammed’s son, Aryadan Shoukat, who was the incumbent.
Aryadan Mohammed, who had been a continuous presence in politics from 1987 to 2011, stepped away from active political life in 2016. The Congress subsequently nominated Shoukat, yet Anvar, supported by the CPI(M)-led Left Front, emerged victorious and secured his seat again in the 2021 elections.
After being a staunch ally of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan since September 2024, Anvar transitioned to become a vocal critic, alleging serious misconduct in the administration.
In a surprising move, Anvar announced his resignation from the legislature, expressing his intention to join the All India Trinamool Congress. He officially submitted his resignation to Speaker Shamseer, who accepted it later that evening, paving the way for the upcoming by-election.
Post-resignation, Anvar declared that his primary objective is to dismantle the Vijayan government, pledging his full support to the Congress-led UDF while confirming his decision not to contest the bypoll.
M.V. Govindan, the state secretary of CPI(M), stated that the Left Democratic Front is prepared for the bypoll, viewing Anvar's resignation as inconsequential. He remarked, “We are ready for the upcoming election; the decision between a party candidate or an Independent will be made later.”
Interestingly, this by-election is part of a series of electoral contests in Kerala, with the three political fronts regarding the Nilambur by-election as a precursor to the local body elections slated for later this year, culminating in the significant 2026 Assembly polls. The Nilambur constituency has typically seen a direct contest between the Congress-led UDF and the CPI(M)-led Left, while the BJP-led NDA will participate mainly as a formality.
For the Congress-led UDF, winning this constituency is crucial to reclaim their standing after Anvar's previous victory over Shoukat in 2016. For CM Vijayan, this election will serve as a test to demonstrate that there is no anti-incumbency sentiment even after nearly nine years of governance, marking a legislative milestone for the state.
