Kerala Prepares for Nilambur Bypoll Anticipated in May
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Synopsis
As the Election Commission prepares for the Nilambur bypoll in Kerala, a fierce contest looms between the ruling CPI(M)-led Left and the Congress-led UDF. With significant political implications for both parties, candidates are being actively considered as the election date approaches in May.
Key Takeaways
- Nilambur constituency set for a heated by-election.
- CPI(M) and UDF are gearing up for a tough contest.
- P.V. Anvar's political shift impacts dynamics.
- Candidates being evaluated for both parties.
- BJP's influence remains minimal in the area.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 28 (NationPress) As the Election Commission (EC) gears up for assembly by-elections in six constituencies nationwide, the Nilambur Assembly seat in Malappuram district, Kerala, is poised for an intense showdown between the ruling CPI(M)-led Left and the Congress-led UDF.
The EC has instructed state officials to finalize the electoral rolls, with the final list expected to be published on May 5 — a clear indication that elections may take place in May, prior to the commencement of the monsoon season in June and July.
The Nilambur constituency became vacant after P.V. Anvar, a two-time Left-supported independent MLA, resigned in January due to CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s refusal to investigate alleged illegal activities involving high-ranking police officer M.R. Ajith Kumar and Vijayan’s political secretary P. Sasi.
Once an outspoken critic of the UDF, Anvar has now allied himself with the Congress-led coalition. He even traveled to Kolkata to meet West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and was later appointed as the convenor of the Kerala unit of the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
In a surprising turn of events, Anvar declared that he would not run for the Nilambur seat, a decision that has relieved the UDF.
With Anvar now targeting the Left, the CPI(M) views the Nilambur by-election as a critical contest to reaffirm its influence. The party is currently on the lookout for a strong candidate, having reportedly narrowed down their options.
One of the leading candidates is former Indian footballer and ex-Kerala Police official U. Sharaf Ali, who serves as the president of the Kerala Sports Council. If nominated, Ali will run as an independent supported by the CPI(M)-led Left. Nonetheless, if the party chooses a political candidate, younger CPI(M) leaders are also in the running.
On the side of the UDF, two names are drawing attention — Aryadan Shoukath, the son of Congress veteran Aryadan Mohammed, who represented Nilambur for over two decades; and V.S. Joy, president of the Malappuram District Congress Committee (DCC).
In the 2016 Assembly elections, following Aryadan Mohammed’s retirement from politics, Anvar defeated Shoukath by over 10,000 votes. In 2021, Anvar secured victory again, this time against Congress leader V.V. Prakash by a narrow margin of 2,700 votes.
The BJP-led NDA has a minimal presence in Nilambur, with their vote share declining from 12,284 votes in 2016 to 8,595 in 2021. Given the tight margin of victory in the previous election (2,700 votes), analysts will closely observe the BJP’s tactics, especially as both the CPI(M) and UDF have accused each other of maintaining a covert alliance with the BJP.
With significant stakes for CM Vijayan, the Nilambur bypoll is evolving into a matter of prestige, with both the Left and UDF pulling out all the stops to clinch a win.
