Is P.V. Anvar Ready to Shake Up Kerala's Nilambur Bypoll as Trinamool Congress Candidate?

Thiruvananthapuram/Kolkata, June 1 (NationPress) In a significant twist for the Kerala's Nilambur bypoll, former MLA P.V. Anvar has re-entered the race, representing the Trinamool Congress. The party from West Bengal announced Anvar's candidacy on Sunday for the bypoll set to occur on June 19.

Anvar, a two-time ex-Independent candidate backed by the Left Democratic Front from this very constituency, triggered the bypoll with his resignation.

“We are thrilled to declare the All India Trinamool Congress candidate for the forthcoming Kerala Legislative By-election on June 19, 2025, under the esteemed guidance of Hon’ble Chairperson Smt. Mamata Banerjee,” the Trinamool stated.

Last October, Anvar ended his association with the Left Front Democratic Front following a confrontation with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and subsequently founded a new political entity, the Democratic Movement of Kerala. Eventually, this new party merged with the Trinamool, and Anvar stepped down as a legislator.

This announcement concludes a period of speculation surrounding Anvar, who had also engaged with the Congress-led United Democratic Front, but an agreement was never finalized.

His candidacy is generating buzz within Kerala’s political circles, especially after he had previously stated he would not pursue the election.

Due to financial limitations, Anvar had expressed his inability to afford the crores typically needed for a campaign and claimed to have no intention of running. He also dismissed any political affiliations with the UDF.

However, in an unexpected turn, Anvar reconsidered his stance later that day.

“What can I do if so many grassroots workers come to me with Rs 500 and Rs 1,000, begging me to contest?” he stated, indicating that increasing grassroots pressure played a role in his decision.

Adding to the intrigue, Youth Congress state president Rahul Mamkoottathil visited Anvar’s home in Malappuram late on Saturday night.

While their conversation remains private, Anvar's candidacy was confirmed hours after their meeting, sparking speculation about potential political negotiations.

Earlier, Anvar had discussions with the UDF about the possible inclusion of the Trinamool in the alliance. Although Congress leaders offered associate membership status, Anvar insisted on full membership for his party, leading to a stalemate.

Known for his unpredictable nature and populist appeal, Anvar seems set for a major return to electoral politics in Nilambur. The Trinamool is banking on his local influence and grassroots connections, making the Nilambur by-election a highly anticipated political event.

The Congress has nominated Aryadan Shoukath, whose father, Aryadan Mohammed, held the seat for an impressive eight terms until 2016, when he chose to retire. Shoukath lost the seat to Anvar in 2016. The CPI-M candidate is M. Swaraj, a member of the state Secretariat, while the BJP has nominated Mohan George.

With Anvar's candidacy, the Trinamool will compete in two of the five Assembly constituencies across four states holding bypolls on June 19, including Nilambur and Kaliganj in West Bengal’s Nadia district.

In Kaliganj, the party has fielded Alifa Ahmed, the daughter of the late Nasiruddin Ahmed, whose unexpected death in February this year necessitated the bypoll.

The other three assembly constituencies where by-elections will be held on June 19 include Kadi and Visavdar in Gujarat, and Ludhiana West in Punjab.

The Trinamool Congress has previously sought to broaden its base outside West Bengal, focusing mainly on northeastern states like Tripura, Assam, and Meghalaya, but faced disappointing electoral outcomes.