Is Trinamool Planning to Field a Candidate from Kerala's Nilambur Assembly Seat?
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Synopsis
Kolkata's Trinamool Congress is eyeing a candidate for the Nilambur seat in Kerala, following their recent announcement for Kaliganj. With P.V. Anvar in consideration, the party aims to expand its influence beyond West Bengal ahead of upcoming elections. Will this strategy pay off? Read more to find out!
Key Takeaways
- Trinamool Congress is considering fielding a candidate in Nilambur.
- P.V. Anvar may be the party’s choice for this seat.
- The bypolls are an opportunity to gauge electoral viability in Kerala.
- Previous attempts to expand into northeastern states have been unsuccessful.
- The bypolls are scheduled for June 19.
Kolkata, May 27 (NationPress) Following the announcement of their candidate for the upcoming bypolls in the Kaliganj Assembly constituency located in the Nadia district of West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress is now contemplating the possibility of nominating a candidate for the Nilambur seat in Kerala.
According to party sources, should the Trinamool Congress decide to put forth a candidate in Nilambur, they are likely to select P.V. Anvar, a former two-time candidate from the Left Democratic Front, who has transitioned away from the Left and is currently aligned with Mamata Banerjee’s party.
Last October, Anvar cut ties with the Left Front Democratic Front and established a new political entity named Democratic Movement of Kerala. Subsequently, this new party merged with the Trinamool Congress, and Anvar resigned from his legislative position.
The senior member of the West Bengal cabinet, who preferred to remain anonymous, stated, "Just as in West Bengal, the Assembly elections in Kerala are set for next year. Thus, the upcoming bypolls for Nilambur represent a prime opportunity for our party leadership to evaluate our capability to field candidates from certain constituencies in Kerala during the Assembly elections next year. Discussions within the party have emerged regarding the possibility of nominating Anvar for the Nilambur bypolls. However, the ultimate decision rests with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee."
It’s worth noting that the Trinamool Congress has previously attempted to broaden its influence beyond West Bengal, with a focus on northeastern states such as Tripura, Assam, and Meghalaya. Unfortunately, these electoral endeavors have not yielded favorable outcomes for the party.
The constituencies of Kaliganj in West Bengal and Nilambur in Kerala are among five Assembly seats across four states that will be holding bypolls on June 19. Alongside West Bengal and Kerala, the other three constituencies include Kadi and Visavdar in Gujarat, and Ludhiana-West in Punjab.
The counting of votes is scheduled for June 23. The deadline for filing nominations is June 2, followed by the scrutiny of nominations on June 3. The last day for withdrawal of candidature is June 5.
Point of View
The Trinamool Congress's move to consider a candidate for the Nilambur Assembly seat reflects its ambition to extend its reach beyond West Bengal. Such strategies often come with risks, especially after previous setbacks in northeastern states. As the political landscape evolves, it is crucial for parties to adapt and innovate to maintain relevance.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is being considered for the Nilambur seat?
The Trinamool Congress is considering P.V. Anvar, a former Left Democratic Front candidate.
What is the significance of the Nilambur bypolls?
The Nilambur bypolls represent an opportunity for Trinamool Congress to test its political strength in Kerala ahead of the Assembly elections next year.
When will the bypolls take place?
The bypolls for Nilambur are scheduled for June 19, with counting set for June 23.
What was Anvar's previous political affiliation?
Anvar was previously associated with the Left Democratic Front before transitioning to the Trinamool Congress.
What challenges has Trinamool Congress faced in expanding its base?
Trinamool has struggled in its attempts to expand into northeastern states, facing disappointing electoral results.
