How is CM Vijayan Holding Steady Despite Nilambur Defeat?

Thiruvananthapuram, June 24 (NationPress) While the Congress-led UDF celebrates a decisive victory in the Nilambur Assembly bypoll, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan remains the focal point. Despite the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF's defeat, including loss for high-profile candidate M. Swaraj, there has been no sign of dissent or discontent within the party regarding Vijayan's uninterrupted nine-year leadership.

Congress candidate Aryadan Shoukath has reclaimed Nilambur, a constituency previously held by CPI(M)-backed independent P.V. Anvar in the state elections of 2016 and 2021. Anvar had won with a margin of 11,504 votes in 2016 and 11,077 votes in 2021, although that margin shrank to 2,800 in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

A political analyst, speaking on the condition of anonymity, remarked to IANS, “Even after a loss, no one within the CPI(M) is blaming anyone. In contrast, the Congress often reveals internal strife even in times of success.”

“This demonstrates the organizational resilience of the CPI(M). As confusion looms over Anvar’s future, senior Congress leaders are sending contradictory signals,” the observer added.

CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan asserted that the Left's voter base remains robust and maintained that the bypoll results do not indicate anti-incumbency.

Echoing this sentiment, youth leader Jake C. Thomas — who has faced defeat against the Chandy family, including in a 2023 bypoll to Chandy Oommen — stated, “With Govindan’s remarks, I have nothing further to add.”

Meanwhile, Anvar's future is precarious. After parting ways with CM Vijayan, Anvar resigned as MLA in January this year and sought to align with the UDF as an associate member. However, his attempts faced strong resistance from a faction led by the Leader of Opposition, V.D. Satheesan.

In the Nilambur bypoll, Anvar garnered over 19,000 votes. State Congress president K. Sudhakaran and senior leader Ramesh Chennithala hinted that Anvar may still have a future within the party, which visibly unsettled Satheesan.

When approached about Anvar’s chances within the UDF, Satheesan responded tersely, “No comments.”

UDF convenor Adoor Prakash advised caution: “We attempted to collaborate with Anvar, but his last-minute actions complicated matters. Any future decisions concerning him must be made collectively by all alliance partners.”

Unperturbed, Anvar has now launched a political campaign against State Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas, who is also Vijayan’s son-in-law, vowing to challenge Riyas in Beypore during the 2026 Assembly elections.

As the CPI(M) unites to protect Vijayan from the repercussions of the Nilambur loss, the UDF grapples with challenges arising from their victory, especially regarding Anvar’s uncertain future.