Aryadan Shoukath Sworn In As MLA, Boosting UDF Strength

Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 27 (PTI): Congress leader Aryadan Shoukath, who emerged victorious in the Nilambur assembly bypoll, took oath as an MLA on Friday, thereby enhancing the strength of the UDF opposition in the legislative assembly to 42. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Assembly complex with notable attendees including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan, Speaker A N Shamseer, Excise Minister M B Rajesh, and Revenue Minister K Rajan. Shoukath, the son of the late Congress stalwart Aryadan Muhammed, took his oath in the name of God. He secured his position by defeating the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF candidate M Swaraj by a margin of 11,077 votes. The Nilambur seat became vacant following the resignation of LDF-backed independent and two-time MLA P V Anvar, sparking an intense political contest in the forest-adjacent constituency.