UDF Contemplates P V Anvar's Inclusion After Nilambur Bypoll Success

Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 24 (PTI) - In the aftermath of P V Anvar's unexpected success in the Nilambur bypoll, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has adopted a cautious stance regarding the potential inclusion of the Trinamool Congress with Anvar at its helm. The by-election took place on June 19, where Anvar, a two-time MLA, ran as an independent candidate. Despite lacking official backing from any major political alliance, his noteworthy vote share caused concern and surprise among both the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF and the UDF. While UDF leaders initially celebrated their candidate Aryadan Shoukath's victory, there was a tentative openness to Anvar joining their ranks. However, senior Congress leader and Opposition Leader V D Satheesan avoided direct commentary on this possibility.

Satheesan, who reportedly resisted Anvar's approaches to support the UDF during the campaign, opted for a 'no comments' stance when queried on the matter in Thiruvananthapuram, declining further questions. Anvar had previously shown support for the UDF but decided to run independently after a formal alliance was not established. UDF Convenor Adoor Prakash stated in a TV interview that a collective decision on Anvar's entry is necessary. He mentioned the UDF's readiness to include Anvar before the bypoll, attributing the lack of alignment to Anvar's insistence.

Adoor Prakash commented, "I cannot speak definitively about his potential entry into the UDF. Discussions with key UDF leaders and coalition partners are required for such a decision." KPCC Chief Sunny Joseph echoed similar sentiments, suggesting Anvar's decisions had hindered his entry into the UDF, but highlighted the necessity for political discourse to resolve the matter. Said Joseph, "He has distanced himself... This requires discussion. We will deliberate and make an informed decision."

The newly elected legislator from Nilambur, Aryadan Shoukath, refrained from commenting on Anvar's possible inclusion in the UDF. Shoukath remarked that Anvar's votes were primarily personal and did not encroach on the UDF's voter base. However, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala opined that the UDF's victory in Nilambur would have been significantly enhanced with Anvar as part of their team.

Anvar secured 19,760 votes, accounting for 11.23% of the total, in the fiercely contested bypoll in the forest-adjacent constituency on June 19. Expressing satisfaction with his performance, Anvar told media outlets he had expected to reach 30,000 votes and claimed that approximately 10,000 of his votes swayed towards Swaraj. Anvar has implored the UDF to address the challenges faced by inhabitants of the high ranges and consider including these in their election agenda for the forthcoming Assembly elections.

When questioned about potentially aligning with the UDF, Anvar responded, "It's up to the UDF leadership to decide. I am available." In a tightly contested by-election, the opposition Congress-led UDF on Monday successfully claimed the Nilambur assembly seat from the LDF by an 11,077 vote margin, marking a significant defeat for the ruling LDF ahead of next year's state elections. Aryadan Shoukath of Congress defeated CPI(M) state secretariat member M Swaraj, concluding a campaign characterized by intense debate and fervent activism in Nilambur.

The Nilambur constituency became vacant after former LDF-backed independent and two-time MLA P V Anvar resigned, prompting a heated political battle in the forest-edge region.