UDF's Campaign for Nilambur Bypoll Begins

Malappuram (Kerala), May 27 (PTI) - The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) officially commenced its campaign for the upcoming bypoll in the Nilambur Assembly constituency, with candidate Aryadan Shoukath starting his campaign by visiting his father's grave. Shoukath was seen with party colleague V S Joy, another strong contender for the UDF ticket.

After paying respects at the grave of Aryadan Muhammed, a seasoned party veteran and former state minister, Shoukath expressed confidence in a united UDF, predicting a significant victory in Nilambur. He emphasized that he began his campaign at his father's grave as it was his father's dream for the UDF to reclaim Nilambur.

Addressing the controversy concerning his candidature amid opposition from Trinamool Congress leader P V Anvar and support for Joy, Shoukath highlighted that while UDF has numerous capable candidates, the responsibility fell to him. "It's not a question of competence; UDF remains united," he asserted.

V S Joy, president of the District Congress Committee, shared similar sentiments, declaring that Shoukath's nomination resolved any disputes. He underscored that the bypoll represented a battle against 'Pinarayism' and hoped for Anvar’s support in the campaign. Joy questioned the CPI(M) for not yet announcing their candidate for the bypoll, urging media attention on the issue.

Joy further stated that beginning the campaign at Aryadan Muhammed's grave was fitting, honoring a leader instrumental in strengthening Congress and UDF in Nilambur. "He was like a father figure to us," he remarked.

Anvar had cited unfavorable public opinion within the constituency upon Shoukath's candidacy announcement and accused Shoukath of earlier attempting to secure a CPI(M) nomination for the same segment.

The bypoll was necessitated by the recent resignation of Anvar, now a Trinamool leader and a former two-time MLA, due to disagreements with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Though Anvar initially extended support to the UDF for the bypoll, he later influenced the candidate selection process.

The Nilambur bypoll is scheduled for June 19. As per the Election Commission's notification, the deadline for filing nominations is June 2, with results declared on June 23.