Anvar holds fire as UDF discord remains unresolved

Trinamool Congress state convener P V Anvar has deferred announcing his candidacy for the Nilambur by-election, citing appeals from United Democratic Front leaders and community figures. Anvar, a former legislator from Nilambur who resigned in January, stated he would wait an additional day before making a decision.
At a press conference in Nilambur on Friday morning, Anvar explained that leaders, including Indian Union Muslim League’s P K Kunhalikutty, requested the delay. “When they say this, I have to listen to them,” he remarked. He also noted that the TMC's state committee meeting scheduled for later in the day would discuss the matter further.
The by-election, set for June 19, was triggered by Anvar's resignation from the Kerala Legislative Assembly. His departure from the Left Democratic Front and subsequent alignment with the TMC have stirred political dynamics in the region. Anvar has been vocal about his desire for the TMC to be recognized as a constituent of the UDF, rather than merely an associate.
Anvar's insistence on full membership has met resistance within the UDF. Opposition leader V D Satheesan has maintained that Anvar must first publicly support the UDF's official candidate, Aryadan Shoukath, before any alliance considerations. Anvar, however, has expressed reservations about Shoukath's candidacy, questioning his electoral viability and suggesting that his own resignation was not intended to facilitate Shoukath's ascent.
The internal discord within the UDF has been further exacerbated by Anvar's sharp criticism of Satheesan. He accused the opposition leader of using the by-election as a means to marginalise him politically, rather than focusing on challenging Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Anvar's remarks have drawn ire from various quarters, with some UDF leaders demanding a retraction as a precondition for alliance discussions.
Despite the tensions, Anvar remains optimistic about a potential resolution. He indicated that the TMC's state committee would deliberate on the party's course of action, including the possibility of contesting the by-election independently. Anvar emphasized that any decision would be made with careful consideration of the political landscape and the advice of senior leaders. Open URL