Anvar's entry shakes up bypoll dynamics

P. V. Anvar, former Nilambur legislator and current state convenor of the Trinamool Congress, has confirmed his candidacy for the Nilambur Assembly by-election, scheduled for 19 June. The announcement follows a series of conflicting statements regarding his political intentions.
Anvar's decision to contest comes after he obtained a non-liability certificate from the Kerala Legislative Assembly, a prerequisite for former MLAs seeking re-election. He is set to file his nomination papers on 2 June. The TMC's national leadership has endorsed his candidacy and approved the party symbol for his campaign.
Initially, Anvar had declared his withdrawal from the electoral race, citing financial constraints. However, he reversed this decision following an outpouring of support from constituents, who contributed funds and pledged to manage campaign activities in their respective wards. Anvar emphasized that his initial withdrawal was not due to a lack of public backing but stemmed from monetary limitations.
Anvar's political journey has been marked by shifts in allegiance. After serving as an LDF-backed independent MLA, he resigned in January 2025 and formed the Democratic Movement of Kerala, which later merged with the TMC. His attempts to align with the United Democratic Front were unsuccessful, with internal disagreements, particularly with opposition leader V. D. Satheesan, hindering his inclusion.
Anvar's re-entry into the political arena is poised to influence the electoral dynamics in Nilambur. His previous electoral performances, securing over 45% of votes in both 2016 and 2021, underscore his significant support base. Political analysts suggest that his candidacy could disrupt traditional voting patterns, potentially impacting the prospects of both the UDF and LDF candidates.

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