10 candidates in fray for Nilambur bypoll in Kerala
Kozhikode: The stage is set for Nilambur bypoll as the deadline to withdraw nominations ended on Thursday. Of the 14 nominations cleared after scrutiny, four candidates, including a namesake of former MLA PV Anvar, withdrew.
This leaves 10 candidates in the fray. Anvar, running as an independent, has been given the scissors symbol.
Both UDF and LDF see the election as a key political battle. For UDF, reclaiming its traditional stronghold is crucial for candidate Aryadan Shoukath — son of veteran leader Aryadan Mohammed, who held the seat for 34 years — and opposition leader VD Satheesan ahead of the upcoming local body and assembly elections.
LDF aims to retain the seat with M Swaraj, reinforcing its pitch for a third consecutive govt in 2026.
UDF has framed the election as a public verdict on what it calls the LDF govt's 'nine-year misrule'. It has also tried to highlight the LDF's alleged 'anti-Malappuram stance', citing past remarks by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, politburo member A Vijayaraghavan and other CPM leaders.
LDF, on the other hand, is eager to retain the seat with Swaraj.
A win would support its narrative of continued public trust in its development agenda and governance. The LDF also hopes to benefit from internal rifts within the UDF, especially around the Anvar issue. Meanwhile, for Anvar, delivering a strong performance is key to his political survival.
Initially, BJP appeared undecided about contesting Nilambur bypoll, calling it inconsequential with the assembly term ending next year. However, the party eventually fielded former Kerala Congress leader Mohan George. The NDA's election campaign was launched by Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi on Thursday.
The bypoll will be held on June 19 and the votes will be counted on June 23.
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