02-05-2025
Uncertainty continues over Anvar's entry into UDF
Uncertainty hangs over the entry of former Nilambur legislator P.V. Anvar, who previously won as an Independent candidate backed by the CPI (M)-led Left Democratic Front, into the Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and its forging of an electoral understanding with him for the upcoming byelection triggered by his resignation.
The Congress leadership wanted Mr. Anvar to either directly join the party or align with a minor constituent of the UDF. However, he appears hesitant to abruptly sever ties with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) where he holds the post of State convener. Moreover, he also does not want to join the Congress, a move he knows as a former Congress leader, would not only be politically detrimental but also diminish his bargaining power within the UDF.
Considering the strained relations between the Congress and the TMC in West Bengal, the Congress leadership have urged Mr. Anvar to cut his connections with the TMC, suggesting he instead join the Communist Marxist Party (CMP) . In fact, Mr. Anvar was scheduled to hold discussions with CMP general secretary C.P. John in Kozhikode on Friday, a meeting that ultimately did not materialise.
Meanwhile, a high-level UDF meeting convened in Kozhikode on Friday welcomed Mr. Anvar into its fold and decided to entrust the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, V.D. Satheesan, with the task of formulating the modalities for his inclusion in the alliance. The final decision about associating with Mr. Anvar would be taken after consulting with the Congress high command, UDF convener M.M. Hassan said at a press briefing.
Despite this development, speculation is also rife that the TMC national leadership has given approval for Mr. Anvar to contest the byelection, should he fail to reach an agreement with the UDF. Incidentally, Mr. Anvar welcomed the decision of the UDF meeting.
Mr. Anvar, elected from the Nilambur constituency as an LDF-supported candidate in both 2016 and 2021, shot to limelight following allegations he levelled against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his political secretary P. Sasi, and a team of police officers, including Additional Director General of Police M.R. Ajit Kumar, six months ago. However, Congress leaders now believe that his influence has faded and may not secure the electoral gains the party anticipates in the upcoming bypolls.
Even so, Mr. Anvar retains pockets of influence in the constituency and his political moves will be keenly watched in the bypolls, in the upcoming local body elections this year and the Assembly elections in 2026.
He established a new political entity, the Democratic Movement of Kerala, which he later merged with the TMC before his resignation from the Assembly.
