Bypolls in Nilambur on June 19; counting of votes on 23rd

MALAPPURAM: The date for the bypolls in Nilambur has been announced. The elections will be held on June 19 and the votes will be counted on June 23rd. The by-election is being held to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of P V Anwar.

By-elections will be held on June 19 in all five assembly constituencies in the country, including Nilambur. The gazette notification will be issued on June 26. The last date for filing nominations is June 2 and the last date for withdrawing nominations is June 5.

Former MLA P V Anwar had earlier written to the central election commission requesting to conduct the Nilambur by-election as early as possible. Anwar had also stated in the letter that he would approach the high court with legal action if there is any further delay. A P Anil Kumar was earlier given the responsibility of coordinating the Congress' preparations for the elections. M Swaraj has been given the responsibility of CPM's activities in Nilambur constituency.

The Nilambur by-election is crucial for the Left Front as Anwar has announced support for the UDF. The names of DCC President V S Joy and Aryadan Shoukath are being heard as contestants. A large section of the Congress leadership and Anwar are in favour of V S Joy. There are speculations that Aryadan Shoukath would become Left independent if refused candidatureship. However, Aryadan Shaukat has made it clear that he will accept whatever decision the Congress takes.

Reports said the CPM is considering the names of independents such as state sports council president and former Indian football player U Sharafali and Professor Thomas Mathew. There are indications that if decides to contest on party symbol, DYFI district president P Shabir or district panchayat member Sherona Roy may be fielded.