Congress decides on Nilambur candidate; Aryadan Shoukath likely to contest

KOZHIKODE: Congress is planning to appoint Aryadan Shoukath as its candidate for the Nilambur by-election. This decision was taken during a high-level meeting in Kozhikode today led by AICC organisation in-charge K.C. Venugopal. Key leaders, including KPCC President K. Sudhakaran, Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan, and senior leader Ramesh Chennithala, participated in the discussions held at the Kozhikode guesthouse. Although Malappuram DCC President V.S. Joy's name was considered, Shoukath emerged as the preferred choice due to his appeal among religious and community-based voters in Nilambur.

The earlier vote difference between Shoukath and PV Anwar in the 2016 elections was also discussed during the meeting. Anwar’s announcement of support for V.S. Joy poses a challenge for Congress, but Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan assured that Anwar’s backing would remain intact regardless of the Congress candidate. Chennithala expressed confidence that Congress would secure victory in Nilambur, promising an official candidate announcement soon after the election schedule is declared.

Meanwhile, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) is actively preparing for the by-election under CPM state secretariat member M. Swaraj’s leadership. Senior CPM leader Paloli Muhammed Kutty highlighted that Anwar’s previous victory was due to the relentless efforts of Left activists in Nilambur and emphasised that the upcoming election would serve as a response to Anwar’s betrayal of the party.

Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan stated that the United Democratic Front (UDF) is ready for the Nilambur by-election and aims to reclaim the seat with a significant majority. He underscored Anwar's support for UDF as beneficial while criticising CPM’s alignment with BJP policies. Satheesan accused CPM of advancing BJP’s agenda by failing to address issues like Munambam.