Nilambur by-election: Two UDF names under consideration; Congress holds discussion

MALAPPURAM: With the Nilambur by-election notification expected soon, Congress has begun discussions on UDF candidates. A meeting was held in Kozhikode today, led by AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal. Aryadan Shoukath is the leading candidate, while Malappuram DCC President V.S. Joy is also under consideration. Leaders attending the inauguration of the Kozhikode DCC office met at the Kozhikode guest house. Along with K.C. Venugopal, Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan, KPCC President K. Sudhakaran, and Ramesh Chennithala participated in the discussions.

During the meeting, it was mentioned that Aryadan Shoukath's previous experience contesting in Nilambur and the public perception of him as Aryadan Mohammed's son are advantages for him. Some leaders suggested that V.S. Joy has potential due to his youth. Additionally, there were calls to field Joy, considering ongoing differences with Christian communities over issues like Munambam. V.D. Satheesan stated that the political climate in Nilambur is favorable and that support has been sought, including from P.V. Anwar.