PV Anvar's bypoll U-turn; UDF slams door shut

MALAPPURAM: P.V. Anvar, who had announced in the morning that he would not contest the Nilambur by-election, changed his stance by evening. Meanwhile, the Congress leadership has taken a firm position that there will be no further discussions with Anvar.

Speaking to the media, Anvar said he was under pressure from his supporters to contest and would make a final decision within two days. He also mentioned that some people were approaching him with financial offers and that he would consider their suggestions. In the morning, he had stated that he did not have the financial means to contest and that he would not be joining the UDF led by V.D. Satheesan.

"Crores are needed to contest elections. Despite once having such income, I am now financially ruined. It is because I spoke out for the people that I ended up in this situation," Anvar said at a press conference. He said that LDF candidate M. Swaraj was the spokesperson of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and stated that he would move forward opposing Pinarayi. He reiterated that Leader of the Opposition Satheesan is blocking his entry into the UDF and accused him of leading a lobby. Anvar also accused Satheesan of being an arrogant leader.

In a recent UDF meeting, it was decided that if Anvar endorsed UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath, the Trinamool Congress (with which Anvar is associated) could be accepted as an associate party. Following this, Anvar held talks with Trinamool leaders and initially declared he would not contest. However, by evening, he reversed his decision.

UDF decides to ignore Anvar
Anvar has not agreed to support UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath. The UDF now believes any further discussions are meaningless. Their position is that unless Anvar himself initiates contact, no further action will be taken. Most Congress leaders feel there is no need to respond to Anvar's allegations or get involved in unnecessary controversies—they believe he should simply be ignored. The Muslim League is also reportedly dissatisfied with Anvar’s rigid attitude during several reconciliation attempts made directly by P.K. Kunhalikutty.