Anvar seeks League's help to tame Congress

MALAPPURAM: With the UDF ignoring the pressure tactics used by P.V. Anvar to gain entry into the alliance ahead of the Nilambur by-election, a politically cornered Anvar turned to the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) for support. On Monday morning, Anvar visited the residence of senior League leader P.K. Kunhalikutty and also contacted IUML state president Panakkad Sadiq Ali Thangal over the phone. To avoid media attention, Anvar entered Kunhalikutty's house through the back door. IUML leader PMA Salam was also present during the meeting.

Anvar's main demands included a confirmed UDF entry and a guaranteed seat in the 2026 Assembly elections. While the League conveyed that it would present the request to the Congress, no firm assurances were given. The League also expressed its displeasure over Anvar's criticism of UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath and instructed him to avoid making controversial remarks.

Though the League is of the opinion that it is better to keep Anvar aligned for now, they view making any public statements in his favour as premature. The general assessment is that Anvar lacks the capacity to significantly influence election results, but there is concern that his controversies and accusations could be exploited by the CPM. The Congress's stance is to let him stay with the front for now, and other decisions can be made after the election.

Apart from former KPCC president K. Sudhakaran, no major Congress leaders have shown public support for Anvar. When asked, Sudhakaran responded by saying, “Isn’t Anvar an asset?” suggesting ambiguity. Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan stated yesterday that any decision on Anvar's inclusion in the UDF would be based on evaluating the evolving political circumstances.

Meanwhile, Kozhikode DCC president K Praveen Kumar and KPCC general secretary K Jayanth, both close to Sudhakaran, visited Anvar's residence for discussions. They later claimed that it was merely a friendly visit.

Decision will be made soon, says Anvar

P.V. Anvar stated that merely saying the UDF is willing to accept him is not enough; he insists on being formally included as a constituent party. “Let the Congress declare its decision. Whether I will contest or not will be decided soon,” Anwar told the media after meeting Kunhalikutty, adding that no responsible Congress leader had contacted him so far.