TMC's entry into UDF should be expedited; Anvar keeps Congress on edge

MALAPPURAM: By mounting pressure to field DCC President V.S. Joy as the UDF candidate in the upcoming Nilambur by-election, P.V. Anvar is reportedly pushing for the entry of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) into the UDF. Anvar's demand is clear: either the candidate he proposes must be fielded, or the TMC should be allowed to join the UDF before the bypoll.

However, KPCC General Secretary Aryadan Shoukath remains firm in his stance, refusing any compromise on the seat. Shoukath points out that when the Nilambur seat was given away in 2021, the party had promised to field him in the next election. He also noted that just as the earlier promise to make him DCC President was not fulfilled, any further neglect regarding Nilambur would force him to explore other political options.

While the LDF candidate is yet to enter active discussions, it is reported that the CPM is open to welcoming Shoukath, which has caused unease within the Congress camp.

With only a year left for the next Assembly elections, winning Nilambur is seen as a major morale boost for both the Congress and the UDF. A defeat in a sitting seat would be used as strong evidence of anti-government sentiment, according to Congress assessments. If Anvar fields an alternative candidate, it could damage the UDF’s prospects. The Muslim League has urged Congress not to jeopardise a favourable political climate.

Anvar is reportedly using these developments to leverage a condition: withdraw the claim for V.S. Joy’s candidacy in exchange for TMC's inclusion in the UDF. He has called a TMC meeting in Nilambur today, following which he is expected to meet with KPCC President K. Sudhakaran to formally communicate his position.

Anvar faces political survival challenge
If the TMC is not granted entry into the UDF, Anvar fears his political future may be at risk. He reportedly sees the Nilambur by-election as possibly the last opportunity to gain political ground. However, citing the Trinamool’s national political stance, there is division within the Congress over welcoming the party into the UDF fold.

Other UDF constituents are also not fully supportive of the move. While the general stance is that Anvar should not be obstructed, there are concerns—especially within the Muslim League—about future liabilities if such a decision is made.