'Ready to induct PV Anwar into UDF if he comes alone, will not include Trinamool Congress in front'; Congress to hold talks with Anwar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress party has said that it is ready to induct P.V. Anwar into the UDF without including the Trinamool Congress as part of the alliance. This decision comes in light of the national leadership’s stance that it's not feasible to align with the Trinamool Congress in Kerala, as the party does not maintain an alliance with Congress at the national level.

Congress leaders are scheduled to meet with P.V. Anwar in Thiruvananthapuram on April 23rd, during which this decision will be communicated to him. However, reports suggest that Anwar is not willing to collaborate with the UDF independently, without the inclusion of the Trinamool. The Trinamool's official stance on the matter is expected to be revealed in a meeting the following day. Though Anwar has reportedly backed the candidature of V.S. Joy in Nilambur, he has conveyed to the Congress leadership that he is open to supporting any candidate fielded by the UDF. His only demand is to be formally included in the front before the upcoming by-election.

While the Congress and Trinamool had come together to form the INDIA alliance at the national level, they parted ways before the Lok Sabha elections. Trinamool leader Mamata Banerjee had declared that her party would contest alone in Bengal during the general elections. Her sharp criticism of the Congress—particularly after its poor performance in the Maharashtra and Haryana assembly elections—further strained ties between the two parties.

The Congress high command has firmly decided that there is no need to ally with the Trinamool in Kerala, especially given the party's frequent attacks on Congress. Congress has maintained that they are open to including Anvar if he joins independently, but his final decision will be made after consulting Mamata Banerjee.