Congress leaders to hold discussions with PV Anvar today; UDF entry likely to get delayed

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With PV Anvar expressing unconditional support for the UDF in the Nilambur by-election, Congress leaders are set to hold discussions with him today. Anvar has clearly stated that he will support the UDF candidate regardless of who is fielded in Nilambur.

The discussion will take place this morning at Cantonment House, the official residence of Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan. KPCC President K. Sudhakaran and Congress Working Committee member Ramesh Chennithala will also participate in the talks.

The inclusion of the Trinamool Congress in the UDF will not be a topic of discussion. The main objective of the meeting is to ensure a warm and stable relationship between Anvar and the UDF. Anvar's aim is to give a fitting reply in Nilambur to the LDF. The discussion will progress based on this mutual understanding.

Lack of interest from High Command
It is unlikely that the Trinamool Congress, to which PV Anvar belongs, will be granted entry into the UDF anytime soon. The Congress High Command is unlikely to accept the Trinamool's inclusion, given the party’s consistent criticism of Congress at the national level. Even the Kerala unit of the Trinamool is not very keen on joining the UDF. Furthermore, UDF constituent parties also do not support the idea. Even if the High Command agrees, it will require consultations with coalition partners and a detailed discussion within the alliance framework, which will take time.

Other ways

• Anvar could leave the Trinamool and cooperate with one of the other UDF constituent parties, provided they agree.
• He may work in coordination with the Congress for now and gradually return to his former political base.
• In the context of the by-election, he might use his personal influence to support the UDF, and later arrive at a clearer political understanding.