PALAKKAD: PV Anvar has withdrawn the candidate of the Democratic Movement of Kerala (DMK) from the Palakkad by-elections. He also said that he will support UDF candidate Rahul Mamkootathil. Anvar added that there is no compromise in Chelakkara. Anvar's announcement was made at the DMK convention held in Palakkad. Anwar had announced MM Minhaj, a philanthropist, as the candidate in Palakkad.

Anvar said at the convention that he was supporting Rahul Mamkootathil without any conditions. "I am not supporting Congress leaders because of their strength. I am bearing all this despite being insulted two days ago."

Anvar came down heavily on opposition leader VD Satheesan. Anvar alleged that VD Satheesan is arrogant and is adamant that what he says will be done. "The leader of the opposition mocked me at an extreme level. Half of the Congress leaders do not approve of Rahul Mamkootathil's candidature. Sarin's candidature is also not accepted by many who are with him. Votes will go from Congress to BJP. Muslim voters in Palakkad are against the UDF. For ages, they have been deceiving Muslim voters in the name of BJP," Anwar said, pointing out that a survey conducted by the DMK had said that it was BJP candidate C Krishnakumar who was helping Muslim voters more than the Congress members.