P.V. Anwar, at the center of discussions over contesting the Nilambur by-election, took contradictory stances within a day—one in the morning, and another by evening. In response, the Congress leadership declared that it is no longer willing to continue any discussions with him.
Speaking to the media, Anwar stated that he was under pressure to contest and would announce a final decision within two days. He claimed that some individuals had approached him with money and that he was considering their suggestions. In the morning, he had said he lacked the financial means to contest and had no intention of joining the V.D. Satheesan-led UDF.
He further alleged that crores of rupees were needed to contest and that he had been financially ruined because he spoke out for the people. He accused LDF candidate M. Swaraj of being a spokesperson for Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and said he would campaign against both Swaraj and Pinarayi. Anwar alleged that Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan was blocking his entry into the UDF and that a lobby was working behind Satheesan. He accused Satheesan of being a leader driven by arrogance.
In an earlier UDF meeting, it was decided that if Anwar supported the UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath, the Trinamool Congress—Anwar’s party—would be considered an associate constituent of the UDF. Following this, Anwar held discussions with Trinamool leaders and announced he would not contest. However, by evening, he reversed his position.
UDF to Sideline Anwar
With Anwar unwilling to support the UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath, the front now views any further talks with him as meaningless. The UDF leadership has taken the stance that further action will only be considered if Anwar himself initiates talks. Most Congress leaders now say there is no need to respond to Anwar’s accusations or engage in unnecessary controversies, and that he should be sidelined. The Indian Union Muslim League is also reportedly dissatisfied with Anwar’s rigid stance during multiple direct discussions led by P.K. Kunhalikutty.
Anwar: "Even Unwinnable Seats Were Denied to Me"
Anwar alleged that even the two Assembly seats that Congress regularly loses were not offered to him. He had proposed that the Trinamool Congress contest from Malampuzha. Later, he requested two losing seats, and finally, even just one. He clarified that he wasn't seeking full constituent status—an associate position in the UDF would have sufficed. These proposals, he said, were made to understand the UDF leadership’s attitude toward him. He also claimed some UDF leaders had asked if he would contest from Beypore, and that efforts were being made to sideline him by one individual in particular. He insisted that none of the other UDF leaders had any opposition to him and declared that no UDF leader needed to approach him again. Anwar warned that Satheesan’s obstinacy would cost the UDF dearly, alleging that certain individuals within the UDF were working against him.
