Political temperatures are rising on the road to the Nilambur by-election. With indications that the election might be held by the end of May, political fronts are already in the field. The Election Commission of India has instructed the final electoral roll to be published by May 5, making it clear that activities won't be delayed.
The Congress has entrusted former minister A.P. Anil Kumar MLA with the responsibility of coordinating the by-election. Prominent leaders are preparing to take charge of each panchayat and the Nilambur municipality. M. Swaraj is expected to play a key role for the CPM. Ministers being deputed for inauguration of development projects and efforts to complete activities before the official election announcement show the strategic planning of the parties.
The exit of former MLA P.V. Anwar from the Left Front, along with his strong criticism of the Chief Minister and the government, has created an unusual political scenario. His resignation poses a bigger challenge to the Left Front than to the BJP. If the UDF wins, it will be portrayed as Anwar’s political comeback — a prospect pushing the CPM deeper into survival mode.
The current contest in the constituency has become three-sided. KPCC General Secretary Aryadan Shoukath and DCC President V.S. Joy are at the forefront for candidacy. Assigning the campaign charge to A.P. Anil Kumar, who has the backing of the high command, signals that a clear leadership decision has been made.
The CPM is not averse to independents. Given the favorable reception to independent candidates in the district in the past, a similar strategy may be repeated in Nilambur. The CPM is delaying its candidate announcement to observe possible discontent within Congress. The reluctance of many potential candidates to contest without the party symbol is also affecting the CPM's selection process.
Votes from the Welfare Party and SDPI may play a crucial role. With names like V.M. Shoukath and P. Shabeer being discussed within the CPM, there's also a possibility that U. Sharafali may step forward as an independent candidate.
Former MLA Anwar’s future remains under observation. If the UDF wins, his entry will be smooth; if they lose, his political life may come under question. Despite being elected MLA twice, his inability to retain party workers with him has been a major setback. Proving his support base is now his biggest challenge.
Constituency Composition:
Panchayats (7): Pothukallu, Chungathara, Edakkara, Vazhikkadavu, Moothadam, Amarambalam, Karulai
Municipality (1): Nilambur
Administrative Structure: LDF controls Pothukallu, Amarambalam, Nilambur; UDF controls the remaining panchayats
Current Victory Metrics:
Priyanka’s majority in the Lok Sabha by-election: 65,132 votes
Anwar’s majority in the last Assembly election: 2,700 votes
This by-election, driven by political interest and personal pride, is set to determine not just the future of Nilambur, but also the political fate of some key leaders.
