As the June 19 byelection approaches, the Nilambur Assembly constituency is abuzz with intense campaigning. The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) are pulling out all the stops and sparing no effort to woo voters in this strategically crucial hillside constituency.
However, beneath the surface of partisan rhetoric lies a charged atmosphere where distinction between politics and personal vendetta is increasingly blurred. Nilambur has become the centre of attention in Kerala’s political scene, with the UDF and the LDF pouring all their resources into the bypoll.
The LDF is going all out for its candidate M. Swaraj. As many as 10 Ministers campaigned for him on Tuesday. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is set to further boost Mr. Swaraj’s chances by personally campaigning in Nilambur in the coming days.
Cultural icons from across Kerala are also slated to lend their support to the LDF campaign on Wednesday. Mr. Swaraj’s teachers, classmates, and friends rallied behind him earlier, showcasing his personal connections and backing from his community.
LDF candidate M. Swaraj shaking hands with a man in wheelchair during electioneering in Nilambur on Tuesday.
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SAKEER HUSSAIN
The campaign for UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath is gaining momentum with top leaders such as V.D. Satheesan, Sunny Joseph, Ramesh Chennithala and P.K. Kunhalikutty leading the charge. The electioneering is set to get an additional boost with Congress national general secretary Priyanka Gandhi’s visit on Saturday.
Furthermore, members of the All India Professional Congress and film personalities such as Joy Mathew are also campaigning for Mr. Shoukath, making it a high-energy contest.
The campaign’s focus has shifted several times over the past two weeks due to various developments. The LDF is pushing for a third consecutive term for Pinarayi Vijayan’s government, highlighting its achievements over the past nine years. The party is also capitalising on the Jamat-e-Islami’s support to the UDF, using it as a key talking point to sway voters.
The UDF has highlighted issues like the collapse of National Highway 66 and the Chief Minister’s alleged remarks against Malappuram district in a controversial interview in The Hindu. Congress leader K.C. Venugopal criticised the LDF for delays in distributing social security pensions. However, the LDF countered by portraying Mr. Venugopal’s comments as an insult to pension recipients, arguing that describing the pension arrears as an “election bribe” was demeaning.
All India Trinamool Congress State convener P.V. Anvar having lunch with the inmates of Nirmal Bhavan at Moothedam, near Nilambur, on Saturday.
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SAKEER HUSSAIN
Both the LDF and UDF are conducting systematic campaigns with detailed plans to cover all seven panchayats – Vazhikkadavu, Muthedam, Edakkara, Pothukal, Chungathara, Karulai and Amarambalam – as well as Nilambur municipality. They have coordinated their schedules to avoid direct clashes.
Both fronts are keeping an eye on other contestants, including P.V. Anvar of the Trinamool Congress, Mohan George of the BJP and Sadik Naduthodi of the SDPI, who could potentially impact the election dynamics.
“Even a handful of votes can be crucial in a keenly fought electoral battle,” pointed out Muslim League leader Abdurahman Randathani.
Mr. Anvar joined the race after a protracted period of uncertainties and is hopeful of chipping away portions of UDF and LDF votes. The number of votes Mr. Anvar garners will determine the luck swing of the LDF and the UDF. In spite of his influence among workers in Nilambur, Mr. Anvar is facing opposition from his party State unit.
The BJP decision to field a Christian candidate in a bid to woo settler farmer votes is seen as a communal strategy by the UDF and the LDF. However, both fronts are confident that the hillside farmers of Nilambur will not fall for it. Meanwhile, the SDPI candidate is waging a low-key campaign, but his votes could prove crucial in a closely contested election.
BJP candidate Mohan George requesting vote from a woman at Mukkatta near Nilambur on Tuesday.
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SAKEER HUSSAIN
Historically, Nilambur has been a UDF stronghold, electing representatives from the front 10 times since 1967. Congress leader Aryadan Mohammed had won the seat eight times. However, LDF’s Independent candidate Mr. Anvar broke this trend in 2016, defeating Aryadan’s son Mr. Shoukath. Mr. Anvar retained the seat in 2021, but with a narrower margin. The LDF has had limited success in Nilambur, winning only four times in the past 14 Assembly elections.
After nine years of hobnobbing with the LDF, Mr. Anvar resigned the Assembly membership on January 13 this year in protest against the LDF government, particularly the Chief Minister. His resignation has resulted in the June 19 byelection.
Published – June 10, 2025 09:13 pm IST
