Malappuram: Hinting that he still holds hope for a future association with the UDF, former LDF MLA and independent candidate in the Nilambur bypoll, P V Anwar, expressed a preference for a UDF victory if he himself does not win.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, he remarked that the election featured two versions of Pinarayi Vijayan — one represented directly by LDF candidate M Swaraj, and the other indirectly by UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath. He made it clear that his main objective, if not his own victory, was to see the defeat of what he termed the "direct Pinarayi."
Anwar argued that Shoukath lacked the capability to effectively challenge what he described as "Pinarayism," a term he used to criticize the prevailing style of governance under the CPM-led LDF. He also indicated that his decision to contest was influenced by what he saw as a lack of support from Opposition leader V D Satheesan, who he claimed had obstructed his chances of joining the UDF.
Other UDF leaders responded to Anwar’s remarks with caution. KPCC president Sunny Joseph stated that any decision regarding Anwar’s potential inclusion in the front would be made by the UDF leadership. He expressed confidence in a strong electoral performance, predicting that the success seen in constituencies like Puthupally, Thrikkakkara, and Palakkad would be repeated in Nilambur, TNIE reported.
AICC general secretary K C Venugopal shared a similar view, stressing that the matter was not for individuals to decide, but rested with the collective leadership of the UDF. He highlighted the exceptional unity displayed by the alliance during the campaign and credited the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) for its committed efforts.
According to him, IUML leaders, including Panakkad Syed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal and P K Kunhalikutty, had worked even more diligently for the Congress candidate than they might have for one of their own party’s nominees.
Former KPCC president K Muraleedharan remarked that Anwar seems to have come to terms with the political reality, noting that the votes against the Pinarayi government had clearly translated into support for the UDF candidate.
IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty clarified that the party had not made any particular effort to bring Anwar into the UDF. He emphasized that such a decision would need to be made collectively. He also pointed out that the outcome of the Nilambur bypoll could serve as an indicator for the upcoming Assembly elections.
The counting of votes for the Nilambur bypoll is scheduled for Monday, after which Anwar’s potential induction into the UDF is expected to be one of the topics under discussion.