Anvar factor holds key as Nilambur gears up for high-voltage poll fight

Nilambur Municipality is all set to steal the spotlight in the upcoming local body elections, thanks to the presence of All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) State convener P.V. Anvar.

Mr. Anvar has started negotiating with the United Democratic Front (UDF) by announcing potential candidates under the AITC banner. Though no formal discussions have taken place between the UDF and Mr. Anvar, a deal seems likely, which could help the UDF regain control of the municipality from the Left Democratic Front (LDF).

UDF leaders are aware of Mr. Anvar’s clout in Nilambur, particularly after he bagged 19,760 votes in the Nilambur Assembly byelection in June.

Mr. Anvar has reportedly convinced the AITC national leadership that he can secure 200 local body seats in Kerala and influence control of 20 local bodies. Sources close to him suggest that he will field eight candidates in Nilambur if the UDF does not meet his terms.

AITC national leadership has told its Kerala unit to keep a low profile, particularly since the State leadership led by C.G. Unni is at odds with Mr. Anvar. The State unit is quietly monitoring Mr. Anvar’s moves.

The UDF suffered a setback in Nilambur in 2020 due to internal conflicts within the Congress and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).

Nilambur stands out as the only municipality in Malappuram district without an IUML councillor. The party had eight seats here in 2015; but internal power struggles between P.V. Hamza and Mujeeb Devassery led to its rout in 2020.

The Congress also faced internal issues, leading to the UDF winning only nine of the 33 seats. With three new wards added, the UDF is optimistic about regaining control of the municipality.

Aryadan Shoukath’s thumping win in the June 2025 Assembly byelection has reunited the UDF, with the Congress and IUML capitalising on the newfound unity.

The LDF, led by municipal chairman Mattummal Saleem, is confident about its chances, citing the development work done in Nilambur over the past five years. Mr. Saleem and his team have been working hard. The municipality will have a woman chairperson this time.

The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) is a strong contender in wards like Charamkulam, CH Colony and Ramankuthu, making both the UDF and LDF cautious. The BJP aims to retain its single seat won in 2020.

Nilambur municipality is shaping up to be a tough fight between the UDF and LDF as neither can take it for granted.