Nilambur results to be a barometer for 2026 Assembly poll

The Nilambur Assembly byelection outcome is being keenly awaited by both the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and United Democratic Front (UDF). Although the winning candidate will have a short tenure of less than a year in the Assembly, the victory will carry significant weight for both fronts and boost their morale and credibility.

The Nilambur byelection is seen as a key barometer for the Assembly elections to be held in 2026. While the LDF campaigned on its four-year achievements, the UDF countered by highlighting the LDF government’s perceived failures over the past nine years.

The June 19 electoral battle in Nilambur was one of the most intense Kerala has witnessed in recent times, with the entire State’s attention riveted on the contest. Both the UDF and LDF threw their entire political weight behind the campaign, making it a closely watched showdown.

While both LDF candidate M. Swaraj and UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath, as well as their leaders and campaign managers, are claiming victory, uncertainty lingers over the margin of win. The presence of All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) State convener P.V. Anvar and the BJP’s Christian candidate Mohan George in the fray have injected doubts into both camps, making it difficult for them to gauge their winning margin with confidence.

In a remarkable display of civic harmony, the Nilambur byelection on Thursday passed off peacefully and incident-free, despite intense campaigning by both the UDF and LDF. Noted Islamic scholar Marutha Abdul Latheef Moulavi of the Samsthana Jamiyyathul Ulama praised Nilambur as a model for the nation, showcasing how elections can be conducted with both cordiality and competitiveness.

Meanwhile, District Collector V.R. Vinod, who is the District Election Officer, has asked the political parties to remove their flags, posters and banners erected in connection with the byelection before 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Counting on June 23

He has sent letters to all candidates demanding that they remove their campaign materials. The Collector’s move has come in the wake of a request by the District Police Chief in connection with maintaining law and order in the constituency.

The counting of votes will take place at Mar Thoma Higher Secondary School, Chungathara, on Monday morning. The voting machines from 263 booths of Nilambur constituency were shifted to a strongroom at Mar Thoma Higher Secondary School soon after the polling on Thursday night.