Besides politics, Nilambur is known for frequent human-wildlife conflicts, making it a unique constituency in Kerala’s electoral landscape. With local body and Assembly elections approaching, will Nilambur once again become the stage for a high-stakes political battle?
Published Mar 31, 2025 | 12:00 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 31, 2025 | 2:20 PM
Regardless of political equations, Nilambur deserves a strong and resolute voice in the Assembly. (img-India Rail Info)
Synopsis: Despite uncertainty over poll dates, preparations for the crucial Nilambur by-poll among Kerala’s political parties is intensifying, with development, human-wildlife conflict and anti-incumbency all taking centre stage.
The much anticipated Nilambur by-election is yet to be officially announced, but preparation for the polls among political parties in Kerala is full swing.
While State Election Commission has submitted its report on the by-polls to the Central Election Commission, the official announcement is expected by April or May.
The by-election was necessitated by the resignation of previous MLA, PV Anvar on 13 January, ahead of his high-profile switch from the Left Democratic Front (LDF) to head the Trinamool Congress’s (TMC) Kerala unit.
A general-category Assembly constituency in Malappuram district, Nilambur falls within the Wayanad parliamentary seat.
According to the 2011 Census, Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) voters comprise 7.72 percent (15,986) and 3.34 percent (6,916) of the electorate, respectively.
The constituency has 43.9 percent Muslim voters (90,907), 10.8 percent Christians (22,364), and 45.3 percent Hindus (93,806).
Predominantly rural (83.03 percent) with an urban population of 16.97 percent, Nilambur has historically been ground zero for intense political battles.
In the 2019 parliamentary elections, the constituency had 2,07,078 voters across 199 polling booths, recording a turnout of 77.44 percent (78.84 percent in the 2016 Assembly elections).
Besides politics, Nilambur is known for frequent human-wildlife conflicts, making it a unique constituency in Kerala’s electoral landscape.
With local body and Assembly elections approaching, will Nilambur once again become the stage for a high-stakes political battle?
In the United Democratic Front (UDF), Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) general secretary Aryadan Shoukath has emerged as the leading contender for the party’s candidature.
Earlier, despite past tensions with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], PV Anvar suggested Malappuram District Congress Committee (DCC) president VS Joy as a candidate.
However, Joy is unlikely to contest due to his current role. While senior Congress leaders largely back Shoukath, KPCC secretary KP Noushad Ali remains an alternative.
Meanwhile, the CPI(M) has assigned M Swaraj organisational responsibilities in Nilambur, where he has been actively working for months. The party has also intensified grassroots activities. If internal conflicts within the UDF lead a senior leader to contest as a rebel candidate, the CPI(M) might consider extending support, although such a scenario remains unlikely.
PV Anvar has confirmed he will not contest the by-election. Given the TMC’s need for UDF’s support, Anvar is expected to avoid any actions that might disrupt alliance dynamics.
When contacted by South First, M Swaraj confirmed he is currently stationed in Nilambur but stated discussions on the party’s electoral strategy would happen later.
Meanwhile, Malappuram CPI(M) district committee member Padmakshan E told South First the party’s primary focus is on development carried out by the LDF government in Nilambur over the past eight-and-a-half years.
He highlighted key projects in infrastructure, healthcare, and education, noting four new bridges were inaugurated yesterday. One of these is in Iruttukuthi, an area where tribal communities previously relied on rafts, even during medical emergencies.
Construction of a bridge there has already begun, ensuring better connectivity for residents.
According to Padmakshan, out of the total 220 km of Public Works Department roads in Nilambur, 150 km have been upgraded to “world-class standards.”
The government has also completed a high-range highway project aimed at easing regional transportation. In education, several smart classrooms have been introduced, and an international-standard football stadium established to promote sports infrastructure.
He credited these achievements to the LDF’s governance and commitment to regional development.
Padmakshan also criticised Anvar, saying he lacks strong personal and political roots in Nilambur.
He questioned why people did not support Anvar if he truly had an influential presence in the constituency. He alleged that during his tenure as MLA, Anvar spent most of his time abroad handling business dealings and was rarely seen locally.
Regardless of Anvar’s presence or absence, Padmakshan asserted that the CPI(M) consistently carried out developmental projects in Nilambur.
While discussions on the CPI(M) candidate have not started, Padmakshan acknowledged uncertainty regarding whether elections would take place as scheduled.
However, according to party sources, probable candidates include M Swaraj, Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) Malappuram district president P Shabeer, and CPI(M) district committee member VM Shoukkath.
Despite political speculation, CPI(M) remains focused on consolidating its development-driven approach in Nilambur.
Malappuram DCC president VS Joy told South First the Congress has already begun grassroots preparations in Nilambur.
“For us, it’s easier since the team formed for Priyankaji’s campaign is still active. We just need to reshuffle it,” he said.
Currently, the party is verifying voter lists, with booth-level checks completed and ward-level meetings concluded. Two Assembly-level meetings have been held, and an analysis committee is in progress – one session completed and another scheduled for 26 March.
As of now, no leaders have been assigned as election in-charges; the DCC is overseeing preparations under All India Congress Committee (AICC) guidance.
“Our primary focus will be on the anti-incumbency sentiment against both the Centre and the state government, as well as the rising human-wildlife conflicts,” Joy added.
While candidate discussions have not yet begun, names like Aryadan Shoukath and other prominent leaders are being considered. Meanwhile, talks regarding TMC’s possible entry into the UDF are gaining momentum.
According to high-level AICC sources, Congress is conducting secret surveys in Nilambur through two agencies to identify the most suitable candidate.
The TMC is sharpening its electoral strategy in Kerala, particularly around human-wildlife conflicts.
A West Bengal-based official from the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), conducting research and formulating strategies for TMC, told South First that grassroots studies are underway to identify key issues for a professional election campaign.
Meanwhile, PV Anvar claimed the Nilambur bypoll could face significant delays due to alleged efforts by the state government. He suggested the ruling LDF, leveraging its strong ties with the central government, might influence the ECI to stall the process.
“The ECI has changed a lot, rules remain only on paper. The CPI(M) and the Chief Minister’s Office are working to prevent the bypoll from happening,” Anvar alleged.
As of now, the Malappuram District Collector has not received official communication from the Chief Secretary, the ECI, or other relevant authorities – an essential first step in initiating the bypoll process.
If no election declaration is made by 31 March, Anvar suggested a petition in the High Court challenging the delay might be on the cards.
Meanwhile, preparations in Nilambur are underway following the Election Commission of India’s directive to finalise the voters’ list by 5 May.
Discussions on candidate selection have also commenced. Sources indicate that both the Congress and CPI(M) have already begun grassroots-level election work and are in the process of finalising their candidates.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
