Anvar, who has made outspoken criticism of the chief minister, shared a Google Form link widely on social media, inviting the public to voice their opinions on several pressing issues, particularly targeting the state's law enforcement and political leadership.
Published Sep 28, 2024 | 9:00 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 28, 2024 | 11:17 AM
PV Anvar MLA. (Facebook)
In an escalating confrontation with Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, independent MLA PV Anvar on Friday, 27 September, launched an online opinion poll, sparking fresh tensions within the ruling coalition.
Anvar, who has made outspoken criticism of the chief minister, shared a Google Form link widely on social media, inviting the public to voice their opinions on several pressing issues, particularly targeting the state’s law enforcement and political leadership.
The survey posed a series of provocative questions designed to gauge public sentiment.
The respondents are asked whether they believed in the revelations made by Anvar against the Kerala Police in recent days, and if they think a small section of the police force is influenced by communal forces.
The survey also questioned whether the police have sabotaged investigations into some of the state’s most notorious cases and challenges whether the Home Department genuinely supports honest officers.
One of the most contentious questions asked if the chief minister’s credibility has been damaged in the eyes of the public.
In a press meet held on Friday, Anvar did not shy away from hinting at a potential new political venture.
“If I have the support of the people, I will think about it. Let me check the pulse of the people,” Anvar stated, announcing plans to travel across his constituency in the coming week to gauge public opinion.
“I am eyeing the younger generation,” he added, signalling a potential shift towards a new party rooted in democratic, secular, and socialist values.
CPI(M) supporters burning the effigy of PV Anvar MLA at Malappuram
His increasing vocal criticism and now a public survey directly challenging the state’s administration are seen as an effort to mobilise public opinion against the current government.
Further adding to the state government’s headaches, Anvar announced that he would convene a public meeting on Monday in Kozhikode to discuss the case of Muhammad Atoor, also known as Mami, a businessman from Kozhikode who has been missing since 22 August, 2023.
The case, which has garnered significant attention, is another issue where Anvar has accused the authorities of negligence.
“I had restrictions while being associated with CPI(M). But now, I am a free bird, beyond any restrictions,” Anvar declared at the press meet, indicating his new-found freedom to raise issues that he believes have been neglected by the current administration.
“I will now be a torch and will raise pressing issues like the human-wildlife conflict,” he added, suggesting that he intends to tackle a broader range of topics beyond the immediate political arena.
Meanwhile, the ruling CPI(M) is struggling to contain the growing challenge posed by Anvar, who has increasingly become a thorn in the side of the Pinarayi Vijayan government.
On Friday, Vijayan, in a brief but pointed exchange with the media, dismissed Anvar’s allegations as a baseless attempt to tarnish the reputation of the CPI(M), the LDF and the state government.
“These allegations are nothing but a smear campaign against us, and we reject them outright,” Vijayan declared, firmly defending his administration.
At the same time, the party’s resolve to counter Anvar was on full display as CPI(M) State Secretary MV Govindan rallied party members, supporters, and well-wishers to actively combat the allegations.
At various parts of the state, protests against Anvar erupted, signalling a coordinated effort to discredit him.
Protest against P V Anvar MLA at Malappuram on Friday
In a stark warning, Malappuram CPI(M) Secretary EN Mohandas made it clear that the party would not take this challenge lightly.
“Anvar has a hidden agenda. He is unfit to claim the mantle of a left leader. While Anvar speaks with one tongue, the party has lakhs (indicating a massive counter-campaign against him). He is also facing serious allegations of connections with gold smuggling carriers,” Mohandas charged.
Simultaneously, the CPI(M) state secretariat issued a statement accusing Anvar of aligning with right-wing media and politicians in a bid to weaken the leadership and destroy the party. “We must be vigilant and counter the false propaganda he is spreading through the media,” the statement urged.
Adding to the chorus, Minister for Local Bodies MB. Rajesh condemned Anvar’s rhetoric, stating, “His remarks are laced with hatred towards the Left. It’s shocking and indecent to hear such hostile and abusive language from someone who was once close to us and treated with dignity by the Left.”
Finance Minister KN Balagopal also weighed in, suggesting that Anvar had become a pawn in the hands of those aiming to undermine the Left. He assured that if any issues have arisen, the party will take appropriate action, as it has done in the past.
The unfolding drama suggests that CPI(M) is gearing up for an all-out battle to protect its image and counter the threat posed by Anvar, whose actions have sent ripples through the political landscape of the state.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil)
