Published May 28, 2025 | 8:08 PM ⚊ Updated May 28, 2025 | 8:08 PM
MSC ELSA 3 sinking.
Synopsis: TMC Kerala chief PV Anvar slammed the UDF for denying him a Nilambur bypoll ticket, warning of an independent TMC contest unless AICC intervenes. Meanwhile, SDPI announced Sadiq Naduthodi as its Nilambur candidate
TMC Kerala president PV Anvar has strongly criticised the UDF after being denied a ticket for the Nilambur assembly bypoll scheduled for 19 June.
At a press conference, Anvar expressed disappointment over the UDF’s decision to field Aryadan Shoukath, warning that the TMC would contest independently unless AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal intervenes.
“We’re ready to be part of the UDF, even as associate members. But I won’t beg state leaders anymore,” Anvar said, accusing Congress of betrayal.
He claimed past support for UDF candidates, including in Wayanad, went unacknowledged, despite assurances from leaders like VD Satheesan.
“It feels like I’m being crushed politically,” Anvar added, asserting that TMC’s central leadership and Mamata Banerjee stand firmly with him. Talks between Congress and Anvar are ongoing.
The sinking of cargo vessel MSC ELSA 3 off the Kochi coast on 24 May has raised environmental alarms. Experts, however, urged calm.
Dr. VN Sanjeevan of KUFOS said only 365 tonnes of cargo were on board and swift measures were taken, including a fishing ban and gas-leak precautions by the Coast Guard.
The vessel carried calcium carbide, which can release explosive acetylene gas when in contact with water.
While pollution has been reported, particularly from washed-up containers containing plastic granules and cotton bundles between Varkala and Thumba, experts maintain fish remains safe to eat with proper caution. KUFOS is conducting a detailed assessment.
A dead dolphin was discovered near Tharayilkadavu in Arattupuzha, Alappuzha, sparking concern among locals. The incident follows the washing ashore of cargo from the sunken MSC ELSA 3 in the same region, fuelling fears of possible chemical contamination.
Local CPI(M) leader Bineesh Dev confirmed the forest department had reached the site for a postmortem, as residents expressed growing anxiety over environmental and marine safety.
In a tragic incident near the Karuvatta railway crossing, a man and a teenage girl died by suicide after stepping in front of the Netravati Express around 11.30 am.
The deceased were identified as Sreejith (38) from Cheruthana and Devu (17) from Pallippad.
Train services were briefly halted for about 20 minutes. Sreejith, who was a known resident in the area, leaves behind a wife and two children.
The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has nominated Advocate Sadiq Naduthodi, its Malappuram district vice president, as its candidate for the Nilambur by-election.
In a press meet in Malappuram, SDPI leaders criticised both UDF and LDF for neglecting Nilambur’s local issues.
State president CP Abdul Latheef said the party intends to contest independently and dismissed any alliance talks, including with the TMC. Naduthodi will begin his campaign on Thursday.
