Anvar reiterated his demand to bifurcate Malappuram, proposing a new district for hilly areas like Thiruvambadi—adding that this would be a key post-poll agenda for his Trinamool Congress faction
Published Jun 05, 2025 | 3:31 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 05, 2025 | 3:31 PM
PV Anvar (PV Anvar/Facebook)
Synopsis: On the final day to withdraw nominations in Nilambur, independent MLA PV Anvar sparked controversy by demanding a ministerial post with Home and Forest portfolios if UDF wins in 2026. He also insisted on the removal of opposition leader VD Satheesan
The final day for withdrawing nominations in the Nilambur by-election saw high drama as PV Anvar, a controversial independent MLA, laid out unexpected conditions for joining the United Democratic Front (UDF), triggering sharp political reactions.
Addressing the media on Thursday, 5 June, Anvar declared that he would only join the UDF if guaranteed a ministerial berth in 2026—with the crucial Home and Forest portfolios.
He also demanded the removal of Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan from the UDF leadership.
“I will not join the UDF with VD Satheesan at the helm. I’m not here to replace one Pinarayi with ‘three-fourths of Pinarayi’,” Anvar said, in a pointed dig at both Satheesan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
“If the UDF publicly announces that I’ll be given the Home and Forest Departments after the 2026 elections, I’ll be their frontline soldier,” he added.
Anvar also revived his long-standing demand to bifurcate Malappuram district, proposing a new district to better address the needs of hilly regions like Thiruvambadi.
He stated that this demand will remain a central part of his faction of the Trinamool Congress’ post-election agenda.
The Congress party responded with ridicule and rejection. Party leader VT Balram took to Facebook to mock Anvar’s ambitions, writing, “He could have asked for the Defence and Foreign Ministries too.”
Meanwhile, Satheesan himself dismissed Anvar’s comments, reiterating that the UDF had collectively decided not to pursue any negotiations with him.
“The door to all discussions with Anvar has been firmly closed,” Satheesan told reporters. “The answer to everything is on the tip of my tongue, but I do not want to say anything.”
Satheesan also questioned why Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has not responded to Anvar’s criticism, despite the latter frequently lashing out at the state leadership.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
