Thiruvananthapuram: The resignation of P.V. Anvar from his position as MLA has paved the way for a byelection in Nilambur, setting the stage for an unexpected electoral contest in Kerala. As the political landscape heats up ahead of the 2025 local body elections and the 2026 Assembly polls, Nilambur is poised to become a significant battleground.
Both the ruling LDF and opposition UDF have expressed their readiness for the byelection, with party machinery gearing up for the challenge. However, internal dissent has emerged, as some leaders have reservations about contesting another byelection. The CPM, currently engaged in party conferences, faces organisational hurdles, while the Congress is racing to complete its long-delayed reorganisation process, delayed further by the recent Palakkad and Chalakkudy byelections.
The second Pinarayi government has already overseen four Assembly byelections, with both the UDF and LDF successfully retaining their respective seats. The UDF retained Puthuppally, Thrikkakara, and Palakkad, while the LDF held Chalakkudy. These elections were necessitated by the demise of sitting MLAs or resignations to pursue Lok Sabha seats.
In Nilambur, the UDF views the byelection as an opportunity to wrest the LDF-held seat, potentially boosting their morale ahead of larger electoral battles. The byelection, if held soon, would give the new MLA a tenure of about a year.
According to election rules, a byelection must be conducted within six months of a vacancy. The final decision will rest with the Central Election Commission, which will act based on a report from the Chief Electoral Officer. The state government’s input, conveyed through the Chief Secretary, will also influence the timing of the election.
