In what could be one of the most high-profile face-offs in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, former Nilambur MLA PV Anvar has signaled his readiness to take on Minister PA Mohammed Riyas in Beypore. Speaking with the media, Anvar made it clear that while the final decision rests with the UDF leadership, he is more than willing to contest from the constituency if they believe it serves a broader political strategy. His reasoning is blunt: he believes there is significant "under-the-surface" resentment within the LDF ranks against both the Minister and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan— a sentiment he claims was already visible in the recent Kozhikode Corporation election results.
This potential candidacy marks a dramatic shift in the state's political alignment. Only a few months ago, Opposition Leader VD Satheesan was firmly against bringing Anvar into the fold, even discouraging any association with him during the Nilambur bypoll. However, that stance has clearly softened. On December 22, Satheesan officially welcomed Anvar — who currently serves as the State Convenor for the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) in Kerala — into the UDF alliance. It appears the coalition is now prioritising a "big tent" approach to consolidate the anti-LDF vote ahead of 2026.
Anvar, for his part, seems to be leaning into his role as a vocal critic of the current administration. He noted that many party workers are eager to see him challenge Riyas directly, given his history of speaking out against the Minister’s influence. Whether or not he ends up on the ballot, Anvar has pledged to be a key campaigner for the UDF, promising to use his "insider-turned-outsider" perspective to target LDF strongholds. For the UDF, the gamble will be whether Anvar’s aggressive style brings in more votes than the potential baggage of his controversial past.
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