Congress in Kerala eases stance on Nilambur MLA P.V. Anvar’s political inclusion

UDF considers alliance with P.V. Anvar's DMK, united against Kerala Forest Bill, wildlife attacks, and LDF government failures.

A day after Independent legislator P.V. Anvar’s dramatic arrest and subsequent release on bail, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) Opposition in Kerala on Tuesday (January 7, 2025) appeared to dial down its reservations about giving political accommodation to the legislator’s fledgeling Democratic Movement of Kerala (DMK).

The UDF also found common ground with Mr. Anvar, the Nilambur MLA, over the latter’s opposition to the Kerala Forest (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s alleged failure to protect the lives and property of citizens, primarily settler farmers abutting forest lands, from wildlife raids and attacks.

In Thiruvananthapuram, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan signalled that the UDF would consider Mr. Anvar’s willingness to ally himself with the alliance.

Mr. Satheesan said Mr. Anvar, a former LDF ally and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s zealous defender, had long acted as “the government’s catspaw” to attack Opposition figures.

“As poetic justice would have it, Mr. Anvar has transfigured as Mr. Vijayan’s bugbear, exposing the rot at the administration’s apex as a former insider and confidant,” he said.

Mr. Satheesan said that, with hindsight, he viewed Mr. Anvar’s criticisms as part of the larger political discourse. “In the cut and thrust of politics, personal likes or dislikes have zero relevance”, he added. 

Other Congress leaders also appeared to be warming up to Mr. Anvar’s inclination to partner with the UDF against the government.