Anvar’s UDF entry hits roadblock amid resistance from allies

All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) State convener P.V. Anvar’s bid to join the United Democratic Front (UDF) ahead of the Nilambur byelection may falter due to opposition from UDF constituents, who are reportedly uneasy about welcoming him into the fold.

The UDF constituents are apparently willing to collaborate with Mr. Anvar for the byelection, but they are hesitant to formally include him in the front. They fear that a formal entry into the UDF will lend legitimacy to Mr. Anvar and all his past deeds.

The UDF’s reluctance to include Mr. Anvar stems partly from the fact that his parent party, the AITC, opposes the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc led by the Congress and does not recognise Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s leadership.

The UDF is likely to favour other allies such as the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) led by M.V. Shreyams Kumar and the Kerala Congress (Mani) led by Jose K. Mani over Mr. Anvar, given his limited influence confined to eastern parts of Malappuram district.

Several UDF constituents are put off by Mr. Anvar’s high-handed approach, particularly his attempts to dictate the party’s candidate selection for the Nilambur byelection. His lobbying for District Congress Committee (DCC) president V.S. Joy is seen as an overreach.

Mr. Anvar’s reported demand for three seats as part of his negotiations to join the UDF has added to the complexity. The UDF State leadership has deferred the decision, with further discussions expected in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday or later.

The UDF fears that giving in to Mr. Anvar’s demands could set a problematic precedent, potentially leading to even more unreasonable requests in the future, which could be detrimental to the alliance.

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary Aryadan Shoukath is learnt to have hardened his stand not to comply to a man like Mr. Anvar. “It is for the UDF to decide the candidate for the Nilambur byelection, and not for Mr. Anvar,” said a close aide of Mr. Shoukath.

He also said that Mr. Anvar should not be allowed to take credit for the efforts of the UDF and its constituents.