Kerala MLA P.V. Anvar offers unconditional support to Opposition UDF, meets Thangal at Panakkad

Independent MLA P.V. Anvar offers unconditional support to UDF in Kerala, aiming to defeat ruling CPI(M) in 2026.

P.V. Anvar, independent MLA from Nilambur who broke away with the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala, has offered his unconditional support to the United Democratic Front (UDF) Opposition.

“The CPI(M) and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan should be trounced. Kerala badly needs the return of the UDF,” said Mr. Anvar in Malappuram on Tuesday (January 7, 2025).

Mr. Anvar said that he would stand with the UDF at any cost. “I left the ruling front for the people of Kerala, and I will work for the UDF to ensure the CPI(M)’s defeat. Let the UDF decide whether they want me or not,” he said.

Mr. Anvar thanked UDF leaders such as K. Sudhakaran, V.D. Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal and P.K. Kunhalikutty for the support they lent him when he was arrested on Sunday night from his house in connection with an attack on Nilambur North Divisional Forest Office (DFO).

He visited Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) State president Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal at his house at Panakkad on Tuesday, and sought support for the cause of the people living in hilly areas.

Welcoming Mr. Anvar, the IUML leader said that his party had a sympathetic approach to the woes of the people living in high ranges. “We want the government to reconsider the move to amend the State forest laws. The government should address the issues being raised by people like Mr. Anvar,” said Mr. Thangal.

However, Mr. Thangal evaded questions about facilitating Mr. Anvar’s entry into the UDF. “The UDF will discuss and decide it. The whole Kerala wants the UDF to come back to power in 2026. The UDF needs to be strengthened. It will do whatever possible to strengthen it,” he said.