Stand-off with TMC and SDPI's candidature a cause for concern for Congress in Kerala by-poll

Thiruvananthapuram: The stand-off between the Congress and the TMC in Kerala is triggering concerns that it may cast a shadow over Congress's prospects in the upcoming Nilambur assembly by-poll in Kerala, which is considered as 'semi-finals' of the 2026 Assembly polls.

Congress leadership is sticking to its condition that TMC Kerala leader and former MLA P V Anvar should withdraw his critical remarks against Congress-led United Democratic Front's candidate Aryadan Shoukath.

Anvar is of the stand that the Congress-led UDF should make clear the stand on TMC's entry to the UDF.

Though Anvar tried to put the blame on opposition leader V D Satheesan for the delay in taking the decision, Congress leaders strongly backed Satheesan by stating that it was a collective decision of the UDF that Anvar should withdraw his remarks against Shoukath.

A large section in the Congress was learnt to be upset over ongoing stand-off as it could even upset Congress's chances to win the by-poll.

There are also concerns that in case Anvar or any other from TMC camp decides to contest, it could make the contest more tougher.

SDPI too in the fray

A decision of the Socialist Democratic Party of India (SDPI), which is linked with banned outfit Popular Front of India, to contest at Nilambur could also become a cause for concern for the UDF.

SDPI has announced its Malappuram district vice president Sadik Naduthodi as candidate. In the last two assembly elections SDPI contested at Nilambur and secured 3,200 and 4,700 votes.