Kerala local body polls: P.V. Anvar makes a dismal campaign launch

P.V. Anvar, former Nilambur MLA and State convener of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), has launched a disappointing campaign for the upcoming local body elections in the State.

Despite Mr. Anvar’s bold claim that the AITC would be a decisive factor in the elections, the party is not fielding any official candidates across the State. Instead, roughly a dozen of his supporters are running as Independents in and around Nilambur.

Five of Mr. Anvar’s supporters are running in the Nilambur municipality under symbols like balloon, umbrella and scissors, despite his earlier claim that the candidates would contest on the AITC’s flower and grass symbol.

Following the AITC State committee’s move under the leadership of president C.G. Unni seeking the Election Commission of India to suspend the party symbol, Mr. Anvar was prevented from receiving the party’s flowers and grass symbol.

Mr. Anvar has fielded one candidate for the district panchayat and one for the block panchayat. In addition, he has two candidates in Karulai, five in Vazhikkadavu, and three in Moothedam panchayats.

Although there were rumours about fielding candidates in Pothukal and Edakkara panchayats, many prospective contenders withdrew from the race at the last moment.

Posters and banners in Nilambur municipality and neighbouring panchayats described the candidates as Independents backed by the AITC; but the party’s State unit has taken exception to the claim.

“The AITC has not fielded any candidates in the State, nor are we supporting any political fronts or independent candidates. Any use of the Trinamool’s name for campaign purposes will be regarded as an offence,” said Mr. Unni.

He said they would object to anyone using the Trinamool flag, symbol or name in the election. “We will approach the Election Commission against those candidates who contest as Trinamool-backed independents,” said Mr. Unni.

He said Mr. Anvar’s candidates will soon have to remove the name Trinamool from their posters.