P.V. Anvar Slams Congress Over UDF Alliance, Threatens Trinamool Entry in Nilambur
Malappuram: P.V. Anvar has launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, criticizing the delay in formalizing an alliance with the UDF (United Democratic Front) despite his letter requesting cooperation months ago. Addressing a press conference, Anvar accused Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan of “disrobing and slinging mud” at him.
“For the past three or four months, I and my party have been disrobed and left on the streets. After the disrobing, yesterday, mud was slung at my face. And now I have been left for euthanasia,” Anvar stated. He recounted how, during the Palakkad by-election, he and his party were ready for compromise and fully cooperated with the Congress. “The Congress did not even show the courtesy to thank Minhaj, who fully cooperated. They ignored all of it. We worked with the objective of seeing the end of Pinarayi’s rule.”
Anvar acknowledged differences with Aryadan Shoukath, the recently announced UDF candidate for Nilambur, and reiterated that he had suggested another candidate to prevent the UDF from losing votes in Nilambur. “I left the movement I stood by, openly speaking out, when I was portrayed as a thief,” he said, referring to his past. He claimed that despite withdrawing his candidate in Palakkad, the UDF did not fulfill its promise and failed to even offer a word of thanks after the results. Anvar also mentioned supporting Priyanka Gandhi in Wayanad and helping the UDF secure the Panamarama Panchayat administration.
“Satheesan was supposed to make an announcement (regarding the alliance), but after that, there has been no information. I tried to call Satheesan many times but couldn’t get through. Later, on the 15th of this month, I held discussions with Satheesan. He said then that an announcement would be made within two days. And now he says Anvar should decide. I am not going to beg anymore.”
Anvar stated that his current hope lies with K.C. Venugopal. He warned that if he is not included in the UDF, the Trinamool Congress will contest in Nilambur. On Tuesday, Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan had responded to Anvar’s remarks by saying it was up to Anvar to decide whether or not to cooperate with the UDF. Anvar also stated that local Muslim organizations are not keen on Aryadan Shoukath’s candidature and that his chances of winning are low, a point he believes should be considered.