Thiruvananthapuram: PV Anvar on Monday met Speaker AN Shamseer at the Kerala Assembly premises to formally resign as Nilambur MLA. He has scheduled a crucial press conference in Thiruvananthapuram following his meeting with the Speaker. Anvar, who has decided to serve as the state coordinator for the Trinamool Congress, met Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on Sunday.

Although Anvar has assumed the role of state coordinator to strengthen the Trinamool Congress in Kerala, he has not officially joined the party. This appears to be a precautionary move to avoid disqualification as an MLA under the anti-defection law. However, since the Trinamool has officially announced his membership, there were indications that disqualification proceedings might soon follow. Anvar’s resignation is seen as a preemptive step to counter this.

Sources close to Anvar reveal that Mamata Banerjee has advised him to resign as an MLA and contest a byelection. It is believed that a byelection would help the party gain greater visibility in Kerala. Additionally, the byelection might force the UDF to accelerate its decision on including the Trinamool in their alliance.

The UDF has reportedly conveyed to Anvar that discussions regarding coalition expansion could align with the election timeline. If a byelection is held in Nilambur and Anvar contests, the UDF will be forced to take a critical decision.