Thiruvananthapuram: Former Nilambur MLA PV Anvar apologised for his allegations against Opposition Leader VD Satheesan after submitting his resignation to Assembly Speaker AN Shamseer on Monday.

"I made the allegations against VD Satheesan in the assembly at the directive of P Sasi. I apologise to the entire Kerala community for making these baseless claims against the Opposition Leader," Anvar said at a press conference.

Anvar further stated that he would not contest the Nilambur byelection and pledged his unconditional support to the UDF in the constituency. In January 2024, Anvar had alleged that IT companies outside Kerala had paid Rs 150 crore to VD Satheesan to sabotage the SilverLine semi-high-speed rail project. He claimed that the money, transferred from Bengaluru in three stages of Rs 50 crore each, was brought to Kerala in containers and unloaded at Chettuva beach.

Anvar submitted his resignation to the Speaker as a precautionary step to avoid disqualification as an MLA under the anti-defection law. Having decided to serve as the state coordinator for the Trinamool Congress, Anvar met Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on Sunday.