Thiruvananthapuram: The resignation of P V Anvar from his MLA post has set the stage for yet another byelection in Kerala. As political fronts prepare for the 2025 local body elections and the 2026 Assembly polls, Nilambur is emerging as a battleground for an unexpected electoral contest.

Both fronts assert their readiness for the challenge and are making organisational arrangements. However, several leaders have voiced dissent about contesting the byelection. The CPM faces hurdles as it is in the midst of party conferences, while the Congress needs to complete its reorganisation efforts, which were delayed due to the Palakkad and Chalakkudy byelections.

Under the tenure of the second Pinarayi government, four Assembly byelections have already been conducted, with both fronts retaining their sitting seats. The UDF retained Puthuppally, Thrikkakara, and Palakkad, while the LDF held on to Chalakkudy. These byelections were necessitated by the demise of sitting MLAs or resignations to contest Lok Sabha elections.

In Nilambur, the UDF is optimistic about capturing the LDF’s sitting seat, viewing a potential victory as a morale booster for their campaigns in the upcoming local body and Assembly elections.

As per regulations, a byelection must be conducted within six months of a seat becoming vacant. Should the Nilambur byelection be held soon, the new MLA would have a tenure of nearly a year.

The Central Election Commission will make the final decision on whether to conduct the election based on a report from the Chief Electoral Officer. The government’s opinion will also be sought through the Chief Secretary.