Anvar’s political base crumples as Trinamool State leadership slams his UDF bid

All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) State convener P.V. Anvar appears to be losing his political base with the State unit of the party disowning him and describing him as a duplicitous politician. His bargaining power with the United Democratic Front (UDF) too appears to be on the wane. The dwindling crowds at Mr. Anvar’s programmes have laid bare the reality of his diminishing political clout and support.

The AITC State leadership has ridiculed Mr. Anvar, suggesting he was desperately trying to join the UDF ahead of the Nilambur byelection. The byelection has been necessitated by his own resignation as an independent MLA of the Left Democratic Front (LDF).

A rally Mr. Anvar held at Thiruvambady last week had a poor turnout. AITC workers in the State widely mocked Mr. Anvar’s claims of being summoned by party national chairperson Mamata Banerjee, followed by his sudden health-related cancellation. “Everything is a publicity stunt,” said AITC State general secretary M.K. Ali.

According to AITC State president C.G. Unni, Mr. Anvar will ultimately have to leave the Trinamool forever to become part of the UDF. “We are not desperate to become part of the UDF in Kerala. We are working overtime to consolidate our base in the State. Mr. Anvar has been given a mandate by the national leadership. He appears to be not honouring that,” said Mr. Unni.

Mr. Anvar has held talks with several leaders of the UDF, including the Congress, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the Communist Marxist Party (CMP). The last discussions were held with CMP general secretary C.P. John, who is learned to have assured Mr. Anvar a berth in the UDF if he leaves the AITC.

It was hardly four months since Mr. Anvar joined the AITC after trying his luck with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu and the Samajwadi Party (SP) in Uttar Pradesh. Mr. Anvar’s swift exit from the Trinamool to join the UDF may further tarnish his political reputation.