Congress seeks to forge a lasting pact with Anvar, but is undecided on the compact’s nature

Congress leadership’s closed-door parley with All India Trinamool Congress  (TMC) State convener P.V. Anvar, here on Wednesday was reportedly a precursor to the United Democratic Front (UDF) forging a lasting pact with the former Left Democratic Front (LDF) independent legislator-turned- mutineer. 

However, a Congress insider said the meeting was undecided on the character of the compact.

Nevertheless, he said, the upcoming byelection in the Nilambur Assembly constituency imbued the conclave with an urgency to cobble together a political understanding with Mr. Anvar. 

A TMC office-bearer said Mr. Anvar had informed the Congress leadership that including his party in the United Democratic Front (UDF) alliance would supercharge the Opposition campaign. However, he said, Mr. Anvar ruled out abandoning the TMC for a berth in the UDF.

Nevertheless, the Congress’s State leadership reportedly hesitated to commit to Mr. Anvar, given the party’s strained relationship with the TMC in West Bengal.

Moreover, the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) required the All India Congress Committee’s (AICC) approval for any pact with the TMC in Kerala, regardless of who headed the outfit in the State.

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan told reporters that the UDF would decide Mr. Anvar’s inclusion in the Opposition alliance. He said the Congress was hard-pressed to make a unilateral announcement. “Consensus among alliance partners is paramount. In the UDF, every ally is heard,” he added.

Mr. Satheesan said Mr. Anvar, having represented the Nilambur Assembly constituency for nine years,  could contribute immensely to the UDF’s win in the byelection. He said Mr. Anvar had offered unconditional support for the UDF and remained a valued fellow traveller.

Mr. Anvar told the media that the TMC would support the UDF candidate in Nilambur.  “The UDF reserves the right to choose its candidate. The TMC will work for the UDF candidate, irrespective of the individual”, he said.

Mr. Satheeshan hosted the meeting at his official residence in Cantonment House. KPCC president K. Sudhakaran, senior leader, and permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee, Ramesh Chennithala.