Synopsis
In a significant political development, AITC Kerala Coordinator P.V. Anvar arranged for a meeting between AITC leaders Derek O’Brien and Mahua Moitra and IUML chief Panakkad Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal in Malappuram. Following the meeting, Thangal stated that no political discussions took place, emphasizing the need to strengthen alliances ahead of elections.Key Takeaways
- Anvar coordinated a meeting between AITC and IUML leaders.
- No political issues were discussed during the meeting.
- Anvar's previous conflicts with Chief Minister Vijayan are noted.
- Future political dynamics in Kerala are expected to shift.
- Thangal may address this meeting at an upcoming UDF gathering.
Malappuram, Feb 22 (NationPress) In a strategic political maneuver, All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) Kerala Coordinator P.V. Anvar organized a meeting between senior AITC representatives Derek O’Brien and Mahua Moitra and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader Panakkad Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal here on Saturday.
The IUML, a crucial ally of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), continues to be a significant player in Kerala’s opposition coalition. O’Brien and Moitra serve as AITC members in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, respectively.
After the concise meeting, Thangal made it clear that no political topics were addressed during the discussion.
“They are part of the INDIA Bloc, and we will concentrate on fortifying our alliance as elections draw near,” Thangal stated.
Anvar, who resigned as an Independent MLA backed by the Left from the Nilambur constituency in January, had previously had confrontations with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. His issues arose from alleged misconduct involving Vijayan’s close aide and political secretary P. Sasi, along with senior police official ADGP M.R. Ajithkumar. When his concerns were disregarded, Anvar took to the streets, openly criticizing the Chief Minister and his associates.
After the Congress-led UDF initially rejected his attempts to join their ranks, Anvar sought new political opportunities, traveling to Kolkata to meet with senior AITC leaders, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
This meeting seemed to change the UDF’s perspective. Anvar was shortly embraced into a statewide protest led by Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, indicating a warming of relations.
“I am exceedingly pleased to return to my family,” Anvar expressed. “I assure you I haven’t come empty-handed. If the UDF regains power, we will ensure that man-animal conflicts in the state are effectively managed.”
With Anvar facilitating the visit of AITC’s senior leadership to Kerala and enabling their meeting with the IUML leader, political dynamics are poised for further transformation.
It is anticipated that Thangal will mention this meeting at the high-level UDF gathering scheduled for later this month.
With Anvar’s resignation and his promise to support the Congress candidate in the by-election, along with the AITC leaders' visit, it seems only a matter of time before Anvar and the AITC achieve an official entry into the Congress-led UDF.
