Dissident MLA P V Anvar announces formation of new political party to contest Kerala elections

Dissident MLA P V Anvar has announced his decision to form a new political party in Kerala that will contest all upcoming elections in the state. Anvar, who previously won the Nilambur constituency as a Left candidate but has since severed ties with the CPI(M), said the issues he has raised have grown into a movement that will evolve into a political party.

"So, I will form a new political party. Without a party, you cannot contest in elections," Anvar stated during a press conference on Wednesday. Claiming the support of lakhs of young people in Kerala, Anvar expressed confidence that this backing would propel his movement forward. His decision comes amid increasing clashes with the ruling CPI(M) and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Anvar also criticized the recent remarks by the Chief Minister, which were reportedly aimed at gold smuggling and hawala activities in Malappuram district. He alleged that these comments were made to "appease Hindutva communalists and the RSS," accusing the CPI(M) of attempting to secure votes from these groups after the LDF’s defeat in the recent Lok Sabha elections.

However, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) had clarified that Vijayan did not reference any specific place or region, nor did he use terms like "anti-state" or "anti-national activities." Anvar dismissed this clarification as a "drama" and demanded the resignation of the Chief Minister, stating that others within the party were capable of taking up the position.

"I think it is time that the CM resigns from his post. If I were in his place, I would have done so," Anvar said, continuing his attack on the state government. Anvar has been increasingly vocal in his criticisms of the CPI(M) and the Chief Minister, and on Wednesday, he reiterated his intent to go to the people of Kerala to highlight key issues, including the rising human-animal conflicts in the state.

He alleged that this conflict is part of a conspiracy engineered by certain agencies and the forest department and promised to expose those involved. "I will reveal all," Anvar said, as he vowed to continue raising these issues in public forums. With this announcement, Kerala's political landscape is poised for yet another shake-up, as Anvar prepares to take his movement to the ballot box.