Congress’ lukewarm approach delays Anvar’s UDF entry

Thiruvananthapuram: UDF seems not over-enthusiastic regarding the entry of PV Anvar into the party through Trinamool Congress. 

Anvar sought refuge in Trinamool Congress as the party is known for directly engaging in heated combat with CPM at the national level. This affiliation with a party in the INDIA bloc was seen as a potential bridge to the UDF. With Anvar distancing himself from the CPM, the UDF sees an opportunity to reclaim Nilambur, a constituency it has dominated for decades. However, there are concerns about the lack of foresight in Anvar’s decisions and statements, which could pose challenges in the future.

The Muslim League has taken a strategic stance, stating that it is up to the Congress to make a decision. They also are of the opinion that if Anvar joins the UDF, the responsibility of finding him a seat also lies with the Congress.

Instances of leaders joining national parties and losing UDF membership

Babu Divakaran, who was a leader of the RSP faction, was once a part of the UDF as a constituent. However, when Mulayam Singh's Samajwadi Party (SP) formed an alliance with the Congress at the national level, Babu Divakaran joined the SP, resulting in his removal from the UDF. The reason cited was that the SP was not an ally of the UDF.

Similarly, the John John faction that split from the Janata Dal was retained as a UDF constituent. However, when John John joined the RJD, he too was removed from the UDF, as the RJD was not part of the UDF.

Since Trinamool is a nationally active party, any decision on this matter is likely to be taken only with the approval of the national leadership of Congress.

Mamata’s earlier attempts in Kerala

Even before becoming Chief Minister, during her leadership of the Nandigram eviction protests, Mamata Banerjee had attempted to establish roots in Kerala. On the invitation of the CMP, she visited Thiruvananthapuram and met the families of the martyrs from the protest. Mamata led a march from Statue Junction to the Martyrs' Memorial at Palayam, accompanied by M.V. Raghavan and C.P. John.

She even invited the CMP to merge with the Trinamool Congress. However, M.V.R. rejected the invitation, pointing out that while Mamata’s party was democratic, the CMP was a leftist party.