Anvar's Super Sunday: Footfall at Nilambur meeting stuns CPM

Nilambur: A political meeting held by MLA P.V. Anvar in Malappuram district of Kerala on Sunday attracted more attendees than anticipated. Thousands gathered at Chanthakkunnu of Nilambur , where Anvar spoke for two-and-a-half hours. Although his speech didn't reveal any new information, it was closely followed by millions both in person and through media coverage, especially after his separation from the ruling front’s major party, the CPM.

Massive Turnout and Crowd Dynamics

Everyone was keen to see if the people would turn out for Anvar at the Nilambur meeting. As he approached the makeshift stage at the entrance, he faced challenges due to the overwhelming crowd. The speaking platform was set up in an empty area across the road from the bus stand, with local vegetation cleared using a bulldozer to accommodate the large assembly.

Attendees began arriving as early as noon for the meeting scheduled at 6:30 PM. By around 6 PM, the area was densely packed, with people spilling into the fields, occupying the road, and filling nearby buildings. News channels eagerly lined up to cover the event, while enthusiastic groups shouted slogans. Workers from the CPM, League, and Congress also gathered to listen to the speeches.

Anvar's emotional connection with the crowd

At approximately 6:30 PM, Anvar arrived at the venue with a significant group of supporters. The stage, however, could only accommodate five or six people. From the outset of his speech, Anvar sought to emotionally connect with the crowd, addressing various groups including auto workers, farmers, expatriates, students, and young people by name.

Starting with expressions such as “Om Shanti,” “Allahu Akbar,” and “Lord of the Heavens,” he humorously ridiculed leaders who had previously mocked him, also incorporating the slogan “Lal Salaam.” Anvar elaborated on his secular family background, explaining that he was raised by a woman worker and asserting that the anger directed at him for being labelled a communalist was misplaced.

Criticism of the Chief Minister and CPM

Anvar sharply criticised the ADGP and political secretary P. Sasi, specifically targeting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who he accused of protecting them. He reiterated the evidence he had gathered, recalling how he had issued warnings and complaints to both the Chief Minister and the party secretary multiple times.

Demanding clarity from his comrades, he questioned who he should be waiting for. In a pointed reference to party district secretary E.N. Mohandas, who had derogatorily labelled him a “buffoon,” Anvar concluded his speech by asserting that he had never denounced the party or its workers. He argued that his demands were consistent with those raised by the CPM's ally, CPI, questioning whether it was wrong for him to express his views.

Security measures in place

The public meeting was marked by stringent security measures, with over two hundred police officers, including female officers, deployed to manage the crowd. The Nilambur Dy.SP and Malappuram Dy.SP oversaw these arrangements, and the Nilambur Tahsildar was present in case legal action was necessary.

At Anvar's request, police protection was also arranged for his house based on the instructions from the district police chief.