Chennai: The announcement of a new party by dissident LDF MLA PV Anvar is reportedly due to his rejection by the Tamil Nadu ruling party DMK. According to a news portal, after severing his ties with the LDF, Anvar attempted to reach out to DMK leadership. However, they have taken a firm stance, saying that they would not welcome Anvar, given his disconnection from the CPM, which is an ally of DMK at both the state and national levels.

Quoting DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan, a former Rajya Sabha MP, the portal reported that DMK has denied Anvar’s proposal, effectively closing the door on his political aspirations to join a progressive party. Elangovan mentioned that DMK does not have a tradition of accepting rebels from other parties. He further noted that the CPM and DMK enjoy a cordial political relationship, and DMK is unwilling to jeopardize it by admitting Anvar.

Following this rejection from DMK, Anvar announced his decision to form a new organisation under the name Democratic Movement of Kerala (DMK). In a press conference announcing the formation of the organisation, Anvar clarified that it is not a political party but rather a social movement.

DMK NRI wing secretary MM Abdullah, who is also a Rajya Sabha MP, denied reports regarding discussions about Anvar’s potential entry into DMK. “I have known Anvar for the last 15 years, and we enjoy a good relationship. Whenever he visits Chennai, we meet. Anvar is planning to form his own party, and there was no discussion held regarding his joining DMK,” Abdullah said. 

In his press conference, Anvar indicated that there are some technical issues concerning the announcement of the new political party and  discussions are ongoing with legal experts. “There should not be any confusion regarding the name of the organisation. There is a DMK in Tamil Nadu, and now, there is another DMK in Kerala. Stalin is a leader who has credible secular credentials,” Anvar remarked.

He added, “There will be secular and responsible leaders in the organisation to oversee the proceedings. However, they will never present themselves on stage. Relevant issues will be raised at the district levels and presented across the state through a state-wide network system.”

The first meeting will be held in Malappuram, with additional meetings planned for all the remaining 13 districts in the state, Anvar said.