Nilambur: The Congress party is fully prepared to face the upcoming by-election, said V.S. Joy, President of the Malappuram District Congress Committee (DCC). Speaking to reporters on Sunday following the announcement of the Nilambur assembly constituency by-election date, Joy remarked that there had been an earlier perception that the election would be announced sooner and that the monsoon would be delayed. “However, things have turned out the other way round,” he said.

“Congress has already completed all preparations for a resounding victory. There is no confusion regarding our mission,” he asserted. Joy is among the leaders being considered by the party as a potential candidate for the by-election.

“Given the shift in weather conditions, our campaign activities may be affected. Nonetheless, we believe the adverse weather may actually turn in favour of the United Democratic Front (UDF). The political climate in Nilambur is conducive to ensuring our candidate’s victory. As far as the selection of the candidate is concerned, only some minor technical hurdles remain. The high command will announce the name of the candidate soon, which will help clear the air,” he added.

“The people of Kerala are eager to teach the Pinarayi government a lesson. The political slogan being raised by the UDF, along with the circumstances that led to the Nilambur by-election, are central themes of this contest,” he said.

The by-election was necessitated by the resignation of P.V. Anvar, a member of the Left Democratic Front (LDF). It is scheduled to be held on 19 June, with vote counting on 23 June. The official notification regarding the election will be released on 26 May. By-elections have been announced for five constituencies across four states.

This marks the fifth by-election since the second Pinarayi government assumed office. In the previous four by-elections, both the UDF and the LDF retained their respective seats — the UDF in Thrikkakara, Puthuppally, and Palakkad, and the LDF in Chelakkara. With only a few months remaining until the general assembly elections, the Nilambur by-election has become a prestigious contest for both political fronts.