UDF Triumphs in Nilambur Bypoll, Retakes Assembly Seat in Kerala🎉

Nilambur Assembly Byelection 2025: UDF’s Resounding Victory 🎉

Aryadan Shoukath of the United Democratic Front (UDF) clinched a decisive victory in the Nilambur Assembly byelection, defeating the Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate M. Swaraj by an impressive margin of 11,077 votes.

Counting and Results📊

The counting, held at Mar Thoma Higher Secondary School, Chungathara, on Monday (June 23, 2025), confirmed the UDF’s strong comeback as votes cast on June 19 were tallied.

Mr. Shoukath established an early lead and maintained a comfortable advantage throughout all 19 rounds of counting. He secured 77,737 votes (44.17%), while Mr. Swaraj garnered 66,660 votes (37.88%).

AITC’s Surprise Factor🔍

Emerging as an unexpected factor, All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) State convener P.V. Anvar, contesting as an Independent, received a remarkable 19,760 votes (11.23%). This surprising performance caused ripples in both UDF and LDF camps.

BJP’s Lackluster Performance🗳️

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) failed to make a mark in Nilambur. Its candidate Mohan George managed only 8,562 votes (4.9%). The party’s strategy to attract Christian farmers by fielding a Christian candidate did not yield results.

Leaders React🎙️

Celebrating the result, UDF chairman and Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan described Mr. Shoukath’s win as a clear endorsement of the alliance’s unity and relentless efforts. He specifically commended the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) for its vital contribution and hailed the verdict as a morale booster ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

In response, CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan criticised the UDF’s victory, attributing it to communal consolidation — an allegation raised by the LDF since the start of the campaign.

A Tribute to Aryadan Mohammed💐

An emotional Mr. Shoukath dedicated the win to his late father, veteran Congress leader Aryadan Mohammed, expressing his wish that he were alive to witness the UDF reclaim Nilambur from the LDF.

LDF’s Takeaway🔎

Meanwhile, Mr. Swaraj downplayed suggestions that the result signalled a rejection of the State government’s policies. He argued that local factors likely influenced the outcome more than broader governance issues and assured that the LDF would introspect and address any shortcomings.

Key Takeaway✅: The Nilambur byelection result is seen as a significant boost for the UDF, setting the stage for a charged political landscape ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.