After deciding not to enter poll fray, Anvar backtracks
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Kozhikode: Former Nilambur MLA P V Anvar, who claimed on Saturday morning that he would not be contesting in the byelection, backtracked in the evening. He said he had made the statement that he would not contest not because he lacked support, but due to a lack of funds.
He said the situation changed as people approached him, offering funds for his campaign.
"People are offering money, some Rs 5,000 and others Rs 500. They are saying they would take care of the campaign in their respective wards. My supporters are telling me that I only need to file a nomination and they will do the rest," said Anvar.
Earlier in the day, Anvar said he would not contest since he was short on funds. He mentioned that IUML leader P K Kunhalikutty and Panakkad Sadiq Ali Thangal tried to unite him with the UDF, but it did not work out.
He said the reason for this would be revealed to the people of Nilambur later.
Anvar said most of the leadership and workers of the UDF want him to join forces to fight against 'Pinarayism', but there was still no clarity. He also targeted opposition leader V D Satheesan, stating that it was one person who was becoming an obstacle to entering UDF, not its entire leadership.
"One person said it was his responsibility to see to it that the UDF wins without the Anvar's support.
Who is saying that? It's the UDF chairman. He is saying 'all of you move aside, no need for any adjustment and it is my responsibility,"' said Anvar.
He said he had no issue with Satheesan and there was some mystery behind the move. He mentioned that whatever issue was there was settled and that he apologised. Anvar said he knows that Satheesan has no personal grudge against him, but a power is working behind him. He suspects that Satheesan has the support of a group which thinks UDF can win Nilambur without Anvar and silence him through that.
He added that he was inquiring into it, and if he got clear information, he would reveal it to the people of Kerala.
Anvar said the criticism against him is that he did not accept Aryadan Shoukath, the UDF's candidate. He stated he had said he would accept any 'devil' as a candidate and that was an expression to note that he would accept whoever they are. He added that although he likes LDF candidate M Swaraj personally, he was the biggest proponent of 'Pinarayism' in the state.
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