The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) clinched a landslide victory in the Nilambur Assembly by-poll, delivering a significant blow to the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF). UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath emerged victorious, defeating CPI(M)’s M. Swaraj by an impressive margin of over 11,000 votes, signalling a potential shift in Kerala’s political landscape ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
The by-poll, necessitated by the resignation of LDF-backed Independent legislator P.V. Anvar, saw a fierce contest in Nilambur, a constituency long considered an LDF stronghold. Shoukath, son of the late Congress veteran Aryadan Muhammed, who represented Nilambur from 1987 to 2016, secured 69,932 votes, while Swaraj polled 59,140. The victory marks the first time since 2021 that Congress has wrested a seat from the LDF in a by-election, boosting the party’s morale.
The constituency, part of the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat represented by Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, recorded a robust 73.26% voter turnout, highest amongst all the other seats that underwent by-polls on on June 19.
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has hailed it as the victory of the people. She thanked the people of Nilambur for their trust in the United Democratic Front's (UDF) vision and expressed confidence that their support would guide the party forward. "We worked as a team, each one with commitment and single-pointed focus, that is the most important lesson of this success. Heartiest congratulations to Aryadan Shoukath whose dedication and service has shone through and to all the leaders and workers of the UDF whose efforts made this victory possible," she wrote on X. "Most of all a big thank you to my sisters and brothers of Nilambur for your support. Your trust and belief in the values of our constitution, and in the UDF's vision for progress will be the guiding light for our way forward," Ms Gandhi added.
The by-poll saw a notable performance by P.V. Anvar, contesting as an All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) candidate after his fallout with the LDF. Anvar polled 19,760 votes, securing third place and emerging as a dark horse with 11.23% of the vote share. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, Mohan George, a former Kerala Congress member, finished a distant fourth, highlighting the party’s limited traction in the constituency despite its efforts to appeal to the electorates.
