Nilambur bypoll: UDF wrests back Assembly seat in Kerala with resounding win

United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Aryadan Shoukath delivered a resounding triumph in the Nilambur Assembly byelection, outpacing Left Democratic Front (LDF)’s M. Swaraj by a significant margin of 11,077 votes as the votes polled on June 19, 2025 were counted at Mar Thoma Higher Secondary School, Chungathara, on Monday (June 23, 2025).

Mr. Shoukath maintained a steady momentum, taking an early lead and consistently extending his advantage over Mr. Swaraj throughout the 19 rounds of counting.

When Mr. Shoukath secured 77,737 votes (44.17%), Mr. Swaraj got 66,660 votes (37.88 %).

All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) State convener P.V. Anvar’s as an Independent candidate was the dark horse of the byelection, polling a significant 19,760 votes and accounting for 11.23% of the total. Mr. Anvar’s impressive tally sent shock waves through the constituency, leaving both the UDF and LDF camps in contemplation.

The BJP’s foray into Nilambur ended in disappointment with Mohan George’s campaign failing to gain traction. He secured only 8,562 votes (4.9%). The BJP’s attempt to woo Christian farmers in the hillsides by fielding a Christian candidate also failed to yield results.

UDF chairman and Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan hailed Mr. Shoukath’s victory as a testament to the collective strength of the team UDF. He lavished praise on the party constituents, particularly the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and its leadership, for their tireless efforts that ultimately paid off. Mr. Satheesan celebrated the victory as a triumph of the UDF’s teamwork and dedication. He said the people of Nilambur gave the much needed fuel for the UDF’s performance in the 2026 elections.

UDF activists celebrating in front of Aryadan Shoukath’s house at Nilambur on Monday.
| Photo Credit:
SAKEER HUSSAIN

CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan fired back at the UDF’s victory, alleging that it was facilitated by communal backing, a charge that the LDF had been levelling since the campaign began for the byelection.

Mr. Shoukath turned emotional when he said that his father, the late veteran Congressman Aryadan Mohammed, was alive to see the UDF wresting back Nilambur from the LDF.

Mr. Swaraj, however, denied the UDF leaders’ claims that it was a verdict against the State government policies. Nilambur’s result may be more about local issues than a rejection of the government’s reforms and development initiatives, he said, adding that the LDF would review the failure and do what is needed.