Mon Jun 23 06:30:00 UTC 2025: **News Article Summary:**

Aryadan Shoukath of the UDF has won the Nilambur by-election, wresting the seat from the LDF amidst a strong anti-incumbency wave. While official results are pending, Shoukath holds an unassailable lead of over 11,000 votes. Independent candidate P V Anvar put up a strong fight, initially worrying both fronts, but Shoukath ultimately prevailed by winning over LDF bastions, especially the Pothukallu and Nilambur areas where the LDF vote share dipped significantly. The victory bucks the recent trend of by-elections where the UDF and LDF retained their respective seats. The election saw a 75.87% voter turnout.

**Rewritten News Article:**

**UDF’s Aryadan Shoukath Clinches Nilambur Bypoll Victory Amidst Anti-Incumbency Wave**

**Nilambur, Kerala – June 23, 2025** – Aryadan Shoukath of the United Democratic Front (UDF) is poised to win the Nilambur by-election, unseating the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in a victory fueled by a strong anti-incumbency sentiment. As of this afternoon, reports from counting centers indicate Shoukath has secured an insurmountable lead of over 11,000 votes, though official confirmation from the Election Commission is still awaited. This marks the third time Congress has won a bypoll in Nilambur, with previous victories in 1970 and 1980.

The election outcome defied recent trends where both UDF and LDF have retained their seats in Palakkad and Chelakkara bypolls held in 2024. Shoukath’s win came after a spirited performance from independent candidate P V Anvar, who initially caused concern for both fronts. Anvar garnered a significant number of votes but Shoukath managed to break into traditional LDF strongholds, significantly reducing the CPM’s vote share in key areas like Pothukallu and Nilambur municipality.

“The leakage of CPM votes indicates a strong anti-incumbency,” said political analyst Ravi Krishnan. “While the LDF hoped to rely on their strongholds, Shoukath’s campaign clearly resonated with voters seeking change.”

LDF candidate M Swaraj suffered a major drop in vote share within Pothukallu panchayat and Nilambur municipality, traditionally LDF strongholds. According to preliminary Election Commission figures, Shoukath secured 77,087 votes by the 19th round of counting. Independent candidate Anvar pulled off a surprisingly strong showing, securing 19,690 votes.

The by-election saw a robust voter turnout of 75.87%, with 1,74,667 out of 2,32,057 registered voters casting their ballots on June 19th, despite adverse weather conditions. Campaigning was intense, with issues ranging from local concerns to the Israel-Palestine conflict being debated. Both sides traded accusations of communal politics, reflecting the high stakes of the contest.

The by-election was triggered by a rift between former MLA P V Anvar and the CPM. The Nilambur contest had become a prestige battle for both the CPM-led LDF and the Congress-led UDF as the Pinarayi Vijayan government nears the end of its second term.

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