PV Anvar, an independent MLA in Kerala’s Nilambur, who parted away from Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] led Left Democratic Front (LDF) officially joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Friday, January 10. TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee welcomed him into the party by granting him membership.
The TMC confirmed his membership through a tweet, with Banerjee also sharing a message welcoming him.
“Warmest welcome to Shri PV Anvar, the esteemed MLA from Nilambur, Kerala, as he joins the AITC family. His dedication to public service and his advocacy for the rights of the people of Kerala enrich our shared mission of inclusive growth. Together, we will strive for a progressive India where every voice matters and every dream is realized!” Banerjee tweeted.
The move happened three months after his fallout with LDF. On January 5, Anvar was arrested for attacking the Divisional Forest Office (North) in Nilambur. He was released on bail on the next day December 6 and said that he is ready to cooperate with Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) against LDF, he had been a part of for over eight years.
Anvar became an MLA in 2016 as an LDF-supported independent candidate. Despite controversies related to land encroachment and illegal constructions, the CPI(M) fielded him again in 2021, and he was re-elected.
In September 2024, Anvar had a fallout with the CPI(M) after accusing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s political secretary P Sasi and ADGP Law and Order MR Ajit Kumar of misusing law enforcement to intercept smuggled gold and misappropriate seized contraband. The allegations led to a major fallout with the CPI(M), culminating in Anvar quitting the party. CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan subsequently announced that the party had severed all ties with him.
Following his departure from the CPI(M), Anvar’s attempts to join the DMK and Congress proved unsuccessful, leaving him politically adrift until his induction into the TMC.