Kerala MLA, who snapped ties with CPM, joins TMC

Kerala’s Independent legislator PV Anvar, who snapped ties with the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front in September, has joined the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC).

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This was announced by TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on X. “A warmest welcome to PV Anvar,  MLA from Nilambur, Kerala, as he joins the @AITCofficial family. His dedication to public service and advocacy for the rights of the people of Kerala will enrich our shared mission of inclusive growth. Together, we will strive for a progressive India, where every voice matters and every dream is realised,” he wrote.

Anvar joins the TMC a year ahead of the Assembly elections in Kerala. A two-time CPM-backed legislator, Anvar had a falling out with the party after he openly revolted against the Pinarayi Vijayan government, particularly about the functioning of the Chief Minister’s office and his political secretary, P Sasi. In September, the party announced it had snapped ties with the Nilambur MLA.

Anvar then formed a collective 'Democratic Movement of Kerala', and fielded a candidate in the November byelection in Chelakkara, although it failed to make any impact as CPM retained the seat.

Since his falling out with the CPM, Anvar has been scouting for asylum. He unsuccessfully tried to cozy up to the Congress-led United Democratic Front.

He was arrested earlier this week on the charge of leading an attack on the divisional forest office at Nilambur after a tribal youth was trampled to death by a wild elephant. He was later granted bail. The arrest drew criticism from the Opposition, including the Congress.