Overview

• CPI(M) state secretariat nominated former MLA M Swaraj on May 30 to carry the LDF banner in Nilambur’s June 19 by-poll
• Aryadan Shoukath filed his UDF nomination on May 31 but enters the race amid tensions over P.V. Anvar’s demands for inclusion
• P.V. Anvar, whose resignation triggered the by-election, has ruled out contesting or joining the UDF after talks collapsed
• The BJP-led NDA has yet to announce a candidate, leaving it absent from a contest seen as a referendum on the state government’s performance
• Campaigning has intensified with rival roadshows and rallies highlighting clashes over welfare record and voter loyalty