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P.V. Anvar, a former member of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala, has embarked on a new political venture with the launch of the Democratic Movement of Kerala. This move follows a bitter split with the CPI(M) and a perceived lack of welcome within the Congress-led UDF Opposition. Despite overtures to the DMK, Anvar's movement appears to be struggling to find political anchorage.
Anvar's attempt to align with the DMK, a prominent political force in Tamil Nadu, has been met with rejection. DMK sources, while acknowledging Anvar's request for a meeting with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, stated that the meeting was declined due to the DMK's strong ties with the CPI(M) in Tamil Nadu. The DMK's alliance with the Left parties in Tamil Nadu suggests that a meeting with Anvar, who is now at odds with the CPI(M) in Kerala, would not be conducive to their existing political relationships.
Despite the rejection from the DMK, Anvar's movement has garnered support from individuals in Tamil Nadu, particularly from the Nilgiris district, which shares a border with Malappuram in Kerala. Supporters from the Nilgiris, known for their historical links with the DMK, attended Anvar's rally in Manjeri, Malappuram, transporting themselves in vehicles adorned with DMK flags and Tamil Nadu registration numbers.
Anvar's efforts to distance his movement from the DMK, despite the similar acronym, highlight the complexities of his political strategy. He emphasizes a focus on the secular principles of the Dravidian movement, seeking to establish his movement as a broader platform for the people. However, the legal hurdles he faces in forming a political party, including his current membership in the CPI(M)'s parliamentary party in the Kerala Legislative Assembly, add further challenges to his endeavor.
Anvar's ambition is to establish his movement as a counterforce to the “deep State and established political class” in Kerala. He seeks to attract discontented members of mainstream parties, aiming to form an electoral entity capable of negotiating with traditional political fronts in future elections. While both the ruling and Opposition fronts in Kerala perceive Anvar's attempt as a potential game changer in upcoming by-elections, his success remains uncertain. Given his past experience as a leader of the now-disbanded Democratic Indira Congress (Karunakaran), a Congress breakaway faction, Anvar is known for his ability to navigate the complexities of dissident politics.
Source: P.V. Anvar launches new movement, but fails to find political anchorage in DMK in Tamil Nadu