
THIRUVANTHAPURAM: Putting rumours to rest, PV Anwar has resigned as Nilambur MLA, shortly after joining the Trinamool Congress. The decision was made to avoid disqualification under the anti-defection law.
Anwar submitted his resignation to Legislative Assembly Speaker AN Shamser on Monday morning, handing over the letter in person at 9.30 am.
Speaking to the media after submitting his resignation, Anwar made it clear that he won't contest the byelection from the Nilambur constituency.
Unleashing a tirade against the left leadership and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the former LDF-backed MLA said the impending bypoll, which would be held towards the end of the left government's five year tenure, would be the final mail against "Pinarayism."
"Now there's only 482 days left for this government. The count down of this government begins today," Anwar asserted.
A two-time independent Left MLA, Anwar has been at odds with the Left government and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan ever since he raised allegations against ADGP MR Ajith Kumar and the CM's political secretery.
Offering unconditional support to the Congress, Anwar requested the UDF leadership to consider Malappuram DCC chief VS Joy as its candidate for Nilambur bypolls.
Taking a dig at Congress leader Araydan Shoukath, widely perceived as probable UDF candidate from Nilambur, Anwar said he (Shoukath) is more of a cinema-cultural leader.
In a dramatic turn of events before the media, Anwar tendered an unconditional apology to Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan, against whom he had raised an allegation in the assembly sometime back.
Anwar claimed he had raised the allegation against Satheesan as directed by chief minister's political secretary P Sasi.
Speculation had been swirling for some time that Anwar might step down as MLA, particularly after he agreed to work with the Trinamool Congress as its state coordinator. On Sunday night, he announced that he would meet the Speaker in the morning and later make an important announcement to the media.
Explaining the situations that led to his resignation, Anwar said he held talks with TMC supremo Mamta Banerjee over video conference.
"I informed her about the issues faced by the high range population due to man animal conflict. She asked me to take up the matter and fight against it. The decision to resign as Nilambur MLA was taken as directed by her," Anwar said adding that he would go to West Bengal and receive TMC membership from Mamta Banerjee once the Speaker accepts his resignation.
Since deciding to join the TMC, Anwar has faced the legal risk of disqualification. As an independent MLA, joining a political party after being elected could lead to disqualification under the anti-defection law.
Meanwhile, the CPM leadership has downplayed the issue. Speaking to the media on Monday, party state secretary MV Govindan said Anwar’s decision would have no significant impact on state politics. He further stated that the rebel leader would ultimately end up aligning with the UDF.
Later speaking to the media, Anvar said he had emailed his resignation to the Speaker on Saturday itself. The decision to step down was taken as directed by West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool supremo Mamta Banerjee, said Anvar.