The UDF’s sitting MLA Aryadan Shoukath and former India footballer U. Sharafali have begun their respective outreach programmes in the constituency.
With the UDF set to field Mr. Shoukath for a second term, the LDF is preparing to challenge him by backing Mr. Sharafali, who is also the president of the Kerala State Sports Council.
The LDF had initially considered fielding M. Thomas Mathew as an Independent candidate in Nilambur. CPI(M) Politburo member A. Vijayaraghavan had reportedly held discussions with him. However, the leadership was unwilling to accept certain conditions he proposed, prompting a rethink and the selection of Mr. Sharafali.
The choice of Mr. Sharafali, who lacks a political background, has caused mild unease among some local LDF leaders. Mr. Sharafali, however, said the move reflected recognition for sportspersons.
He recently visited the CPI(M) office at Nilambur and met local leaders V.P. Anil and P.K. Sainaba. He is expected to begin meeting prominent figures in the constituency from Friday.
Meanwhile, Mr. Shoukath has started meeting community leaders and voters. UDF leaders believe he could win by a record margin, noting that the LDF currently does not control any civic body in the constituency.
Uncertainty also continues over the possible candidature of V.S. Joy, president of the Malappuram District Congress Committee (DCC). Observers say the outcome may hinge on how neutral voters respond and whether Mr. Sharafali’s image as a sportsperson translates into electoral support.
Published – March 12, 2026 10:23 pm IST
