Former MLA P V Anvar Exits Trinamool Congress Over Congress Cooperation Stance
In a significant political development in Kerala, former MLA P V Anvar has announced his departure from the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The announcement was made on Monday, with Anvar citing the party's unwillingness to consider any form of cooperation or seat-sharing with the Congress as the primary reason for his exit.
Letter to Mamata Banerjee Revealed
Addressing reporters in Kozhikode on Tuesday, Anvar disclosed that he had previously written a letter to West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee. In this correspondence, he claimed that several prominent leaders from both the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) could potentially be brought into the TMC fold.
The letter, which the TMC reportedly released on Monday, was sent in November 2025. In it, Anvar argued that merging his political outfit, the Democratic Movement of Kerala, with the TMC would attract key figures from across Kerala's political spectrum.
Missed Political Opportunities
Anvar expressed disappointment that the TMC leadership failed to capitalize on the opportunities he had outlined. "I had only mentioned how a political party can be taken forward in the state's political scenario," he explained. "I had said that the TMC central leadership should talk with the leaders. Had they taken the initiative, the party could have grown more effectively. But that did not happen."
He specifically named leaders like Aisha Potty, P K Sasi, and S Rajendran, noting that many of the individuals he mentioned have since changed political affiliations. Anvar emphasized that these leaders were not necessarily currently aligned with the LDF or CPM at the time of his suggestion.
Political Realignment in Kerala
Anvar's departure marks another chapter in his political journey. Having previously left the LDF due to differences with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, he found himself at a crossroads. "The only viable political path for me is through association with UDF," he stated.
He elaborated on the practical realities of Kerala politics, asserting that "refusing to engage with Congress is impractical" in the state's unique political context. This fundamental disagreement over strategy ultimately led to his decision to sever ties with the TMC.
Broader Implications
The revelation of Anvar's letter and his subsequent exit highlights the challenges national parties face when expanding into regional political landscapes. The TMC's attempt to establish a presence in Kerala appears to have encountered strategic disagreements over local alliance politics.
Anvar's comments suggest that the TMC's central leadership may have missed a critical window to build a stronger foundation in Kerala by not engaging with the leaders he identified. The episode underscores the complex dynamics of coalition politics and the importance of local political understanding for parties seeking to expand beyond their traditional strongholds.
