Malappuram, June 23 (UNI) Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Aryadan Shoukath was leading with a margin of 8086 votes against CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate M Swaraj in the Nilambur Assembly by-election at the end of the eleventh-round counting held at Chungathara Marthoma HSS on Monday.

UDF secured 48679 votes, LDF – 40593 votes, Independent candidate and former Nilambur MLA P. V. Anvar – 13573 votes, and BJP-led NDA candidate Mohan George – 5452 votes each.

UDF secured a lead in all four panchayats at Vazhikkadavu, Moothedam and Edakkara, including a narrow edge of 800 odds at Pothukallu and Nilambur Municipality, two CPI(M)-controlled local bodies in the district. Now only two remaining panchayats, Karulayi and Amarambalam, are counting; both LDF-controlled panchayats are still pending.

Former LDF-backed independent MLA P. V. Anvar has said, "He got the majority of votes from both UDF and LDF fronts in their stronghold areas, and also added that this is a verdict against the LDF government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's ideology.

Mr Anvar has shown influence among the people since the first round, and the lead of Shoukath Anvar has continued from the first round to eleven rounds.

UNI AK ARN