Aryadan Shoukath Congress’ Candidate For Nilambur
The Indian National Congress has officially announced Aryadan Shoukath as its candidate for the 2025 Assembly bye-election in the Nilambur constituency of Kerala. The confirmation came through a press release issued by AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal on 26th May 2025, stating that the Congress President, Mallikarjun Kharge, had approved Shoukath’s candidature. This marks a significant political moment in Nilambur, bringing to the fore a multifaceted figure whose contributions span politics, cinema, and social work. The election in the assembly constituency which is situated in Malappuram district was necessitated by the resignation of LDF-independent MLA PV Anvar.
Born on 3rd April 1966 in Nilambur, Malappuram district, Aryadan Shoukath is the son of the late Aryadan Muhammed, a veteran Congress leader and former Electricity Minister of Kerala, and Fathima. Raised in a household steeped in political ideals, Shoukath entered leadership roles early, becoming the school leader at Nilambur Manavedan School at the age of 14. His long-standing association with the Congress Party saw him rise to the post of General Secretary of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, along with terms as chairman of the Nilambur Municipality and president of its panchayat—tenures that earned the panchayat a best-in-Kerala award.
Shoukath previously contested the 2016 Kerala Assembly elections from Nilambur but was defeated by independent candidate P.V. Anvar. Despite this setback, he maintained a visible and active presence in Congress politics. Over recent months, speculation had grown around his potential candidacy for the 2025 bye-election, especially amid rumours of his defection to the Left Democratic Front. Shoukath firmly denied these claims, reaffirming his allegiance to the United Democratic Front and the Congress party. He called for unity and asserted that his priority remained strengthening the Congress in Nilambur.
His political career, however, has not been without controversy. In 2023, the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee initiated disciplinary action against him for organising a pro-Palestine rally under the banner of the Aryadan Foundation, which he founded in memory of his father. Despite violating party directives, Shoukath maintained that the rally was non-partisan and focused on human rights. After issuing an apology and clarifying his position, the KPCC lifted its restrictions on his political activities. In an earlier incident in 2020, he was interrogated by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a medical seat scam, though no charges were filed.
Beyond politics, Aryadan Shoukath has left a mark in Malayalam cinema as both a producer and screenwriter. His debut film, *Paadam Onnu: Oru Vilapam* (2003), tackled the issue of girls’ education within the Muslim community and received 15 awards, including a National Film Award and the Best Asian Film Award at the Madrid Festival. He continued to pursue socially conscious cinema with projects like *Varthamanam*, earning acclaim for addressing politically and culturally relevant themes.
His engagement with the cultural life of Nilambur is also well documented. Through the Aryadan Foundation and other initiatives, he has supported literary festivals, theatre productions, and music and writing workshops. He is also actively involved with the Nilambur Co-operative Urban Bank, contributing to community-based welfare and development programmes.
Shoukath holds a BSc in Zoology from MGM NSS Mampadu and is married, with his wife listed as a homemaker in election disclosures.
