Kerala: 76 per cent turnout in 1st phase

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Voters turned out in droves in the first phase of the local polls across seven districts, registering a tally of 76.20 percent in what is touted as the dress rehearsal for the Assembly elections. The tally was inclined to move up, bettering the 76.32 per cent in 2010.

Senior Congress leader A K Antony claimed that the outcome would surpass the UDF victory in the Aruvikkara by-election while CPM politburo member Pinarayi Vijayan predicted the disintegration of UDF after the vote count and BJP State president V. Muraleedharan felt voters would rebuff both UDF and LDF.

SNDP leader Vellapally Natesan told DC that the BJP leadership had not done their homework, indicating that the tie-up with BJP hadn’t worked well on the ground.

The highest polling as per the State Election Commission was witnessed in Wayanad at 82.02  per cent followed by Idukki 80.85, Kozhikode 77.64, Kasargod 78.46, Kollam – 73.67, Kannur – 78.03 and Thiruvananthapuram  69 per cent.

Barring sporadic incidents of violence, polling was peaceful. UDF booth agent U Pavithran sustained serious injury in one eye in attack by rivals at Payanur.

Another UDF booth agent was assaulted in Chittarikkal in Kasargod. Crude bombs were exchanged in CPM- League clash at Taliparmaba in Kannur. Several vehicles were damaged causing traffic jam on the national highway.

UDF candidate Reshma Gopan was attacked allegedly by LDF supporters at Pariyaram and CPM candidate Lettice Jerome was assaulted at Perinadu in Kollam. In Kasargod, two people died during polling. Electronic voting machines developed snags at 20 places.

Rains affected the polling in the initial hours but the momentum picked up later on. However, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasarogd and Wayand witnessed brisk polling since 7 am.

Voters thronged polling stations towards the evening in all districts with voting going up to 7 pm in a few booths, especially in Kannur.

UDF and LDF were engaged in a direct fight in the majority of the corporations, municipalities, block, district and gram panchayats. But the BJP, with the backing of SNDP, has made a strong bid for triangular contests in many wards.

In 2010 polls, the LDF had a slight upper hand in corporations while UDF romped home in municipalities, block, district and gram panchayats.

The LDF is confident that corruption cases like bar bribe case, poor fund allocation for local bodies, financial crisis and anti-incumbency will help the Opposition.  

The UDF on the other hand claims it will repeat the performance on the strength of the government’s achievements and Oommen Chandy’s charisma.  In many ways the local polls are seen as a direct fight between Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan and Mr Chandy.

In Thiruvananthpuram corporation, LDF ruled with the lead of just one councillor.  The UDF is also making a strong bid to capture the corporation while the BJP, which had taken lead in 60 of the 100 wards during Lok Sabha polls in 2014, is hoping to fare better. In rest of the local bodies in the district, both the fronts were almost neck to neck in 2010.

Another battle royal was witnessed in the newly created Kannur Corporation. The outgoing municipality was held by UDF. 

The LDF, which had a clear lead in municipalities, gram panchayts, district panchayat and block panchayat is claiming to do even better this time despite the controversy over fielding Fazal murder accused Karayi Rajan and Karayi Chandrashekharan.

BJP claimed to make inroads in Thalassery, Payyaur , Cheravanchoor . The UDF is making a strong bid to capture Kozhikode Corporation which has been held by the LDF for over four decades. It hopes to cash in on the anti-incumbency factor.

However, LDF is confident of regaining the corporation. The LDF, which had faced a setback some rural areas in the district owing to SJD exit and formation of RMP, is making serious bid to recover lost ground.

LDF and UDF claimed better performance in Idukki district. While the LDF claimed that the High Range Samrkashna Samiti would teach the UDF a lesson over Kasturirangan issue, the UDF is confident of retaining the district. The BJP which had an uderstanding with the SNDP hopes to do well.

In Kollam, both LDF and UDF have tested waters without RSP and Kerala Congress (B) this time around. The changes in the front would also reflect in the verdict. 

Voter list revision begins

The Election Commission of India has initiated steps to update the voters’ list of Assembly constituencies. Though it is a routine annual procedure, this time it assumes  significance as the state will have Assembly polls in another five months.

The commission published the draft voters’ list on Monday and those who attain the age of 18 by January 1, 2016 or prior to that can apply for enrolment in the voters’ list.

Applications should be submitted online on www.ceo.kerala.gov.in, said a statement from the chief electoral officer.

The application for change of constituency and corrections can also be submitted for which the last date is November 30.

The draft voters’ list is published on the commission website (www.ceo.kerala.gov.in),  at  district collectorates and taluk offices. 

Free online applications can be submitted  through the voter help desks at district collectorates. Akshaya centres would charge Rs 25  per application. Doubts can  be cleared over toll-free number 1950, said the statement.