Kerala: Polling concludes in Palakkad assembly by-poll
Voter turnout low compared to 2021 assembly polls
Thiruvananthapuram: Barring a few minor scuffles between Congress-led UDF and BJP-LDF supporters, the polling for the Palakkad assembly byelections concluded peacefully on Wednesday.
The constituency saw a voter turnout of 70.01% until 7:30 pm. This figure may increase marginally as voters who arrived at the polling stations before 6 pm were allowed to vote using token numbers. Nevertheless, the turnout is expected to be lower than the 2021 assembly elections, which saw a 75.44% voter participation.
A notable triangular contest was witnessed in Palakkad, with the UDF's Rahul Mamkootathil, the LDF's Dr. P Sarin, and the BJP's C Krishna Kumar as key contenders. The necessity for the Palakkad assembly by-election arose following the election of the incumbent MLA, Shafi Parambil, as MP from Vadakara in the May 2024 general elections. Previously in 2021, Shafi had narrowly defeated his closest competitor, the BJP's Metro Man E Sreedharan, by a margin of 3,859 votes.
UDF candidate Rahul Mankoottathil was blocked by protesters at a polling booth in Vennakkara, Palakkad constituency alleging that the Congress leader had entered the booth to solicit votes. LDF and BJP activists claimed the UDF candidate canvassed for votes inside the booth.
Police stepped in following a clash between the opposing party workers. The situation was eventually brought under control by the police.
Earlier, long queues were observed outside polling booths in the morning. However, there was a noticeable slump by noon. Voting activity increased again in the evening, resulting in a significant rush outside the polling stations.