Kerala Assembly Elections Record High Voter Turnout Amid Sweltering Heat
After nearly a month of intense campaigning, voters across Kerala turned out in large numbers on Thursday, braving sweltering heat to exercise their franchise. By 10 pm, polling had reached 78.24%, surpassing the 74.06% recorded in the 2021 Assembly elections, with the final figure likely to cross 80%. This reflects a strong democratic engagement in the state.
Constituency-Wise Turnout Highlights
Polling exceeded 80% in several constituencies, showcasing widespread participation. Chittur recorded the highest turnout at 84.63%, followed closely by Kunnamangalam at 84.46% and Kunnathunadu at 84%. In contrast, Ranni saw the lowest turnout at 68.99%. Although voting officially ended at 6 pm, long queues persisted at many booths well beyond the stipulated time, indicating sustained voter enthusiasm.
Historical Context and Early Momentum
By 1 pm, nearly 49% of the electorate had voted, reflecting strong early momentum. While polling was slow in some booths during the initial hour, it picked up after 8 am and continued steadily throughout the day. Historically, the state registered 80.54% polling in the 1987 elections, with the highest-ever turnout recorded at 85.72% in 1960, according to PIB data.
Party Predictions and Electoral Process
Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar noted that the special intensive revision of electoral rolls had an impact, but polling remained largely smooth and peaceful. A significant number of first-time voters participated, adding to the vibrant electoral process. Among prominent early voters were Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Opposition Leader V D Satheesan, KPCC President Sunny Joseph, and BJP State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar. Actors such as Mammootty, Mohanlal, Suraj Venjaramoodu, and Asif Ali also cast their votes.
Statements from Political Leaders
Vijayan expressed confidence in the LDF retaining power, stating, "False propaganda cannot defeat the LDF. We trust the people, and the people trust us. Our journey with them over the past ten years will continue." Satheesan claimed the UDF would cross 100 seats, asserting, "There is a clear wave in favour of change." Chandrasekhar predicted a hung verdict, emphasizing that the BJP would emerge as a decisive force, saying, "The vision of a developed Kerala has resonated with the people."
Incidents and Outreach Efforts
Polling was largely peaceful, though a few incidents were reported. In Uduma, police detained an election agent of a UDF candidate for allegedly using spectacles fitted with a hidden camera inside a polling booth. In Manjeswaram, polling was briefly halted at Badaje Govt LP School due to a mismatch between votes cast and the machine count. At Pilicode in Thrikkaripur, UDF candidate Sandeep Warrier alleged bogus voting and assault on an agent, while the LDF accused him of threatening officials.
In Payyannur constituency, UDF-backed independent candidate V Kunhikrishnan alleged that CPM workers indulged in widespread bogus voting in areas like Karivellur, Vellur, Karamel, and Ettukudukka. In Cherthala, the UDF lodged a complaint against a presiding officer for allowing two men to cast votes on behalf of their expatriate sons. In Kannur, a Congress worker was detained for allegedly stabbing a CPM activist in Mayyil.
On a positive note, outreach efforts included Gen Z voters in Thiruvananthapuram being greeted with halwa boxes and thank-you cards, with the CEO interacting with young voters at a Kowdiar booth. In Thrissur, a voter collapsed and died shortly after casting his vote in Vaniyampara; he was rushed to the hospital but declared dead.
