Despite heightened political fervour and anticipation about the general elections for the 20 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala, the process concluded on Friday with a notable decrease in voter turnout, as the figure stands at 70.22 per cent.
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Kerala records 70.22 per cent turnout
Despite heightened political fervour and anticipation about the general elections for the 20 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala, the process concluded on Friday with a notable decrease in voter turnout, as the figure stands at 70.22 per cent.
In the second phase of Lok Sabha Elections, 33.40% turnout is recorded by 12:20 pm.
Key constituencies include Wayanad and Thiruvananthapuram. Voting continues as citizens actively participate in the democratic process across Kerala.
Other constituencies include Kasaragod, Kannur, Vatakara, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Ponnani, Palakkad, Alathur, Thrissur, Chalakudy, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Mavelikkara, Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Attingal, Thiruvananthapuram
Among these, Wayanad emerges as a focal point, as prominent opposition leader Rahul Gandhi faces off against Annie Raja of the Communist Party of India. Gandhi's bid to retain the constituency he won in 2019 underscores the broader contest between his Congress party and the left-wing forces in Kerala, despite both being part of the national opposition INDIA alliance.
In Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city, Shashi Tharoor, a seasoned Congress leader and former UN undersecretary-general, is vying for re-election against the BJP's Rajeev Chandrasekhar. The BJP, although having secured the second position in the previous elections, faces an uphill battle in Kerala, a state where it has historically struggled to garner significant electoral support despite its Hindu nationalist rhetoric.
Kerala's political landscape is further interesting by the left-wing alliance led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which governs the state. The presence of multiple political players, including the Congress-led UPA and the BJP-led NDA, adds layers of complexity to the electoral dynamics in the region.
The demographics of Kerala, with its significant Muslim and Christian populations alongside Hindus, present a unique electoral challenge for the BJP, which has traditionally relied on Hindu nationalist rhetoric to mobilize support. Despite Kerala's reputation as a Congress stronghold, recent electoral trends suggest a growing presence of alternative political forces, making the upcoming elections a closely watched affair.
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Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Huge queues of voters even after 6 pm
Though the official time for polling ended at 6 pm, huge queues were seen outside polling booths across the state and therefore, the final turnout percentage is likely to go up. Tokens were issued to voters waiting in the queues.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: LS polls concludes in Kerala, voter turnout at 67.27%
Polling in all the 20 Lok Sabha constituencies in Kerala for the 2024 general election concluded at 6 pm on Friday with the state recording a provisional voter turnout of over 67.27 per cent. Though the official time for polling ended at 6 pm, huge queues were seen outside polling booths across the state and therefore, the final turnout percentage is likely to go up
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Turnout reaches 52.25 per cent at 3.20 pm
With less than three hours remaining for the conclusion of polling in the 20 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala, the state registered a turnout of 52.25 per cent at 3.20 pm on Friday. As the day progressed, people continued to queue up in increasing numbers outside the over 25,000 polling booths in the state, braving the rising temperatures, to cast their vote. As the day progressed, people continued to queue up in increasing numbers outside the over 25,000 polling booths in the state, braving the rising temperatures, to cast their vote.
Kerala Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: West Bengal guv CV Ananda Bose predicts high voter turnout in Kerala
After voting in Thiruvananthapuram, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose emphasized the importance of voting in strengthening democracy and the nation. He expressed confidence that Kerala's enlightened voters would exceed even the national percentage in voter turnout.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Polling percentage in Kerala (till 01:30 pm)
1. Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala records 33.4% votes by 12:15 pm.
2. Attingal: Highest turnout at 35.15%.
3. Ponnani: Lowest turnout at 29.66%.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Congress candidate KC Venugopal votes in Alappuzha
Congress candidate KC Venugopal casts his vote at a polling booth in Alappuzha constituency. The contest for Alappuzha marks Venugopal's return to the Lok Sabha fray after 2014. He faces competition from CPI(M) candidate AM Ariff and BJP’s Sobha Surendran.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Triangular fight in Thrissur constituency: 40.05% turnout by 1:10pm
Polling in Thrissur sees a triangular contest with NDA’s Suresh Gopi, UDF’s K Muraleedharan, and LDF’s V S Sunilkumar. BJP targets Christian voters, while Congress banks on Muraleedharan for Hindu votes. Sunilkumar gains popularity for his accessibility.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Thrissur constituency sees 40.05% voter turnout by 1:10pm
Triangular contest in Thrissur with NDA’s Suresh Gopi, UDF’s K Muraleedharan, and LDF’s V S Sunilkumar. BJP courts Christian voters, Congress relies on Muraleedharan for Hindu votes, while Sunilkumar maintains broad accessibility.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Actor-filmmaker Rakshit Shetty casts vote in Udupi
Actor-filmmaker Rakshit Shetty arrives at a polling booth in Udupi to exercise his voting rights.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Voter turnout increases to 38.01% recorded by 1 pm
Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Palakkad, and Wayanad witness significant voter turnout till 1pm, with percentages ranging from 36.87% to 39.71%.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Voter turnout updates and sand Art dedication
Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik creates a sand sculpture to urge voters to participate in the electoral process. Voter turnout in various constituencies: Alathur (11.91%), Attingal (11.83%), Chalakudy (13.13%), Ernakulam (11.44%), Idukki (11.85%), Kannur (12.81%), Kasargod (12.10%), Kollam (10.45%), Kottayam (12.79%), Kozhikode (12.22%), Malappuram (11.17%), Mavelikara (12.94%), Palakkad (13.57%), Pathanamthitta (11.37%), Ponnani (10.47%), Thrissur (12.71%), Vadakara (10.14%).
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Tragic incident at Kozhikode polling booth
A booth agent representing LDF at Kuttichira GVHSS in Kozhikode passed away after being hospitalized due to uneasiness experienced while serving at the polling booth. The deceased, identified as Kuttichira native Anees Ahmed (66), succumbed to the unfortunate incident.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: ISRO Chief S Somanath casts vote in Thiruvananthapuram
ISRO Chief S Somanath expresses his satisfaction after casting his vote in Thiruvananthapuram. Speaking to reporters, he emphasizes the importance of voting, stating, "I am very happy to vote today. Each vote counts. Don't hesitate to come out to vote." Earlier, he joined other voters in queuing up at a polling station in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Union Minister General VK Singh asserts BJP's victory in Lok Sabha Elections
Union Minister General VK Singh declares BJP's nationwide triumph in the Lok Sabha elections, stating, "BJP is going to win all over the country." Expressing confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, he adds, "PM Narendra Modi has given a target of 400 paar and we will achieve that target. I am not contesting this time, and there's a difference between not fielded and not contesting." After casting his vote, General VK Singh shares his perspective with ANI.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Shashi Tharoor's sister optimistic about his candidature in Thiruvananthapuram
Reflecting on her brother's candidature from Thiruvananthapuram, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor's sister, Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan, remarks, "...This election has had its own share of all kinds of brickbats from political opponents but I suppose that is part of the political process. I am very excited and looking forward that his hard work, his commitment to plurality, diversity and development rings victorious and that he comes back with a sweeping mandate."
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: 33.40% Turnout by 12:20 p.m.
The latest official update reveals that the polling percentage in Kerala has reached 33.40% by 12:20 p.m. Notably, Attingal and Palakkad constituencies have surpassed the 35%-mark in turnout. However, Ponnani lags behind with a turnout of 29.66%.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Key statements from Kerala Polling Stations
After casting her vote in Thrissur, BJP's Alappuzha candidate Shobha Surendran expressed her views, stating, 'There has been no change or development in Kerala... People have trust in Modi ji's guarantee. We are ready to work to serve the people. The atmosphere will certainly change in Kerala.'
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: ISRO Chief S Somanath joins voters in queuing up at a polling station in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Congress's MK Raghavan seeks re-election from Kozhikode
MK Raghavan of the Congress is seeking re-election from the Kozhikode Lok Sabha seat. He faces competition from senior BJP leader MT Ramesh and Elamaram Kareem of CPI(M).
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Brisk polling in Kerala;19.06% turnout in first 3 hours
The Kerala Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 2 witnesses brisk polling across the 20 Lok Sabha seats, with a turnout of 19.06% recorded by 10:20 am. Despite tight security arrangements, the election process progresses smoothly, albeit occasional electronic voting machine (EVM) breakdowns reported in some booths across the state.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Tharoor confident of victory in Kerala Lok Sabha Elections 2024
Shashi Tharoor states "I am fully confident because I have seen harmony from one end of the constituency to the other." As the Kerala Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 2 unfolds, Tharoor affirms, "People have given me the same enthusiasm, support, and goodwill in the three elections that I am going to get. I am confident that I will emerge as the winner."
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: BJP candidate Anil Antony asserts Pro-Modi wave in Pathanamthitta
Anil Antony, BJP candidate from Pathanamthitta, asserts the unprecedented momentum behind Prime Minister Modi's leadership, citing it as the first instance in India's history where a two-time sitting PM seeks a third term with zero anti-incumbency. He underscores a nationwide pro-Modi wave, expressing confidence in a historic mandate for the BJP.
Antony emphasizes the significance of the election beyond Kerala, portraying it as a national event. He predicts a sweeping victory, aiming for over 370 seats for the BJP and more than 400 seats for the coalition, with a substantial share from Kerala. He concludes by highlighting the perceived anti-incumbency wave against the Left Government in Kerala, anticipating a transformative outcome in the upcoming election.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Senior Congress leader AK Antony casts vote in Thiruvananthapuram
Senior Congress leader AK Antony exercised his franchise at a polling station in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday. Notably, his son, Anil Antony, is contesting from the Pathanamthitta Lok Sabha seat as a BJP candidate.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Shashi Tharoor highlights importance of changing government in Delhi
After casting his vote, Congress candidate from Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram seat, Shashi Tharoor, emphasized the goal of changing the government in Delhi. He stated, 'This is an election far greater than my own future. It is about India's future.'
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Intense battle between CPI(M) and Congress in Kannur
An intense battle unfolds between the CPI(M) and Congress in the Kannur Lok Sabha constituency of Kerala. Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee chief K Sudhakaran contests against M V Jayarajan, the Kannur district secretary of the CPI(M).
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Kottayam leads with 14 candidates
Kottayam Lok Sabha seat in Kerala boasts the highest number of candidates, totaling 14. Local MP and LDF candidate Chazhikkadan represents the Kerala Congress (Mani), while Francis George stands as the candidate of the Kerala Congress (Joseph), an ally of the opposition UDF.
Chazhikadan, who emerged victorious in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls as a UDF candidate, later aligned with the LDF after his party KC(M) parted ways with the Congress due to leadership differences.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Kerala Minister Veena George Votes in Pathanamthitta
Kerala Minister Veena George arrives at a polling booth in Pathanamthitta to cast her vote. In Pathanamthitta, UDF’s sitting MP, Anto Antony, faces LDF’s Thomas Isaac and NDA’s Anil Antony. A controversy involving Anil has boosted the chances of the other two. LDF is banking on anti-incumbency against Anto, while BJP counts on its understanding with certain Church sections.
Kerala Lok Sabha election 2024 LIVE: Actor Fahadh Faasil Votes in Alappuzha
Polling is underway in 88 constituencies across 13 states and Union territories in Phase 2 of Lok Sabha Elections 2024.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: KC Venugopal casts his vote
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Kerala records 12% voter turnout in first two hours
During the initial two hours of polling, Kerala witnesses a 12% voter turnout. The voting process commenced following a mock poll, wherein votes were cast in favor of all candidates, including Nota, as per Election Commission instructions. Actual polling began after clearing the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Approximately 2.77 crore voters will determine the fate of 194 candidates contesting across 20 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state.
Among the candidates are two union ministers, numerous sitting MPs, a state minister, three actors, and several MLAs. Kerala has experienced vigorous and dynamic campaign activities led by the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF, Congress-headed UDF, and the BJP-led NDA.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Shashi Tharoor joins queue to cast Vote in Thiruvananthapuram
Congress MP and candidate from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor queues up outside a polling booth in the constituency, awaiting his turn to cast his vote.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: 8.52% Turnout Recorded by 9 a.m.
According to reports from The Hindu, two hours into voting, Kerala has recorded a polling percentage of 8.52% by 9 a.m., as announced by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Sanjay Kaul. The morning hours witness brisk polling activity across the state.
Here's a breakdown of constituency-wise turnout as of 9 a.m.: Thiruvananthapuram (8.54%), Attingal (9.52%), Kollam (8.48%), Pathanamthitta (8.84%), Mavelikkara (8.88%), Alappuzha (9.02%), Kottayam (9.37%), Idukki (8.93%), Ernakulam (8.99%), Chalakudy (8.93%), Thrissur (8.43%), Palakkad (8.59%), Alathur (8.45%), Ponnani (7.24%), Malappuram (7.86%), Kozhikode (7.94%), Wayanad (8.78%), Vadakara (7.47%), Kannur (8.44%), and Kasaragod (8.02%). The state continues to actively participate in the electoral process.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Congress President Kharge on Elections
Dear citizens, as you prepare to cast your vote, remember the essence of our Constitution: 'We, the people of India.' This election is not ordinary; it's a battle to safeguard democracy from dictatorship's grasp. Don't be swayed by distractions and falsehoods. Your vote matters. Let it shape the lives of 140 crore Indians, says Kharge
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Congress candidate KC Venugopal casts vote in Alappuzha
In the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, Congress candidate KC Venugopal exercised his franchise at a polling booth in the Alappuzha constituency. This contest marks Venugopal's return to the Lok Sabha fray after 2014, as he vies to reclaim the seat lost to the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) in the 2019 polls.
Facing competition from CPI(M) candidate AM Ariff and BJP's Sobha Surendran, Venugopal is determined to secure victory for Congress in the constituency.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE Updates: Suresh Gopi's post-vote statement from Thrissur
After casting his vote, actor and BJP candidate from Kerala's Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency, Suresh Gopi, shared his insights. He remarked, "I know the vibes of people through Kerala, through social media platforms and people who call me from other places. There is a vibrancy towards the petals of 'lotus'. You will see a different Kerala in five years."
Gopi cautioned against detractors, urging voters not to heed their distractions. He asserted, "Don't listen to all these distractors, they live on it. They need only the salary from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha." Gopi's statement reflects his optimism for the future and his commitment to the BJP's vision for Kerala.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE Updates: After the initial hour of voting, Kerala recorded a turnout of 5.62 percent, as per PTI reports
People queued up since early morning outside the over 25,000 polling booths in the state to avoid the hot weather that was likely as the day progressed
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE Updates: Union Minister V Muraleedharan's statement on Kerala Elections
Union Minister and BJP candidate from Attingal, V Muraleedharan, emphasizes the significance of the ongoing election, stating, "This is an election which decides the future of our country and the people of this country have a full understanding of that fact." He underscores the desire for the continuation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "corruption-free good governance."
Muraleedharan expresses confidence in the electorate's alignment with the national sentiment, asserting, "People have decided to give a continuation to the corruption-free good governance of PM Narendra Modi. I am sure that the people of Attingal constituency also will be with the country's mood."
Regarding Kerala, he notes the perceived benefits from the Central Government post-2014, stating, "Kerala has received benefits of the Central Government many times more than what it used to receive till 2014." He suggests this as an additional factor influencing voter decisions.
Moreover, Muraleedharan criticizes the state government's tenure, urging voters to use the election as an opportunity to voice dissent: "This will be an opportunity for the people of Kerala to cast their vote against the misrule of the Kerala Govt which has been there for the last 8 years. I am sure they will utilise it for that."
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE Updates: The second phase of the Lok Sabha Election in Kerala is underway
With key battlegrounds like Wayanad and Thiruvananthapuram in focus. The constituencies participating in this phase include Kasaragod, Kannur, Vatakara, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Ponnani, Palakkad, Alathur, Thrissur, Chalakudy, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Mavelikkara, Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Attingal, and Thiruvananthapuram.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Voters queue up as Wayanad witnesses triangular contest
People queue up outside a polling booth in Wayanad to cast their vote. In Wayanad, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is up against LDF’s Annie Raja. With NDA fielding BJP state president K Surendran, the contest has become triangular. Facing BJP attack over League flags in roadshows during the last polls, Congress switched to balloons.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Robust security measures in place for Kerala Polls
To ensure a secure and peaceful polling environment, the Election Commission has deployed 66,303 security personnel across the state. Collaborative efforts between Kerala Police and Central forces aim to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process, with 25,231 booths set up at 13,272 locations.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Crucial showdown for 20 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala
Today marks a pivotal moment in Kerala's vibrant political landscape as 194 candidates vie for 20 Lok Sabha seats. Historically a Congress stronghold, Kerala defies national trends, with the INC dominating even in the 2019 polls, while the NDA faced setbacks, failing to secure a single seat.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: NDA candidate Suresh Gopi casts vote in Thrissur
Suresh Gopi, the NDA candidate from Thrissur, exercised his voting right at a polling station in the constituency. Kerala is voting across all 20 parliamentary constituencies in the Lok Sabha polls today.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Kerala leader of opposition, VD Satheesan, joins voters
VD Satheesan, Kerala's Leader of Opposition, exercised his voting right at a polling booth in North Paravoor, falling under the Ernakulam Parliamentary constituency. This marks the commencement of the second phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with voting underway in 88 constituencies spread across 13 States/Union Territories.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Thiruvananthapuram's electoral dynamics, a look back at past three elections
Examining the past three Lok Sabha elections in Thiruvananthapuram reveals a shifting landscape of political competition. From Shashi Tharoor's initial victory to the BJP's steady rise, each election has seen intriguing developments. Tharoor's ability to maintain his lead amidst growing challenges underscores the region's evolving political dynamics.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Shashi Tharoor's stronghold; Thiruvananthapuram's political landscape
Since 1977, Thiruvananthapuram's parliamentary constituency has alternated between the CPI and the Congress, but Shashi Tharoor's influence has remained formidable since his victory in 2009. Despite national waves, Tharoor's position has held firm, with consistent voter turnouts rising in successive elections. Although the BJP has challenged him closely, Tharoor has managed to maintain his lead in the past two elections.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Rahul Gandhi faces strong challenge in Wayanad re-election bid
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi secured a massive victory in Wayanad with over 4.31 lakh votes, the highest margin in Kerala. However, his re-election bid faces formidable opponents this time, including Annie Raja from CPI and K Surendran from BJP.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: BJP's Kerala challenge and Maharashtra ambition face test ahead of Phase 2 polls
As 89 Lok Sabha seats go to the polls in the second phase, attention turns to whether the BJP can break its drought in Kerala. With political temperature soaring after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's sharp criticism of the Congress, turnout dynamics are being closely watched. Senior leaders from both BJP and opposition, including Rahul Gandhi and Shashi Tharoor, are contesting, adding to the electoral intensity.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: High Court directs ECI to prevent double voting in LS polls
The Kerala High Court has instructed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure that each voter casts only one vote in the Lok Sabha elections. The directive came in response to a petition highlighting double entries in the voters' list, with over 3.2 lakh such instances in the Palakkad constituency. The ECI assured that steps were being taken to address the issue.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Key contestants and issues in Kerala's Lok Sabha Elections
Notable contenders in Kerala's Lok Sabha elections include Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor in Thiruvananthapuram, along with Rahul Gandhi and CPI's Annie Raja in Wayanad. Campaigns have revolved around diverse issues like CAA, 'love jihad', and Rahul Gandhi's candidacy. In the previous polls, UDF secured 19 seats, leaving LDF with just one.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Kerala's most significant voters
Kerala's diverse demographic landscape presents a unique challenge for the BJP, with Hindus, Muslims, and Christians comprising significant portions of the population. In its bid to broaden its base, the BJP has actively courted Christian voters by addressing concerns such as the alleged "love jihad". Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaign in the state has focused on development and governance, showcasing national economic achievements. Despite these efforts, critics argue that Kerala has yet to fully benefit from central government schemes due to perceived political bias in resource distribution.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Key electoral battlegrounds in Kerala; Wayanad and Thiruvananthapuram
Wayanad emerges as a crucial battleground in Kerala, with Rahul Gandhi contesting against Annie Raja of the Communist Party of India. Gandhi's bid to retain the constituency underscores the broader contest between the Congress and left-wing forces in Kerala, despite being part of the national opposition INDIA alliance. Meanwhile, in Thiruvananthapuram, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor faces BJP's Rajeev Chandrasekhar in a closely watched contest. Despite securing the second position previously, the BJP faces an uphill battle in Kerala, where it has historically struggled to gain significant electoral support.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: BJP's shifting strategy in Kerala
Kerala's political landscape has long been dominated by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF), leaving the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with a minor role. Despite the significant presence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in the state, the BJP's electoral gains have remained limited. However, recent campaigns have witnessed a strategic shift for the BJP. While retaining elements of its communal rhetoric, the party has moderated its hardcore Hindutva appeals and focused on resonating with Kerala's diverse populace, including Christians and Muslims.
Kerala Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Let's have a detailed look at the polling preparations in Kerala
As Kerala prepares for the commencement of polling on Friday, a total of 194 contestants are contesting for 20 seats, with over 2.75 crore voters expected to cast their ballots. Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Kaul has ensured stringent measures, including the distribution of 63,100 bottles of ink, to prevent fraudulent voting and ensure transparent elections. Notably, there are 5,00,000 first-time voters among the 2,77,49,159 registered voters in the state. Kottayam constituency leads with 14 candidates, while Alathur has the fewest at five. Additionally, Kozhikode and Kollam each have 13 candidates, with Kannur following closely with 12. Out of the 194 candidates, 169 are men and 25 are women, with Vadakara boasting the highest number of female candidates at four. With 66,303 security personnel deployed across 25,231 booths at 13,272 locations, stringent measures are in place to ensure safe and peaceful polling, with Kerala Police and Central forces providing tight security throughout the state as per the directives of the Central Election Commission.
