New Delhi (Agency): In a demonstration of civic responsibility, voters turned out in large numbers for the by-election of the Puthuppally assembly constituency in Kerala’s Kottayam district. Despite intermittent rainfall, the turnout exceeded 50% by 2 pm, showcasing the determination of citizens to make their voices heard.
The polling booths saw men, women, and young individuals lining up early in the morning to cast their votes. The voting process commenced at 7 am, marking a crucial moment in deciding whether the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) would secure the seat previously held by Congress stalwart and former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy for an impressive 53 years. On the other hand, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) aimed to make a significant stride by reaching the milestone of 100 seats in the state assembly.
By 2 pm, the voter turnout percentage stood at an encouraging 51.34%. A total of 90,572 voters, comprising 45,639 men, 44,931 women, and two transgenders, participated in the democratic process. The Puthuppally constituency boasts over 1.76 lakh registered voters, highlighting the significance of this election for the local population.
The by-election became necessary following the demise of Congress stalwart and former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. Having represented the constituency in Kottayam district for more than five decades without any interruption, Chandy’s legacy played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of the region.
The UDF, led by the Congress party, has strategically chosen to field Oommen Chandy’s son, Chandy Oommen, as their candidate. This move is seen by analysts as an attempt to leverage the sympathy wave generated by the former Chief Minister’s passing. The ruling LDF, on the other hand, has once again nominated DYFI leader Jaick C Thomas as their contender. Thomas had previously contested the segment in 2016 and 2021, albeit unsuccessfully, against the late Chandy.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also entered the fray, nominating its Kottayam district president, G Lijinlal, as their candidate. This multiparty contest reflects the dynamic nature of Indian democracy, where various parties vie for the electorate’s support to secure their position in the legislative assembly.
The Puthuppally assembly seat holds particular importance in the broader context of the Kerala Assembly’s composition. The state assembly consists of a total of 140 seats. As of 2021, the ruling LDF holds 99 seats, while the opposition UDF has secured 40 seats. The Puthuppally assembly seat remained vacant following Oommen Chandy’s passing. The present election will influence the balance of power between the two major alliances in Kerala’s political landscape.
With a total of 1,76,417 voters in the Puthuppally constituency, including 90,281 women, 86,132 men, and four transgenders, this election presents an opportunity for citizens to participate in shaping their representation in the state assembly.
In conclusion, the Puthuppally assembly by-election showcases the enthusiasm and determination of Kerala’s voters, who have braved rain to cast their votes. The battle between UDF and LDF for the assembly seat adds an element of political significance to this electoral process, as both alliances strive to make their mark in the state assembly. As the day progresses, the election results will determine the future course of representation in Kerala’s legislative landscape.