A tale of conflicts and one dead man voting: Kerala election stories at 71.05% polling

UDF candidate Abdul Rasheed has complained that there are widespread instances of double votes in Thalliparamb, and the alliance has demanded a re-poll in the matter. They told the media that they would officially approach the election commission since even the Anthoor candidate was not allowed into the polling booth. In another incident, unidentified assailants threw chilli powder at UDF booth agent Shamsuddin at booth number 174 in Thalliparamb Veshala.

Meanwhile, LDF candidate and senior CPM leader MV Govindan master told media that the polls in the constituency were peaceful. He said, “K Sudhakaran and others are deliberately trying to create trouble. The clash in Cherur was sparked by Congress activists as they tried to assault the returning officer. The UDF tried to create communal polarisation and it is a conscious attempt to create communal conflict. The clash at Ayyankol was also planned.” He also accused the UDF of trying to create problems where there are no problems.

In another incident, UDF candidate KM Shaji was verbally abused by CPM activists when the candidate came to vote at the Meenkunnu School. On the other hand, the left workers claimed that Shaji started it first. The incident reportedly took place at 4.30 pm. Shaji says CPM activists have been trying to provoke him since he arrived. Meanwhile, LDF candidate Veena George was allegedly attacked in Aranmula by Congress-BJP workers. The attack happened while she was visiting a booth in Arattupuzha.

In a separate incident, Abdul Buhari who was reported dead came to a booth in Thrissur to mark his vote. As he was not able to vote due to the mistakes of the officials, social activists intervened in the matter and demanded his right. After confirming that he didn’t vote anywhere else, the officials allowed Abdul to mark a challenge vote. Meanwhile, polling in Kerala hit 71.05% with just one hour left in the clock.