Malappuram: Choosing not to join the high-decibel ending to the public campaigning for the bypoll in Nilambur, former MLA P V Anvar said that his party would not show its strength through Kalashakott. Instead, they would focus on door-to-door campaigning and fight against what he called “Pinarayism.” Anvar told Manorama News that the election result would reflect this approach.

Meanwhile, Nilambur town saw a grand and colourful end to weeks of campaigning on the final day of public canvassing ahead of the bypoll. Supporters from all political fronts filled the streets with songs, slogans, and flags, turning the town into a festive ground. Party workers wore hats and clothes with party symbols and shouted campaign messages over loudspeakers.

Although the Kalashakottu was scheduled to begin at 5 pm, many workers reached the main centres by 3 pm. The skies cleared by late afternoon, adding to the excitement and colours on the streets.

UDF holds vibrant roadshow
UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath reached Nilambur around 4 pm after starting a roadshow from Vazhikkadavu at 1 pm. UDF supporters welcomed him with loud cheers. The march stretched from the Government School on CNG Road to the Urban Bank. At Edakkara, the rally extended from the new bus stand to halfway through the Indira Gandhi Bus Stand. Tricolour balloons and party flags added colour to the procession.

LDF draws huge crowd
LDF candidate M Swaraj led a massive roadshow that started in Marutha and passed through several areas, including Vazhikkadavu, Edakkara, Chungathara, Muttikkadavu, Palengara, Karulai, and Pookkottumpadam before reaching Nilambur. Hundreds of supporters danced, shouted slogans, and waved flags with the party's sickle-and-hammer symbol. The rally ended at Stationpadi after passing through Maharani Junction.

NDA closes campaign with DJ beats
The NDA campaign finale started from Hospital Road Junction and featured DJ music, dancing, and a live band. Supporters wore saffron caps and T-shirts with the candidate’s picture. NDA candidate Mohan George joined the celebration after completing door-to-door visits in Edakkara.

Voting in the constituency is scheduled for Thursday from 7 am to 6 pm. Wednesday is dedicated to silent campaigning. Officials said 91 counting officials and seven assistant returning officers have been appointed, PTI reported.

Home voting has begun for elderly and differently abled people. Out of 2,302 voters with disabilities and 1,370 above the age of 85, about 1,254 have opted to vote from home. Postal voting started on Monday and will continue till June 16.

Meanwhile, police in Kerala have completed security arrangements for the by-election. District police chief R Vishwanath said around 1,200 police personnel, including CISF, CAPF, and Armed Police Battalion forces, will be deployed.

Patrol teams, Quick Response Teams, and border checkposts are already active. Special arrangements have been made under the Centre's "Special Bandobast Scheme" in Maoist-affected and other sensitive areas. Security has been tightened at Chungathara Mar Thoma Higher Secondary School, which will serve as the strong room and counting centre, police said.

Malappuram District Collector and Election Officer V R Vinod said that more than 2.32 lakh people are set to vote in the upcoming byelection. The final voter list includes 1,13,613 men, 1,18,760 women and 8 transgender persons, with 7,787 first-time voters, 373 overseas voters, and 324 service voters, the Collector added.

Phone-free zone
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has instructed voters not to bring mobile phones into the polling booths. The Malappuram District Collector has requested that voters follow these instructions on polling day.