Nilambur: The Nilambur byelection on Thursday recorded a voter turnout of 75.27%, slightly lower than the 76.6% turnout in the 2021 Assembly elections. From the opening of polls at 7 am, most booths witnessed long queues. Despite intermittent heavy rain, voting continued uninterrupted till 6 pm.

A minor clash was reported at the Government Upper Primary School (GUPS) Kurumbalangode in Chungathara after allegations surfaced that LDF activists from outside the constituency were attempting to influence voters. The situation escalated into a verbal altercation and physical jostling between LDF and UDF workers. Police intervened swiftly to bring the situation under control. Three LDF workers, identified as residents of Thirunavaya, were taken into custody and moved to the Pothukal police station.

All major candidates cast their votes early in the day. LDF’s M Swaraj voted at Mankuth LP School and expressed confidence that voter participation would surpass previous records. UDF’s Aryadan Shoukath, accompanied by his family, voted at Shoukath Veetikuth Government LP School. Marking his first election without his father, the late minister Aryadan Muhammed, Shoukath said he was confident of winning with a historic majority. “This is a straight fight between the LDF and UDF. People are frustrated with the Pinarayi Vijayan government. The UDF is on the rise and no one can stop it,” he said.

Independent candidate PV Anvar, who resigned from the Assembly prompting the bypoll, dismissed both main rivals. “Aryadan Shoukath can write stories after the results. Swaraj can head to the AKG Centre. I’ll be going to the Assembly,” he said.

A total of 263 polling stations, including 59 newly added booths, were set up across the constituency. The Election Commission deployed 315 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), including reserves, and 341 VVPAT machines. Special arrangements were made at three tribal forest area booths: Punchakkolli Model Preschool (Booth 42), Iruttukuthi Vaniyampuzha Forest Station (Booth 120), and Nedumkayam Amenity Centre (Booth 225). Fourteen critical booths, including those in Maoist-affected and forested zones, were under enhanced security cover, with webcasting in place at all polling stations.

According to the revised electoral roll, Nilambur has 2,32,381 voters, comprising 1,13,613 men, 1,18,760 women, and eight transgender voters. The roll includes 373 NRI voters, 324 service voters, and 7,787 new voters. Home voting for 1,254 eligible electors was completed on June 16.

Polling was managed by 1,301 officials, including 316 presiding officers, 975 polling staff, and 10 micro-observers. Around 1,200 police personnel, supported by central forces, 17 group patrolling units, and several Quick Response Teams, were deployed to ensure smooth conduct. Extra security was arranged in sensitive areas.

The byelection was triggered by the resignation of sitting MLA PV Anvar, elected in 2021 as an LDF-backed independent. Anvar stepped down after a public fallout with the CPM and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, following serious allegations he levelled against senior police officers and the CM’s former political secretary.