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The BJP increased its votes by about 20,000 in four assembly constituencies in 2016. Upsetting the matrix further is a new entrant named Twenty20, promoted by a business house.
Hibi Eden said that that the total number of voters in Ernakulam assembly constituency is 1,64,534 and 2,238 are double votes.
The local cadre of the LDF and UDF had bullied them, while claiming that those living at rented accommodation will not be allowed to vote.
Wayanad reported the highest turnout (79.46 per cent) followed by Palakkad (77.97 per cent) and Ernakulam (77.31 per cent). Polling was generally peaceful in the five districts and the voting procedure was smooth save for a few technical snags.
UDF's T J Vinod won the bypoll by a margin of 3,673 votes – a meagre figure compared to the front's performance in the past two elections.
The LDF seems to have made major gains in the assembly bypolls in five constituencies after the Sabarimala backlash it suffered earlier this year in the LS elections.
The BJP has got a drubbing with its candidates finishing third in four constituencies. The party finished second only in Manjeswaram.
As many as 9,57,509 voters, including 4,91,455 women and 4,66,047 men, will elect their representatives from 35 candidates in the fray.
The collector said strict direction has been issued to the Kochi corporation officials to clear the drainages in the city on a war footing.
As five assembly constituencies go to polls, there is no perceived threat to secularism. Nairs openly and unapologetically canvassing for UDF and the other dominant Hindu caste, Ezhavas, not so subtly throwing their weight behind LDF.