Death & Scandal: Is Kerala headed for another bypoll?

The demise of Peerumade MLA Vazhoor Soman and sexual abuse allegations against Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, which led to clamour for resignation, have sparked speculations of bypoll in Kerala. Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act 1951 says that byelections are not required if the remaining term of the assembly is less than 1 year. The term of Kerala legislative assembly ends in May 2026. So there won't be a bypoll in Kerala. But is it that simple? No, because past instances reveal a different picture.