High Stakes in Nilambur: By-elections See 59.68% Voter Turnout

The Nilambur Assembly Constituency by-election in Kerala reported a voter turnout of 59.68% by 3 pm on Thursday. The election features key candidates from LDF, UDF, and BJP, amidst claims of government neglect by UDF, portraying the event as a crucial precursor to the 2026 Assembly elections.

In a pivotal moment for Kerala politics, the Nilambur Assembly Constituency by-election recorded a 59.68% voter turnout by 3 pm on Thursday. The election is marked by intense competition among key political players under stringent security measures as part of the AC-Bye Election 2025.

Polling commenced at 7 am with representatives from major parties contesting: M Swaraj for the Left Democratic Front (LDF), Aryadan Shoukath for the United Democratic Front (UDF), and Adv. Mohan George representing the BJP.

UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath criticized the state's government for neglect, particularly in the Nilambur area concerning tribal rehabilitation and rising human-animal conflicts. UDF leaders, including VD Satheesan, believe a win here could signal the party's revival ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, framing this bypoll as a crucial test of the Pinarayi government's nine-year rule. The election follows the resignation of Left Democratic Front independent PV Anvar, who joined the All India Trinamool Congress.

(With inputs from agencies.)