Kerala's Local Body Elections Enter Critical Second Phase

The second phase of Kerala's local body elections sees over 1.53 crore voters choosing representatives in 12,931 wards. Tight security is in place for 18,274 polling stations, with 38,994 candidates in the fray. Kannur district leads with the highest number of sensitive booths.

The crucial second phase of Kerala's local body elections is scheduled for Thursday, impacting seven districts as voters hit the polls between 7 am and 6 pm.

Silent door-to-door campaigning marked the eve of the election, with 38,994 candidates vying for positions in 12,931 wards spanning 604 local bodies, including grama panchayats, block panchayats, district panchayats, municipalities, and corporations.

The State Election Commission reports that 18,274 polling stations are readied for the day, distinguishing 2,055 as sensitive. Kannur district faces the highest vigilance with 1,025 sensitive booths, prompting robust security, additional police, and webcasting services safeguarding the process.

(With inputs from agencies.)