No significant dip in polling at UDF strongholds, 12-15k margin likely in Palakkad: Shafi Parambil
Shafi dismissed BJP's claims that the low voter turnout would hurt Congress.
Shafi dismissed BJP's claims that the low voter turnout would hurt Congress.
Shafi dismissed BJP's claims that the low voter turnout would hurt Congress.
Palakkad: Vadakara MP and former Palakkad MLA Shafi Parambil expressed confidence on Wednesday that the UDF would win the Palakkad Assembly byelection with a majority of 12,000 to 15,000 votes.
Shafi dismissed BJP's claims that the low voter turnout would hurt Congress. "Compared to 2021, there is a difference in polling percentage, but this trend was observed across Palakkad. In Pirayiri, a Congress stronghold, polling improved compared to past two elections. Conversely, in the BJP stronghold of the West, there was a significant decline. In Kalpathy, 88 identified BJP voters abstained from voting," he said.
LDF candidate P Sarin also expressed confidence in securing a similar majority, claiming that both UDF and BJP voters had shifted their support to the LDF.
Polling for the byelection concluded with a voter turnout of 70.51 per cent, down from 75.44 per cent in 2021. According to the Election Commission, 1,37,302 voters out of a total 1,94,706 cast their votes. Results are set to be announced on November 23.