Kerala: Polling begins in Wayanad LS seat
Polling for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala began on Thursday morning amid tight security measures. The seat is witnessing a fierce contest between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, CPI(M)’s PP Suneer, and BJP’s Thushar Vellappally.
The constituency is considered a stronghold of the Congress, with Rahul Gandhi winning it by a huge margin in 2019. However, the BJP has been trying to make inroads into the seat this time, hoping to benefit from the anti-incumbency factor against the Congress-led UDF government in Kerala.
The campaign in Wayanad has been highly charged, with all three major players going all out to woo voters. Rahul Gandhi, who has been focusing on development issues, has held numerous rallies and roadshows in the constituency. Suneer, who is a prominent local leader, has been campaigning on the issue of corruption and unemployment.
Vellappally, who is the son of BJP leader and Kerala’s former Health Minister, has been targeting the Congress and the CPI(M), accusing them of failing to address the issues of farmers and fishermen in the constituency.
The constituency has a significant number of Muslim and tribal voters, who play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the elections. The CPI(M) has been traditionally strong among the tribal communities, while the Congress enjoys support from the Muslim voters.
The outcome of the elections in Wayanad is being keenly watched, as it is considered a test of Rahul Gandhi’s popularity in the state. The seat is also crucial for the Congress, as it is one of the few Lok Sabha seats that it has held on to in Kerala.
The voting process is being monitored closely by election officials, with strict security measures in place. Voters are being allowed to cast their votes at designated polling booths, which have been sanitized and equipped with hand sanitizers.
The counting of votes will take place on May 23, along with other Lok Sabha constituencies across the country.
In addition to the Wayanad seat, Kerala is also voting for 20 Lok Sabha seats in this election.
The state is considered a key battleground, with the BJP making significant inroads in recent years. The Congress, on the other hand, is hoping to retain its hold on the state, which has traditionally been its stronghold.
