Election 2019: After High-Voltage Campaign, Kerala Set for Polls

New Delhi: Kerala goes to polls today after a high-voltage campaign by key rivals -- Left Democratic Front (LDF) and United Democratic Front (UDF), along with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance -- focusing on national as well as local issues.

As campaign ended, skirmishes were reported from various parts of the state. In Thiruvananthapuram, clashes were reported after LDF workers allegedly raised the sounds of their bikes, while in Ponanni, UDF workers reportedly created trouble for Left-backed Independent candidate and sitting MLA P.V. Anwar. Alathur also witnessed a high drama when Remya Haridas, the UDF candidate, UDF legislator Anil Akkare and LDF legislator KD Prasannan were injured in stone throwing. Though UDF accused LDF workers of pelting stones first, a video released by a leading Malayalam news channels showed UDF workers hurling the stones first. Prasannan was hurt in the alleged attack, along with some LDF. Later, Remya, too, landed up in hospital, alleging “attack” by LDF workers. Skirmishes were reported in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Idukki

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In Vadakara, when Communist Party of India (Marxist) workers were preparing for an all-women flash-mob in connection with the campaign of LDF candidate P Jayarajan, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) workers reportedly disrupted it, which led to clashes between UDF and LDF workers.

Kozhikode collector Sambasiva Rao has enforced prohibitory orders in Vadakara on the day of polling, restricting gathering of people in Vadakara, Onchiyam, Nadapuram, Perambra and Kunnummal Gram Panchayats. The collector also banned public functions and rallies in the district from 6 pm on April 21 till 6 pm on April 23.

The elections in Kerala saw national leaders from all dispensations campaigning in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the state for four times since January this year, mainly raising allegations against the LDF government in Kerala and chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Read More: Elections 2019: Will Youth And Students Change the Picture of Malappuram And Ponnani constituencies?

UDF’s star campaigner was Rahul Gandhi who is a candidate from from Wayanad. The road show led by Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in Wayanad has served as a booster for UDF activists across the state.

The star campaigner of the LDF was Vijayan, who held public meetings in all the 20 constituencies, highlighting his government’s achievements in the state. He also criticised the Centre’s “anti-people and pro-corporate policies”, including privatisation of public sector enterprises, demonetisation, implementation of goods and services tax, rising atrocities against dalits and minorities, the Rafale deal as well as the divisive agenda of Sangh outfits.

The CPI-M-led LDF is hoping to do well as it feels the people will vote for their three-year rule, which saw deft handling of the crisis brought by the massive floods.#
"Our candidates will win big, as our good governance is being felt by more and more people. At several places, there is an unholy alliance between the Congress, the BJP and the Indian Union Muslim League, which will see the end of the UDF," Vijayan said.

Read More: Elections News Digest: Pinarayi Vijayan Slams Amit Shah

A total of 25,408,711 voters, including 13,111,189 women, 12,297,403 men and 119 transgender, will exercise their franchise in 24,970 polling stations spread across 14 districts on April 23. A record 227 candidates will fight it out for the 20 Lok Sabha seats.