Thiruvananthapuram,09 April (H.S.):Kerala witnessed a strong voter turnout of 75.01% in the Assembly elections as of 5 p.m., according to the Election Commission, reflecting heightened political engagement across the state. Officials expressed optimism that the final turnout could climb close to 90%, approaching the state’s historic high of 85.77% recorded in 1960.

Polling trends indicated intense electoral battles in several constituencies. Kunnathunad emerged as a key hotspot, registering around 70% turnout, the highest in the state, where LDF’s P.V. Sreenijin is locked in a stiff contest with UDF’s V.P. Sajeendran. In Thiruvananthapuram, Nemom recorded the highest turnout in the district at 65.17%, witnessing a triangular fight involving BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, LDF’s V. Sivankutty, and UDF’s K.S. Sabarinadhan.

Early hours saw brisk polling in Ernakulam district, with Thripunithura leading at 40.6%, followed by Vypen (37.54%), Kunnathunad (37.31%), Thrikkakkara (37.18%), and Aluva (36.89%). In contrast, northern constituencies such as Manjeshwar, Tirur, Ponnani, and Vengara reported relatively slower initial turnout.

Voting proceeded smoothly across 30,495 polling booths, with authorities ensuring that all voters in queues before the 6 p.m. deadline were allowed to cast their ballots. Long queues, including those of prominent political leaders and celebrities, marked the early hours of polling.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed confidence that voters would endorse the Left Democratic Front’s governance and ensure continuity in development. Meanwhile, Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan asserted that the United Democratic Front would secure a decisive mandate of over 100 seats.

With rising turnout and closely fought contests, the electoral outcome is poised to be a defining moment in Kerala’s political landscape.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman