Nilambur Assembly By-election sees 70.76% voter turnout by 5 PM
The polling process has been reported to be smooth, with robust arrangements to ensure a fair and secure election.
Malappuram District Collector VR Vinod, overseeing the by-election, stated, 'We have identified 14 booths as critical polling stations, including three located inside forest areas. Additionally, 11 polling stations were designated as critical based on police inputs. Micro observers have been deployed at all critical polling stations, and webcasting has been arranged across all 263 polling stations to ensure transparency.'
Vinod further noted that adequate police security has been deployed, and all officers are well-trained.
'Seven Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) developed minor issues but were promptly replaced. The polling process is proceeding smoothly without any major disruptions,' he added.
The polling, conducted under tight security arrangements, is part of the AC-Bye Election 2025.
Polling in Kerala's Nilambur started today at 7 am.
The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has fielded M Swaraj, the United Democratic Front (UDF) has fielded Aryadan Shoukath, while the BJP has fielded Adv. Mohan George is a candidate for the Nilambur Assembly constituency.
United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Aryadan Shoukhath expressed confidence in a UDF victory for the constituency, saying that the state government has 'totally neglected Nilambur area,' with tribals not being rehabilitated and human-animal conflict increasing.
Earlier, Kerala LoP and Congress MLA VD Satheesan also said that a UDF victory would mark the party's return to the state.
Speaking to ANI, Satheesan said, 'This is a political contest, a direct fight between the UDF and the LDF. It is the semi-final leading up to the 2026 Assembly elections, and we are confident of winning by a significant margin. We see this as an opportunity to hold the Pinarayi government accountable, a government that has been in power for the past nine years.'
The bypoll has been necessitated after the resignation of Left Democratic Front independent legislator PV Anvar, who later joined the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) after his acrimonious break-up with the ruling alliance. (ANI)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
3 hours ago
- Economic Times
"I think we understand each other well": UK PM Starmer, PM Modi share light moment at joint presser
ANI "I think we understand each other well": UK PM Starmer, PM Modi share light moment at joint presser Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart Keir Starmer shared a light moment during their joint press statement on Thursday, as the two leaders addressed the media following their talks in translations were being provided for questions and answers during the interaction, Prime Minister Modi, in a candid remark, said, "Don't bother, we can use English words in between. Don't worry about it."UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded with a smile, saying, "I think we understand each other well."The friendly exchange set the tone for the rest of the interaction, where Prime Minister Modi used a cricket analogy to describe the India-UK partnership. He said, "There may be a swing and a miss at times but we always play with a straight bat," adding that both countries are committed to building a high-scoring, solid partnership. PM Modi's remarks, made during joint press statements with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, came as India and the UK signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the two leaders endorsed India-UK Vision 2035. The Indian Test cricket team is on a visit to England, and the series is seeing an intense struggle between bat and ball."I would be remiss not to mention cricket when India and the UK are coming together, especially during a Test series. For both of us cricket is not just a game but a passion. And also, a great metaphor for our partnership," PM Modi said."There may be a swing and a miss at times. But we always play with a straight bat. We are committed to building a high scoring solid partnership. The agreements concluded today, along with our Vision 2035, are milestones that carry forward this very spirit," he Modi, who was on a two-day visit to the UK, said that day marks a historic milestone in India-UK bilateral relations."I am pleased that, after years of dedicated efforts, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between our two countries has been concluded today. This agreement is more than just an economic partnership; it is also a blueprint for shared prosperity. On the one hand, it paves the way for enhanced market access in the UK for Indian textiles, footwear, gems and jewellery, seafood, and engineering goods," he said."It will also unlock new opportunities for India's agricultural produce and processed food industry. Above all, this agreement will be especially beneficial for India's youth, farmers, fishermen, and the MSME sector. On the other hand, UK-made products such as medical devices and aerospace components will become more accessible and affordable for Indian consumers and industries," he Modi said that alongside the trade agreement, a consensus has also been reached on the Double Contribution Convention."This will inject new momentum into the service sectors of both countries, particularly in technology and finance. It will enhance the ease of doing business, reduce operational costs, and boost confidence of doing business. Additionally, the UK economy will benefit from access to skilled Indian talent," he said."These agreements will boost bilateral investment and generate new employment opportunities in both countries. Moreover, these agreements between two vibrant democracies and major global economies, will also contribute to strengthening global stability and shared prosperity," he added.
Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
PM Modi arrives in Maldives for 2-day historic visit, receives grand welcome from President Mohamed Muizzu
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Malé, Maldives, on Friday, where he was received with a warm welcome by President Mohamed Muizzu along with key members of his cabinet, including the foreign, defence, finance, and homeland security ministers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives a warm welcome from Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu upon arrival in Malé, ahead of bilateral talks and Independence Day celebrations.(Screengrab from ANI) Narendra Modi was received on arrival in Malé by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who had extended the invitation for the two-day visit. Modi was welcomed with a traditional dance performance by children before heading for scheduled high-level discussions. According to foreign secretary Vikram Misri, this is the first state visit by a foreign head of government that President Muizzu is hosting since taking office in November 2023. The visit is being viewed as a diplomatic breakthrough amid a period of strained ties between New Delhi and Malé under Muizzu's administration. Modi will be the guest of honour at the Maldives' Independence Day celebrations on July 26 and is expected to inaugurate several India-assisted development projects during the visit. In his departure statement, the Prime Minister said, "This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries." "I look forward to my meetings with President Muizzu and other political leadership, to advance our joint vision of a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, and to strengthen our cooperation for peace, prosperity and stability in the Indian Ocean Region," he added. The PM arrived in Maldives following a two-day trip to the United Kingdom, where India and the UK signed a landmark trade agreement aimed at boosting bilateral trade by removing tariffs on key goods including cars, textiles, and whisky.
News18
4 hours ago
- News18
Muizzu Welcomes PM Modi As 'Vande Mataram', 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' Chants Echo In Maldives
President Muizzu invited PM Modi to attend the 60th National Day celebrations as a chief guest in Maldives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Maldives' capital, Malé, on Friday. Upon landing, the Prime Minister received a warm welcome from President Muizzu, Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Finance Minister and Minister of Homeland Security. Chants of 'Vande Mataram' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' echoed as Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Maldives for a two-day official visit. Members of the Indian diaspora in Malé also waited enthusiastically for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Maldives. #WATCH | Chants of 'Vande Mataram' and 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' resonate as PM Narendra Modi arrives in Maldives on a two-day official visit — ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2025 The visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is significant, as it marks the first time he is visiting the island nation since bilateral ties were strained by the 'India Out" campaign led by some Maldivian leaders and President Muizzu's pro-China tilt. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited by President Muizzu to attend the Independence Celebrations as chief guest. Posters bearing the message 'Warm Greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi" were displayed across the city, with some banners featuring a photograph of PM Modi. Indian flags lined the streets, and several children were also seen holding paintings and pictures of PM Modi in anticipation of his arrival. (With inputs from agency) view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
