Polling begins in state, long queue witnessed in several booths

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Voting began at 7 am on Thursday all over the state for the assembly elections. There are 2,71,42,952 voters to choose 883 candidates. One can cast their vote till 6 pm. Mock polls started at many booths around 6.30 am. Long queues of voters are witnessed in many booths.

The distribution of polling materials to 30,495 polling booths in 140 constituencies was completed yesterday. The LDF is confident that the people will give them a continuation of the government by approving the development and welfare works of ten years. The UDF is determined that the tireless efforts made to bring anti-government sentiments to the people will return them to power. The NDA's goal this time is not to open its account again, but to convince others the momentum of growth. After the final stages of the campaign, all three fronts are overconfident.

UDF candidate of Palakkad Ramesh Pisharody said the wind is in favor of the UDF in Kerala. Ramesh Pisharody responded that money for votes is a sight unseen in Kerala and is an anti-democratic measure.

‘This is a crucial election. We believe that the people will create a big change. We are asking for an opportunity not to go to the assembly and create a ruckus. Not to break the computer. We are asking for votes to solve the problems of the people. A hung assembly will come in Kerala. BJP will become a decisive force,' said Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the NDA candidate of Nemom.

‘This is an important election that will decide the future of Kerala, because we are taking a step towards a developed Kerala. We have achieved great achievements in all sectors. We want that there should be no break in development. Only the LDF can take the state forward. Least corruption is seen in Kerala. A lot of development has been done in Kerala. Everyone remembers the things that have happened 10 years ago. People know what the LDF rule was like for 10 years. This time, LDF will win by winning more seats,' Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told media after casting his vote.

League state president Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal said the UDF will come to power with a record majority. He said that the UDF will continue the momentum it has made since the last Lok Sabha elections and will sweep the finals.

Four lotuses will bloom in Thiruvananthapuram, Karamana Jayan told media. Opposition leader V D Satheesan came with his family to cast his vote. He told media that the Congress will come back to power by winning more than 100 seats.

Actor Mohanlal casts his vote at Mudavanmugal in Thiruvananthapuram.

Polling is also being held in Assam and Puducherry today.