Wayanad and Chelakkara head to polls today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Polling to begin today at 7 am for the by-elections in the Wayanad and Chelakkara constituencies and will continue until 6 pm. Yesterday, the silent campaign day, saw candidates making final efforts to connect with voters and confirm their support.

In Chelakkara, the contest is mainly between LDF candidate U R Pradeep and UDF candidate Ramya Haridas, with BJP's K Balakrishnan also in the fray. In Wayanad, where Rahul Gandhi resigned as Member of Parliament, the UDF has fielded Priyanka Gandhi, while senior CPI leader Sathyan Mokeri represents the LDF and BJP's Navya Haridas is contesting for the NDA.

Efforts were made to ensure accessible voting for the elderly and differently-abled in Chelakkara, allowing many to cast their votes at home. Out of 925 eligible elderly voters, 85 have cast their votes so far, along with 450 out of 457 differently-abled individuals. Voting was documented on video for transparency.

District Collector Snehil Kumar Singhyan imposed a prohibitory order in the Thiruvambadi constituency, affecting the Wayanad region. The curfew, effective from 6 pm yesterday to 6 pm today, bans rallies, public meetings and processions. Compliance is being monitored by a static surveillance team and a flying squad, with strict action promised for any violations.