THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Shafi Parambil, an MP, has expressed concerns that the upcoming by-elections in Kerala will clash with the Kalpathi Ratholsavam, a significant chariot festival, potentially disrupting voting. He stated that he had spoken with the Leader of the Opposition regarding this matter. He also said that the matter would be conveyed to the Election Commission after discussing it with the Congress leadership.

"It is said that the festival will take place on 13th, 14th and 15th. Voting will be affected if it is held on the day of the Ratholsavam. I'm sure that the UDF will win even if the election is postponed by 2 or three days," Shafi said.

"The election result in Palakkad will reflect the will of the people in Kerala. The election in Palakkad will serve as a response to those who tried to disrupt the Thrissur Pooram festival. The candidate will be announced today itself. Everyone is united," Shafi Parambil added.