PALAKKAD: A faction of BJP leaders has expressed that the date of the by-election in Palakkad, which coincides with the Kalpathi Ratholsavam festival, need not be changed.

According to BJP National Council member N. Sivarajan, the festival's timing actually works in the favour of BJP as voters from outside the region typically return home during this period. He also said that since most votes in Kalpathi are traditionally BJP-leaning, the current election schedule will benefit the party. He said that he did not know why the district president of the party had sent a letter requesting to change the election date.

The Kalpathi Ratholsavam festival is scheduled to take place from November 13 to 15, with the first chariot festival happening on November 13. Congress, CPI-M, and BJP have collectively requested the Election Commission to avoid holding elections on this date, as it coincides with this festival.