PALAKKAD: The election commission has postponed by-polls in Palakkad to November 20 from November 13. The date has been postponed as the Kalpathy Ratholsavam festival is celebrated from November 13 to 15. There will be no change in the dates of Wayanad and Chelakkara bypolls.

All the political parties had requested the election commission to change the election date considering the importance of the festival. Shafi Parampil MP had earlier said that since the by-election will be held on the day of Kalpathy Ratholsavam, he will inform the election commission after consulting with the leadership. Polling on that day will affect the election. Shafi added that even if the dates are changed by two or three days, the UDF would win.

The change in the date was announced when the fronts have started the second phase of campaigning in Palakkad. Palakkad is a battle of pride for all three fronts. UDF is trying to retain the seat through Rahul Mamkootathil. The BJP is trying to win the seat through C Krishna Kumar. Expecting nothing less than a win to wash away the guilt of being relegated to the third spot the last two times, the LDF is also trying hard to win the seat through P Sarin.

Soon after the announcement of the elections, the UDF had announced the name of their candidate. After this, with the announcement of the LDF and NDA candidates, albeit a little late, the city is filled with pictures and symbols of the candidates.