PALAKKAD: Palakkad DCC president A Thankappan has predicted that UDF candidate Rahul Mamkootathil will win by a majority of at least 15,000 votes in the by-election in the Palakkad assembly constituency. Speaking to Kerala Kaumudi Online, Thankappan said that both BJP and CPM have not been able to pose any challenge to the Congress in this election. He also said that Sarin's exit from the Congress would not affect the party's chances of winning in the constituency.

"Congress will not lose any votes because of Sarin's exit from the party. Moreover, it will also get the votes of CPM supporters in the state. Upon realising that the media was not against the Congress, some people tried to spread fake propaganda by claiming that there was a rift within Congress regarding its candidate in Palakkad," Thankappan said.

"The Congress has not faced any challenges whatsoever in this election. We had started preparations even before the election date was announced. We moved ahead with proper campaigning and we are sure that Rahul will win by a huge majority. The election result will reflect the people's sentiment against the central and state governments. I'm confident that Rahul will win by a margin of 15,000 votes," Thankappan said.