While the district reported a slightly lower voter turnout compared to 2020, all fronts seem decidedly optimistic about their prospects in Kollam. The final polling percentage in the district has been recorded as 70.09%, which includes 68.8 % male votes and 71.2% % female votes. The percentage of transpersons who cast their votes is 26.09%. While the Kollam Corporation registered a voter turnout of 62.88%, the percentage in the four municipalities are: Paravur 69.07%, Punalur 68.69%, Karunagaplly 73.76%, and Kottarakra 66.19%. Among the block panchayats, Oachira recorded the highest polling percentage of 74.59% while the same in other blocks are as follows: Kottarakara 70.77%, Chittumala 71.89%, Chavara 72.83%, Chadayamangalam 71.36%, Ithikkara 70.1%, Mukhathala 71.65%, Sasthamcotta 74.13%, Pathanapuram 68.28%, Vettikavala 69.95%, and Anchal 68.8%. A long queue of voters at Government Upper Primary School at Kureepuzha in Kollam on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: C. SURESHKUMAR The LDF leadership in Kollam district is highly confident about maintaining its stronghold, particularly within the Kollam Corporation and district panchayat. Senior CPI(M) leader S Jayamohan projected not only an overall victory for the LDF but also an increase in its seat count compared to 2020, with plans to reclaim seats lost in the last election—especially a handful of divisions in the Kollam Corporation. “There will be LDF dominance in the Kollam Corporation, district panchayat, and all municipalities this time.” He dismissed the notion that the court verdict in the 2017 actor assault case would negatively impact voters, arguing that “the LDF and the Chief Minister are with the survivor and the public knows that,” implying that the issue will not be a factor against their electoral success. Meanwhile, Kodikunnil Suresh, Congress MP, said Sabarimala gold theft, corruption, price rise, the CPI(M)’s collusion with the BJP, and the inactive State administration will reflect in the electoral outcome. “UDF-led bodies will come to power in more local self-governing institutions than in previous years,” he said. The MP also alleged that the CPI(M) and BJP have a secret understanding and cross-voting has taken place in some local bodies including the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation to defeat Congress candidates. According to S. Prasanth, BJP Kollam West president, this election will mark a significant turning point where traditional vote banks will cease to hold sway, paving the way for many surprises and a “huge leap” for the party. Mr. Prasanth highlighted that the BJP’s focus on “development” resonates with the public’s demands. He anticipates the party will move beyond just retaining its existing seats, claiming victory in numerous local bodies where they previously came second.
Note: AI processing unavailable currently. Displaying raw content.
