Thiruvananthapuram: Counting of votes will take place today in three local body wards across Kerala where polling was held yesterday after elections were postponed due to the death of candidates. The results are expected to be declared by around 10 am.
Polling was conducted in the Payimpadam ward of Moothedam Grama Panchayat in Malappuram district, the Onakkur ward of Pambakkuda Grama Panchayat in Ernakulam district, and the Vizhinjam ward of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.
The outcome in Vizhinjam has drawn particular political attention, as it could prove decisive for the BJP’s fortunes in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. With 50 seats already secured, a victory in Vizhinjam would enable the BJP to attain a simple majority on its own. At present, the party governs the civic body with the support of an independent councillor.
The CPI(M) is keen on retaining its sitting seat in Vizhinjam and has fielded local leader N. A. Naushad as its candidate. The UDF has nominated K. H. Sudheer Khan, a former Harbour ward councillor. The contest witnessed a crowded field, with nine candidates—including dissidents from both the Left and the Right—entering the fray.
