Thiruvananthapuram, April 9: After an intense 23-day election campaign, Kerala has reached a pivotal day where approximately 27.1 million voters will decide the state’s leadership. Voting commenced at 7 AM. Notably, superstar Mohanlal was seen queuing for his vote around 6:45 AM in the high-profile Nemom constituency. State Education Minister V. Shivankutty and his Congress rival K.S. Sabari Nathan were also present.
State BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar was among the early voters. Chief Minister P. Vijayan also arrived at the polling station early to cast his vote.
Before dawn, polling machinery was already operational across all 140 constituencies in Kerala. By 5:30 AM, the state’s 30,471 polling stations were active, and officials began the mandatory mock polling process. Long queues began forming across the state by 6:30 AM.
In Thodupuzha, the long lines of elderly voters reflected the deep civic engagement of Kerala’s electorate, a hallmark of the region.
Central Minister Suresh Gopi was seen in line at a polling station in Guruvayur at 6:30 AM, while opposition leader V.D. Satheesan voted with his family in Paravur.
Long queues were also observed at the Panakkad CHMM LP School in Malappuram district before polling began. Voters lined up outside polling stations in Thiruvananthapuram. V.D. Satheesan, a candidate from the opposition party, cast his vote at a polling center in Kochi.
Polling arrangements and mock polling were conducted at a school in Kunnur (booth numbers 193, 194, and 195). Many voters arrived early at the polling stations. In Alappuzha Block Panchayat, voters began to show up for voting, with lines forming at booths 77, 78, 79, and 80.
BJP candidate R. Shilekha, contesting from Vattiyurkavu, voted early due to her busy schedule at her 209 polling stations. She expressed confidence in the results, stating, “The scale of the election process is immense.”
Meanwhile, IUMS leader P.K. Kunhalikutty in Malappuram remarked, “Wait and see, this time the UDF will definitely come to power. All signs indicate a majority in favor of the UDF, with expectations of a clear and decisive mandate.”
To manage the crowd, additional booths have been established in select districts, while 352 women polling stations and 37 booths operated by persons with disabilities highlight inclusive electoral efforts. Additionally, 884 model polling stations have been set up. Over 76,000 police personnel, including special police officers and units from neighboring Tamil Nadu, have been deployed across the state.
Approximately 2,500 booths have been declared sensitive, with prohibitory measures and strict monitoring in place. This election is considered one of the most talked-about in recent times in Kerala, marking not just a democratic process but a clear expression of the public’s will.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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