Kerala Lok Sabha elections 2019 Voting HIGHLIGHTS: Tentative 73.06% votes polled

A provisional voter turnout of 73.06 per cent was recorded Tuesday in the elections to the 20 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala which by and large was peaceful. An estimated 73.06 per cent of the 2.61 crore voters cast their franchise as of 6 pm when the polling time officially ended but this was likely to go up when the final figures are tabulated, official sources said, reports PTI.

It was a do-or-die battle for both the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF and opposition Congress-headed UDF in most of the 20 Lok Sabha seats this time in the state, known for its decades-long bipolar politics.

The BJP-led NDA posed a formidable challenge to the two traditional fronts in at least three constituencies -- Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta and Thrissur. A senior election official told PTI that since there were a large number of people standing in queues in some places, they would be allowed to vote.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who contested from Wayanad in addition to Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, his party colleague Sashi Tharoor, BJP leader Kumanam Rajasekharan (both Thiruvananthapuram) and Union Minister Alphons Kannamthanam (Ernakulam) were among the prominent candidates in the fray.

More than 3% hike in voter turnout was estimated in Attingal and Thiruvananthapuram. More than 8% increase in polling percentage was recorded at Pathanamthitta.

73.6 per cent polling was recorded in the state till 6 pm even as the voting is still on. At 6 pm, all those who were standing in the queue were given tokens by the police. Whoever came after 6 was not allowed to vote.

Abin Babu, a 21-year-old man arrested for allegedly making a false complaint about malfunctioning of polling machine, gets bailed out. He voted from booth no. 151 in Vattiyoorkavu, Thiruvananthapuram and had complained that VVPAT displayed his vote went to another candidate.

Thiruvananthapuram is showing up in huge numbers, as there are still 40 minutes to go for polling in Kerala. With more than 67.89% voter turnout till 5 pm, the triangular contest here has got a good response.

With under 40 mins to go for polling to end, #Thiruvananthapuram is showing up in huge numbers. With more than 67.89% voter turnout till 5 pm, the triangular contest here has got good response. #LokSabhaEelctions2019 | #Decision2019 @IndianExpress pic.twitter.com/adfFidIhVQ

— Ralph Alex Arakal (@ralpharakal) April 23, 2019

A voter at booth no. 151 in Vattiyoorkavu, Thiruvananthapuram, was arrested for allegedly making a false complaint about malfunctioning of polling machine. Abin Babu had alleged that VVPAT displayed that his vote had gone to another candidate, not to the one he voted for.

Thiruvananthapuram: Abin Babu, a voter at booth no. 151 in Vattiyoorkavu, was arrested for allegedly making a false complaint about malfunctioning of polling machine. He had alleged that VVPAT displayed his vote had gone to another candidate, not to the one he voted for. #Kerala

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019

The polling percentage in Kerala was recorded at 61.94% till 4 pm according to ECI figures. At this rate, it could overtake the 74% polling recorded in the state in 2014 polls.

61.94% polling in Kerala till 4 pm according to ECI figures. At this rate, could overtake the 74% polling recorded in the state in 2014 polls. @IndianExpress @decision2019 pic.twitter.com/dmTCJt1SFX

— Vishnu Varma (@VishKVarma) April 23, 2019

The polling percentage in Kerala was recorded at 56.78% till 3 pm with constituencies like Kannur and Wayanad clocking nearly 60% polling as always.

Kerala voting till 3 pm: 56.78% recorded with constituencies like Kannur and Wayanad clocking nearly 60% polling as always. Three hours to go
Rain and thunderstorms predicted in the evening. @IndianExpress @IeMalayalam @decision2019 pic.twitter.com/RkvhLrQ6wB

— Vishnu Varma (@VishKVarma) April 23, 2019

A strong voter turnout was recorded in Kerala- 51.85% by 3 pm. Earlier, 38.81 per cent voting was recorded in the state till 1 pm.

#LokSabhaElections2019 | Voter turnout strong in Kerala - 51.85% by 3 pm. Kannur records highest (56.71%) while Kozhikode is at the bottom of the table (43.54%). Thiruvananthapuram - 55%, Pathanamthitta - 55.3%, Ernakulam - 50.58% @IndianExpress @IExpressSouth | #Decision2019

— Ralph Alex Arakal (@ralpharakal) April 23, 2019

Film stars Tovino Thomas, Aju Varghese and Aparna Balamurali votes at their respective constituencies in Kerala

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— PIB in KERALA (@PIBTvpm) April 23, 2019

Voters queue up at an Ernakulam polling booth. (Express Photos)

Spiced buttermilk available for voters at most polling stations across Kerala to bring some respite from blistering heat. (Express Photo: Vishnu Varma)

A total of 38.81% voter turnout was recorded till 1 pm with Kannur leading with 41.8%, followed by Idukki (41.22%) and Palakkad (40.98%).

Voters in queue at St George LP School booth, Edappally, Ernakulam. Despite VVPAT delaying voting, till1 pm, voter turnout at the booth was around 1200. (Express Photo)

A snake was found at a polling booth in Kannur's Kandakai. Polling resumed after the snake was caught.

Kerala: A snake was found at a polling booth in Kannur's Kandakai. Polling resumed after the snake was caught. #LokSabhaElections2019

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019

Shashi Tharoor urges people to vote.

My mother and I cast our votes this morning at Cotton Hill Girls’ HighSchool in Vazhuthacaud, after which we were promptly enveloped by a bevy of media persons. If you haven’t already exercised your franchise in this critical election, I urge you to do it soonest! Rain due by 1pm pic.twitter.com/TMeFoNTmqg

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 23, 2019

Four people fell unconscious and died while standing in queues in Kerala

A turnout of 34% voters was recorded across the state till 12 noon, with Kannur leading with 33.72%, followed by Palakkad (33.43%) and Kottayam (33.31%).

Constituencies | Vote percentage

Kasaragod - 30.63
Kannur - 33.72
Vadakara - 28.85
Wayanad - 32.91
Kozhikode - 28.12
Malappuram - 29.58
Ponnani -27. 11
Palakkad - 33.43
Alathur -31. 02
Thrissur -31. 81
Chalakudy-32. 83
Ernakulam - 30.13
Idukki -33. 12
Kottayam -33. 31
Alappuzha -32. 49
Mavelikkara -31. 87
Pathanamthitta -32. 62
Kollam - 31.06
Attingal -32. 22
Thiruvananthapuram - 30.75

Actor Fahadh Faazil stands in queue with his father to cast vote.

"Everyone should vote. It's our democratic right. This is our way of choosing our representatives in Parliament," said actor Mammootty. Flanked by Congress' Hibi Eden and CPIM candidate P Rajeev, he said, "Both of these candidates are very important to us. Sometimes the candidates are so good that we want to vote for both of them. Please choose your candidates on the basis of their qualities and the values their organisations represent."

Kerala recorded 23.57% voter turnout till 11 am. Out of this, Wayanad recorded 26.88%, Pathanamthitta 24.45%  and Thiruvananthapuram 24.68%.

"BJP will not open its account from Kerala this time. All trends from Kerala indicate so. NDA candidates can only reach up to third place across all 20 constituencies in the state," he added.

LDF will record a historic win, says CPI(M) Kerala state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.

LDF will record a historic win. Kerala will witness the Left getting more votes and seats from the state for #LokSabhaElections2019 | Voters should stay alert and verify vote before leaving the polling station: @b_kodiyeri, CPI(M) Kerala state secretary says. | @IndianExpress

— Ralph Alex Arakal (@ralpharakal) April 23, 2019

Actor-producer-singer Mohanlal urges people to exercise their voting rights.

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Voting is our democratic right and responsibility. I have exercised my right, so should all of you. Every vote counts!#Elections2019 pic.twitter.com/yYQXhjDoGq

— Mohanlal (@Mohanlal) April 23, 2019

Voters queue up outside a polling booth in Kerala during third phase of Lok Sabha elections.

After casting his vote at Ernakulam, actor Mammootty being flanked by Left candidate P Rajeev (CPM) and UDF candidate Hibi Eden (Congress). (Express Photo: Nitin RK)

"Press the button softly in the centre. Don't press hard. Once you press, you can see the symbol you voted for on the VVPAT. Make sure you check the symbol you voted for on the VVPAT," polling officials tell voters.

Kerala records 14.93% voter turnout till 10 am.

Lok Sabha elections 2019 will decide how future generations would continue the Indian legacy, Shashi Tharoor said after casting his vote.

#LokSabhaElections2019 is important as people try to rectify conflicts faced by the soul of real India. This will decide how our next generations would continue the Indian legacy. I will continue to be the voice of #Thiruvananthapuram for the next term as well: @ShashiTharoor

— Ralph Alex Arakal (@ralpharakal) April 23, 2019

11.6% voter turnout till 9 am. Of this, maximum percentage is recorded in Palakkad and minimum in Ponnani.

Thiruvananthapuram DEO K Vasuki at Kovalam polling booth denied allegations of votes being recorded for BJP on pressing Congress button and said, "The issue there was that the button was not working while voters press the same. The issue has been rectified."

Till 9 am, Kerala has recorded 2.48% of voter turnout in the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections.

"A vast majority of voters from Kerala expect a change in rule at the Centre and hopes to teach the Pinarayi-led state government a lesson. All MPs representing Kerala in the upcoming Lok Sabha sessions will ensure Rahul Gandhi taking over as the next PM," former defence minister A K Antony said after voting in Jagathy, Thiruvananthapuram.

"A vast majority of voters from Kerala expect a change in rule at the Centre and hopes to teach the Pinarayi-led state government a lesson. @RahulGandhi will be the next PM," former defence minister A.K. Antony says after voting in Jagathy, #Thiruvananthapuram. @IndianExpress

— Ralph Alex Arakal (@ralpharakal) April 23, 2019

"Rahul Gandhi's Wayanad candidature has excited voters across the state. UDF is in high hopes of a clean sweep in Kerala this time. Both the BJP-led central government and LDF government in the state has failed to understand the public sentiment," former Kerala CM Oommen Chandy says after voting

Queues at a polling booth in Edappally, Ernakulam. (Express photo: Vishnu Varma)

Kummanam Rajasekharan, the NDA candidate from Thiruvananthapuram, cast his vote and said, "The support that I have been getting from across Thiruvananthapuram shows how people aspire a big change. I am totally confident of winning." Rajasekharan is pitted against Congress' Shashi Tharoor and C Divakaran (LDF) from the Kerala capital.

A similar issue was raised in Cherthala. EVM replaced.

Similar issue raised in #Cherthala as well. EVM replaced after LDF workers protest at booth number 88 in Cherthala (East 40 East NSS Karayogam Booth). #LokSabhaElections2019 | #Decision2019 | @IndianExpress @IExpressSouth

— Ralph Alex Arakal (@ralpharakal) April 23, 2019

The error was found after 76 people cast their votes. Complaint raised to EC officials

The error was found after 76 people cast their votes. More updates from Booth number 151 (Chovvara), Kovalam. Complaint raised to EC officials; Commission checking the issue now. #LokSabhaElections2019 | #Decision2019 | @IndianExpress @IExpressSouth

— Ralph Alex Arakal (@ralpharakal) April 23, 2019

Voters alleged EVM malfunctioning in Thiruvananthapuram and said the machine recorded votes for BJP candidate while voting for Congress.

#LokSabhaElections2019 | LIVE update: Voters allege that an EVM malfunction in #Thiruvananthapuram indicated votes for the BJP candidate while voting for the Congress candidate. @IndianExpress @IExpressSouth | #Decision2019

— Ralph Alex Arakal (@ralpharakal) April 23, 2019

BJP leadership deputing national leaders at Kerala for roadshows and campaigning shows their desperate greediness for power. Congress too, failed to run a good campaign, as they tried to misinform voters with non-factual claims, says Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan after casting his vote.

BJP leadership deputing national leaders at Kerala for roadshows and campaigning shows their desperate greediness for power. Congress too, failed to run a good campaign, as they tried to misinform voters with non-factual claims: Kerala CM @vijayanpinarayi | #LokSabhaElections2019

— Ralph Alex Arakal (@ralpharakal) April 23, 2019

Kerala Governor P Sathasivam votes. "I request all eligible voters to go out and exercise franchise," he says after voting at Jawahar Nagar LP School, Thiruvananthapuram.

Voters queue up to exercise their franchise at a Thiruvananthapuram polling booth. (Express Photos: Nidhin AS)

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan queues up to cast his vote at polling booth in RC Amala Basic UP School in Pinarayi in Kannur district.

This is an election against violent politics and intolerance. The UDF understands the sentiments of the people of Kerala. We will win 20 out of 20 seats. Rahul Gandhi will win with a majority of over 3 lakh from Wayanad, KPCC chief Mullappally Ramachandran told reporters.

One of Kerala’s most keenly-watched electoral contests is taking place in Pathanamthitta, a constituency that shot into national limelight as the nerve-centre of the agitation over the entry of women of menstruating age at the Sabarimala hill-shrine. Unlike a majority of the poll battles in the state, which are bipolar in nature between the Left and the Congress, the fight in Pathanamthitta is a test of how well the BJP  can consolidate the Hindu vote over Sabarimala and its attempts to make inroads into communities which have traditionally been inimical to its brand of politics. Read more...

CPM staged a character assassination-centric campaign against me. The absence of a constructive political debate from my rivals also encouraged malicious political campaigning here: N K Premachandran, Kollam UDF candidate alleges.

UDF candidate at Kollam N.K. Premachandran, LDF Chalakkudy candidate Innocent and Ernakulam UDF candidate Hibi Eden exercised franchise early during the day itself.

UDF candidate at #Kollam N.K. Premachandran, LDF #Chalakkudy candidate Innocent and #Ernakulam UDF candidate @HibiEden exercised franchise early during the day itself. #LokSabhaElections2019 | #Decision2019 @IndianExpress @IExpressSouth

— Ralph Alex Arakal (@ralpharakal) April 23, 2019

In Kerala, several candidates and top leaders decide to vote in the beginning minutes of polling. At Malappuram, UDF Candidate P. K. Kunhalikutty and IUML state president Panakkad Sayed Hyderali Shihab Thangal cast vote.

#LokSabhaElections2019 | In Kerala, several candidates and top leaders decide to vote in the beginning minutes of polling. At Malappuram, UDF Candidate P. K. Kunhalikutty and IUML state president Panakkad Sayed Hyderali Shihab Thangal cast vote. @IndianExpress @IExpressSouth

— Ralph Alex Arakal (@ralpharakal) April 23, 2019

For the BJP in Kerala, the electoral battle in the state capital Thiruvananthapuram is another round of “now or never”. The party, which came very close to winning its first Lok Sabha seat in Kerala in 2014, is now again looking at a fierce three-cornered contest in the constituency, where Congress’s sitting MP Shashi Tharoor is eyeing a hat-trick and the LDF candidate, CPI legislator C Divakaran, is banking on the development agenda. Read more...

Voting starts in Kerala. A polling booth in Wayanad shows voters queuing up. (Photos: ANI)