Nilambur bypoll records 70.76% turnout by 5 PM

Malappuram

The Nilambur Assembly by-election in Kerala saw a 70.76% voter turnout by 5 PM, according to the Chief Electoral Officer. Polling began at 7 AM and went smoothly under tight security and transparent arrangements.

Malappuram District Collector VR Vinod said 14 booths were marked critical, including three in forest areas. Based on police inputs, 11 more were flagged. Micro observers were placed at all sensitive booths, and webcasting was set up across all 263 polling stations. Seven EVMs had minor issues but were quickly replaced to avoid delays.

This by-election falls under the AC-Bye Election 2025. The LDF fielded M Swaraj, the UDF nominated Aryadan Shoukath, and the BJP chose Adv. Mohan George. Shoukath criticized the state for ignoring Nilambur's issues, especially tribal rehabilitation.

Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan called it a key political contest and a semi-final ahead of the 2026 elections. The bypoll was triggered by the resignation of LDF-backed MLA PV Anvar.