Silent period starts after Kalashakottu; local body elections aka semi-final for assembly elections to happen tomorrow

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The public campaigns of the first phase of the local body elections, which can be described as the semi-final for the assembly elections to be held in five months, have ended with a grand show. Today is a break for silent period. 1.32 crore voters will go to the booths tomorrow.

Voting will be held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam districts. The verdict will be written in 11,168 wards of 595 local bodies. All three fronts put up a fierce fight. The excitement was high at the Kalashakottu held yesterday.

Voting will be held tomorrow in 8310 wards of 471 gram panchayats, 1090 wards of 75 block panchayats, 164 wards of 7 district panchayats, 1371 wards of 39 municipalities, and 233 wards of three corporations.

Those who gain the upper hand in the LSG war can enter the battlefield of the assembly elections with confidence. The LDF's goal is the outstanding achievement of continuing to rule in the assembly again. The UDF is trying to make a comeback after being exhausted from not being able to rule for ten years. The BJP is determined to reflect its dominance at the national level in Kerala.

Gold theft and Rahul Mamkootathil

The LDF strategy is to win the hearts of voters by making big announcements of benefits and welfare. However, after the Sabarimala gold scam came to light and two former Devaswom presidents were arrested, the LDF went on the defensive. The sexual harassment revelation against Rahul Mamkootathil became a ray of hope for LDF

The UDF came on the defensive on the Rahul issue. It tried to hold on in the name of suspension, but the situation worsened. UDF struggles to find an explanation after a case was filed against Rahul and he went into hiding.

The NDA leadership assessed that the fact that both fronts were on the defensive would facilitate their progress. However, minor internal conflicts and lack of harmony with the BDJS caused unrest in the BJP camp also. The neglect shown by the Centre, including in the Wayanad disaster, also led to criticism.

Total voters: 1,32,83,789

Men: 62,51,219

Women: 70,32,444

Transgenders: 126

Total candidates: 36,630