Published Apr 24, 2026 | 9:00 AM ⚊ Updated Apr 24, 2026 | 9:00 AM
Chief Electoral Officer Dr Rathan U Kelkar has issued a strict directive barring the opening of any rooms at counting centres under any circumstances.
Synopsis: Only 13 tables have been allotted to the counting of votes polled in the Paravur Assembly constituency, where VD Satheesan is contesting, while most other segments have 14 tables. The shortage of one table means the counting will extend to 17 full rounds and an additional partial round, whereas in other constituencies, the counting will be completed by the 15 round.
With a few days left for counting of votes in Kerala, election officials in the Paravur Assembly constituency, where Opposition Leader VD Satheesan is contesting, are grappling with a strange issue: Tables!
Officials are still occupied with finding suitable counting tables — big or small that fit the hall.
The issue has now sparked a quiet debate in Ernakulam on whether the table issue would delay the result of a constituency, which a section of the UDF feels would elect the next chief minister.
Paravur’s missing table
A seemingly minor issue has triggered wider concern and debate in Ernakulam’s Paravur, one of the most closely watched constituencies in Kerala.
Kerala Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan. (Facebook)
Officials have formally requested an increase in the number of counting tables, warning that the current arrangement could slow down both the counting process and the declaration of results.
Deputy Collector and Returning Officer Anil Philip has informed the District Collector G Priyanka that Paravur has been allotted only 13 counting tables at UC College, Aluva, while most other constituencies have 14.
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Space constraints in the designated counting hall mean the constituency will have to undergo 17 full rounds and an additional partial round of counting.
In comparison, adding one more table could reduce the process to 15 rounds, significantly speeding up the proceedings.
“We are trying to increase the table count. The setting is currently underway and will be finalised in two days,” Philip told South First.
He also added that multiple constituencies, including Kunnathunad, Perumbavoor and Angamaly, are being accommodated across different blocks on the college campus.
“We cannot shift the counting booth, but we will try to add one more table for Paravur to avoid a delay,” he said.
With relocation ruled out for now, officials are exploring ways to optimise the available space, though concerns about overcrowding remain. An alternative plan to shift counting to another hall within the campus is also being considered, subject to the Election Commission’s approval.
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What might otherwise have remained a logistical detail has now taken on political overtones, with questions being raised over such an oversight despite ample preparation time.
A UDF worker from Paravur, Prinson Thomas, criticised the arrangements, highlighting the constituency’s political importance.
“How can they make such small mistakes even after getting so much time for arrangements? The result of Paravur is crucial, and the whole of Kerala is watching,” he said.
He also pointed out that leaders were preoccupied with campaigns elsewhere, which delayed raising concerns earlier.
“ECI keeps saying everything is fine, but why can’t they find space for one extra table? We hope they rectify this. Only then will we get the result before noon; it will be delayed,” he added.
Meanwhile, in contrast to Paravur’s debate over a single table, the Trippunithura constituency will require the highest number of counting rounds in the district, with a total of 21 rounds.
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Counting day tensions are not limited to logistics alone, as controversies over the handling of election materials have added to the unease in Kerala.
Amid the row, Chief Electoral Officer Dr Rathan U Kelkar has issued a strict directive barring the opening of any rooms at counting centres under any circumstances, even after counting concludes.
The order also applies to rooms that are not sealed.
The directive follows disputes in Perambra (Kozhikode) and Nenmara (Palakkad).
In Nenmara, plans to open a strong room at Victoria College triggered sharp reactions, forcing authorities to drop the move. District Collector MS Madhavikutty clarified that the proposal was only to access a materials room, not the strong room where the EVMs are stored.
She said the room, located next to the EVM storage area, contains election documents and was to be opened to retrieve Form 17A for data entry on the Election Commission’s portal.
Officials maintained that the room was not sealed and would have been opened in the presence of candidates. However, the process has now been halted pending further instructions from the CEO.
Meanwhile, the Opposition UDF has escalated its allegations in Kozhikode, claiming that strong rooms storing voting machines at the JDT Islam Convention Centre, Vellimadukunnu, were opened without proper authorisation.
Though officials insisted only a reserve room was accessed, the Opposition argued that such lapses have eroded public trust.
Counting of votes polled on 9 April will be held on 4 May.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
