The final phase of campaigning for Palakkad bypolls saw a surge in activity, with vibrant roadshows and massive rallies drawing large crowds.
Published Nov 18, 2024 | 7:32 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 18, 2024 | 7:32 PM
Last day of campaigning for Palakkad Assembly bypolls
With just hours left for the public campaign for the Palakkad by-polls to conclude, three major political fronts—LDF, UDF, and NDA—left no stones unturned on Monday, 18 November, in their bid for electoral success.
The final phase of campaigning saw a surge in activity, with vibrant roadshows and massive rallies drawing large crowds and signalling the high stakes of the upcoming Palakkad Assembly bypolls.
The roadshows now converging near the Palakkad Stadium have become a spectacle of political energy, with flag-waving supporters and life-sized cutouts of candidates lining the streets. The atmosphere is charged as the three fronts make their last push for votes before the polling, set to take place on Wednesday, 20 November.
UDF candidate Rahul Mamkootathil’s roadshow began at Olavakkode, where he carried a blue trolley bag symbolising his campaign journey.
The trolley, an ordinary piece of luggage, has been at the centre of several speculations, captivating voters and setting social media ablaze. It also caused political parties to shift focus from development issues momentarily.
The rally was bolstered by star power, with actor Ramesh Pisharody and BJP leader Sandeep Warrier rallying alongside Mamkootathil to energise the crowd and UDF workers.
The UDF camp is optimistic about its prospects, with local leaders predicting a lead of 15,000 votes for Mangoottil. Supporters prominently displayed photos of late CM Oommen Chandy, underscoring his enduring legacy.
With just hours left before the public campaign concludes in #Palakkad, the three major fronts—LDF, UDF, and NDA—are pulling out all the stops to make a lasting impression. The campaigns are reaching their climax with vibrant roadshows converging near the Palakkad Stadium,… pic.twitter.com/UKPxZqtzhO
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) November 18, 2024
The LDF’s campaign, led by Dr. P. Sarin also drew significant attention. The rally, which began at 4 pm from the CPI(M) District Committee office, featured the dynamic presence of MB Rajesh, who rallied through the streets of Palakkad.
Rajesh, a prominent LDF leader, dismissed UDF’s claims of a lead, calling it “false propaganda” and reaffirming his belief in LDF’s close ties with local communities, and projecting confidence in securing a victory.
On the other side, NDA candidate for Palakkad Assembly bypolls, C. Krishnakumar kicked off his roadshow from Melamuri Junction, joined by BJP leaders Sobha Surendran and Tushar Vellappally. The NDA candidate has positioned himself as the alternative to both the LDF and UDF in Palakkad.
Meanwhile, Surendran expressed strong optimism about the alliance’s chances in Palakkad Assembly bypolls as she rallied the the crowds with slogans and promises of better governance.
As the roadshows drew closer to their grand finale near the stadium, the air was thick with excitement and anticipation. With all three major political fronts making their final push for votes, Palakkad is gearing up for a high-stakes contest.
(Edited by Neena with inputs from Sreelakshmi)
