As India concludes Phase 3 of its month-long election, 117 constituencies across 13 states and two union territories exercised their right to vote on Tuesday, April 23rd. This is the biggest phase of polling in India and it includes Wayanad, Kerala from where Congress chief Rahul Gandhi is contesting and Gandhinagar, Gujarat where BJP President Amit Shah is in the race as per Bloomberg.
Kerala, a state in the South of India recorded a thumping 77.68% voter turnout, way above the national average of 66.4%. All 20 constituencies from Kerala went to vote on Tuesday. Kannur in northern Kerala witnessed the highest turn out with 83.05%, followed by Wayanad at 80.31%, Chalakkudy 80.44% and Alappuzha 80.09%.
Sabarimala Issue
Indian National Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), Communist Party of India-led Left democratic front (LDF) and BJP are the major political parties contesting in Kerala. The burning issue of Sabarimala temple which bans women of a particular age group from entering the shrine was an important swing factor in this election. It is uncertain as of now which party got benefitted the most from the Sabarimala conflict.
The powerful Nair Service Society (NSS) representing a section of the Hindu community have remained neutral regarding support to any particular political party reported Firstpost. However, there has been brewing discontent over the BJP’s inability to avert the Sabarimala fiasco and safeguard Hindu customs. Considering the BJP’s pro-Hindutva ideology, however, the Sabarimala sentiment could also work in their favour.
Rahul Gandhi factor
The Rahul Gandhi effect was also visible in the north and Central regions of Kerala. There was visible excitement about a Prime ministerial candidate contesting from Wayanad which saw one of the highest voter turnouts in the State. People travelled from all over the country to Wayanad on voting day, eager not to miss this historic opportunity reported Firstpost.
