2.18 cr voters to exercise franchise in Kerala on Thursday

More than 2.18 crore voters in Kerala are expected to exercise their franchise on Thursday to decide the fate of 217 candidates contesting from 20 Lok Sabha seats in the single phase polls.

More than 2.18 crore voters in Kerala are expected to exercise their franchise on Thursday to decide the fate of 217 candidates contesting from 20 Lok Sabha seats in the single phase polls.

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The elections are being conducted under a massive security cover, with deployment of nearly 25,000 security personnel from state police, along with Rapid Action Force and Central Industrial Security Force personnel and police from neighbouring states, Chief Electoral Office Nalini Netto said.

Extra vigil would be maintained in 2,000 sensitive polling stations across the state, of which more than 350 are in politically sensitive Kannur district.

About one lakh officials would be on poll duty at 20,476 booths and several 'micro observers' deployed to ensure fair polling at stations requiring additional attention, she said.

As campaigning drew to a close on Tuesday evening, clashes broke out between workers of LDF and BJP and also between LDF and UDF activists in four constituencies, leaving 40 people, including BJP candidate for Kottayam Lok Sabha seat Narayanan Namboothiri injured.

The main contest is between CPI(M)-led LDF and UDF, headed by Congress. BJP and BSP have also fielded their nominees, making the battle multi-cornered in some constituencies