The Battle for Wayanad and Chelakkara: A High-Stakes Bypoll Showdown

Voting commenced for the Wayanad Lok Sabha and Chelakkara assembly bypolls in Kerala. The Wayanad seat became vacant after Rahul Gandhi vacated it, leading to a contest among 16 candidates. Chelakkara voters were also called to elect a new representative after changes in the Lok Sabha representation.

Voting for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat and Chelakkara assembly constituency in Kerala began at 7am on Wednesday. Early morning, voters turned up at 1,354 polling booths in Wayanad, which represents over 14 lakh registered voters, as per Election Commission data.

The Wayanad constituency encompasses seven assembly segments, including Mananthavady, Sulthan Bathery, and Kalpetta in Wayanad district. The bypolls were called after Rahul Gandhi vacated the seat to retain Rae Bareli.

Priyanka Gandhi leads UDF's charge, facing CPI(M)'s Sathyan Mokeri and BJP's Navya Haridas. Security is tight with 2,500 personnel and live webcasting. Chelakkara sees UDF's Ramya Haridas in a contest following her Lok Sabha move to Alathur.

(With inputs from agencies.)