KOZHIKODE: In a major setback to the CPM-led LDF government in Kerala, a closely fought bypoll for the Areekkad ward in the Kozhikode city corporation went in favour of the UDF with an IUML-backed independent candidate Syed Mohammed Shameel defeating the CPM’s T Moideen Koya by 416 votes today.
The ward is a CPM stronghold, and the ruling party had been confident of retaining the seat. The by-election was necessitated following the resignation of CPM leader V K C Mammed Koya, the former mayor of Kozhikod, after he won an election to the Assembly from Beypore constituency.
An estimated voter turnout of 74.29 per cent was recorded in the Kozhikode bypoll, less than the 76.22 per cent recorded in the last civic poll – in which Mammed Koya defeated the very same Shameel. As many as 4,511 out of the 6,072 voters exercised their franchise in polling held on Friday.
Though the outcome of the bypoll will not have any impact on the city council, where the CPM enjoys a comfortable majority, the verdict could be highlighted by the opposition UDF as a sign of the discontent against the LDF government which has become mired in controversies over nepotism in public appointments.