Malappuram celebrates IUML candidate Kunhalikutty's 1,70,000-margin bypoll win

The Malappuram Lok Sabha bypoll on April 12, necessitated following the demise of sitting IUML MP E Ahamed on February 1, saw UDF candidate and IUML General Secretary P K Kunhalikutty win by a margin of over 1,70,000 votes as the vote count results were announced today.

The Malappuram Lok Sabha bypoll on April 12, necessitated following the demise of sitting IUML MP E Ahamed on February 1, saw UDF candidate and IUML General Secretary P K Kunhalikutty win by a margin of over 1,70,000 votes as the vote count results were 

The bypoll vote count was held at Government College here amid high security, with a registered turnout of nearly 71.33 per cent on April 12. People began to revel in celebrations as Kunhalikutty's lead increased by over 50000 votes within the 1.5 hours of counting. (EPS | A Sanesh)

With six independents and three party candidates, a total of nine persons were in the fray for the election. (EPS | A Sanesh)

Kunhalikutty won the bypoll with over four lakh votes and a margin of 171038 votes over opponent LDF candidate MB Faisal, though this is not the highest registered win. That did not, however, deter party supporters from cheering for Kunhalikutty. (EPS | A Sanesh)

Former MP E Ahamed had won by a margin of over 1,90,000 votes in the previous election in 2014. Kunhalikutty's party IUML managed to remain a favourite, with it even securing LDF strongholds too this time. (EPS | A Sanesh)

The poll counting which began at 8 a.m. saw many party workers arrive as early as 7 a.m. waiting to hear the final number declared around 11 a.m. Disappointed supporters of opponent parties were also seen dispersing when Kunhalikutty got a strong lead during mid-count. (EPS | A Sanesh)

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has won all but one election held in the parliamentary consistency so far. People wave party flags and celebrate even before the party was declared to have won. (EPS | A Sanesh)

IUML candidate Kunhalikutty, after winning the elections, lashed out at the BJP, saying the result a is blow to BJP's politics. (EPS | A Sanesh)

Supporters gathered in vast numbers waved party flags, unmindful of the morning sun. Rain or shine, the celebrations go on. (EPS | A Sanesh)