THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After weeks of high-decibel campaigning followed by a mandatory silent period, the state is set to vote on Thursday in what has emerged as a fiercely contested assembly election marked by sharp political exchanges and multiple controversies.Despite the silence mandated in the final 24 hours, political activity remained intense behind the scenes, with allegations and counter-allegations dominating the narrative. Charges ranging from cash-for-votes and bribery in candidate selection to targeted negative campaigns kept all three major fronts on the offensive. The day also saw the Election Commission coming out with a strict warning against advertisements made by the political parties through different media during the silent period. A major flashpoint was the cash-for-vote allegation against BJP leader Shobha Surendran in Palakkad, after Congress released video footage purportedly showing party workers distributing money to an elderly voter. BJP, meanwhile, also faced legal scrutiny in Kattakada, where its candidate P K Krishnadas was booked for allegedly making a communal speech. In Adoor, a leaflet controversy added to the charged atmosphere. The district administration recommended legal action against UDF candidate C V Shanthakumar for allegedly violating election norms by speaking to the media during the silent period. Earlier, CPI workers came under police action for distributing pamphlets accusing the same candidate of involvement in a criminal case, further intensifying tensions in the constituency. UDF candidate from Pala, Mani C Kappan came out with an allegation of selling the seats for crores by Kerala Congress (Mani). As the state entered the final phase before polling, candidates across parties engaged in last-minute outreach, targeting undecided voters and influential community figures to consolidate support. Security has been significantly tightened across Kerala, with prohibitory orders imposed in sensitive areas. Police have identified nearly 2,500 vulnerable polling booths. To ensure peaceful voting, 140 companies of central armed forces and 20 companies from Tamil Nadu Police have been deployed statewide. Polling materials have been distributed across designated centres, and a strict ban on exit polls remains in force. Voting will take place from 7am to 6pm on Thursday. In north Kerala, particularly in Kannur, heightened security measures have been enforced following intelligence warnings of possible violence. The district administration has barred public gatherings as a precautionary step.
