Six of the eight parliamentary constituencies that recorded over 80% polling in the State are in north Kerala, pointing to a robust campaigning.
The increase in voter turnout has traditionally favoured the UDF in Lok Sabha polls, but not necessarily in Assembly polls where the State has been balancing on a see-saw between the UDF and the LDF.
However, this time, the NDA has also entered the electoral race in a big way banking on the Supreme Court lifting the ban on menstruating women from entering the Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala.
Most north Kerala constituencies are politically conscious, and the electorate relishes its chance to vote. The difference in polling in all the seats, except Wayanad, this time was between 1 and 2.5 percentage points. The candidature of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad and the national attention it received also positively impacted the high turnout.
Figures showed that Kasaragod recorded 80.57 % (78.41 in 2014), Kannur - 83.05 (81.06); Vadakara - 82.48 (81.21); Wayanad - 80.31 (73.25); Kozhikode - 81.47 (79.77), and Alathur - 80.33 (76.35). The two other constituencies in the State that crossed 80% polling are Chalakudy (80.44) and Alappuzha (80.09).
In north Kerala that had a high polling percentage, the CPI(M) and the Congress directly contested against each other except in Wayanad. A possible strong undercurrent in the form of a minority consolidation for the Congress might have increased polling in Wayanad and neighbouring constituencies.
Besides, political violence has been the main campaign debate issue in Kasaragod, Kannur, and Vadakara. In Vadakara, where K. Muraleedharan is taking on CPI(M) strongman P. Jayarajan, the contest was too close to call.
Two-time Congress MP M.K. Raghavan in Kozhikode had to fend off a sting operation against him. Another factor is that CPI(M) nominee A. Pradeep Kumar, MLA, representing Kozhikode North Assembly segment, made a bid to recapture the seat for his party.
In Alathur, sitting MP P.K. Biju had to face strong anti-incumbency. Besides, the aggressive electioneering by Congress nominee Remya Haridas ensured a high polling.
