Kottayam Collector Denies Allegations of Delay in Puthuppally Bypoll Booths

The District Collector of Kottayam, V. Vigneswari IAS, refuted claims of deliberate delays in the polling process at various booths in Puthuppally during the bypoll. She explained that only three booths extended their polling until 6:30 p.m., while 179 others closed at 6 p.m. The lower voter turnout was attributed to residents working outside the constituency. Vigneswari emphasized the presence of webcasting systems and agents at the booths, stating that polling officials were selected without consideration of political affiliations.

Previously, UDF workers had accused some booths of experiencing delays and claimed that many voters left without casting their ballots. UDF candidate Chandy Oommen also raised these concerns and called for an investigation. In response, LDF candidate Jaick C Thomas suggested an inquiry into any potential delays but mentioned not witnessing such issues at the booths he visited.

After the conclusion of polling, out of 1,76,417 eligible voters, 1,28,624 individuals participated, comprising 64,084 men, 64,538 women, and two transgenders.