Malappuram Bye-Election Results 2017 Latest Update: IUML maintains massive lead; P K Kunhalikutty credits party’s ‘secularism’ for likely victory

Incidentally, even the CPI(M) chanted the 'secularism' mantra as the primary poll promise while for the BJP, it was reportedly 'development'.

New Delhi, April 17: Citing the massive lead and likely win of his party Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) in the Malappuram bye-election, former Kerala Industries minister and candidate PK Kunhalikutty on Monday said that it is indeed the party’s ‘secularism’ mantra which is responsible for such support of the people. The IUML as per latest reports has managed to receive 274182 votes, followed by MB Faisal of CPI(M) who has received 173989 votes. Incidentally, even the CPI(M) chanted the ‘secularism’ mantra as the primary poll promise. But for the BJP, the primary poll promise was reportedly ‘development’.

PK Kunhalikutty was quoted by The News Minute saying that IUML’s secularism that has given the party success in the bye-poll. In the initial stage when counting began he also said to TNM that he will not state the margin by which he will, nor would he try to predict it as he showed faith in the people and said that the voters have already made that decision.

Malappuram bypolls this year saw nine candidates contesting for this seat. The primary contenders in this bye-poll are clearly the IUML and the CPI(M). IUML fielded P K Kunhalikutty, who was the former Kerala Industries Minister. The CPI-M, on the other hand fielded M B Faisal while the BJP fielded N. Sreeprakash. Apart from that there are six other independent candidates in fray.

The counting of Malappuram bye-poll vote began on Monday at 8 am at the Government College, Malappuram. This Lok Sabha constituency registered a polling turnout of around 68%. There are 13 lakh voters in this electorate. Seven assembly constituencies in the district constitute the Lok Sabha constituency and they are Malappuram, Vengara, Kondotty, Vallikkunnu, Perinthalmanna, Mankada and Manjeri .