Around 70 percent polling in Kerala by-elections

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 7 : Kerala saw heavy polling of around 70 percent in the three assembly constituencies of Kannur, Ernakulam and Alappuzha in largely peaceful by-polls Saturday.

Though the final percentage is to be officially announced, Kannur recorded the maximum turnout. According to district collector P.B. Salim, the final tally in Kannur would be between 75 and 80 percent.

Alappuzha saw 70 percent votes polled, while Ernakulam reported more than 65 percent polling.

In all, about 400,000 people were eligible to vote Saturday.

The elections were necessitated after Congress legislators from these constituencies were elected to the Lok Sabha.

State Congress president Ramesh Chennithala told reporters at Alappuzha that reports from the three constituencies indicated that the party was winning.

"Victory is ours," said Chennithala.

Ruling Left Democratic Front convenor Vaikom Viswan, speaking in a similar vein, said the left would emerge victorious.

The results will be announced Tuesday.

--IANS