Wayanad's “unexpected” low voter turnout leaves Congress upset; speculations over what number Priyanka gets

Thiruvananthapuram: Following a lower than expected voter turnout in the Wayanad byelection, the All-India Congress Committee (AICC) is investigating the reasons behind the dip, ToI reported on November 15. Despite the lower turnout, the Congress party remains confident of victory for their candidate, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

The election, held on Wednesday, saw over five lakh fewer voters compared to previous years. This has caused concern within the Congress, particularly in traditionally strong UDF areas like Nilambur, Wandoor, and Sulthan Bathery.

While initial estimates suggested a large margin of victory for Priyanka Gandhi, the party now expects it to be between three and four lakh votes, ToI's report said.

The total votes polled this time are 9,52,543 (out of a total electorate of 14,62,423). In 2019, total votes polled were 10,92,197, of which Rahul Gandhi secured 7,06,367 votes. In April 2024, the total votes polled were 10,84,653, when Rahul got 6,47,445 votes.

According to the ToI report, the district Congress leadership believes their candidate secured the majority of the 9.52 lakh votes cast. They estimate she received close to six lakh votes. The LDF candidate, Sathyan Mokeri, is projected to have received around two lakh votes. The BJP candidate, Navya Haridas, is estimated to have received approximately one lakh votes.

AICC general secretary KC Venugopal said, “We are not at all worried about the victory or majority Priyanka Gandhi will secure. The low voter turnout will not impact the majority." He added that the AICC is examining the reasons behind the "unexpected" low voter turnout.