Malappuram by-poll result: Congress-led-UDF candidate P K Kunhalikutty wins

Kunhalikutty was selected as National General Secretary of IUML in an IUML National Executive Committee which held in 26 February 2017, Chennai. (Image courtesy: Wikipedia)

Malappuram (Kerala): Amid tight security, the counting of votes took place for Malappuram Lok Sabha by-poll in Kerala. The by-election took place here on April 12th. Here are latest updates:

• Congress-led-UDF candidate P K Kunhalikutty wins Malappuram by polls.
• The counting is going at the Government College Malappuram.
• The postal ballots are being count in the first session of counting.
• Initial trends show Congress-led-UDF candidate P.K. Kunhalikutty is leading by more than 3,000 votes.

As per the Election Commission (EC) data, 70.41 percent out of 13.12 lakh voters had exercised their franchise which is a slight dip compared to 2014 general election in which 71.41 per cent voting took place, in the minority dominated constituency. About P. K. Kunhalikutty:

• P. K. Kunhalikutty is former Minister for Industries and Information Technology in the Government of Kerala.
• He served as the Minister for "Industries" during 1991–1995 in the ministry headed by K. Karunakaran
• He is a leader of Indian Union Muslim League .
• Kunhalikutty was selected as National General Secretary of IUML in an IUML National Executive Committee which held in 26 February 2017, Chennai.
• He is a graduate in Commerce (B.Com.), he is also a P.G. diploma holder in Business Management.
• Kunhalikutty served as Chairman, Malappuram Municipality in 1980 and has had a remarkable stint also as Secretary of Kerala State Muslim League.
• He was elected to Kerala Legislative Assembly from Malappuram constituency in 1982 and currently he represents Malappuram Lok sabha constituency from Kerala

Praising Kunhalikutty's, another Congress leader Shashi Tharoor tweeted-"A popular leader, experienced and capable."

Congratulations to @PKKunhalikutty for whom it was a real pleasure to campaign. A popular leader, experienced&capable. Will be an asset inLS https://t.co/eDcVjyKI9j

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 17, 2017