Palakkad Bypoll Result: UDF Candidate Rahul Mamkootathil Takes Lead Over BJP After Round 7

Among the 10 candidates contesting the bypoll, the key contenders are C Krishnakumar (BJP-NDA), Rahul Mamkootathil (Congress-UDF), and P Sarin (CPI(M)-LDF).

Rahul Mamkootathil of Congress has taken a lead in the Palakkad Assembly bypoll after hours of trailing to BJP candidate as vote counting began on Saturday. Earlier, BJP's Krishnakumar secured a lead right after the first phase of counting which included postal ballots was completed. The Election Commission also confirmed these figures officially.

Currently, Rahul Mamkootathil of Congress leads with 28,062 votes by a margin of 1,425 votes followed by C Krishnakumar of BJP with 26,637 votes. P Sarin, an independent candidate, backed by CPI(M) secured 15,146 votes

Palakkad Bypolls

Among the 10 candidates contesting the bypoll, the key contenders are C Krishnakumar (BJP-NDA), Rahul Mamkootathil (Congress-UDF), and P Sarin (CPI(M)-LDF). The by-election was necessitated by the resignation of Congress leader Shafi Parambil, who vacated the Palakkad seat after being elected to the Lok Sabha from Vadakara earlier this year.

This bypoll holds significant importance as the constituency's diverse urban-rural voter mix makes it a litmus test for the three major alliances. The result is expected to provide critical momentum for the UDF, NDA, and LDF as they gear up for the assembly elections in 2026.

Shafi Parambil's strong legacy in Palakkad has been a focal point of the campaign. A popular leader, he first won the seat in 2011 and played a key role in shaping the Congress’s influence in the constituency. The UDF is counting on his popularity to sway voters toward their candidate, Rahul Mamkootathil.

The bypoll has seen intense political activity with controversies surrounding party defections, black money allegations and suspicions of bogus voting dominating headlines. Prominent leaders from all three alliances have campaigned aggressively in Palakkad, transforming the constituency into a battleground of flags, balloons and rallies.

As the counting progresses, the political temperature remains high with each camp eyeing a victory that could redefine their fortunes in the upcoming assembly elections.