Palakkad: In the closely watched Palakkad Assembly by-election, NDA candidate C Krishnakumar has taken an early lead, according to the results of the postal votes. While Krishnakumar has surged ahead in the first phase, all eyes are now on whether he can maintain this lead through subsequent rounds.

The BJP’s initial lead is seen as natural, given that the early results come from areas within the municipality where the party has significant influence. A similar pattern was observed in the previous election, where Congress candidate Shafi Parambil ultimately secured a majority after an initial BJP advantage.

The byelection campaign in Palakkad was highly charged, marked by controversies and allegations. The candidacies of Rahul Mankootathil and Dr. P. Sarin, along with the dramatic entry of BJP state committee member Sandeep Warrier into the Congress, stirred considerable debate. Despite these developments, the BJP and the NDA exuded confidence, buoyed by an increase in voter support in BJP-stronghold areas.

In the previous election, even with the high-profile candidacy of 'Metro Man' E Sreedharan, the NDA narrowly lost the constituency after an intense contest. This time, the BJP hoped to reclaim the seat through C. Krishnakumar. The party also believed that internal conflicts within the CPI(M) and the Congress would work in its favour.