Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Electoral Officer Mr Teeka Ram Meena on Monday said the by-elections to five Asse-mbly constituencies in Kerala are likely to be held in November.
Mr Meena told mediapersons here that by elections to these Aroor, Konni, Vattiyoorkavu, Manjeshwaram and Er-nakulam, constituencies are likely to be held along with other Assembly elections. The other four seats fell vacant after the sitting MLAs got elected to Parliament in May. In case of Manjeshwaram the Court order came in July hence the seat is lying vacant since then.
However, the final decision on by-elections lies with the EC and it is their discretion.
He said the elections to Pala constituency was declared early as the election there has to be conducted within six months. It has to be held before October 10 that is why it cannot be clubbed with other elections. Four by-elections are taking place in other states along with Pala.
“We have already reported to the EC about the various factors. The flood situation,” he said.
Manjeshwaram verdict came in June so there is time till November. The cost for bringing EVMs from Manjeshwaram to Ernakulam and back has to be borne by BJP candidate K Surendran who was also the petitioner. Of the R 42,000, he has paid half the amount.
Meena refuted the allegations of Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and said the CPM leader should introspect about his statement. The CPM state secretary had alleged political motive behind early elections to Pala constituency.
