Thiruvananthapuram, April 9 (NationPress) After 23 days of dynamic campaigning and a strong silent push, Kerala entered its decision day on Thursday, with approximately 2.71 crore voters ready to choose the state's next leadership.

Before the sun rose, the electoral processes were already underway. By 5:30 a.m., all 30,471 polling booths across the state were active, as officials began essential mock polling.

Once the mock polling was concluded and the EVMs secured, a short lull occurred before the real action commenced.

By 6:30 a.m., lines began to form throughout the state.

A striking scene from Thodupuzha showcased long queues, predominantly filled with elderly voters, reflecting the robust civic engagement characteristic of Kerala’s electorate.

In Chooralmala, Wayanad, a region still healing from a landslide tragedy that claimed over 200 lives, the act of voting held significant emotional resonance.

Some voters, visibly touched, reminisced about family members who had accompanied them in 2021 but were absent this time.

The polling commenced at 7 a.m. and will run until 6 p.m., covering all 140 constituencies.

With each vote cast, the political landscape of the state inches closer to clarity.

Notably, nearly 200,000 voters have already participated through home voting.

Even after the official campaigning concluded, candidates from all three fronts engaged in a last-minute effort to connect with overlooked voters and key influencers, underscoring the high stakes and palpable anticipation of this election.

Superstar Mohanlal was seen in line around 6:45 a.m. in the high-profile Nemom constituency, alongside rival candidates, sitting member and State Education Minister V. Sivankutty, and his Congress opposition K.S. Sabarinathan, who exchanged pleasantries.

The third candidate, State BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, and other notable figures were among the early voters.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi joined the queue in Guruvayoor as early as 6:30 a.m., while Leader of Opposition V. D. Satheesan was spotted voting with his family in Paravoor.

BJP candidate R. Sreelekha, contesting from Vattiyoorkavu, voted early, citing a busy schedule across her 209 booths.

“I am extremely confident of the outcome,” she expressed, reflecting the optimism among the candidates.

The scale of this electoral exercise is impressive.

Auxiliary booths have been established in select districts to manage crowds, with 352 all-women polling stations and 37 booths managed by individuals with disabilities, highlighting inclusive electoral efforts.

Additionally, 884 model polling stations have been created.

Security is stringent, with over 76,000 police personnel deployed statewide, including Special Police Officers, central forces, and units from neighboring Tamil Nadu.

Approximately 2,500 booths have been classified as sensitive, with prohibitory orders and heightened surveillance in effect.

As Kerala votes in what is considered one of its most closely watched elections in recent history, the day unfolds not only as a democratic process but as a vivid manifestation of public sentiment.