Congress-led UDF in Kerala registered a stupendous victory in the Puthuppally constituency in Kottayam district on Friday defeating the ruling CPM-led LDF candidate by a record margin.
UDF candidate Chandy Oommen surpassed the victory margin record of his father and former Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy whose death in July had necessitated the bypoll. Chandy Oommen defeated his nearest CPM rival Jaick C Thomas by a margin of 37,719 votes.
This is the third time in a row that Jaick tasted defeat in the constituency.
Oommen Chandy who represented the Puthupally constituency for 53 years without a break, had recorded his highest victory margin of 33,255 in 2011 when he defeated CPM’s Suja Susan George.
While Chandy Oommen secured 80,144 votes, Jaick C Thomas got 42425 votes.
The BJP candidate Lijin Lal came a poor third securing only 6554 votes.
Soon after the declaration of results, Chandy Oommen dedicated the victory to his father terming it as the 13th consecutive assembly poll win.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the voters of Puthupally for the historic win. I promise to work for the betterment of all sections including those who voted against us.
