Malappuram, June 19 (UNI) Eight per cent polling was reported in the first two hours of Nilambur Assembly by-elections in Kerala on Thursday.

Queues with a large number of women were seen in almost all the 263 booths in the morning . As many as 59 booths were added in this election to avoid rush at polling booths.

Ruling LDF's M Swaraj voted at Makooth LP school booth, while UDF candidate Aryadan Showkath came along with family members and cast his vote at Vettikooth LP School booth.

The other prominent voters in the constituency -- PV Abdul Vahab MP cast his vote at the Government Model School booth at Nilambur and social activist NIlambur Aysha voted at Makooth AMUP school booth in the morning.

Main UDF and LDF candidates met face-to-face at the booth number 184 at Vettikattu and greeted each other.

There are 2,32,381 voters who can cast their votes in 263 booths. There are 10 candidates in the fray including UDF, LDF, BJP , SDPI and former Nilambur Independent MLA P V Anvar.

Heavy security has been arranged in vulnerable booths and a large number of police force was deployed to maintain law and order. The counting will be held on June 23.

UNI AK PRS