Malappuram, June 19 -- United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Aryadan Shoukhath, contesting Kerala's Nilambur bypoll expressed confidence in a UDF victory for the constituency, saying that the state government has "totally neglected Nilambur area," with tribals not being rehabilitated and increasing human-animal conflict.

"There will be a good victory in this election. For the last nine years, the state government has totally neglected the Nilambur area. Many tribals have not been rehabilitated. There is also human-animal conflict here," Shoukath told ANI.

The polling for the Nilambur assembly constituency and five other seats across the states started earlier today. The Nilambur seat does have political significance as it is seen as a...