Left takes early lead in Kerala’s assembly elections

As counting of votes for the 140-member Kerala Assembly progressed, early trends showed the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) taking the lead.

As counting of votes for the 140-member Kerala Assembly progressed, early trends showed the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) taking the lead.

Exit polls predicted a favourable result for the Left Democratic Front in Kerala. Kerala has traditionally booted out the ruling party at every election. (PTI)

Election officials said candidates from the LDF had forged ahead in 62 seats while the ruling Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) were ahead in 48.

The BJP was at the first spot in one constituency.

A total of 1,203 contestants are in the fray. Most exit polls predicted a victory for the Left. The BJP though is hoping to win a seat in the Kerala assembly for the first time.

About 77 per cent of the 26 million electorate voted on May 16.

Congress ministers A P Anil Kumar is leading by 2325 votes in Wandoor constituency and K C Joseph is leading by 635 votes at Irrikur in Kannur district.

Former Finance minister, K M Mani, is leading by 155 votes in Pala.

LDF candidates leading include Ramachandran Kadanapally in Kannur, A M Shamseer (Thalassery), James Mathew (Thalaiparambu) and Mathew T Thomas of JDS in Pathnamthitta.

Others are leading in one segment.