Keralam Flip-Flop Alert! UDF Pushes To Lead, Early Trends Predict Change In State
Assam Election Results LIVE: Early counting trends in Kerala show the UDF taking the lead, signalling a possible shift in power as results for the high-stakes Assembly elections begin to unfold.
Counting of votes for the April 9 Assembly elections in Kerala began at 8 am on Monday, with early trends indicating a potential shift in the state’s political landscape.
The Congress-led UDF was leading in eight seats in the initial rounds, while the ruling LDF was ahead in two.
Counting Underway Amid Tight Security
The counting process is being carried out at 140 centres across 43 locations. Strongrooms housing electronic voting machines were opened around 6:30 am in the presence of Election Commission officials, security personnel and candidate representatives.
As per procedure, counting began with postal ballots, which account for about 1.36 per cent of the total votes polled. A clearer trend is expected to emerge by the afternoon.
The exercise marks the culmination of a high-stakes contest between the ruling LDF, the opposition UDF and the BJP-led NDA.
Turnout, Candidates And Arrangements
Kerala has a total electorate of over 2.71 crore voters, with 79.63 per cent turnout recorded on polling day. With the inclusion of postal ballots received till May 1, the turnout has tentatively risen to 79.70 per cent, according to Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar.
A total of 883 candidates are in the fray for 140 seats.
Officials said 15,464 personnel have been deployed for counting duties, including returning officers, additional returning officers, micro observers, supervisors and assistants. Security has been tightened with 25 companies of central forces deployed alongside state police personnel, while surveillance has been stepped up to prevent any untoward incidents.
Stakes High For All Fronts
The outcome is crucial for all three alliances as they seek to consolidate their position in Kerala’s evolving political landscape. Exit polls have largely suggested a close contest, with many giving a slight edge to the UDF, which has been out of power since 2016.
The UDF is aiming for a significant jump from its 2021 tally of 41 seats, with some projections suggesting it could cross the 80-seat mark. The LDF, however, remains hopeful of securing a third consecutive term.
A defeat for the LDF would mark the first time since the 1960s that Left parties are not in power in any Indian state.
The NDA, though not expected to form the government, is looking to expand its footprint and improve its vote share after failing to win any seats in the previous election.
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