Kochi: In Kerala's local body elections, Congress mayoral candidate for the Kochi Corporation North Island ward, N Venugopal, has lost to his BJP counterpart by just one vote. ALSO READ | Kerala Election Results LIVE Updates: 'Hate Campaign Of BJP, Cong Failed,' Say Left Leaders As LDF Looks Headed For Victory

"It was a sure seat. I can't say what happened. There was no problem with the party. There was a problem with the voting machine. That may be the reason for BJP's victory," Congress mayoral candidate Venugopal alleged.

"I have not decided to go to court with the voting machine issue so far. Will check what happened exactly," he added.

In Kerala, the counting of votes for the local body polls is underway across 244 counting centres with all Coronavirus protocols in place. The counting of votes began at 8 am on Wednesday.

State Election Commissioner V Bhaskaran had said the postal votes, including special ballot votes, will be counted first and then the EVM votes be taken in.

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Clashes between party workers were reported in many places during the local election and hence, the district collectors of several districts imposed section 144 of CrPC over concerns raised by district police chiefs.

The CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), Congress-led, United Democratic Front (UDF) and BJP led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) were in the fray.

The local body polls were held in three phases in Kerala. While 78.64 percent voter turnout was recorded in the third and final phase, the second phase recorded 76.38 percent voter turnout and it was 72.67 percent in the first phase.

(With Agency Inputs)

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