The counting to the 140-seat Kerala assembly began at 8 am on May 2 as the UDF and LDF are both looking to come to power in the state. However, Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala looks like it is set to script a history by retaining power in the state. As in Tamil Nadu before 2016, Kerala has always voted to change governments in the state every five years. However, exit polls indicate that Vijayan may stay in power, therefore breaking Kerala's four-decade old tradition of swinging between the communists and the UDF.
As of 12.15 pm, LDF was ahead in 88 of the state’s 140 seats, while the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) was leading in 48. The BJP was ahead in three seats, including Palakkad, where Metro Man E Sreedharan has maintained a consistent lead.
Meanwhile, UDF candidate from Pala, Mani C Kappan celebrates his victory by cutting a cake. LDF candidate Sachin Dev has defeated Congress candidate Dharmajan Bolgatty in Balussery. CPI-M candidate for Udumpanchola MM Mani thanked his voters through a Facebook post.
