KOLKATA: Early counting trends from the assembly elections in Kerala have shown the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) taking a significant lead, raising the prospect of a return to power in the state. Initial two hours of counting suggested the UDF was ahead in more than 40 seats, while the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) was leading in under 50 constituencies. The BJP-led NDA was ahead in around five seats, according to the trends.
UDF Confidence High
Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee chief Sunny Joseph said the numbers indicated a “clear pro-UDF wave” and expressed confidence that the alliance would cross the 100-seat mark in the 140-member Assembly. However, the trends remain fluid and are expected to change as counting progresses.
Assam: BJP Leads, Congress Trails
In Assam, the Congress was leading in 31 seats, while the BJP was ahead in 61 constituencies, according to latest trends. MP Gaurav Gogoi, making his debut in Assembly elections, was trailing in the Jorhat constituency. Election Commission officials said he was behind BJP candidate and sitting MLA Hitendranath Goswami by 4,132 votes. Gogoi had polled 9,875 votes, while Goswami secured 14,007 votes so far. Goswami, a five-time MLA, is seeking a third consecutive term in the constituency.
West Bengal, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu
In West Bengal, the Congress was ahead in one seat in latest trends, while in Puducherry the party was leading in five seats. The BJP was ahead in 10 constituencies in the Union Territory. In Tamil Nadu, Congress is yet to open account. Officials said counting was ongoing across all constituencies, and the figures represented only latest trends from postal ballots and initial rounds of counting.
The election results for Kerala, Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry are being closely watched as they will shape the political landscape in these states. Stay tuned for more updates as counting continues.
