Counting of votes began at 244 centres across the state at 8am

Counting of votes began at 244 centres across the state at 8am

Counting of votes began at 244 centres across the state at 8am

Counting of votes in the Kerala civic polls continues as the state witnesses a neck-and-neck race between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) on Wednesday.

Early trends showed that the LDF has made significant gains thanks to the Jose K. Mani-led faction of the Kerala Congress. Kerala Congress (M) secured six seats in their stronghold of Pala Municipality.

In the six Corporations, the LDF and UDF lead in three each. However, the UDF is shown leading in 41 Municipalities, while the Left is ahead in 35 and the BJP in three.

In the Block Panchayats, the Left is ahead in 103, the UDF in 48 and the BJP in one. In the Grama Panchayats, the Left is ahead in 448 and the UDF in 370 while the BJP in 29.

The BJP has shown a good show in Thiruvananthapuram with their candidate Asha Nath winning in Pappanamcode ward in the Corporation. The party has also opened account in the Kannur Municipal Corporation as NDA candidate P.K. Shaiju wins in Pallikkunnu.

The counting of votes for 941 gram panchayats, 152 block panchayats, 86 municipalities, 14 district panchayats and six corporations began at 244 centres across the state on Wednesday at 8am.

Counting is being held with adherence to a set of COVID-19 protocols. Postal votes by COVID-19 patients are being counted first.

The elected members will take oath on December 21.

(With inputs from Manorama)

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