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The Global Ayyappa Sangamam in Kerala ended with a political row, as the ruling LDF hailed it a success while the opposition UDF dismissed it as a flop, alleging poor turnout, political motives, and attempts to woo Hindu voters

UDF's Chandy Oommen, LDF candidate Jaick C Thomas and BJP's G Lijin Lal have exuded confidence about winning the election, citing various factors.

It is the second stint of the Marxist veteran in the top office.

Severe organisational weaknesses of the Congress and the BJP's foray into the traditional anti-Left support-base also helped the LDF coast to victory comfortably, winning 87 of the total of 140 seats so far

"The CPI(M)-led LDF will play its due role in this and we expect that the people of Kerala who have always stood up as one will continue to do so in a more stronger manner," he said.

As per the Election Commission figures, the LDF is ahead in 85 seats, while the opposition Congress-headed UDF is leading in 44 segments and the BJP-NDA, in three constituencies.

The ruling LDF is hoping to retain power for a second consecutive term breaking the state's four-decades-old trend of alternating between the UDF every five year.

Left front was leading in 514 grama panchayats, five corporations and 11 district panchayats, prompting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to attribute the good show to the people of the state

The counting began at 244 centres at 8.00 am and the final results were expected to be out by noon, Election Commission sources here said.

Cutting across villages and cities, voters could be seen wearing masks and maintaining social distance adhering to COVID-19 protocols.