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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

After holding a meeting with UDF leaders, party convenor MM Hassan announced the holding of a mass protest against the State Government

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.

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 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.