"udf"

Election Commission of India directed officials in Kerala to avoid opening strong rooms before counting day after reports from Kozhikode and Palakkad, while opposition leaders alleged procedural violations and demanded scrutiny ahead of the May 4 election results

A Congress-led United Democratic Front alleged strongroom tampering at Vellimadukunnu in Kozhikode, but election officials clarified that only a separate materials room was opened during routine inspection, confirming that Electronic Voting Machine strongrooms remained secure

Kerala's 140 assemblies witnessed with 50 per cent of the voters casting their votes by 1 pm, the EC said. This election will decide whether the LDF will get a straight third term, or if the UDF makes a comeback, or if BJP springs a surprise in an otherwise bipolar battle.

Political row erupts in Kerala over Social Democratic Party of India support, with Communist Party of India (Marxist) saying it won’t refuse votes, while Indian National Congress alleges a tacit deal ahead of Assembly polls

Kerala Congress leader VD Satheesan met MP Shashi Tharoor in Thiruvananthapuram, signalling improved relations. The meeting is part of efforts to end internal differences and strengthen the UDF ahead of Assembly elections

Congress leaders condemned the alleged police assault on MP Shafi Parambil, claiming it was an attempt by the CPI(M) government to divert attention from irregularities at the Sabarimala shrine. The incident sparked statewide protests and police cases against over 700 people

Opposition MLAs in Kerala disrupted Assembly proceedings for the second day, demanding the resignation of the Devaswom Minister over alleged irregularities in Sabarimala’s gold-plated idols. The government defended itself, citing the SIT probe ordered by the Kerala High Court

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.