As the counting began in Kerala, Congress leaders displayed confidence in their performance. A festive atmosphere with decorations and bulk orders for sweets at the Congress state headquarters hinted at a potential victory celebration. The initial trends from postal ballots indicated a closely contested battle between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, made an entry by leading in four seats. Despite the tight competition, optimism prevailed among the camps. The State Communist Party of India (Marxist) secretary expressed strong belief in the LDF’s chances for a historic third consecutive term. Both alliances have focused their campaigns on different issues, with the Left emphasizing governance achievements and the UDF highlighting anti-incumbency sentiments.
Buoyed by exit polls favoring a change in leadership, Congress leaders are hopeful that the public’s mood will translate into votes. The NDA aims to increase its vote share beyond 20% to become a significant player if the results are fragmented. With high security measures in place, counting is underway in Kerala’s 140 constituencies, with key battlegrounds being closely watched for any decisive shifts in power.
