Kerala Elections highlights: LDF under Pinarayi Vijayan set to return to power

The present seat position in Kerala stands at 99 for LDF and 41 for UDF.

1. Metro Man E Sreedharan of BJP
2. Former Mizoram Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan (BJP)
3. Cine actor and RS MP Suresh Gopi (BJP)
4. J Mercykutty Amma, fisheries minister in Pinarayi cabinet
5. K Surendran, BJP state president. He contested in 2 seats, lost both

"It is a historic win. We are indebted to people. This victory will empower us to take more people friendly measures," Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan said.

"Kerala has given a verdict in favor of the LDF. But this is not the time to celebrate with great joy as Covid-19 continues to spread in the state. This is the time to continue the fight against Covid-19," Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan said.

1. Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan
2. State health minister K K Shailaja
3. Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala
4. Former CM Oommen Chandy
5. K K Rema, widow of Marxist renegade T P Chandrasekharan

In a video message shared on Sunday CPI(M)'s general secretary Sitaram Yechury thanked the electorate of Kerala for showing confidence in the party and vowed that the Left party will continue to fight the challenges faced by people. "I thank the people of Kerala for reposing faith in an unprecedented manner in the way that the previous LDF government tackled all the challenges that the people have faced and also the pandemic scourge. The government gave a Kerala model to the world on how to handle the pandemic," he said.

"It was out development related actives and the way we tackled situations like Nipah, floods and Covid-19 also helped us to win the elections. We are thankful the people of Kerala and we will continue to work for the people, said Kerala Health Minister and CPI(M) leader KK Shailaja after winning by a majority of over 61,000 votes from Mattannur constituency.

Kerala Congress president Mullappally Ramchandran says the mandate should be studies "carefully." "This government is known for its corrupt practices. I don't understand why such a massive mandate was given to the existing chief minister in this election," ANI quoted him as saying.

"I extend greetings to the people of Kerala who have created history by electing LDF government once again to power," says former general secretary of CPI (M) Prakash Karat.

CPI-M candidates bag Chelakkara, Devikulam and Dharmadam. While Kozhikode South iswon by Indian National League's candidate, Ahammad Devarkovil. He defeated Noorbeena Rasheed by 6327 votes. Piravom goes Kerala Congress (Jacob) as candidate Anoop Jacob defeats Dr Sindhumol Jacob of Kerala Congress (M) by 6195 votes.

KK Rema of Revolutionary Marxist Party of India defeats Loktantrik Janata Dal candidate Manayath Chandran by 9511 votes in In Vadakar.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) bags three seats, according to the officials results on the Election Commission's site.

As Pinarayi Vijayan led LDF heads for historic victory, he will address a press conference today at 5:30pm, announced chief minister's office.

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala concedes defeat as LDF prepares for a comeback. He said the party accepts the verdict humbly and inquire reasons that led to defeat. "We never expected such an outcome. But we accept it with all humility" Chennithala said in Harippad, his constituency.

Congress' Ommen Chandy, opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala emerged victorious in their own respective seats. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan sweeps Dharmadam.

Metro Man defeated in Palakkad. Sitting legislator Shafi Parambhi defeated E Sreedharan by over 3000 votes.

According to official figures by the Election Commission, Communist Party of India (Marxist) candidate KK Ramachandran wins Puthukkad. He defeated Sunil Anthikkad of Congress and won 71250

LDF extends ist lead to 98 seats now. UDF is leading in 42.

Metro Man E Sreedharan trails in Palakkad. He is trailing by over 1000 votes aginst sitting legislator Shafi Parambhil of the Congress.

As LDF inches towards victory, CPI-M's Prakash Karat says, "This is a significant victory as in past 40 yrs no govt re-elected for a second successive term. This shows people of Kerala have appreciated performance of Pinarayi Vijayan government, the way it tackled floods, Covid and pro-people development," ANI reported.

As per trends available at around 12:30pn, the LDF may retain power with between 85 and 95 seats, a repeat of the 2016 assembly elections. If that happens, the victory will mark the first time any coalition will form its government for the second time in over four decades of time.

In Kazahakkoottam, CPI (M) candidate Kadakampally Surendran secures a lead with 15165 votes. He if followed by BJP's Sobha Surendran. Congress' SS Lal is trailing with 7114 votes.

The LDF secures lead on 92 seats, according to the latest trends. UDF trails with 47 and NDA leads on 2 seats.