UDF ahead in Kerala

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is racing ahead of the ruling LDF headed by CPI(M) in Kerala as the early trends of the Lok Sabha polls started trickling in from the 20 seats in the state.  

While the UDF candidates were ahead in eight seats, the LDF nominees are leading in two seats.  

The seats where the UDF is leading are Kannur, Wayanad, Malappuram, Thrissur, Idukki, Kollam, Kottayam and Thiruvananthapuram.  

The LDF candidates are leading in Kasargode and Vatakara.  

Leading Congress candidates include Shashi Tharoor (Thiruvananthapuram) and K Sudhakaran (Kannur).  

Union Minister and IUML leader E Ahamed is leading over sitting CPI(M) MP T K Hamza by 1589 votes in Malappuram.