The Communist Party of India=Marxist-led Left Democratic Front is headed for a landslide victory in Kerala, establishing a clear lead over the ruling Congress-led United Democratic Front in 95 seats as counting of votes in the 140 constituencies moved to the final rounds. The UDF, which won 99 seats in 2001, is facing a rout in most districts including its traditional strongholds like Ernakulam and Wayanad districts.
While Chief Minister Oommen Chandy is leading in his pocketborough Puthupally in Kottayam district, most of his cabinet colleagues are far behind their LDF opponents.
CPI-M stalwart V S Achuthanandan is all set to retain the red bastion of Malampuzha with an enhanced margin.
The LDF is in for an impressive win in Thiruvanantbapuram, Kollam, Palakkad, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasargode districts, reversing the 2001 election results.