The counting of votes for Kerala's 140 Assembly constituencies is underway, offering the first clear indications of how the electoral battle is unfolding in the state.
Voting was conducted in a single phase on April 9, and the outcome is now being closely watched as leads continue to shift through the day.
As per trends available around 4 pm, the United Democratic Front (UDF), led by the Indian National Congress, has established an early win, leading in 69 seats.
In contrast, the Left Democratic Front (LDF), headed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's Communist Party of India (Marxist), is trailing with leads in 22 constituencies.
The numbers, while still evolving, suggest a competitive contest, with the UDF currently ahead in the race.
Kerala recorded a voter turnout of 79.63 per cent in this election, according to official figures.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan appears to be maintaining a comfortable lead in his own constituency, Dharmadom, despite his party trailing overall.
