Trends show LDF ahead in civic polls in Kerala

 With counting of votes for local body polls in Kerala underway on Wednesday, early trends showed that ruling CPI(M) led Left Democratic Front was leading in 520 of total of 941 panchayats.

LDF was also leading in 10 out of 14 district panchayats and 108 block panchayats of total of 152, according to State Election Commission figures.

Congress-led UDF was ahead in four district panchayats.

Out of six corporations in state, LDF and UDF were leading in three each.

BJP is ahead in 26 panchayats.

A total of 21,893 wards in 1,200 local self-governing bodies, including six corporations, 941 vill panchayats, 14 district panchayats, and 87 municipalities went to polls in three phases on December 8, 10, and 14.

first phase saw 73.12 percent turut, second phase 76.78, and third and final phase, 78.64 percent.

Left leaders and workers claimed that "hate campaign" against CPI(M) through various issues raised by Opposition Congress and BJP, including gold smuggling case and or matters, failed to resonate with people.

All hate campaigns against Left have been proven wrong, senior CPI(M) leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan told media.

In 2015, ruling LDF had nearly swept civic polls by winning 549 vill panchayats, 90 block panchayats, 44 municipalities, and four corporations.

At district panchayat level, both UDF and LDF had won seven seats each. 

(IM CREDITS:PTI)