71.7% polling in Kerala

A neck-and-neck race is expected in Kerala as all 140 constituencies are in the fray in today’s Assembly Elections.

For the ruling UDF, it is a battle for retaining power in the State. A success would also present an opportunity for the Congress to stage a comeback at the national level, after its humiliating loss in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

On the other hand, a drubbing in the polls for the LDF would spell disaster for it especially at a time when Left is trying hard for a comeback in West Bengal, once a stronghold of the Communists.

The two fronts, ruling the state alternately, will have to factor in the challenge posed by BJP which had put up a better showing in recent civic elections in the State.

Kerala recorded 71.7 per cent polling. Highest being Kannur, lowest Pathanamthitta.