Malappuram, 04 May (H.S.):The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has emerged as a key driver of the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) strong performance in the ongoing counting of votes for the Kerala Assembly elections, with the party leading in 23 constituencies across the state.
The IUML’s impressive showing has significantly bolstered the UDF’s overall momentum, particularly in northern Kerala. In Malappuram district, the party appears to be asserting near-total dominance, with most of its prominent candidates leading comfortably in their respective constituencies. The district, long considered an IUML bastion, is once again reflecting the party’s deep-rooted organisational strength.
In Kondotty, the IUML candidate, who had briefly slipped behind in the early rounds, has staged a comeback and reclaimed the lead. In Perambra, IUML candidate Fathima Thahaliya has surged ahead of Left Democratic Front (LDF) convener T.P. Ramakrishnan and has maintained a consistent lead since the early stages of counting, indicating a strong advantage for the UDF in the constituency.
Statewide trends show the Congress, the principal party in the UDF, leading in 58 seats, reinforcing the alliance’s upward trajectory. In contrast, the ruling LDF is trailing, with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) leading in 30 seats and the Communist Party of India ahead in 10 seats.
Among other players, Kerala Congress (Joseph faction) is leading in seven seats, while the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) has taken the lead in three constituencies. The Kerala Congress (Mani faction), however, has managed to secure a lead in just one seat so far.
In a major development, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is trailing even after the fifth round of counting in Dharmadam. Congress candidate V.P. Abdul Rasheed has taken the lead, pointing to a possible upset in what has traditionally been a stronghold of the Chief Minister.
With counting still underway, the IUML’s strong performance has placed the UDF in a commanding position, though the final outcome will depend on trends in the remaining rounds.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
