Pinarayi Vijayan overturns early deficit to lead in Dharmadom by ~2,800 votes.
Congress’s V P Abdul Rasheed mounts a strong challenge in a traditional LDF bastion.
Early statewide trends indicate a broader edge for the UDF, with multiple LDF leaders trailing.
Pinarayi Vijayan Takes Lead In Dharmadom As Tight Contest Unfolds
Kerala CM moves ahead after early setback; UDF shows early edge across the state
Summary
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who was trailing in the Dharmadom constituency until the sixth round of counting, has now edged into the lead, according to the Election Commission of India. However, the contest remains close, with Congress candidate V P Abdul Rasheed putting up a strong challenge. Vijayan is currently ahead by around 2,800 votes, with several rounds of counting still to go.
Seeking a third consecutive mandate from Dharmadom, Vijayan has long been the face of the LDF in the state. The constituency, located in Kannur, is traditionally considered a Left stronghold, making the tight margin an unusual development for the CPI(M). In the 2021 Assembly elections, Vijayan had secured a decisive victory here with a margin exceeding 45,000 votes.
Meanwhile, early trends across Kerala suggest the Congress led UDF may have an advantage, with several sitting LDF MLAs and ministers trailing in their respective constituencies.
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