Thiruvananthapuram:
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) remained ahead in 11 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala, while the BJP made headway in one, as counting reached its halfway mark on Friday.
The Left Democratic Front is ahead in eight seats in the southern state.
Two major surprises appear to be in store on the counting day. The Bharatiya Janata Party is likely to open its account in Thiruvananthapuram as its veteran leader O. Rajagopal maintained a consistent lead.
With 70 per cent of the polled votes accounted for, he led with a margin of 7,532 votes against union minister and sitting MP Shashi Tharoor.
Another surprise that appears to be in store in Chalakudy, where ace comedian and character artiste Innocent of the Left Democratic Front could have the final laugh.
With 43 per cent of the votes already counted, Innocent is ahead of Congress strongman PC Chacko by 7,488 votes.
Left Democratic Front candidates also surged ahead in Kannur, Kasargode, Attingal, Alalthur, Thrissur, Palakad, Idukki and Chalakudy constituencies, while the UDF led in Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Mavelikera, Kottayam, Vida Kara, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Ponnani, Ernakulam, Malappuram, Kollam, and Pathanamthitta.
In 2009, the UDF won 16, while the LDF had won four Lok Sabha seats.