India, May 4 -- The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) surged ahead in Kerala on Monday as counting for the April 9 Assembly elections progressed, with early trends indicating a decisive edge for the opposition alliance.

According to initial rounds, the UDF was leading in around 100 of the 140 Assembly constituencies, while the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) trailed with leads in about 40 seats. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was ahead in just one constituency, as per early television trends.

If these trends hold, it would mark a significant political shift, potentially ending the LDF's decade-long rule under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and leaving the Left without power in any Indian state.

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