LDF makes clean sweep of Kerala

The CPI-M led opposition Left Democratic Front in Kerala made a clean sweep of 18 of the 20 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

United Democratic Front partner Indian Union Muslim League and Indian Federation of Democratic Party an ally of the National Democratic Alliance won one each.

CPI-M won 12 of the 13 seats it contested, CPI three out of four and JD (S), Kerala Congress and LDF-independent one each.

Congress drew a blank failing to win a single seat out of the 17 it contested.

The sole consolation for the ruling front was the victory of IUML candidate E Ahmed in Ponnani with an impressive margin of over 100,000 votes.

While Kerala continues to be a barren land for BJP, IFDP's P C Thomas retained his seat, winning a grimly fought three-corner fight in Muvvattupuzha, which he won last time as UDF nominee.