Kottayam: The early updates from counting rooms for by election in Puthuppally, Kerala sees Chandy Oomen securing 7 out of 10 postal votes, leaving his rival Jaick at 3.
LDF and UDF are locked in an intense fight for the seat which had been the fiefdom of former Chief Minister Oomen Chandy.
The election was announced a few weeks after the Congress stalwart passed away following prolonged disease.
The war of words between LDF and UDF during the campaign gave the poll an unusual media attention.
It appeared towards the end of the campaign that either front has a chance to win the election.
The counting of votes was to begin at 8 am at Baselius College but was delayed slightly.
The result is expected to be out by 10 am.