In a setback for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), its candidate N Venugopal, seen as the Kochi mayor probable, lost by one vote to the BJP candidate as early results started pouring in for the state-local polls.

Venugopal, who was earlier the chairman of Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), called the defeat ‘technical’ and said he would consider seeking a re-count, onmanorama.com reported.

The counting of votes started at 8 am. The polls were held in three phases and came just months ahead of the scheduled assembly polls in the state. The main contenders in the fray are the ruling LDF, the Congress-led UDF and the BJP.

Coming months ahead of the assembly polls in the state, the results are keenly watched as an indicator of the electorate mood. While the UDF is hoping to see gains, all eyes are on the BJP to see if it can make any gains in the state that has kept the saffron party largely out so far.

Emboldened by the recent gains in Hyderabad local polls, the BJP is hoping to gain ground in Kerala too.