Thiruvananthapuram | The BJP-led NDA is leading in five constituencies in Kerala with the counting of votes in the April 9 Assembly polls reaching the initial one and hours.

The saffron party-led front continues to maintain the lead in Nemom, Kazhakkoottam, Manjeswar, Palakkad and Chathannur in the initial hour, according to various television reports.

The BJP-NDA, which is making its way to open an account in the state Assembly, is pinning its hope on a handful of constituencies this time.

The Congress-UDF was ahead in over 90 seats, while the CPI(M)-led LDF was leading in over 40 seats, with the counting progressing, according to news reports.