KOCHI: CPM district secretary C N Mohanan has reacted to the UDF's lead in the Thrikkakara by-election.

‘The result that has just come is completely unexpected. People’s verdict is the opinion of the people and we accept it. This should not have happened according to the way the party had been working in the constituency for the last one month. Although unbelievable, we accept this defeat. The election was led by us and not by the chief minister,’ said C N Mohanan.

Meantime, the lead of Uma Thomas is rising and she has garnered more than 12,000 votes. She has a clear lead in the UDF’s strongholds. Her lead is more than what the UDF expected. She is leading in the low polling booths also. Uma Thomas has been steadily increasing her lead since the first round of counting.