Achuthanandan, Chandy among early voters in Prez poll

Thiruvananthapuram, July 19 (UNI) As many as 137 legislators in the 140-member Kerala Assembly today cast their ballots to elect the 13th President of the country.

While two members -- Mr K M Mani and Mr C M Dineshmoni -- could not exercise their franchise due to ill-health, Mr M J Jacob of the LDF was ineligible to vote in view of a case pending against him in a court.

Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan and Leader of the Opposition Oommen Chandy, were among the first to cast their votes at the Assembly complex.

Both the ruling Marxist-led Left Democratic Front and the Opposition United Democratic Front have extended their support to United Progressive Alliance (UPA) candidate Pratibha Patil.

The BJP has no representation in the Kerala Assembly.

UNI