Counting of votes is underway in the high-stakes assembly elections to five states – Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Mizoram.
Trends at 1 pm: The BJP is inching ahead of Congress in Madhya Pradesh. In Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, Congress is leading over the ruling BJP. TRS is heading for a clear win in Telangana while the MNF is all set to unseat the Congress in Mizoram.
In Chhattisgarh, Congress is leading in nearly 65 of the 90 constituencies, eyeing a landslide victory. On the other hand, it is a seesaw battle in Madhya Pradesh with BJP leading in 108 seats and Congress in 111.
In Rajasthan, the Congress’ lead has improved to 95 seats. The BJP is leading in 80 seats. The majority mark in the 199-seat Rajasthan assembly is 100. Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot have both said that the Congress will form the next government in Rajasthan.
In Mizoram, chief minister Lal Thanhawla has lost from both seats – Serchhip and Champhai (South).
These elections, which are viewed as a prestige battle for BJP which is in power in three of the five states, are also believed to be a curtain-raiser for 2019 Lok Sabha Elections.
