Counting of votes begins in four states

Counting of votes in the assembly elections to Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh began at 8 a.m. on Sunday, authorities said.

The counting of votes in Mizoram takes place on Monday.

Voting ranged between over 65% in Delhi and over 81% in Mizoram. Rajasthan recorded over 74%, while Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh over 70%.

 

With Narendra Modi spearheading the BJP campaign after his nomination as the party's Prime Ministerial candidate, all eyes will be on how the party performs in the current round of elections.

 

On the other hand, the Congress performance could point to the potential of Rahul Gandhi as the party's mascot ahead of the big fight early next year.

 

The contest was essentially bipolar between BJP and Congress in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, while in Delhi it was a virtual triangular contest with new entrant AAP making it difficult for the two parties.

 

Exit polls after the elections in these states have predicted a near rout for Congress and a good showing for BJP, which is likely to retain power in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and wrest power in Rajasthan.