BJP supporters celebrate the party's big win in Rajasthan
The BJP is headed for landslide wins in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh and is likely to stop just shy of a clear majority in Delhi, where the Aam Aadmi Party has ensured, in a stunning debut, that the ruling Congress stands decimated. (
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The BJP's only worry is Chhattisgarh, where it is again neck and neck with the Congress. BJP Chief Minister Raman Singh's bid for a third term could be in jeopardy.
(Chhattisgarh appears to have chosen Congress)
In sharp contrast, his neighbour in MP and party colleague Shivraj Singh Chouhan hasn't had to worry all morning. He is set to get his third term and the only question is how large his victory will be. If the BJP holds on to all current leads in Madhya Pradesh, it will only be a few seats short of a two-thirds or absolute majority in the 230-seat assembly. ((
Pics: BJP rejoices, AAP cheers, Congress resigns)
The BJP's Vasundhara Raje has posted the most resounding victory of the day in Rajasthan. She seems headed for a two-thirds majority in the 200-seat House if all current trends convert to leads, shrugging off political setbacks of the last few years to reclaim the post of Chief Minister, evicting the Congress' Ashok Gehlot.
For the Congress, which will lose Rajasthan and Delhi and has failed to make a dent in MP, it is a rude wake-up call just months before national elections due in May. These assembly elections are largely being seen as the semi-finals ahead of 2014 and also a test of the popularity of Narendra Modi, who campaigned extensively as the BJP's prime ministerial candidate.
Central minister Shashi Tharoor said, "I am not prepared to extrapolate from today's results for Lok Sabha elections" But big winner Ms Raje said, "Modi has been a big factor too. It's a semi final to what's going to happen in 2014." (
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In Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party is the big story. It is leading in 24 seats and will be main opposition if the BJP converts all 36 seats it is leading in right now. Delhi has 70 assembly seats.
(Sheila resigns, BJP in lead, but it's AAP's big day)