New Delhi: After a marathon 24-hour counting, the Congress has successfully managed to end the BJP's winning streak in Madhya Pradesh as it emerged as the single-largest party with 114 seats, two short of the majority, the final result released by the Election Commission shows. The BJP, which gave a close fight despite strong anti-incumbency, settled down with 109 seats. Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party or BSP has managed to win two seats, the election body said.
The votes between Congress and the BJP started swinging widely within hours after counting of votes for the 230-member assembly began at 8 am on Tuesday. The drama continued till late evening after which the Congress managed to gain a slight lead over the BJP.
Sensing victory, the Congress opened backchannel talks with the BSP, Samajwadi Party (SP), Gondwana Gantantra Party (GGP) and independents who were leading, the sources said.
Mayawati, who had snubbed the Congress before the polls and refused to tie-up in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, is believed to have called her winning party lawmakers for a meeting in Delhi.
The election was held in Madhya Pradesh on November 28 and 75% of the state's 5.03 crore voters exercised their franchise, with around 1.64 lakh people having voted on an average in each constituency.
In 2013 polls, BJP had won 165 seats while Congress and BSP got 58 and 4. Three independent MLAs also won the polls.
Here are the LIVE updates on Madhya Pradesh:
Dec 12, 2018 19:10 (IST)
The Congress had not announced any Chief Ministerial candidate in the run-up to the elections.This morning, Rahul Gandhi had dispatched party veteran AK Antony to test the waters. At a meeting in the evening, the state legislature party decided Mr Gandhi should be the one to pick a name.
Dec 12, 2018 18:31 (IST)
Congress leader Shobha Ojha has informed that the MLAs have unanimously decided that a decision on the Chief Minister will be taken by party chief Rahul Gandhi.
Dec 12, 2018 18:27 (IST)
The Madhya Pradesh Congress has passed a resolution, empowering party's high command to take a decision regarding Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister.
Dec 12, 2018 15:38 (IST)
I called up Kamal Nath (Congress leader) to congratulate him. And all I want to tell the new government is work for the people. We devised schemes for people, for farmers, for the poor. I want the new government to take over from here. We are all a part of democratic set up: Shivraj Chouhan
Dec 12, 2018 15:31 (IST)
If anyone has got hurt because of any of my gestures, I apologise: Shivraj Chouhan
Dec 12, 2018 13:52 (IST)
Along with BSP and Congress, four legislators have assures support to the Congress, which has won 114 seats in the 230-member assembly.
Dec 12, 2018 12:15 (IST)
Congress leaders reach Governor's residence to stake claim of the government.
