As Madhya Pradesh appeared headed for a cliffhanger with the ruling BJP and Congress locked in a close fight, small parties and independents may play a crucial role in deciding who forms the next government in the state.
Bhopal:
An exciting see-saw battle was on in Madhya Pradesh, which too the BJP has ruled for 15 long years, with trends from counting centres at times putting the Congress in the lead and at times behind the ruling party, keeping everyone guessing.
As per the results and trends available at 9.10 pm on Tuesday, the Congress tally in the 230-member House is 113 (won 44 and leading in 69 seats), while BJP is a close second with 110 (won 44 seats and leading in 66 constituencies).
Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi told the media that he was confident of a Congress victory in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and that he had "always been a little more pessimistic" about Telangana
The BJP under the leadership of Shivraj Singh Chouhan is seeking a fourth term in office while the Congress is making a determined bid to unseat him.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said he was sure the BJP would retain power in the state despite being hit hard in more than 50 seats which they won five years ago.
The 2013 state Assembly's partywise position was :BJP-165, Congress-58, BSP-4 and Independents-3.