JAIPUR: The opposition BJP has taken a lead over the Congress in the four-phase Panchayat Samiti and Zilla Parishad election in Rajasthan.
The BJP has won 1,833 Panchayat Samiti seats while the Congress managed to win 1,713 seats when results of 4,042 seats were announced. As many as 420 independent candidates and 56 Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) candidates also won the Panchayat Samiti member seats.
"The counting of votes to elect the members of Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads is still underway," a state election commission spokesperson said.
The polling to elect a total of 636 Zila Parishad members and 4,371 Panchayat Samiti members was held in four phases in 21 districts of Ajmer, Banswara, Barmer, Bhilwara, Bikaner, Bundi, Chittorgarh, Churu, Dungarpur, Hanumangarh, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Jhalawar, Jhunjhunu, Nagaur, Pali, Pratapgarh, Rajsamand, Sikar, Tonk and Udaipur.
The result will decide the fate of 1,778 candidates in the Zila Parishad elections and 12,663 candidates in the Panchayat Samiti elections.
Elaborate security arrangements have been made for the counting process.
The polling was held on November 23 and 27, and December 1 and 5.
(With inputs from PTI)