Trends/declared results from the counting desks indicate that the BJP might be in for a complete ‘whitewash’, a possibility which even the party’s worst detractor wouldn’t have visualized!

Counting of votes commenced at 08:00 a.m. simultaneously at all counting centres in Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Mizoram.  The BJP, which rules at the Centre and which heads the incumbent (as on date) in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, had a lot at stake in these polls as it wanted to showcase its ‘might’ ahead of general elections scheduled to be held during April-May next year.

As per the trends prevailing at counting centres at 09:45 a.m., the BJP appears to be losing the States of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh to its archrival, the Congress Party, which is seemingly taking advantage of the anti-incumbency wave and gaining a lot.

In Telengana, the incumbency wave in favour of the ruling TRS is likely take the party to more than three-fourth majority in the 119-strong Assembly.  Mizo National Front (MNF) is likel to emerge victorious in Mizoram.  While Congress appears to have established a clear lead over the BJP in Chhattisgarh and Rajsthan, the going is nick-and-neck in Madhya Pradesh.  Following is a glance at the prevailing trends:

. Telengana: TRS – 87, Congress – 19, BJP - 5, others - 8 (out of 119/199)

·  Mizoram: MNF – 24, Congress – 6, BJP -1, others - 3 (out of 34)

· Chhattisgarh: Congress – 53, BJP – 26, BSP – 10, others - 1 (out of 89/90)

· Madhya Pradesh: Congress - 113, BJP – 101, BSP – 4, others - 5 (out of 223/230)

·  Rajasthan: Congress – 113, BJP – 96, BSP – 4 (out of 199)