Lotus blooms for seventh time in Gujarat, congress sweating, neck and neck contest in Himachal

NEW DELHI: When the counting of votes for the Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh assembly elections is progressing, there are indications that BJP is all set to sweep Gujarat. The BJP is making a huge leap. The lotus has bloomed in 148 seats. The Congress is leading in only 20 seats. Aam Aadmi Party is leading in 10 seats.

As per the reports from Himachal Pradesh, there is a tight race between the BJP and Congress. The Congress is presently leading in 34 seats. The BJP is leading in 31 seats. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has so far not opened its account.

In Gujarat, the votes are counted at 37 centers in 33 districts. Postal ballots are counted first. The Election Commission has appointed around 700 officials including 182 observers at the counting stations. Three levels of security arrangements will be in place at each center.

The exit poll results said the BJP, which has been ruling Gujarat for 27 years, will continue in power. If the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has challenged the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress, can open its account then it will be a great achievement.

A total of 412 candidates are contesting in 68 constituencies in Himachal. The polls also predicted a close fight with the opposition Congress, although the ruling party BJP is predicted to have an advantage. 35 seats are required for absolute majority. In 2017, BJP won 44 seats and Congress 21.

Elections to the 182-member Gujarat Legislative Assembly were held in two phases on December 1 and 5, and to 68 seats in Himachal Pradesh in one phase on November 12.