RANCHI: The counting of votes which started at 8 am in Jharkhand is continuing. According to the initial results, BJP-led NDA is leading in 40 seats and India Alliance in 32 seats. Absolute majority is 41 seats.

Polling was held in 81 assembly constituencies in the state in two phases. The first phase was held on November 13th and the second phase on November 20th. 1,211 candidates are in the fray. NDA fielded candidates in 68 seats. Allies AJSU contested 10 seats. The JD (U) fielded a Lok Janashakti (Ram Vilas) candidate in both constituencies.

In the All-India alliance, JMM has fielded candidates in 43 seats, Congress in 30 seats, RJDR and CPI (ML) in four. The exit poll results predicted a lead for the NDA.

Four exit polls predicted the win of NDA. Two are in favor of Chief Minister Hemant Soren's Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) alliance. As it is a tough fight, there are indications that the margin of seats will narrow and there is a possibility of a hung assembly.