New Delhi: In what could be called a major setback for BJP in Bihar, the RJD-JD(U)-Congress alliance has won six out of 10 seats in the state by-polls. BJP could manage to win only four. “This is the win of people’s faith in us. I am really happy with the win,” said the Jubilant JD(U) chief, Nitish Kumar.Â
In Karnataka, Congress is leading in two seats while BJP in one. BJP has lost its stronghold Bellary to Congress. In Madhya Pradesh, BJP is leading in two seats while Congress in one. In Punjab, Congress and SAD are leading in one seat each.Â
The final results for the assembly by-elections in four states – Punjab, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka – will be declared by evening on Monday. While all eyes are on the Lalu Prasad-Nitish Kumar alliance in Bihar, BJP is keeping fingers crossed in MP and Karnataka while in Punjab it is a close contest among the Congress, Akali Dal and the Aam Aadmi Party.
RJD’s Randhir Singh is leading in the Chhapra seat (Bihar), while Congress is leading in Chikkodi-Sadalaga and Bellary Rural seats. BJP is leading in Shikaripura, earlier held by B S Yeddyurappa, where his son is contesting.
In Punjab, Congress leader Preneet Kaur is leading from the Patiala seat while in Talwandi Sabo, the Shiromani Akali Dal has taken the initial lead.
In Madhya Pradesh, BJP’s Sanjay Pathak leads from the Vijayraghavgarh assembly seat.
In Bihar, BJP candidate Rampreet Paswan leads by 250 votes in Rajnagar seat. BJP candidate Niranjan Ram leads by 500 votes in Kaimur seat. RJD candidate Ajay Kumar leads in Samastipur seat. JD(U) candidate leads in Parbatta. Independent candidate Fakharuddin ahead of Rashmi Verma by 2,000 votes in Narkatiyaganj seat.
RJD chief Lalu Prasad has taken ill and is being rushed to Mumbai.