The much awaited results for the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections were declared on Tuesday, along with those of Rajasthan, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram.

Counting of votes for the November 28 elections began at 8am. The lections to the five states are being touted as the semi-final to the Lok Sabha polls 2019, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will seek re-election.

For full coverage on assembly elections, click here

Exit polls had predicted an edge-of-the-seat thriller in Madhya Pradesh, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress locked in a neck-and-neck race. And it just turned out to be true, with both the parties in a tight race to the 116-majority mark.

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Watch Video: BSP will support Congress in Madhya Pradesh ‘to keep BJP out’: Mayawati

Battling anti-incumbency of 15 years, incumbent chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan hopes to retain power for the fourth time in a row. The Congress on the other hand, is banking on the triple anti-incumbency faced by the BJP government and hopes to storm back to power in the state which was once its bastion.

In the 2013 election, the BJP had bagged 165 seats while the Congress had come a distant second with 58 seats in its kitty.

For full coverage on Madhya Pradesh assembly elections, click here

Madhya Pradesh had registered a voter turnout of around 75% in the November 28 assembly polls.

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10:20 pm IST CM likely to be announced tomorrow Congress president Rahul Gandhi likely to decide on make a decision on next CM tomorrow.





8:25 pm IST Congress delegation meets Governor Anandiben Patel A 5-member delegation of Congress party, including Kamal Nath, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Digvijaya Singh, met Governor Anandiben Patel today to stake their claim to form government in Madhya Pradesh.





6:30 pm IST Rahul Gandhi to decide Madhya Pradesh CM, says Shobha Oza “Congress legislators at their meeting unanimously resolved to authorise Congress president Rahul Gandhi to nominate the leader of the CLP” said Shobha Oza, Congress leader in Bhopal.





5:20 pm IST Visuals from the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting in Bhopal Madhya Pradesh: Visuals from the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting in Bhopal. pic.twitter.com/vZIrHMpEu5 — ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2018





3:38 pm IST Next step to prepare for 2019 LS polls: Chouhan Next step would be to prepare for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections so that the BJP comes back under PM Modi’s leadership,says Chouhan.





3:36 pm IST ‘The new govt should fulfil promises it made’ Would request the new government to fulfil the promises it made to the people as Rahul ji had promised to change the CM if loans are not waived within 10 days: Chouhan





3:34 pm IST Request new govt to continue programmes related to welfare of people: Chouhan Would request the new government to continue the plans and programmes related to farmers and others that our government: Chouhan





3:32 pm IST ‘Only I am responsible for the defeat’ It’s true we didn’t get the expected results and the only one responsible for this is me....The blame lies with me but I would like to thank everyone who cooperated with me.





3:27 pm IST Salute party workers who worked very hard in these polls: Chouhan Thousands of workers worked very hard in these elections, I salute them. I want to thank people for their love: Chouhan





3:25 pm IST ‘Tried to run the state as a servant’: Shivraj Former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is addressing the media. Says, “I tried to run the state not as a CM but as a servant of the state”





2:51 pm IST Akhilesh Yadav thanks people of MP for supporting Samajwadi Party Akhilesh Yadav, former UP chief minister thanks people of Madhya Pradesh for supporting Samajwadi Party, reports ANI. “We welcome the mandate. We didn’t perform well but we would like to thank the public of Madhya Pradesh for supporting us. We have decided to support Congress in MP. BJP has spread hatred and deceived public, they will be given an answer in LS elections”, said Yadav





2:00 pm IST It’ll be a privilege, says Scindia on CM’s post Asked if he is open to taking on the post of chief minister, Scindia said, “Of course, it will be a privilege”





1:55 pm IST People have taken revenge from the BJP: Jyotiraditya Scindia People have taken revenge from the BJP for their failure to meet promises, says Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia





1:15 pm IST Kamal Nath meets Shivraj Chouhan Congress leader Kamal Nath has reached outgoing chief minister Shivraj Singh Chuohan to meet him. Chouhan had earlier tendered his resignation after the results of assembly elections were announced and Congress emerged as the single largest party in the state.





12:55 pm IST Congress has staked claim to form govt: ANI Narendra Saluja of Congress said after the party’s delegation met the Governor that Congress has staked claim to form the government. “We have met Governor and staked claim to form government; we have the support of 122 MLAs, the situation is clear.’ : ANI Madhya Pradesh: Congress delegation met Governor Anandiben Patel to stake claim to form the government, earlier today. #AssemblyResults2018 pic.twitter.com/DKqMaRd7bP — ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2018





12:38 pm IST Congress delegation leaves after meeting Guv Patel Congress leaders Kamal Nath, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Digvijaya Singh, Vivek Tankha, Suresh Pachauri, Arun Yadav left Raj Bhavan after meeting Governor Anandiben Patel.





12:35 pm IST Kamal Nath submits list of 121 MLAs to Governor: Sources Congress’ Kamal Nath submitted to the Governor a list of 121 MLAs including 114 Congress MLAs, 4 independent MLAs, 2 BSP and 1 SP MLA while staking his claim to forming government: Congress sources





12:28 pm IST Visual of earlier meeting between Shivraj Chouhan and Governor Patel Bhopal: Shivraj Singh Chouhan tenders his resignation to the Governor Anandiben Patel, earlier today #MadhyaPradeshElections2018 pic.twitter.com/3MKTBDqc21 — ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2018





12:18 pm IST Congress had submitted to Guv on Tuesday night The Congress had on Tuesday night submitted a letter to the Governor seeking an appointment, after results were announced and it was almost clear that it will emerge as the single largest party.





12:02 pm IST Kamal Nath reaches Raj Bhawan Congress leader Kamal Nath reaches Raj Bhawan to meet Governor Anandiben Patel





11:50 am IST Congress party meeting at 4 pm Congress spokesperson Shobha Oza said, Kamal Nath will meet former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan at 1 pm as a courtesy visit. The party will have a meeting of MLAs at 4 pm . AK Antony is going to MP as party observer and after that, the party will speak to Congress president Rahul Gandhi: ANI





11:48 am IST MP governor invites Congress for talks Madhya Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel invites Congress for talks at Raj Bhawan at noon: PTI





11:47 am IST ‘We don’t believe in politics of jod-tod’: Chouhan Chouhan says “we don’t believe in politics of ‘jod-tod’. None have got mandate but since we have also not mandate, we didn’t stake claim to forming the government.” Shivraj Singh Chouhan: Na haar mein, na jeet mein, kinchit nahin bhaybhit main, kartavya path par jo bhi mile, yeh bhi sahi woh bhi sahi https://t.co/8a1VR4T5wP — ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2018





11:45 am IST Shivraj Singh Chouhan takes responsibility for defeat in MP After tendering resignation, Shivraj Singh Chouhan says he is free now; says responsibility for defeat in MP is ‘totally his’. Shivraj Singh Chouhan: Ab mein mukt hoon, I am free. I have tendered my resignation to the honourable Governor. The responsibility of defeat is totally mine. I have congratulated Kamal Nath ji pic.twitter.com/Zuek1cSGGa — ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2018





11:35 am IST Shivraj Singh Chouhan resigns Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has resigned: PTI





11:24 am IST Samajwadi Party to support Congress in MP: Akhilesh Yadav Akhilesh Yadav says Samajwadi Party is extending support to the Congress to form government in Madhya Pradesh समाजवादी पार्टी मध्य प्रदेश में सरकार बनाने के लिए कांग्रेस का समर्थन करती हैं। — Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) 12 December 2018





11:20 am IST Shivraj Singh Chouhan reaches Raj Bhawan Shivraj Singh Chouhan reaches Raj Bhawan to tender his resignation Bhopal: Shivraj Singh Chouhan arrives at Raj Bhawan to tender his resignation to the Governor. #MadhyaPradeshElections2018 pic.twitter.com/8j1HXEs6P0 — ANI (@ANI) 12 December 2018





11:14 am IST Kamal Nath-led Cong delegation to meet Guv at 12 noon A Congress delegation, led by senior party leader Kamal Nath, to meet the MP Governor at 12 noon today.





11:12 am IST Shivraj Singh Chouhan says he accepts the verdict, will give resignation Former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that the BJP has accepted the assembly election results verdict. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday morning, he said the party won’t stake claim to form the government and he is going to the Governor House to tender his resignation.





10:43 am IST BSP to support Congress in MP, says Mayawati Even though we don’t agree with many of Congress’s policies, we have agreed to support them in Madhya Pradesh and if need be in Rajasthan : Mayawati #WATCH: "To keep BJP out of power we have agreed to support Congress in Madhya Pradesh and if need be in Rajasthan, even though we don't agree with many of their policies,"says Mayawati, BSP #AssemblyElections2018 pic.twitter.com/1gr6RFRZHO — ANI (@ANI) 12 December 2018





10:42 am IST BSP surpemo Mayawati addressing media Results show that people in states like Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh were totally against the BJP and its anti-people policies and as a result chose Congress due to lack of other major alternatives , says Mayawati: ANI





10:40 am IST Cong to stake claim in MP, delegation to meet governor at 12 noon Congress delegation to meet Madhya Pradesh Governor at 12 noon to stake claim to form government: ANI





10:17 am IST BJP leaders meet at Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s residence A meeting of BJP leaders is underway at Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s residence in Bhopal. Kailash Vijayvargiya, Rakesh Singh, Vinay Sahasrabuddhe and Narendra Singh Tomar are present at the meeting: ANI





8:55 am IST Congress workers celebrate Assembly Elections results in Delhi Congress workers celebrate at Delhi's Lodhi Garden. #AssemblyElectionResults2018 pic.twitter.com/vsb0TZ2vac — ANI (@ANI) 12 December 2018





8:25 am IST Counting of votes ends Counting of votes in Madhya Pradesh assembly election ends. Congress has emerged as single largest party with 114 seats followed by BJP with 109 seats. Bahujan Samaj Party got two seats, Samajwadi Party got one while Independents won on four seats.





2:50 am IST Kamal Nath claims Congress victory Congress leader, Kamal Nath said with utmost happiness, I wish to inform you that Congress has won clear majority. We have written a letter to the Governor to invite us so that we can prove our majority before him.





12:50 am IST Shivraj Chouhan’s brother-in-law beaten by Cong rebel Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s brother-in-law Sanjay Singh Masani, a Congress candidate from Waraseoni seat lost the election. He could get only 11657 votes and was placed on fourth position. The Congress rebel Pradeep Jaiswal who contested as an independent candidate won the seat by more than 3800 votes defeating his nearest rival BJP candidate.





11:30 pm IST Governor asks Congress to wait for final tally by EC In response to Congress’s demand for appointment to stake claim to form government, governor house said, “An appointment will be given only after the situation is made clear by the Election Commission.”





11:20 pm IST Congress in a hurry, should wait for final results: BJP Madhya Pradesh BJP general secy VD Sharma on Congress party seeking appointment with the Governor to stake claims to form govt in state: They are in a hurry, the final result has not come yet. They should wait, when the final results come, BJP will be the one with the majority.





11:05 pm IST Congress largest party in MP, has support of independents: Kamal Nath In letter to governor, Kamal Nath said that the Congress has “emerged the single largest party with majority support”. “All the independents have in addition assured support to the Congress party,” he said, in a letter staking claim to form the next government. So far, three independents have won and another one is leading.





11:05 pm IST Congress stakes claim to form government in Madhya Pradesh Congress party seeks an appointment late tonight with the Madhya Pradesh governor Anandiben Patel to stake claim to form the govt. The party has sought appointment by sending an email and a fax too. Congress party seeks an appointment late tonight with the Governor to stake their claims to form the govt in Madhya Pradesh. The party has sought appointment by sending an email and a fax too. #MadhyaPradeshElections pic.twitter.com/QEBb5qotuA — ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2018





10:10 pm IST Shivraj Singh Chouhan wins Budhni constituency Shivraj Singh Chouhan wins Budhni constituency with a margin of 58,999 votes.





10 pm IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulates assembly election winners Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Congress, KCR and the Mizo National Front (MNF) for their victories. Congratulations to the Congress for their victories.



Congratulations to KCR Garu for the thumping win in Telangana and to the Mizo National Front (MNF) for their impressive victory in Mizoram. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 11, 2018 We accept the people’s mandate with humility.



I thank the people of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan for giving us the opportunity to serve these states. The BJP Governments in these states worked tirelessly for the welfare of the people. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 11, 2018 The family of BJP Karyakartas worked day and night for the state elections. I salute them for their hardwork.



Victory and defeat are an integral part of life.



Today’s results will further our resolve to serve people and work even harder for the development of India. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 11, 2018





9:30 pm IST Results not as expected: Arun Jaitley I think result was certainly not as expected&it’s an opportunity to pause and analyse, for results were not as per expected. In both Chhattisgarh&MP we were in power for 15 yrs&we have done well. I don’t think there was aniti-incumbency but fatigue factor does come in: Arun Jaitley, Union finance minister.





9:20 pm IST Ex-minister and Congress’s Bisahulal Singh wins from Anuppur Former minister and Congress candidate Bisahulal Singh has won from Anuppur Assembly seat in Madhya Pradesh, defeating BJP’s Ramlal Rautel by 11,561 votes, as per the Election Commission.





9:10 pm IST BJP’s Yashodhara Raje Scindia wins from Shivpuri BJP’s Yashodhara Raje Scindia wins from Shivpuri constituency with a margin of 28,748 votes. BJP’s Yashodhara Raje Scindia wins from Shivpuri constituency with a margin of 28,748 votes. ( ANI/Twitter )





8:50 pm IST Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s residence wears a deserted look Outgoing chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s residence wears a deserted look. ( Mujeeb Faruqui/HT )





8:30 pm IST AK Antony appointed Congress’s observer in Madhya Pradesh Congress leaders AK Antony and Mallikarjun Kharge have been appointed as observers for Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, respectively.





7:30 pm IST Counting expected to be completed by 10 pm Chief electoral officer VL Kantharao says counting is expected to be completed by 10 pm and all the results are expected to be declared by 11-12 at night. Counting on about 100 seats still remain to be completed. Only 2 to 8 rounds of counting remain. “We are maintaining utmost transparency in the counting and there are not many objections”, said Kantharao. “The results are declared after about two hours of counting so as to give enough time to candidates to submit their objections, if any,” he added.





7:26 pm IST Congress workers celebrate in Bhopal Madhya Pradesh: Celebrations underway outside Congress office in Bhopal. Congress has won 12 seats leading on 100 seats in the state. #AssemblyElectionResults2018 pic.twitter.com/SvKfj1d8rl — ANI (@ANI) 11 December 2018





7:12 pm IST Stalin congratulates Rahul Gandhi and Congress “I congratulate Rahul Gandhi and Congress party for the excellent performance in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and MP,” Stalin tweets. “These results will reinforce our fight against the fascist BJP regime and help in strengthening the grand alliance.”





7:08 pm IST Results show BJP’s popularity is diminishing: Rajinikanth I have seen the election results of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chattisgarh, Mizoram and Telangana. The results show that the BJP’s popularity is diminishing. Of course, it is a setback for the national party. People of Chattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Mizoram have signalled the path for a fresh beginning: Rajinikanth





7:00 pm IST Countdown of Modi govt’s fall has begun: Kejriwal “The countdown of the Modi government’s fall has begun,” Kejriwal tweeted. मोदी राज की उलटी गिनती शुरू हो गयी। — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) December 11, 2018





6:58 pm IST UPA-3 will become a reality: Shankersinh Vaghela Voters rejected BJP’s false promises. I am sure that anti-BJP parties would form the government by winning around 320 Lok Sabha seats. UPA-3 will become a reality, and I am sure that a government with 20-25 parties would perform far better than the present BJP government at the Centre: Shankersinh Vaghela.





6:57 pm IST PM only gave speeches: Shankersinh Vaghela He (PM) only gave speeches during his four-and-half-years of tenure. A PM is supposed to run the country, not campaign for his party on taxpayers’ money. He thinks that people will vote the BJP because of him, not because of the chief ministers. But voters rejected him this time: Former Gujarat Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela.





6:56 pm IST Shivraj Singh Chouhan wins Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan wins from Budhni assembly constituency. He defeated his nearest rival Congress’ Arun Yadav.





6:55 pm IST BJP had an arrogance that it can win polls using money power: Shankersinh Vaghela This poll result is a trailer of the 2019 general elections. This anti-BJP trend will continue in the Lok Sabha polls. BJP had an arrogance that it can win polls using money power. This defeat is a big slap on the BJP’s face by the voters, who have kept alive the spirit of democracy: Former Gujarat Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela





6:50 pm IST Results show people’s support for Congress ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha polls: Chavda Today’s results show Rahul ji’s leadership got converted into result-oriented success. Whether it is Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh or Madhya Pradesh, it is clear people have accepted Rahul ji’s leadership. People have rejected Modi and once again blessed the Congress under Rahul ji’s leadership. The results show people’s support for the party ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. In coming times, Congress will again gain people’s support across the country: Amit Chavda





6:49 pm IST Trailer of BJP’s defeat in 2019 Lok Sabha elections: Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda This is a trailer of the BJP’s defeat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The entire country will repose its trust in the Congress and will show the BJP the picture of defeat. Today, Rahul ji completes one year as Congress president. Under his leadership, he organised, guided and encouraged party supporters not just to seek power but to respect and fight for the rights of the people: Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda





6:46 pm IST Trends show mood of the nation: Naveen Patnaik I congratulate Congress and MNF for their success. It clearly shows the mood of the nation. These states are pre-dominantly agrarian states and the BJP government at the Centre has more or less ignored the Swaminathan report recommendations and loan problems of farmers: Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, reports ANI.





6:44 pm IST BJP made hollow promises: Sidhu Congress is like sugarcane, solid and sweet, but the BJP is akin to a bamboo tree, tall but hollow. And that hollowness, reflected in a poor man’s bank accounts, bullet train projects, jobs promised, inadequate houses built and in skill-development programme... Modi and his party fought the election on the plank of bringing back black money, but what happened: Navjot Sidhu





6:43 pm IST Flood of public support for Rahul Gandhi: Sidhu This is a flood of public support and people have created a foundation for Rahul Gandhi to become the next PM. This is also an indication of the change people seek and the resentment they have been harbouring for the BJP: Navjot Sidhu.





6:42 pm IST Rahul Gandhi ‘man of the match’ and ‘man of the series’: Sidhu Our leader (Rahul Gandhi) has led the team well through the campaign, and results are coming accordingly. We did things right and Rahul Gandhi is the ‘man of the match’ and ‘man of the series’: Navjot Sidhu





6:40 pm IST People angry with BJP: Sidhu People’s anger have come out. Tall and false promises were made to them and those promises were not kept, whether on the issue of farmers, housing for the poor, bringing back black money stashed abroad or even skill development: Navjot Sidhu





6:24 pm IST Neck-and-neck fight between BJP and Congress BJP leading in 75 seats, won 35 (total 110) and Congress leading in 65 seats and won 46 (total 111). Others are leading in 6 seats and won 3 (total 9).





6:18 pm IST People have rejected the divisive and communal politics of BJP: J&K Congress Jammu and Kashmir Congress president GA Mir says people have “rejected the divisive and communal” politics of BJP.





6:09 pm IST Watch: Now people understand ‘jumlebaazi’ has no reality, says Shashi Tharoor





5:47 pm IST Victory of humanity: Kapil Sibal This is the victory of Rahul Gandhi, our party, workers, people, and the fight against scams. This is the victory of humanity: Kapil Sibal, Congress





5:44 pm IST Kailash Vijayvargiya’s son Aakash wins BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya’s son Aakash wins from Indore-3 constituency with a margin of 7,000 votes, reports ANI.





5:43 pm IST Moment of celebration: Amarinder Singh At the same time, people were desperate to see an end to the vicious cycle of communal hatred and violence unleashed by the BJP-led regime. It is a moment of celebration not just for the Congress but also for the people of this country: Amarinder Singh





5:42 pm IST Results reflect mood of the nation: Amarinder Singh The results are a sign of the mood of the nation, which saw in Rahul the youthful change it needed to bring India back on the track of development, which had been the hallmark of the previous UPA regime under former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh: Amarinder Singh





5:40 pm IST People want positive change: Amarinder Singh The results have clearly shown that the people of India were now fed up of the destructive and anti-development policies of the Narendra Modi Government and want a positive change: Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh





5:37 pm IST ‘Farmers’ anger led to BJP’s poor performance’ The dual nature of BJP leaders while dealing with grievances and woes of farmers led to its poor performance in MP, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. Farmers in both states were angry over agricultural policy decisions adopted by the BJP governments. There has been agricultural distress in both BJP-ruled states in the last five years: Shekhar Dixit, president of Rashtriya Kisan Manch.





5:35 pm IST Rahul is like a captain guiding a ship in choppy waters: Sidhu It was a united effort in preparing and campaigning for polls. The leader at the top was inspiring everybody. Rahul ji has exhibited great character in a time of crisis, like a captain guiding a ship in choppy waters: Navjot Singh Sidhu





5:30 pm IST People’s courage needs to be recognised: Uddhav While political parties keep winning and losing elections and the winner should be congratulated, people’s courage needs to be recognised in the elections to these five states: Uddhav Thackeray





5:28 pm IST Uddhav Thackeray congratulates voters I congratulate the courage of the voters who did not think about the useless question of who would be the choice (to the ruling parties in five states). They (voters) did not think about EVMs, distribution of money, hooliganism or who would be the alternative to all of this, but rejected those they did not want. True courage is not worrying about future. The courage of voters has shown the country the way forward: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray





5:25 pm IST Rahul Gandhi deserves accolades: Milind Deora Mandir-masjid politics might win prime time TV spots, not elections. Rahul Gandhi faced brickbats for previous Congress defeats. Today, he deserves bouquets in equal measure: Congress leader Milind Deora





5:23 pm IST Need to take results seriously: Sanjay Kakade There are 65 MPs from these states, of which 62 are of BJP and three are of Congress. We need to take the results seriously: Sanjay Kakade





5:22 pm IST Introspection required: Sanjay Kakade The shocking result is of Madhya Pradesh. It looks like we have deviated from the development promises made ahead of 2014 general elections. Despite having Modi, Amit Shah and a strong network of RSS in Madhya Pradesh, if the performance is negative, it means some introspection is required: Sanjay Kakade





5:20 pm IST Warning bell for us ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha elections: Kakade The decisive trends in these four major states are a warning bell for us ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in 2019. If we do not learn from it, it will be difficult for us. I have personally surveyed these four states. I am not surprised with the losses in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan: Sanjay Kakade





5:18 pm IST BJP should stick to development agenda: Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Kakade I am of the opinion that BJP should stick to development agenda and not to caste, changing names of cities, or temple. We need to revert to the track of development. What the BJP has been doing so far is mandir-masjid, changing names of cities, caste politics. Even if we win MP with a slender margin, I will call it our defeat: BJP Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Kakade





5:15 pm IST Deve Gowda’s jibe at BJP At least now, BJP should put some efforts to make this nation ‘problem-free’ and stop the unwanted travel-spree: Deve Gowda





5:14 pm IST People have made this nation arrogance-free: Deve Gowda The intentions of making India ‘Congress-free’ and ‘opposition-free’ shows the arrogance of BJP. People have made this nation ‘arrogance-free’ by voting out BJP: Deve Gowda





5:11 pm IST Shiv Sena will have to think about joining forces with BJP: Prithviraj Chavan The Shiv Sena will have to seriously think about joining forces with the BJP: Prithviraj Chavan





5:10 pm IST Illusion is over: Maharashtra Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan He (Modi) had poured promises and shown dreams to the people. That illusion is over as the results have only affirmed it. All these victories are of the Congress. However, in Telangana, the results were not as desired: Senior Maharashtra Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan.





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5:08 pm IST Congress open to post-poll alliances: Some alliances may not have worked out before the polls for several reasons. The Congress leadership is open to post-poll alliances wherever necessary. The SP, BSP and some Congress rebels can be brought together after consulting the local leadership: Ashok Chavan





5:07 pm IST Victory of democracy over dictatorship: Ashok Chavan This is a victory of democracy over dictatorship, of politics of brotherhood over the politics of hatred. With the support of farmers and labourers, this anti-people BJP government stood defeated. Resignation given by the RBI governor yesterday and the collapse of the sensex today is an indicator of how the impact of BJP’s bad governance is being seen everywhere: Ashok Chavan





5:06 pm IST BJP govt benefitted only industrialists: Ashok Chavan The Modi wave has faded. No impact of Modi’s charisma was seen anywhere in the polls. The BJP government used its power to transfer benefit only to a select industrialists. Now, people have rejected this form of governance: Ashok Chavan





5:04 pm IST Congress will return to power in 2019: Ashok Chavan The Congress will return to power in 2019. Modi ji jaanewale hai, Rahul ji aanewale hai. This trend will continue. We will see it in Maharashtra soon. The Devendra Fadnavis government will fall: Ashok Chavan





5:02 pm IST Victory of people’s power over money power, says Ashok Chavan I congratulate Rahul Gandhi on behalf of Maharashtra Congress. Because of his leadership, we have defeated the BJP in three states. This is a victory of ‘Jan Shakti’ (people’s power) over ‘dhan shakti’ (money power). In the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, BJP’s ‘gharwapsi’ (defeat) is certain: Maharashtra Congress unit president Ashok Chavan, reports PTI.





4:57 pm IST 5-0 defeat of BJP: NCP It is in face a 5-0 defeat of the BJP. People have voted against the arrogance of leaders of the BJP. The way the BJP has tasted defeat in its own states, it portends its farewell in the 2019 polls: NCP chief spokesperson Nawab Malik, reports PTI.





4:50 pm IST CM’s house wears deserted look





4:34 pm IST Our people and institutions must remain independent: Mamata Let us cherish the ‘idea of India’ for which our freedom fighters laid down their lives. Our people and our great institutions must strive to remain “independent”, in the true sense of the word, Mamata tweets.





4:32 pm IST Victory of democracy, says Mamata People voted against BJP. This is the people’s verdict and victory of the people of this country. Victory of democracy and victory against injustice, atrocities, destruction of institutions, misuse of agencies, no work for poor people, farmers, youth, Dalits, SC, ST, OBC, minorities and general caste, tweets Mamata Banerjee.





4:30 pm IST Mamata Banerjee congratulates winners Mamata Banerjee tweets, “Semifinal proves that BJP is nowhere in all the states. This is a real democratic indication of 2019 final match. Ultimately, people are always the ‘man of the match’ of democracy. My congrats to the winners.”





4:20 pm IST BSE Sensex closes 190 points higher Short-covering, along with supportive global cues and chances of BJP retaining power in Madhya Pradesh buoyed Indian stock exchanges on Tuesday after a volatile trade session, with the S&P BSE Sensex closing 190 points higher, reports IANS.





4:10 pm IST Congress leading in 115 seats, BJP in 105 As per latest trends, Congress is leading in 115 seats and BJP in 105. Mayawati’s BSP is leading in four seats and others in six.





4:02 pm IST Congress wins Bhopal North Arif Aqueel of Congress wins from Bhopal North beating BJP’s lone Muslim candidate Fatima Siddiqui.





4:00 pm IST Delhi BJP headquarters deserted A deserted BJP headquarters at Delhi’s DDU Marg. ( Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo )





3:52 pm IST More security at Delhi BJP headquarters Delhi Police special unit personnel being deployed at the BJP headquarters at Delhi’s DDU Marg. ( Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo )





3:42 pm IST Congress’s Gyarsilal Rawat beats minister Antar Singh Arya Gyarsilal Rawat of Congress beats minister Antar Singh Arya from Sendhwa in Barwani district.





3:40 pm IST Samajwadi Party wins Bijawar Rajesh Shukla of Samajwadi Party wins from Bijawar in Chhatarpur.





3:30 pm IST Jagdish Devra of BJP wins from Malhargarh Jagdish Devra of BJP wins from Malhargarh in Mandsaur district. Pipliyamandi where five agitating farmers were shot dead in June 2017 falls in this constituency.





3:20 pm IST Congress workers celebrate in Bhopal Congress supporters celebrate at the party headquarters in Bhopal. ( Burhaan Kinu/HT Photo )





3:10 pm IST Watch: People were disappointed with BJP, says Ghulam Nabi Azad





3:00 pm IST Four results declared, all won by BJP Four results declared in Madhya Pradesh so far. All four won by BJP. Amar Singh Chitrangi from Rewa district, Dilip Kumar Makwana from Ratlam rural, Shailendra Jain from Sagar and Chetan Kashyap from Ratlam city have won.





2:50 pm IST Trends give a clear indication for change: Jyotiraditya Scindia The trends give a clear indication for change. I expect all Congress men to rise up to the expectations of the people, tweets Jyotiraditya Scindia. जनादेश बदलाव का स्पष्ट संकेत दे रहा है।

कांग्रेस के सभी जाँबाज़ साथियों से उम्मीद करता हूँ कि पूरी जिम्मेदारी से जनता की आशाओं पर खरे उतरेंगे।#MadhyaPradeshElections2018 pic.twitter.com/zVgQT8Xvr1 — Jyotiraditya Scindia (@JM_Scindia) December 11, 2018





2:40 pm IST 14 ministers trailing As many 14 ministers of the Shivraj Singh Chouhan cabinet are trailing in their respective constituencies. Thirteen ministers are leading as per the trend so far. BJP had denied tickets to 5 ministers.





2:30 pm IST Akhilesh Yadav’s jibe at BJP Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday said when “one and one come together, it makes 11”. In a tweet, he said, “Jab ek aur ek milkar bante hai gyaarah, tab badey bado ki satta ho jaati hai nau do gyaarah (when one and one come together, it makes 11, and the power of the bigwigs eventually fade away).” जब एक और एक मिलकर बनते हैं ग्यारह ...

तब बड़े-बड़ों की सत्ता हो जाती है नौ दो ग्यारह... — Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) December 11, 2018





2:22 pm IST BJP ahead in 112 seats, Congress in 108 BJP ahead in 112 seats, Congress leading in 108 seats, BSP four and others six, according to latest trends.





2:16 pm IST BJP wins Ratlam city First seat declared; BJP’s Chetan Kashyap wins from Ratlam city.





2:10 pm IST BJP, Congress lead in 110 seats each BJP and Congress lead in 110 seats each, BSP leads in four and others in six, according to latest trends.





2:08 pm IST BJP Rajya Sabha MP critical of party I knew we would lose in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, but trends in Madhya Pradesh have come as a surprise. I think we forgot the issue of development that PM Narendra Modi took up in 2014. Ram Mandir, statues and name changing became the focus: Sanjay Kakade, BJP Rajya Sabha MP, reports ANI.





2:04 pm IST BJP leads in 114 seats, Congress 106 BJP leads in 114 seats, Congress in 106, BSP four and others six, according to latest trends.





2:00 pm IST Hoarding outside state Congress HQ at Bhopal





1:50 pm IST BJP too reaching out to smaller parties Sources say BJP is also reaching out to the smaller parties in MP.





1:48 pm IST Congress in talks with BSP, SP and GGP Sources confirm Congress has started talks with BSP, Samajwadi Party and Gondwana Ganatantra Party in Madhya Pradesh.





1:36 pm IST Watch: Despite trends showing tough fight, Congress celebrates in MP





1:32 pm IST Rahul Gandhi meets Sonia Congress president Rahul Gandhi reaches Sonia Gandhi’s 10 Janpath residence, reports ANI.





1:30 pm IST BJP’s wrong policies have destroyed the country: Ramgopal Yadav BJP’s wrong policies have destroyed the country and this is a result of that. Any talk of an alliance will be done once the whole picture is clear: Ramgopal Yadav, Samajwadi Party, reports ANI.





1:26 pm IST Digvijay Singh arrives at party HQ Congress leader Digvijay Singh arrives at state party headquarters in Bhopal. Congress leader Digvijay Singh at the state party headquarters in Bhopal. ( Burhaan Kinu/HT Photo )





1:20 pm IST Watch: Bure din jane wale hain, Rahul Gandhi ane wale hain, says Navjot Sidhu





1:16 pm IST Both BJP, Congress lead in 110 seats each Both BJP and Congress are leading in 110 seats each, BSP in five seats, and others in five seats, according to latest trends.





1:12 pm IST Leader of Opposition Ajay Singh trailing Leader of Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh assembly, Ajay Singh, is trailing from Churhat seat in Satna district, reports PTI.





1:11 pm IST Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s nephew Anoop Mishra trailing Former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s nephew Anoop Mishra, who contested the election on a BJP ticket, is trailing from Bhitarwar seat in Gwalior district by 502 votes, an election official said, reports PTI.





1:10 pm IST Minister Rampal Singh trailing Minister Rampal Singh is trailing by 1,193 votes in Silvani seat in Raisen district, reports PTI.





1:09 pm IST Ministers Deepak Joshi, Vijay Shah trailing Minister Deepak Joshi is behind by 4,219 votes in Hatpipliya seat in Dewas district, while Vijay Shah is also trailing by a margin of 1,304 votes in Harsud seat in Khandwa, reports PTI.





1:08 pm IST Ministers Om Prakash Dhurve, Antar Singh Arya trailing Minister Om Prakash Dhurve is at third place in Shahpura seat of Dindori district, while Antar Singh Arya is trailing by 3,626 votes in Sendhwa seat in Barwani district, reports PTI.





1:07 pm IST Ministers Balkrishna Patidar, Lal Singh Arya trailing Minister Balkrishna Patidar is trailing in Khargone by a margin of 44 votes, while Lal Singh Arya is lagging behind by a margin 3,039 votes from Gohad seat in Bhind district, reports PTI.





1:06 pm IST Ministers Narottam Mishra, Rustam Singh trailing State minister Narottam Mishra is trailing by a margin of 3,114 votes from Datia seat, while Rustam Singh is at the third position in Morena constituency, reports PTI.





1:00 pm IST Nine ministers in Shivraj Singh Chouhan cabinet trailing Nine ministers in the Shivraj Singh Chouhan cabinet are trailing in the assembly polls as per latest trends, an election official said, reports PTI..





12:58 pm IST Congress workers celebrate in Mumbai Congress workers celebrate outside Mumbai party office. ( Bhushan Koyande/HT Photo )





12:52 pm IST Both Congress, BJP lead in 109 seats each Both Congress are BJP are leading in 109 seats each, BSP is ahead in seven and others in five, according to latest trends.





12:50 pm IST Media personnel wait for Chouhan’s statement Media personnel wait for Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s statement, at CM’s house in Bhopal. ( Mujeeb Faruqui/HT Photo )





12:46 pm IST All eyes on results BJP workers watch live results at CM’s house in Bhopal ( Mujeeb Faruqui/HT Photo )





12:40 pm IST Congress workers celebrate in Thane Congress workers in Thane celebrate the party’s leads in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. ( Praful Gangurde/HT Photo )





12:38 pm IST BSP, AAP field more than 200 candidates The BSP fielded 227 candidates, Samajwadi Party 51 and AAP 208 candidates. It is AAP’s maiden election in Madhya Pradesh. A total of 1,094 candidates contested as independents.





12:36 pm IST BJP fielded candidates in all 230 seats, Congress in one less The BJP fielded candidates for all 230 seats while the Congress fielded 229 nominees and left one seat (Jatara in Tikamgarh district) for its ally Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) of Sharad Yadav.





12:32 pm IST Congress pits former minister against Chouhan Shivraj Singh Chouhan is seeking re-election from Budhni in Sehore district. He is pitted against Congress candidate Arun Yadav, a former minister.





12:32 pm IST Jyotiraditya Scindia addressed 110 public meetings State Congress campaign committee chairman Jyotiraditya Scindia addressed 110 public meetings and participated in 12 road shows in 15 days preceding polling. Scindia had earlier also held “Parivartan” rallies across 45 districts.





12:30 pm IST Congress campaign ahead of polling Rahul Gandhi had addressed 22 public rallies and took part in about a dozen road shows. State Congress president Kamal Nath addressed over 60 public meetings.





12:26 pm IST Shivraj Chouhan had addressed 158 public meetings between Oct 31 and Nov 25 Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had addressed 158 public meetings between October 31 and November 25. Before that, from July till October, Chouhan travelled to 187 assembly constituencies as part of his public outreach campaign titled “Jan Ashirwad Yatra”.





12:18 pm IST Headed for victory in three states, trend to continue in rest of India: Sachin Pilot Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot said the party is marching towards victory in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh and the trend would continue in the future in the rest of India.





12:12 pm IST Mahagathbandhan has failed terribly in Telangana: Rajnath Singh Nothing is clear as yet from the trends. Congratulations to the MLA candidates and political parties which are winning. But the mahagathbandhan has failed terribly in Telangana: Rajnath Singh





12:10 pm IST Sports minister Yashodhara Raje Scindia leads Sports minister Yashodhara Raje Scindia is leading by 7,757 votes from Shivpuri constituency at the end of the fourth round of counting.





12:08 pm IST Congress workers celebrate Congress workers celebrate at AICC headquarters. ( Sanjeev Verma )





12:06 pm IST Congress is now leading in 116 seats, BJP 102 Congress is now leading in 116 seats, BJP in 102, BSP five and others seven, according to latest trends





11:56 am IST Watch: Congress confident of making comeback in MP after 15 years





11:54 am IST Watch: Congress ahead in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh; tough fight in MP





11:46 am IST BJP leads in 114 seats, Congress in 109 BJP now ahead in 114 seats while Congress leads in 109 seats.





11:44 am IST Congress workers celebrate in Bhopal Congress supporters celebrate in Bhopal. ( Burhaan Kinu )





11:40 am IST Congress workers celebrate in Bhopal Congress supporters celebrate in Bhopal. ( Burhaan Kinu )





11:36 am IST Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia arrive at party HQ in Bhopal Senior Congress leaders Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia arrive at the party headquarters in Bhopal.





11:30 am IST Will create an environment of peace if we come to power: Scindia We will create an environment of peace, justice, and development if we come to power in Madhya Pradesh: Jyotiraditya Scindia, reports ANI.





11:26 am IST Trends reflect people’s desire for change: Jyotiraditya Scindia Jyotiraditya Scindia, who spearheaded the Congress campaign in Madhya Pradesh, says the trends reflect people’s desire for change.





11:24 am IST Congress leads in 111 seats, BJP 108 Congress leading in 111 seats, BJP in 108, BSP in four and others in six, according to latest trends.





11:20 am IST Shivraj Singh Chouhan leads by over 6,000 votes Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan leading by a margin of over 6,000 votes in Budhni constituency after second round of counting: Election official, reports PTI.





11:16 am IST Congress leading in 114 seats, BJP 104 Congress leading in 114 seats, BJP in 104, BSP in three and others in six, according to latest trends.





11:10 am IST Kamal Nath says confident of victory These are trends, but I am fully confident that we will get full majority: Congress leader Kamal Nath





11:06 am IST Tourism minister Surendra Patwa leads Tourism minister Surendra Patwa leads by 4,805 votes against Congress candidate Suresh Pachauri at the end of second round of counting from Bhojpur constituency.





11:02 am IST Congress leading in 115 seats, BJP in 105 After two rounds of counting, Congress is leading in 115 seats and BJP in 105. Lone BJP Muslim candidate from Bhopal North, Fatima Siddiqui, is trailing by 4,000 votes to Congress candidate Arif Aqueel.





10:58 am IST Congress workers celebrate





10:58 am IST Congress workers celebrate in Delhi





10:56 am IST Congress workers celebrate in Delhi





10:52 am IST Congress workers celebrate after early trends Congress workers celebrate outside AICC office in New Delhi India on Tuesday. ( Mohd Zakir/HT Photo )





10:48 am IST Congress workers celebrate as party takes early lead Congress workers celebrate outside AICC headquarters in New Delhi. ( Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo )





10:46 am IST Congress workers celebrate Congress workers celebrate outside AICC headquarters in New Delhi. ( Mohd Zakir/HT Photo )





10:42 am IST Union minister Thawar Chand Gehlot confident of win Rajya Sabha member from Madhya Pradesh and Union minister of social justice and empowerment Thawar Chand Gehlot speaks to reporters outside Parliament. He says, “I am confident BJP will form the government.”





10:36 am IST Congress workers celebrate Congress workers celebrate at AICC headquarters in New Delhi. ( Mohd Zakir/HT Photo )





10:28 am IST Celebration at AICC headquarters Congress workers celebrate at AICC headquarters in Delhi. ( Sanjeev Verma/HT Photo )





10:26 am IST Congress ahead in 113 seats, BJP in 98 Congress ahead in 113 seats and BJP in 98 seats, according to latest trends.





10:22 am IST Congress workers perform havan near Rahul Gandhi’s residence Congress workers perform havan near Rahul Gandhi’s residence in New Delhi. ( Sanjeev Verma/HT Photo )





10:14 am IST Rajnath Singh hopeful of BJP’s good performance These are early trends. We hope to perform well: Rajnath Singh tells ANI.





10:12 am IST BJP, Congress lead in 109 seats each Both Congress and BJP are leading in 109 seats in Madhya Pradesh.





10:08 am IST Shivraj Singh Chouhan leads Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan ahead in Budhni.





10:02 am IST EVM malfunction leads to ruckus Ruckus in Bhopal southwest constituency counting hall after EVM malfunctions.





10:02 am IST BJP leads in 88 seats, Congress in 101 BJP is leading in 88 seats, Congress in 101 seats, BSP in five and others in six seats, according to latest trends.





9:58 am IST Congress supporters celebrate in Delhi Congress supporters celebrate in Delhi. ( Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo )





9:58 am IST BJP headquarters in Delhi deserted





9:52 am IST Counting on Counting on at Old Jail Centre in Bhopal. ( Mujeeb Faruqui/HT Photo )





9:50 am IST BJP is leading in 83 seats, Congress in 103 BJP is leading in 83 seats, Congress in 103, BSP in five and others in four seats, according to latest trends.





9:44 am IST BJP leads in 75 seats, Congress in 86 BJP leading in 75 seats, Congress in 86, BSP in six and others in four seats, according to latest trends.





9:38 am IST Two more ministers trailing Higher education minister Jaibhan Singh Pawaiya trailing from Gwalior. General administration minister Lal Singh Arya also trailing from Gohad.





9:36 am IST BJP bigwigs trailing BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya’s son Akash is trailing from Indore 3 constituency. Also trailing is public relation minister Narottam Mishra.





9:34 am IST Congress supporters celebrate as party takes early lead Congress supporters celebrate at a party office in Bhopal. ( Burhaan Kinu/HT Photo )





9:30 am IST BJP leads in 58 seats, Congress in 67 BJP is leading in 58 seats, Congress in 67, BSP in five and others in two, according to latest trends.





9:30 am IST BJP leads in 57 seats, Congress in 66 BJP is leading in 57 seats, Congress in 66, BSP in five and others in two, according to latest trends.





09:28 am IST BJP leading in Sihora and Narsingarh BJP is ahead in two constituencies of Madhya Pradesh in Sihora and Narsingarh, according to the Election Commission of India.





9:18 am IST BJP leads in 46 seats, Congress in 40 BJP is leading in 46 seats, Congress in 40, BSP in two and others in two, according to latest trends.





9:14 am IST BJP leads in 46 seats, Congress in 36 BJP is leading in 46 seats, Congress in 36, BSP in two and others in two, according to latest trends.





9:12 am IST BJP’s Kailash Vijayvargiya confident of victory We will definitely form the government in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Seeing the early trends coming in from Rajasthan, we believe the BJP will form the government there as well: Kailash Vijayvargiya, BJP, tells ANI.





9:12 am IST BJP leads in 41 seats, Congress in 35 BJP is leading in 41 seats, Congress in 35, BSP in one and others in two, according to latest trends.





9:10 am IST All eyes on TV Congress supporters monitor election results on the big screen at a party office in Bhopal. ( Burhaan Kinu/HT Photo )





9:06 am IST Confident of victory: Digvijay Singh It’s too early. Anything can be said only after 12 pm. Leads of only postal ballots have come till now. I am confident that in Madhya Pradesh, Congress will form the government. We have favourable situation in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh also: Veteran Congress leader Digvijay Singh tells ANI.





9:04 am IST Congress leading in 34 seats BJP is leading in 32 seats, Congress in 34, BSP in one and others in two, according to latest trends





9:02 am IST BJP now leading in 32 seats BJP is leading in 32 seats, Congress in 31, BSP in one and others in two, according to latest trends.





9:00 am IST BJP leads in 30 seats, Congress in 28 BJP is leading in 30 seats, Congress in 28, BSP in one and others in one, according to latest trends.





8:55 am IST Media gathers outside Congress office Media and police gather outside Congress office in Bhopal. ( Burhaan Kinu/HT Photo )





8:50 am IST BJP leads in 19 seats Congress leads in 18 assembly seats, BJP in 19, according to latest trends.





8:44 am IST BJP, Congress lead on 12 seats each BJP and Congress are leading on 12 seats each, according to latest trends.





8:42 am IST TV cameras line up outside BJP office TV cameras lined up at BJP headquarters in Bhopal. ( Burhaan Kinu/HT Photo )





8:40 am IST Counting underway Postal ballot counting at Bhopal old jail counting centre. ( Mujeeb Faruqui/HT Photo )





8:30 am IST Exit poll predictions Times Now-CNX had predicted a majority for the BJP with 126 seats and gave 89 to the Congress. In contrast, the ABP News exit poll gave Congress a decisive win with 126 seats and said BJP would win 94 assembly constituencies.





8:25 am IST Congress leads in five seats Congress ahead in five seats, BJP in four, according to initial trends.





8:20 am IST BJP leads in three seats, Congress in two BJP leads in three seats, Congress in two, according to early trends, reports LiveHindustan.com.





8:15 am IST BJP ahead in two seats BJP ahead in two seats, Congress in one, according to early trends, reports LiveHindustan.com.





8:10 am IST BJP went all guns blazing Prime minister Narendra Modi had addressed 10 public meetings across all regions of the state, while BJP president Amit Shah held 26 public meetings and three road shows in the run-up to the elections.





8:05 am IST BJP had won 165 seats in 2013 In the 2013 elections, BJP had won 165 out of the total 230 seats, followed by the Congress (58), BSP (4) and Independents 3.





8:00 am IST Counting begins Counting has begun for 230 seats. It’s a close race between the BJP and Congress.





8:00 am IST Republic TV-Jan Ki Baat exit poll The Republic TV-Jan Ki Baat poll has predicted that the BJP will win 108-128 seats and Congress 95-115. The India Today-Axis poll gave 102-120 seats to the ruling party and 104-122 to the Congress.





7:55 am IST Exit polls give mixed predictions Though all exit polls predicted a slide in the BJP’s fortunes, some of them have gone to the extent of giving a clear majority to the Congress.





7:45 am IST Congress confident of victory मप्र की जनता को अग्रिम बधाई और मंगलकामनायें..।



—कांग्रेस के साथियों/समर्थकों और मप्र की आज़ादी की लड़ाई लड़ रहे करोड़ों योद्दाओं को प्रचण्ड मतों/सीटों से विजय की शुभकामनायें।



आज हम कांग्रेस के प्रतिनिधित्व में मप्र के सुनहरे भविष्य की गाथा लिखेंगे।



"जय कांग्रेस, विजय कांग्रेस" — MP Congress (@INCMP) December 11, 2018





7:40 am IST 15,000 employees drafted for counting process Madhya Pradesh chief electoral officer VL Kantha Rao had earlier said 15,000 employees have been drafted for the counting process which will be monitored through 1,200 CCTV cameras installed at 51 centres across the state.





7:30 am IST Samajwadi Party expecting calls too Samajwadi Party state spokesperson Yash Yadav had earlier said no party approached them so far but he is expecting calls today once results are out.





7:20 am IST BSP hopes to emerge kingmaker “Let the results come out. There will be attempts by certain parties to seek our support. However, a decision on the same will be taken by Behan ji (BSP chief Mayawati) only”, BSP state in-charge Ramachal Rajbhar had earlier said.





7:10 am IST Smaller players in fray Prominent smaller players in the state are Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Samajwadi Party (SP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Left parties and SAPAKS (a party espousing the cause of upper caste Hindus).





7:00 am IST Congress too confident of win Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Kamal Nath had said on Monday, “We will win more than 140 seats. Wait till tomorrow, everything will be clear by then.” Party campaign committee chief Jyotiraditya Scindia had said on Sunday that the Congress worked as a “united front” to dislodge the BJP and that there was an “uprising for change” across the state.





6:50 am IST Shivraj Chouhan confident of victory Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had earlier dismissed the exit polls and said the BJP could cross 200 seats in the 230-member assembly. “We will romp home,” he had said.





6:40 am IST Bhopal police assure security during counting Dedicated teams have been deployed to ensure full security. Diversion points have been put on roads outside counting centres. There is a three-tier security system. Any device that can help communication is not allowed inside: Bhopal city SP tells ANI outside Old Central Jail counting centre



