UPDATE 2 - India's ruling BJP poised to win 3 of 4 states in key regional polls

UPDATES WITH RULING BJP LEADING IN 3 STATES; REVISES HEAD, DECK, LEDE

By Ahmed Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) — India's ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to win three out of four states in key regional elections on Sunday, according to election commission results on Sunday evening.

According to the Indian Election Commission's website, the BJP was leading in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan.

As of Sunday evening, the BJP had won 33 seats and was ahead in 21 more in a total of 90 assembly constituencies in Chhattisgarh state, currently held by the opposition Congress party.

In Madhya Pradesh state, out of 230 seats, the ruling party had won 128 seats and was leading in 36 seats, according to the election results.

In Rajasthan state, also ruled by Congress, the BJP had won 114 seats so far and is leading in one other seat. The state has 199 seats.

Congress was leading in southern Telangana state, the website showed. Of 119 seats in total, the party had won 59 as of Sunday evening and was ahead in five more.

Reacting to the results, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the current showing in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan "indicate that the people of India are firmly with politics of good governance and development."

"I thank the people of these states for their unwavering support and assure them that we will keep working tirelessly for their well-being," he said on X.

The vote count is taking place in 638 assembly constituencies in the four states.

These states, along with northeastern Mizoram, went for provincial polls in several phases on Nov. 7-30. Mizoram will count votes on Monday, according to election authorities.

The elections have significance as they are held ahead of the 2024 general elections.