Congress-led UPA heads for victory

Belying all exit poll analysis that had predicted a close call between the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, the ruling UPA is all set to return to power at the centre, possibly with support from independents or some of the regional outfits.

With a near lead of in around 261 constituencies and assurance of support from leaders like Biju Patnaik, support from the Third Front or the Fourth Front in forming a government has now become immaterial.

Lok Sabha Elections 2009 : Latest Tally
Alliance Name Lead Won Total
CONG+ 57 204 261
BJP+ 45 113 158
THIRD FRONT 19 40 59
SP/RJD+ 10 19 29
BSP 7 11 18
OTHERS 7 11 18
Total 543/543

The Congress-led UPA has put up an impressive performance in states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.

The Congress also swept Delhi, did exceedingly well in Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and Uttarakhand.

The UPA also put up a stunning performance in Kerala and West Bengal, where the respective ruling Left Fronts have been dealt a body blow.

The Left Front has been virtually wiped out of its bastions with the alliance leading in only 12 seats out of the total 42 in West Bengal, while the Congress-TMC combine leading in 18 seats.