Astrologer predicts poll win for Modi

An astrologer has predicted victory for BJP prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi in the 2014 general elections, by saying that planetary positions indicate an almost certain coronation as the next head of the central government.

In anticipation, festivities and special prayer services are being conducted in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

"On the basis of calculations made for an auspicious place, time and situation, we have done the coronation(of Modi) today (Wednesday), and it's my hundred percent prediction and announcement that no power in the world can stop the coronation of Modi,"said astrologer Laxman Das.

A BJP worker, Ashok Chaurasia, spoke about the faith the people of Varanasi had in Modi.

"Varanasi is known throughout the world as the capital of religion, culture and spirituality, and Modi has declared that he will make Varanasi the capital of knowledge.We are very enthusiastic about it,"said Chaurasia.

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Ashok Ajmeri, an artist and sculptor in Vadodara, said: "I have got orders from many villages for the statue of Modi. Four or five days back, I got an order from a village to make this statue. They have determined in their minds that if the BJP wins 300 or 275 seats or, however many, they will go on as many bikes along with Modi's victory chariot to worship at the temple of Goddess Amba."

Meanwhile, Modi supporters in Bhopal participated in a fire ritual after four major exit polls forecast a parliamentary majority for the BJP and its allies.

"I hope that this ritual is successful and Modi forms his government to come into power," said one of the participants in the ritual, Alok Sanjay.

A majority of 272 seats in parliament is needed to form a government, although that is often achieved with outside support from regional parties.

India's staggered voting was spread over five weeks to reach the country's 815 million voters around its varied terrain.

Counting of votes will take place on Friday.