Cong appears set to dislodge BJP from power in Rajasthan

The Congress appeared set to dislodge the BJP from power in Rajasthan on Monday as the party won 2 seats and was leading at 100 others.

The ruling BJP won 4 seats and was leading at 65 others, according to the latest trends available from the Assembly results.

Among others, CPI(M) was leading at 2 seats, BSP at 5 seats, RLD at one seat and Independents were leading at 12 seats.

In the 200-member Rajasthan Assembly, the majority mark is 101.

Despite appearing to be in a position to form the government in Rajasthan, the Congress has initiated talks with other parties and Independents for a possible alliance.

Sachin Pilot, a front runner for Chief Ministership, said the party is confident of getting a majority but is still in touch with "like-minded and anti-BJP parties".

"We are moving towards a full majority and I am sure it will be clear once final numbers are in. Still we welcome all like-minded and anti-BJP parties to support us and we are in touch," the state Congress president said.

Pilot said the people have rejected Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaign speeches and BJP President Amit Shah's ways of working.

"Anybody who is winning, we will talk to them to get their support," he said.

Echoing similar thoughts, former chief minister and senior party leader, Ashok Gehlot also urged Independents to join hands with Congress.

Gehlot is another front-runner for the top post.

"Congress has won the mandate. Numbers can go up and down but public mandate is in favour of Congress. We will get clear majority. Still we would want independent candidates and parties other than BJP to support us if they want," Gehlot stated.

Of the total 200 Assembly seats, election was held at 199 seats and not on one because of the demise of a candidate.

Before the counting began, Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje offered prayers at the Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaipur.