Jharkhand, J-K has supported our agenda of development, says Amit Shah

With the counting of votes of the recently concluded five-phased assembly elections underway on Tuesday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah thanked the people of Jharkhand and Jammu and Kashmir for the strong showing by the party in the polls, extending his congratulations to all those involved in the electoral process.

"The year 2014 is a year of unprecedented success for the BJP. I thank the people of Jharkhand and Jammu and Kashmir. I believe that the people of the both states have shown their love, affection and faith in the party. I extend my wishes to the BJP workers in both states, as it wouldn't have been possible without their efforts," Shah said at a press conference at the party headquarters here.

Shah stated that the BJP will provide good governance and development to Jharkhand, also noting that the party has improved its position in Jammu and Kashmir.

"I want to assure people of Jharkhand we'll give good governance and fulfill our promise of development. The people of Jharkhand have given clear majority to a political party for the first time after the formation of the state. I believe that the people have supported our agenda of development and it is a lesson for those who oppose the government's agenda," he stated.

"We have also improved our position in J-K and have emerged as a relevant political group in the state," he added.

Shah also expressed his happiness over the poor showing by the Congress, adding that the BJP agenda of riding the country of the grand old party was progressing well.

"The Cong has come down to either the third or fourth position in both states that went to polls. This shows that our mission of a Congress-free nation is progressing successfully," he said.

Shah also kept his cards close to his chest, as far as forming a coalition in either or both states is concerned.

"All options are open for us. The BJP will decide on how other parties respond or initiate talks with us," he stated.

According to the latest election trends in Jharkhand, the BJP is leading in 39 seats, with its nearest competitor, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), leading in 20 seats. The Congress and the Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM) are leading in seven seats each.

Meanwhile, in Jammu and Kashmir, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) is leading in 28 seats, the BJP in 25, the Congress in 12, and Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) is ahead in 15 seats.