Small parties, independents may be key to govt formation in MP

As Madhya Pradesh appeared headed for a cliffhanger with the ruling BJP and Congress locked in a close fight, small parties and independents may play a crucial role in deciding who forms the next government in the state.

As per the results and trends available at 7.30 pm Tuesday, the Congress tally in the 230-member House is 111 (won 13 and leading in 98 seats), while BJP is a close second with 110 (won 15 seats and leading in 96 constituencies).

Counting for the elections, held on November 28, began at 8 am Tuesday, a poll official said.

In the 2013 poll, the BJP had won 165 seats, securing a comfortable majority in the Assembly, while confining the Congress to 58 seats.

This time, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Samajwadi Party (SP) are leading in two seats each while a tribal political outfit, Gondwana Gantantra Party (GGP), is leading in one seat and independents are ahead in three segments.

These smaller parties and independents might play a crucial role if the elections throw up a hung House.

Following is the party position in the outgoing House: BJP-165, Congress-58, BSP-four and Independents-three.