Most political analysts say that caste arithmetic plays the most important role in UP politics
In Uttar Pradesh, the counting is taking place in 78 centers across 75 districts
Over five years, except for eight of 75 districts, communal violence increased across UP
In backdrop of note ban, the polls are seen as virtual referendum on 3-yr rule at Centre
Election officials said the counting will be completed by 2:30 pm
The BJP contested all the 60 seats and the ruling Congress 59
89-year-old Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal claimed the combine would win 72 seats
Postal ballots were being counted first and initial trends are expected to be in by 9 am
The Congress is also eying power in Punjab and Goa and hopes to retain Uttarakhand and Manipur
Modi campaigned for more than two months to win Uttar Pradesh
Modi campaigned for more than two months to win Uttar Pradesh
The results will be announced today
Opposition leaders dismissed exit polls, which have largely given BJP majority
Congress also said that the poll outcome on Saturday will be in its favour
All parties have made tall promises and offered several freebies to woo voters
The Aam Admi Party also made a serious bid this time round, contesting a majority of seats
BJP may retain power in Goa, wrest power in U'khand; consolation prize for Cong in Punjab
The BJP last ruled Uttar Pradesh in 2002
Like Bihar elections, this event would also be forgotten by the markets within a week, analysts say
Modi stunned the country in November when he canceled nearly 90% of its paper money