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Count underway in Uttar Pradesh Low castes lead in Uttar Pradesh
(about 3 hours later)
Counting of votes is underway at the end of marathon assembly polls in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The low-caste Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is heading for victory in assembly elections in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, early trends suggest.
Early trends show the low-caste Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leading, but as no party is expected to get a majority, post-poll alliances will be crucial. Outgoing chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav has admitted defeat to his rival, BSP leader Mayawati, and has said he will resign when results are confirmed.
The election of 403 state legislature members was held in seven phases over a month for logistical reasons. Trends show his party trailing with a possible clear majority for the BSP.
Uttar Pradesh is India's most populous state and has long been its most politically influential.Uttar Pradesh is India's most populous state and has long been its most politically influential.
But with caste and religion becoming the dominant factors in state politics in the last two decades, Uttar Pradesh has been in a state of decline. But with caste and religion becoming the dominant factors in state politics in the past two decades, Uttar Pradesh has been in a state of decline.
King makers Celebrations
The BSP is led by Mayawati - a woman who belongs to the poor, deprived Dalit or untouchable caste. Jubilant, flag-waving BSP supporters have gathered outside the residence of the party leader Mayawati - a woman who belongs to the poor, deprived Dalit (formerly untouchable) caste - in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh.
Nearly 50 million voters could take part
Dancing party supporters set off fire crackers and celebrated with sweets.
Ms Mayawati has been the state chief minister three times in the past and this is expected to be her fourth term in office.
Her support base is mostly with the lower caste and poor communities who form a significant percentage of the Uttar Pradesh electorate.Her support base is mostly with the lower caste and poor communities who form a significant percentage of the Uttar Pradesh electorate.
Her main rival for power in the state is the outgoing chief minister, Mulayam Singh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party. Early trends show him at number two position, but trailing far behind the BSP. India's two main political parties - Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) - have been on the decline in Uttar Pradesh in recent years.
Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mayawati is leading If Ms Mayawati fails to win an outright majority, reports say the Congress party would seek to form a coalition government with her party.
India's two main political parties - the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party [BJP] - have been on the decline in Uttar Pradesh in recent years. The election of 403 state legislature members was held in seven phases over a month for logistical reasons.
As no party is expected to reach the magic number of 202 seats [the minimum needed to form a government] post-election alliances will be crucial in the state.
Analysts say at the moment, it is difficult to predict who will form the next government or who will be the chief minister.
And the smaller parties and independent candidates are expected to play the king-maker here.
The month-long vote failed to bring people out in high numbers, polling officials said. None of the phases had a turnout higher than 50%.The month-long vote failed to bring people out in high numbers, polling officials said. None of the phases had a turnout higher than 50%.
Major problems
But it will also be remembered for having seen no significant violence, unlike in the past.But it will also be remembered for having seen no significant violence, unlike in the past.
Major problems
As well as caste, crime was another major issue, many voters said.As well as caste, crime was another major issue, many voters said.
Uttar Pradesh is still plagued by corruption and lags behind other parts of India in areas like development and health. Uttar Pradesh is plagued by corruption and lags behind other parts of India in areas like development and health.
Former Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav is trailing Former Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav has conceded defeat
Because of its sheer size and numbers, Uttar Pradesh, commonly called UP, holds an important place in the Indian political system.Because of its sheer size and numbers, Uttar Pradesh, commonly called UP, holds an important place in the Indian political system.
The state has more than 175 million inhabitants. It sends 80 MPs - the highest number in India - to the federal parliament, more than any other state.The state has more than 175 million inhabitants. It sends 80 MPs - the highest number in India - to the federal parliament, more than any other state.
It has produced most of India's prime ministers, including the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty.It has produced most of India's prime ministers, including the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty.
Observers say the Congress party, which leads the federal government, and the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party [BJP] both recognise the results could have a bearing on the national balance of power. Observers say the Congress party, which leads the federal government, and the main opposition BJP both recognise the results could have a bearing on the national balance of power.
More than 49 million people were eligible to vote at nearly 50,000 polling stations, watched over by thousands of police and paramilitary troops. More than 49 million people were eligible to vote at nearly 50,000 polling stations in Uttar Pradesh, watched over by thousands of police and paramilitary troops.
The polling dates were 7 April, 13 April, 18 April, 23 April, 28 April, 3 May and 8 May.The polling dates were 7 April, 13 April, 18 April, 23 April, 28 April, 3 May and 8 May.