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Low castes lead in Uttar Pradesh Low castes lead in Uttar Pradesh
(about 6 hours later)
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. The low-caste Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is heading for victory in assembly elections in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh with most results declared.
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.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.
Trends show his party trailing with a possible clear majority for the BSP. His party has won far fewer seats. The BSP is on course for a clear majority.
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 past two decades, Uttar Pradesh has been in a state of decline. The BBC's Sanjoy Majumder in Delhi says the result represents a major setback for India's mainstream political parties who have faired poorly.
He says many believe it is significant that Mayawati - a fiery politician who belongs to the poor, deprived Dalit (formerly untouchable) caste - has managed to spread her political appeal and that it may not be long before India votes in a lower caste prime minister.
CelebrationsCelebrations
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. Jubilant, flag-waving BSP supporters gathered on Friday outside Mayawati's residence in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh.
Mayawati is a Dalit, at the bottom of the caste systemMayawati is a Dalit, at the bottom of the caste system
Dancing party supporters set off fire crackers and celebrated with sweets.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.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. By early evening in India, the Election Commission said results had been declared in 358 of the state assemby's 403 seats.
India's two main political parties - Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) - have been on the decline in Uttar Pradesh in recent years. The BSP had won 182 seats while Mr Yadav's Samajwadi Party was a poor second with 87.
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 - Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) - were well behind, with 19 and 45 seats respectively, the Election Commission said.
The election of 403 state legislature members was held in seven phases over a month for logistical reasons. Both have been on the decline in Uttar Pradesh in recent years. The Congress showing came despite a high-profile campaign by Rahul Gandhi - the fourth generation of the famous dynasty.
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%. Former Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav has admitted defeat
Ms Mayawati's support base is mostly with the lower caste and poor communities who form a significant percentage of the Uttar Pradesh electorate.
The elections were held in seven phases over a month for logistical reasons.
The vote failed to bring people out in high numbers, polling officials said. None of the phases had a turnout higher than 50%.
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 problemsMajor problems
As well as caste, crime was another major issue, many voters said. Caste and religion have been dominant factors in politics over the past two decades in Uttar Pradesh, one of India's poorest states.
Crime was another major issue, many voters said.
Uttar Pradesh is 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 has admitted 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 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 in Uttar Pradesh, 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.