This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/south_asia/6643953.stm

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Low castes lead in Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh low caste landslide
(about 2 hours later)
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. India's low-caste Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has swept to a historic victory in assembly elections in the key northern state of Uttar Pradesh.
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. With all but a handful of results declared, the BSP had won 202 of the 403 seats to allow it to form its own government, Indian media reports said.
His party has won far fewer seats. The BSP is on course for a clear majority. It is the first time since 1991 that any party in the state has done so.
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.
The BBC's Sanjoy Majumder in Delhi says the result represents a major setback for India's mainstream political parties who have faired poorly. I thank people of all castes and communities who supported my party BSP leader Mayawati class="" href="/1/hi/world/south_asia/1958378.stm"> Profile: Mayawati class="" href="/1/hi/world/south_asia/6647073.stm"> Blow to economic reform?
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. The BBC's Sanjoy Majumder in Delhi says the result represents a major setback for India's mainstream political parties who faired poorly in polls which observers believe could help determine India's political future.
He says many believe it is significant that BSP leader Ms Mayawati - a fiery politician from 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 gathered on Friday outside Mayawati's residence in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh. Jubilant, flag-waving BSP supporters gathered on Friday outside Ms 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 now begins her fourth term in office, but hers will not this time be a coalition government.
By early evening in India, the Election Commission said results had been declared in 358 of the state assemby's 403 seats. "I thank people of all castes and communities who supported my party to achieve this overwhelming victory," she told a news conference.
The BSP had won 182 seats while Mr Yadav's Samajwadi Party was a poor second with 87. Outgoing chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav had earlier admitted defeat and resigned. His Samajwadi Party came a poor second, far behind the BSP.
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. India's two main political parties - the governing Congress and the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) - also did very badly.
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. Both have been on the decline in Uttar Pradesh in recent years. The poor Congress showing came despite a high-profile campaign by Rahul Gandhi - the fourth generation of the famous dynasty.
Former Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav has admitted defeatFormer 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.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 elections were held in seven phases over a month for logistical reasons. None of the phases had a turnout higher than 50%.
The vote failed to bring people out in high numbers, polling officials said. None of the phases had a turnout higher than 50%. The vote 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
Caste and religion have been dominant factors in politics over the past two decades in Uttar Pradesh, one of India's poorest states.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 also 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.
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.
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 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.
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.