New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its alliance partner Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) have surged ahead in Nagaland in early trends and are set to cross half-way mark easily. Current leads show BJP-NDPP alliance leading on more than 40 seats in the 60-member Assembly. If these trends translate into numbers, it will be a historic victory for the saffron alliance. Fetching more than 40 seats would mean BJP-NDPP alliance gaining two-third majority in Nagaland Assembly. Others are seen emerging as another dominant force in the state as they are laying claim over about 15 seats in early trends. Though, BJP has maintained lead in other North-Eastern states including Tripura & Meghalaya but the surge in Nagaland is maximum. Meghalya is witnessed tight contest between various fronts while in Tripura, a close fight is seen between BJP & Left-led alliance. Pradyut-led Tipra Motha party in emerging in kingmaker role, though it’s too early to come to any conclusion. The counting of votes began for all three states – Nagaland, Meghalaya & Tripura early morning today. A General observer has been appointed for each constituency while micro-observers & counting supervisors were deputed for smooth & transparent counting process. 59 out of 60 Assembly constituencies of Nagaland went to polls on February 27. The EC had ordered re-poling in 4 polling stations. BJP-NDPP and Congress along Naga People Front (NPF) are major players in Nagaland polls. NDPP is bigger alliance partner of BJP, with former contesting on 40 seats while the latter fielding its candidates on 20 seats. Congress and NPP fielded their candidates on 23 and 22 seats respectively.
