Jharkhand polls: BJP takes early lead

The early trends have started coming in for the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly and it's finally some good news for the BJP as it leads the pack with 20 seats while the Congress is leading in 15 seats.

Meanwhile, former chief minister and Jharkhand Vikas Morcha chief Babulal Marandi, who heads an alliance with Congress says in case of a hung Assembly, people will line up to support his alliance.

"I would not mind seeking the support of independents in case of a hung Assembly," said the former Jharkhand chief minister.

He also said the CM will be decided by party, after results are out.

After a month long polling process, counting began today for 81 seats in the Jharkhand assembly elections, and the biggest question is whether Jharkhand can get a stable government, after years of instability, and rule by independents, which has resulted in huge scams to the tune of crores of rupees.

Among the candidates trying out their luck, will be those same independents, who, along with ex-Chief Minister Madhu Koda - ruled Jharkhand between 2006 and 2008 - and are now accused in an money laundering scam to the tune of 4000 crore rupees.

Koda's wife Gita is also contesting from Jaganathpur.

Despite the Maoist threat, the five phase Jharkhand polls had seen a 58 per cent voter turnout.