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Assembly Election Results 2018: Decision on CM faces in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, MP today
After hours of a neck-and-neck fight, the Congress is inching towards the halfway mark against the BJP in Madhya Pradesh.
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Rahul Gandhi to decide on Chief Ministers of Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh today.
Supporters of Congress leader Sachin Pilot gather outside AICC headquarters in Delhi demanding his selection as Rajasthan Chief Minister.
Sachin Pilot, Jyotiraditya Scindia likely to be Deputy Chief Ministers in Rajasthan and MP respectively, say sources.
Congress leaders to meet Madhya Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel at noon, to stake claim to form government.
Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan to resign, says BJP does not have the numbers to form government.
BSP to support Congress in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
"Even though we don't agree with many of Congress's policies we have agreed to support them in Madhya Pradesh and if need be in Rajasthan," says Mayawati. "With a heavy heart, the public chose Congress in three states. Chhattisgarh, MP, and Rajasthan didn't give another chance to BJP," she added, while thanking all BSP workers for their hardwork and success.
BSP to support Congress in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan: Mayawati
Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) supremo and state caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao will swear-in as the Chief Minister of Telangana on Thursday. Read more.
The Congress has decided to stake claim to form government in Madhya Pradesh as soon as its tally reaches 116. The party has also sought an appointment with Rajasthan Governor for 7 pm on Wednesday to stake claim for government formation.
Vasundhara Raje resigns as Rajasthan Chief Minister after BJP's loss in Assembly elections. She has submitted her resignation to the Governor.
Congress leaders AK Antony and Mallikarjun Kharge have been appointed as observers for Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, respectively.
We ironed out our differences and worked unitedly, says Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.
Loan waiver is a supportive step, it is not a solution. We will work on infrastructure and technology. To be frank, it is not an easy job, but we are determined to work for the farmers, says Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.
The sad thing is Mr Modi refused to listen to the heartbeat of this country, a certain amount of arrogance came in. And this is harmful for a politician, says Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.
The best thing for me was 2014 Lok Sabha elections, I have learnt a lot about things. The most important thing in this country is what the people of this country think, says Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.
What we would be trying to do is we would be setting the structure and the architecture for a new vision to take this country forward, says Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.
There is an issue of causing damage to the economy. GST implementation was disastrous and now the RBI chief has also resigned. There is a major economic issue facing this country under Modi government, says Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.
We will fight against the ideology of BJP and will defeat them. We defeated them today and we will defeat them in 2019 as well, but we do not want to remove anyone from the country. We do not support that ideology, says Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.
We have said that farmer loan waiver process would be initiated immediately if we form the government, the same will be implemented, says Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.
This is a message for the Prime Minister to act on issues concerning farmers, youth and economy of the country. But the Prime Minister seems paralysed over the issues, says Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.
Earlier, people believed that PM Modi would fight corruption, but now people have realised that the Prime Minister is himself involved in corruption. It can't be denied that corruption took place on the Rafale issue, says Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.
The issue of EVM is not there just in India, it is an universal issue. If the people are not satisfied with the functioning of EVMs, it needs to be looked into, says Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.
There will be no trouble in selecting the chief ministers, it will happen smoothly, says Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.
The ideology of the Congress is same as that of the BSP and the Samajwadi Party, says Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.
The opposition is strongly and uniformly united, we will fight the BJP unitedly, says Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.
We need to find a strategic solution to the issues of farmers, says Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.
This is clear message to the BJP and Prime Minister Modi that people do not trust them anymore, says Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.
This is a victory of small businessmen, farmers and the common man, says Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.
It is pretty clear that there is a feeling among the people that Mr Modi has not delivered on his promises, says Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.
There is a sense among the youth that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not fulfil his promise of job creation, there is similar feeling among the farmers, says Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.
I congratulate the parties that won the Assembly elections in Telangana and Mizoram, says Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.
We have a lot of work to do now in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh - hopefully we win Madhya Pradesh, says Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.
This is a victory of Congress workers who fought for our ideology in difficult circumstances, I want to thank them, says Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.
We want to thank to all outgoing Chief Ministers for the work they did for the people of their states, says Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.
There is responsibility on Congress party now that we listen to the voice of people and provide the vision that is required for these states, says Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi addresses press conference over results of Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram.
Celebrations outside Congress office in Bhopal. According to latest trends/results by the ECI, the Congress party has won 14 seats and is leading on 97 seats in Madhya Pradesh. The BJP has won on 16 seats while it is leading on 94.
Before Parliament election, the polls in five states show it was a mini Parliamentary election. My greetings to all the winning parties, says DMK president MK Stalin.
Outgoing CM of Mizoram Lal Thanhawla submits his resignation before the Governor, says "This is very disappointing. I didn't expect this. I think I underestimated the new formation ZPM."
As per the latest ECI trends/results from Madhya Pradesh, the Congress has won two seats and leading on 111 others while the BJP has bagged nine seats and is leading on 100. The BSP and others are currently leading on two and six seats respectively.
This is a grand victory. We are forming government in three states, what can be better than that? The way Rahul Gandhi ji tackled Modi ji and Amit Shah ji in Gujarat, after that graph of Congress is going up and the graph of Modi ji is constantly going down. It's a sign, says Ashok Gehlot.
There will be a CLP meeting on Wednesday wherein a decision would be taken on the next Rajasthan chief minister. Thereafter, the same will be communicated to the Congress president and a final decision will be taken by Rahul Gandhi, says Congress.
Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot address a joint press conference after Rajasthan Assembly elections 2018 verdict, where the Congress has crossed the halfway mark.
Congress' winning candidate Dr Raghu Sharma hugs losing BJP rival in Kekri in Rajasthan. READ FULL STORY
Raman Singh concedes defeat in Chhattisgarh Assembly elections 2018, saying, "We respect the mandate that the public has given. I congratulate Congress on this success. I consider it my luck to serve the public of Chhattisgarh for the last 15 years." "I take the responsibility for this defeat because the poll was contested under my leadership. We will act as a strong Opposition and work for the development of the state," he added.
Telangana has rejected Rahul Gandhi, time for him to learn humility, says Asaduddin Owaisi. READ FULL STORY
"I will actively participate in national politics. I spoke to other political parties, we are going to play a crucial role in national politics," says TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao.
This is the semi-final of the final match as 2019 elections will be held in next 2-3 months. For 2019 final match game is clear, now we are just waiting for the elections.The countdown for 2019 has begun.This is the beginning of the end, says West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra says "We have lost three states and it is a lesson for us."
AIMIM supremo Asaduddin Owaisi says KCR is a leader who has delivered and the verdict is on his work. "KCR should now not confine himself to Telangana only," says Owaisi.
The Congress has won 18 seats in Madhya Pradesh till now while the BJP has bagged 16 seats.
Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan have shown that things are about to change and that 2019 Lok Sabha elections will not be a cakewalk for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). They tried to exploit the names of lord Ram and lord Vishnu, but they did not succeed, says former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah.
As per the latest ECI trends/results from Madhya Pradesh, the Congress has crossed the halfway mark, with leads on 117 seats while the BJP maintains lead on 104 seats. The BSP and others are leading on 2 and 7 seats respectively.
Wikipedia projects Sachin Pilot as 'Rajasthan CM' even before official declaration of assembly election results - READ FULL STORY
The Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) has extended support to the Congress, which is already crossed the halfway mark in the Rajasthan Assembly elections. RLD vice president Jayant Chaudhary issued a letter in this regard. The letter read, "Respecting the mandate of the people, party President Chaudhary Ajit Singh has directed the MLA of the party to help Congress form a stable government."
According to latest trends from Madhya Pradesh, the Congress is set to get a clear majority with leads on 119 seats while the BJP continues to lead on 100 seats. The BSP and others are leading on 4 and 7 seats respectively.
Since I am going to form the government now, my first priorities will be three things - to impose a prohibition on liquor, repair roads and implement Social Economic Development Programme (SEDP) which is our flagship programme, says Mizo National Front (MNF) chief Zoramthanga after victory in Mizoram Assembly elections 2018.
He further says, "We will not have any coalition government either with the BJP or any other ways because my party can form the government on its own, as we have got 26 seats out of 40. We are a part of NEDA (North-East Democratic Alliance) and NDA but we wouldn't like to join Congress or UPA."
Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrsekhar Rao reaches Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) headquarters in Hyderabad:
As per the latest trends from Madhya Pradesh at 4.17 pm, the Congress is leading on 114 seats while the BJP is leading on 106 seats. The BSP and others are leading on 4 and 6 respectively.
Members and workers of Mizo National Front celebrate at party headquarters in Aizawl. The party has won 23 seats in the state so far.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla loses both his seats
According to ECI trends at 3.39 pm from Madhya Pradesh, the Congress is leading on 115 seats while the BJP is leading from 105 seats. The BSP and others are leading on 4 and 6 seats respectively.
People of Chhattisgarh took the fight in their own hands. We are grateful to Rahul Gandhi, we fought for the people. We got more seats than expected, high command will decide on who will be the chief minister, says Chhattisgarh Congress chief Bhupesh Baghel.
According to ECI trends from Madhya Pradesh, the Congress party inches ahead of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with leads on 113 seats while the latter is leading on 106 seats. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is leading from four seats while others lead from 7 seats.
Latest trends/results from all states at 3 pm:
Madhya Pradesh: BJP - 110, Congress - 109, BSP - 5, Others - 6
Rajasthan: Congress - 101, BJP - 72, BSP - 5, Others - 21
Chhattisgarh: Congress - 66, BJP - 15, JCC+ - 8, Others - 1
Telangana: TRS - 85, Congress - 23, BJP - 3, Others - 8
Mizoram: MNF - 26, Congress - 5, BJP - 1, Others - 8
Telangana caretaker minister and TRS candidate Talasani Srinivas Yadav wins from Sanath Nagar constituency by 30,217 votes.
Prominent winners in Rajasthan Assembly Elections 2018 so far: Sachin Pilot (Congress) from Tonk, Vasundhara Raje (BJP) from Jhalrapatan, Suresh rawat (BJP) from Pushkar, Govind Ram (Congress) from Khajuwala (SC), Pratap Singh Khachariyavas (Congress) from Jaipur Civil Lines, Zahida Khan (Congress) from Kaman, Vasudev Devnani (BJP) from Ajmer North, Rakesh Pareek (Congress) from Masuda, Shobha Chauhan (BJP) from Sojat (SC), Rooparam (Congress) from Jaisalmer, Shale Mohammad (Congress) from Pokharan, Ashok Gehlot (Congress) from Sardarpura, Madan Prajapat (Congress) from Pachpadra, Chhagansingh (BJP) from Ahore, Jogeshwar Garg (BJP) from Jalore (SC), Pooraram Choudhary (BJP) from Bhinmal, Sukhram (Congress) from Sanchore, Sanyam Lodha (IND) from Sirohi, Sama Ram Grasiya (BJP) from Pindwara Abu (ST), Jagasi Ram (BJP) from Reodar, Dharmnarayan Joshi (BJP) from Mavli.
Pratap Singh of Congress wins from Jaipur Civil Lines constituency in Rajasthan.
Celebrations outside Congress office in Raipur, Chhattisgarh as the party secures majority:
TRS president and Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao wins from Gajwel constituency by over 50,000 votes
Former chief minister and veteran Congress leader Ashok Gehlot wins from Sardarpura constituency in Rajasthan.
Vasundhara Raje wins from Jhalrapatan in Rajasthan; Sachin Pilot wins from Tonk constituency.
Vasudev Devnani of the BJP wins from Ajmer South seat in Rajasthan.
Chhagan Singh of BJP wins from Ahore seat in Rajasthan.
Latest trends from all states at 2 pm:
Madhya Pradesh: BJP - 111, Congress 108, BSP - 5, Others - 6
Rajasthan: Congress - 100, BJP - 72, BSP - 5, Others - 21
Telangana: TRS - 84, Prajakutami - 24, BJP - 3, Others - 8
Chhattisgarh: Congress - 65, BJP - 18, JCC+ - 6, Others - 1
Mizoram: MNF - 25, Congress - 6, BJP - 1, Others - 8
Samaram Garasia of the BJP has won the Pindwara-Abu seat by defeating his nearest Congress rival Lalaram by a margin of 26974 votes in Rajasthan.
According to ECI, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wins one seat in Rajasthan.
Sources tell Zee News that the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Samajwadi Party have decided to not support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in case there's a hung Assembly in Madhya Pradesh.
As per official ECI trends at 1.45 pm from Madhya Pradesh:
Congress - 112, BJP - 108, BSP - 4, Others - 6.
Latest trends at 1.37 pm:
Madhya Pradesh: Congress - 110, BJP - 109, BSP - 5, Others - 6.
Rajasthan - Congress - 98, BJP - 77, BSP - 3, Others - 21.
According to sources, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) are in discussion over the results in Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections. Sources say that both the parties may decided jointly on who to support in case of a hung Assembly.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi likely to address a press conference at 2.30 pm.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi meets Sonia Gandhi as trends show a neck-and-neck contest between the Congress and the BJP in Madhya Pradesh.
Official ECI trends at 1.30 pm: BJP leading on 111 seats, Congress on 108 seats, others on 11 seats in Madhya Pradesh.
The Congress party has submitted a complaint to Telangana Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar, raising suspicions that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have been manipulated in the state.
We are moving towards a full majority and I am sure it will be clear once final numbers are in, but still we welcome all like-minded and anti-BJP parties to support us and we are in touch, says Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot.
We are in contact with all those winning in Rajasthan. We hope to take this anti-BJP sentiment forward, considering that Lok Sabha elections is just months away, says Sachin Pilot.
We are confident that we will form the government, it is a clear mandate against the BJP, says Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot.
Senior BJP leader Gulab Chand Kataria is trailing from Udaipur seat in Rajasthan.
In 2019, I will be a part of the alliance formed to topple Modi-led NDA government. But there is no such alliance in place till now, says Ajit Jogi
"The losing party always says the EVMs have been tampered with, this is absolutely false. Even the CEC in a press meeting yesterday said that it is not possible to tamper EVMs. People have given victory to TRS, what Congress is claiming is false," says Telangana Rashtra Samithi MP and K Chandrasekhar Rao's daughter K Kavitha.
First attempt of any new political party is the same as that of JCC. We are satisfied with our performance, says Ajit Jogi.
"The BJP was not in a position to perform at all. We feel that we have cut more of BJP's votes," says Ajit Jogi.
Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Ajit Jogi says that despite getting election symbol just two months ahead of the Assembly elections, they managed to establish JCC as a prominent party in the state. "I have satisfaction that now people won't say that there are just two options in Chhattisgarh. I have brought a third alternative for the people in Chhattisgarh," says Ajit Jogi.
Official ECI trends from Telangana: TRS leading on 90 seats, Congress leading on 16 seats, AIMIM on 5 seats, BJP leading on 1 seat, and others on 3 seats in Telangana.
Both the Congress and the BJP fail to secure majority in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Independent candidates and other parties like the BSP are expected to play a key role in government formation.
Latest trends from Madhya Pradesh at 12.28 pm - The BJP is leading on 109 seats while the Congress tally stands at 108. The BSP is leading on seven seats and others on six.
Latest trends from Rajasthan at 12.26 pm - The Congress leading on 92 seats while the BJP is leading on 82. Others may play a key role in government formation as they are leading on 22 seats and the BSP leads on three.
We need to introspect. However, there is still a neck-and-neck race in Madhya Pradesh, says BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra.
People of Rajasthan have voted for Congress in the Assembly elections, says Ashok Gehlot on trends.
Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot says the Congress is ready to join hands with all independent candidates.
Trends at 12.13 pm:
Madhya Pradesh - Congress - 117, BJP - 102, BSP - 5, Others - 6
Rajasthan - Congress - 94, BJP - 81, BSP - 2, Others - 22
Chhattisgarh - Congress - 63, BJP - 18, JCC+ - 8, Others - 1
In a tight contest in Madhya Pradesh, the BJP has now crossed the halfway mark while the Congress tally has fallen to 105. The BSP and others are leading on four and five seats respectively.
Latest trends at 11.40 am:
Madhya Pradesh: BJP - 111, Congress - 109, BSP - 5, Others - 5
Rajasthan: Congress - 94, BJP - 80, BSP - 3, Others - 22
I am having doubts on results we're getting in Telangana ballot paper counting. We're doubting that tampering could have been done in EVMs. Slips should be counted in VVPATs, says Telangana Congress chief Uttam Kumar Reddy.
Narottam Mishra of the BJP trails from Datia seat in Madhya Pradesh.
Trends on all 230 seats in Madhya Pradesh at 11.30 am: Congress - 113, BJP - 103, BSP - 5, Others - 9.
CP Joshi of Congress trails from Nathdwara seat in Rajasthan.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje leading from Jhalrapatan seat.
This is great gift for Congress president Rahul Gandhi as the results come just a year after he became the party chief. We have performed well, says Sachin Pilot.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi will decide on who will be the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, says former CM Ashok Gehlot.
Trends on all seats in all five states at 11 am:
Madhya Pradesh: Congress - 116, BJP - 102, BSP - 5, Others - 8
Rajasthan: Congress - 105, BJP - 80, BSP - 3, Others - 11
Chhattisgarh: Congress - 57, BJP - 25, JCC+ - 7, Others - 1
Telangana: TRS - 95, Congress+ - 17, BJP - 3, Others - 4
Mizoram: MNF - 26, Congress - 9, BJP - 2, Others - 3
With trends from all 230 seats coming in from Madhya Pradesh, the Congress has crossed halfway mark with leads on 116 seats while the BJP is leading on 104 seats. The BSP and others are leading on five seats each.
AIMIM leader Akbarudding Owaisi wins from Chandrayan Gutta constituency, reports news agency ANI.
The Congress is set to lose its last northeast bastion, with the Mizo National Front (MNF) leading on 23 seats in Mizoram while the grand old party leads on 12 seats. The BJP is leading on two seats while others are leading on three.
The latest trends on 114 out of 119 seats in Telangana - TRS leading on 90 seats, Congress-led Prajakutami leading on 15, BJP on four and others on five.
Union minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi says that the BJP accepts the mandate of people, but asserts that the party worked with honesty for welfare of people in all states ruled by the party.
Celebrations begin outside Congress headquarters in New Delhi as the party heads for majority in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.
As per the latest trends from Madhya Pradesh, neither the Congress nor the BJP seem to be touching the half-way mark. Out of 217 seats, the BJP is leading on 110 seats while the Congress is leading on 107.
The Congress has crossed half-way mark in Rajasthan with leads on 100 seats while the BJP is leading on 80. The BSP is leading on three seats while others leading on seven.
Trends on 86 seats in Chhattisgarh - Congress leads on 50 seats while BJP leads on 30 seats. Ajit Jogi-led JCC+ leading on five seats while others lead on one seat.
The Congress party has crossed the half-way mark, with leads on 48 seats in Chhattisgarh. The BJP is leading on 30 seats while JCC+ is leading on five.
Trends from 201 out of 230 seats pour in from Madhya Pradesh - Congress leading on 103 seats while the BJP is leading on 98.
Congress nears half-way mark in Chhattisgarh, with leads on 44 seats. The BJP is leading on 33 seats.
Trends on 181 seats in Madhya Pradesh - Congress leading on 91, BJP leading on 90 seats.
Celebration begin outside residence of Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot, who is leading from Tonk Assembly constituency against BJP's Yoonus Khan.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh trailing against former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's niece Karuna Shukla from Rajnandgaon seat.
As per trends on 80 seats in Telangana, the Congress-led Prajakutami is leading on 38 seats while the TRS is close second with leads on 34 seats.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan leading from Budhni seat.
Trends pour in from 69 seats in Telangana and suggest a tough contest - TRS leading on 31 seats while Congress-led Prajakutami leading on 30 seats. The BJP leading on three seats and others on five.
Congress surges ahead in Rajasthan, with leads on 56 seats, the BJP is leading on 36 seats.
CP Joshi of Congress leading from Nathdwara in Rajasthan; BJP's Suresh Kumar leading from Pushkar.
Trends on 47 seats in Madhya Pradesh - BJP leading on 25 seats while Congress is leading on 22.
Trends on 43 seats in Chhattisgarh show a neck-and-neck contest - BJP and Congress leading on 20 seats each. JCC+ leading on three seats.
Prajakutami leading on 10 seats in Telangana while the TRS leading on 9 seats. The BJP is leading on two seats.
Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot leading from Sardarpura Assembly seat.
The Congress has taken a massive lead in Rajasthan. While the grand old party is leading on 31 seats, the BJP is leading on 14 seats.
Trends pour in from 24 seats in Madhya Pradesh - Congress party leading on 13 seats while the BJP is leading on 11 seats.
As per trends from 20 seats in Chhattisgarh, Congress is leading on 11 seats while the BJP is leading on nine.
Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot leading from Tonk Assembly seat. He is contesting against Yoonus Khan of the BJP.
In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP is leading on 6 seats while the Congress is leading on four.
Trends pour in from 15 seats in Chhattisgarh - Congress leading one eight seats, BJP on seven seats.
It is a neck-and-neck contest in Chhattisgarh, with both the BJP and the Congress leading on five seats each.
As per trends on 14 seats in Rajasthan, the Congress is leading on eight seats while the BJP is leading on six.
Trends pour in from four seats in Rajasthan - BJP leading on two and Congress leading on two.
In Chhattisgarh, the Congress is leading on four seats while the BJP is leading on two.
Out of 5 seats in Madhya Pradesh, the BJP is leading on three and the Congress is leading on two.
Telangana Rashtra Samithi leading on two seats in Telangana, Congress leading on one.
In Rajasthan, the BJP is leading on two seats while the Congress is leading on one.
The BJP leading on two seats in Madhya Pradesh and the Congress is leading on one.
Telangana Rashtra Samithi and Congress leading on one seat each in Telangana.
J Ramanna of TRS is leading from Adilabad Assembly seat in Telangana - Track live result from Telangana
Elaborate security arrangements have been made in all five states for counting of votes.
Over 1,200 CCTV cameras have been installed in counting centres acorss Madhya Pradesh to ensure fair counting.
Counting of votes begins for Assembly elections 2018 in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram.
Most of the exit polls have predicted a close contest in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh while some have given an edge to the grand old party. K Chandrasekhar Rao's TRS is expected to emerge victorious in Telangana, as per exit polls.
The counting of votes in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram begins at 8 am. A neck-and-neck contest in expected between the Congress and the BJP in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. In Rajasthan, the Congress is expected to have an edge while the battle in Telangana is multi-corner, with TRS and others in the fray.
A resurgent Congress emerged victorious in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan and became the single-largest party in Madhya Pradesh. It, however, was knocked out of power in Mizoram with the Mizo National Front (MNF) sweeping the polls. K Chandrasekhar Rao's Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) secured the absolute majority in Telangana. In Chhattisgarh, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ruled for 15 years, the Congress swept a clear two-third majority with 68 seats, against the half-way mark of 46. Likewise, in the 200-member Rajasthan Assembly, the Congress bagged 99 seats, while its pre-poll ally Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) won one. In Madhya Pradesh, which witnessed a long-drawn countdown to the results, Congress secured 114 seats, missing the majority mark by two seats.
A decision on Chief Minister's faces will be decided today.
TRACK RESULTS: Madhya Pradesh | Rajasthan | Telangana | Chhattisgarh | Mizoram
Here are the highlights: