Chattisgarh

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BJP retains power in Chhattisgarh
On December 8th, BJP has retained its lease over Chattisgarh making a strong majority with 50 seats in the elections to the 90-member state assembly, leaving its main rival Congress far back. With the declaration of results which was led by 56-year-old Chief Minister Raman Singh, BJP finished with a total of 50 seats. The number of secured seats, this time, is same as it was in the previous Assembly Elections in 2003.

Congress stalwarts Mahendra Karma and PCC president Dharendra Sahu are among those who lost. The architect of the anti-Naxal Salwa Judum movement suffered a shock defeat, dropping to third place behind the BJP and CPI candidates. According to the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Arvind Dikshit, the BJP's tally of seats is four more than the 46 needed for majority. On the contrary, Congress won with 38 seats which is one more than the last time.

Singh is expected to be sworn in as chief minister by December 12. The legislature party meeting of BJP will be held on 9th Dec. After the initial 20-20 race between the two major contenders for power, the BJP drop away with the decisive lead in terms of number of seats across the state. Congress leader Ajit Jogi said, "We accept the people's mandate and will play the role of constructive opposition."

Chief Minister Raman Singh was projected by BJP to head the government in Chattisgarh.