Gandhinagar, Dec 18 (IBNS): Despite a a tough challenge from the Congress led by Rahul Gandhi, the Bharatiya Janata Party is all set to sweep Gujarat riding on the charisma of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and form the government in the western state for the sixth consecutive time. BJP will also form a government in Himachal Pradesh.
According to the latest trends, BJP is leading in 107 seats in the 182-member Gujarat Assembly and thus still way ahead of Congress.
Congress, which was leading after initial counting giving the BJP some jittery moments, is leading in 74 seats.
At one point of time, it seemed the Congress would form the government as they were leading well over the BJP but soon the table turned favouring the saffron party.
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was trailing from West Rajkot at some stage but according to latest reports she is ahead in counting. One report said she won.
The BJP is ruling the state since 1998.
Despite Rahul Gandhi's relentless campaigning and Congress' challenge to the ruling party, BJP could manage to retain Gujarat riding on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's powerful rhetoric and charisma.
However, it seems the BJP will have to settle for less than 120 seats, which they have got in 2012 Assembly election.
According to reports, the BJP did well in the urban centres despite the negative impact of Modi's demonetisation gamble.
RESULTS AT A GLANCE:
Gujarat
BJP: 107
Cong: 74
Himachal Pradesh
BJP: 44
Cong: 22
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