In Nagaland, the ruling Congress was leading the Naga People's Front, said tohave the support of rebel NSCN (I-M), was inching ahead securing 16 of the 44results which have been declared so far in the 60-member House. The NPF wasclose behind with 15 seats. The BJP had won five seats while others won eightseats.
In all probability Nagaland is heading for a hung assembly as no party is likelyto cross the 25-seat mark with the Congress facing a rout in its stronghold ofKohima and Phek district.
The BJP secured one seat each in the Congress strongholds of Mon and Tuensangdistricts.
The NPF made a clean sweep in Phek district securing four out of five seats,while the Samata Party, a new contender in Nagaland, defeated Speaker Z Lohe inthe Chizami seat.
Although many senior ministers faced a debacle in the elections, the Congresscould retain its seats in its bastion of Mokokchung district.
BJP, a partner in the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN), opened itsaccount while senior politician and JD(U) president Husku Sumi wrested thePughoboto seat from the Congress.
Prominent losers included Speaker Z Lohe, RD minister Zachilhu, Agriculture MinisterP Enyie Konyak, Health and Family Welfare Minister Neiba Ndang and Planning Ministerand Chief Minister S C Jamir's brother Imtisungit Jamir.
PTI
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