Prime Minister Narendra Modi tonight termed as 'an act of cowardice' the massacre of 34 tribals by NDFB-S militants in Assam's Sonitpur and Kokrajhar districts.

Aamir Khan-starrer 'PK', which has received rave reviews and set the box-office on fire, has earned the ire of right-wing groups who claim the film hurts the sentiments of the majority community.

India discard Yusuf Pathan today allegedly reacted to 'indecent comments' by a young spectator, by slapping him, during a Ranji Trophy Cricket match between Baroda and Jammu and Kashmir.

A day after they were released from Sri Lankan jails, 66 Indian fishermen were today repatriated by a Coast Guard ship. It also handed over 30 Sri Lankan fishermen, who were released by Tamil Nadu government, to the island nation authorities.

Tim League, Austin-based founder of the Alamo Drafthouse, tells The Dallas Morning News via email that "Sony has authorised shows for Christmas Day. Will have Dallas shows on sale within the hour.'

Immigration authorities at the international airport in Mumbai detained a woman and her son suspecting them to be the wife and the son of fugitive gangster Ravi Pujari, police said today. 

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has underlined the need for national unity to defeat the extremist ideology and said his government will ensure sanctity of life irrespective of cast, creed and religion.

North Korea lost what little access it had to the Internet on Monday as outside connections to the small communist country went dark.

Over 49,000 electorates used 'None of the Above' (NOTA) option in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, results of which were declared today. 

At least 11 persons killed by suspected NDFB(S) militants in Sonitpur and Kokrajhar districts of Assam: senior police officer. 

A prominent Egyptian satirist has been fined millions of dollars over a dispute with a television channel which suspended his show after it lampooned military leaders, officials said today. 

JK CM Omar Abdullah changes his Twitter profile picture and to a picture of Gulmarg and here's why: "Photo changed because the party logo was only being used till the elections and my bio will change once I've called on the governor tomorrow."

This is what his bio says: I am currently CM of J&K; tweets are my own but more often than not the line blurs :-) Retweets just mean something interested me.

Omar won from the Beerwah Assembly seat but lost from Sonawar as votes were counted for the state elections on Tuesday. He won the seat by a margin of over 1,000 votes. His nearest rival in Beerwah was Congress' Nazir Ahmad Khan.

He however lost by a big margin from Sonawar to PDP's Mohammad Ashraf Mir. While the chief minister got 9,500 votes, the winner got 14,283 votes. Abdullah however congratulated Mir as soon as he won.

Veteran director K Balachander who was recently admitted in Kaveri hospital in Chennai has passed away. 

Done deal? Sajjad Lone says his party will not be a part of a government where they are powerless. "We don't want to scuttle our chances for 2020," he said.

Lone's Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference party won from Handwara.

BJP-AJSU alliance wins absolute majority in Jharkhand. BJP wins 37 seats, while AJSU party bags 5 in the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly.

Since Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is in the news as the person who is likely to be Jammu and Kashmir's next chief minister, here's a blast from the past.

Pictured is Sayeed hugging his daughter Rubaiya and looking on is Mehbooba Mufti, his other daughter.

Rubaiya Sayeed, a medico, was kidnapped on December 8, 1989, days after her father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed became home minister in the V.P. Singh government. She was released on December 13 in exchange for the freedom of five JKLF militants. The event was termed a watershed for militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. The Centre's policy of bowing to the demands of militants was repeated in December 1999 when three terrorists were released in exchange for the safety of passengers of a hijacked Indian Airlines flight which was taken to Kandahar.

Expressing disappointment over the Assembly election results in Jharkhand, the Congress today said all non-BJP parties in that state should have come together on one platform to counter BJP, even as it offered support to PDP in government formation in Jammu and Kashmir.

"It feels that it would have been proper to bring all non-BJP parties on one platform. Results in Jharkhand would have been much better for us in that scenario. BJP has got only 30 per cent or so votes while non-BJP parties together have polled almost 70 per cent votes," party spokesperson Ajoy Kumar said.

On the party's performance in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, he said, "In Jammu and Kashmir we have done reasonably well, though we have lost two-three seats from what we had got in last elections. But that is an expected after such a massive drubbing in Lok Sabha polls.

BJP core group meets at PM's office to discuss poll results. 

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday made it clear that her party will take time in deciding over alliance after a fractured mandate in Jammu and Kashmir with her party likely to finish at top.

"We are not in a hurry to cobble up numbers. Will explore possibilities to give a credible govt," said Mehbooba.

J&K is heading for a hung Assembly with PDP emerging as the single largest party by bagging 28 seats and leading in 4 while BJP also made gains with 25 seats. The NC is at 15 seats, Congress at 12.

BJP workers celebrate the party's victory in Jharkhand. Here's how it goes in Jharkhand: BJP: 43, JMM 18, Cong 7, JVM 7 and Others 6.

"My congratulations to the BJP karyakartas of Jharkhand and J&K. The results are the outcome of their hardwork and selfless dedication. People of Jharkhand have voted for stability, which is essential to realise the true potential of the state. I congratulate them," PM Modi.

All BJP candidates except one lose their deposit in Srinagar.

After Omar Abdullah says he may consider supporting the PDP, the Congress says it is not averse to supporting the PDP to form government in J-K.

Arun Jaitley meeting PM Modi at 7, RCR to discuss the election results.
Interestingly, both outgoing chief ministers have won a seat and lost a seat - Omar Abdullah won Beerwah and lost Sonawar; Hemant Soren won Barhait and lost Dumka.

Omar tells NDTV that there are no permanent enemies or friends in politics and if Mufti Mohd Saeed calls him, he will consider supporting the PDP.

Jammu and Omar Abdullah speaking to NDTV on the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections says, "I am really not aspiring for the office of Chief Minister and I really don't want it now. It's a mess."

Omar on backing BJP: "99 per cent no, but there is a crack. If Mufti Mohd Saeed calls me to form government, I will consider it. But as of now there has been no communication from the PDP. With 17 MLAs the NC remains a key player.

We are not calling Amit Shah either, but if the phone rings it rings."

BJP front-runner Raghubar Das to be the CM of Jharkhand. Das wins from Jamshedpur (Jharkhand). Das remained noncommittal when asked whether he would be the next chief minsiter of the state. He said, "The decision rests witth the party's Parliamentary Board and the honorable PM."

Das is the vice president of the BJP. He held the office of Deputy Chief Minister of Jharkhand from 30 December 2009 to 29 May 2010.

We'll support those who'll work for development,improve employment opportunities & address issues of state: Geeta Koda, Madhu Koda's wife

Just in: Two men on a bike allegedly threw an 'acid-like substance' on a woman doctor who was riding  a scooter and then snatched her bag. The incident happened in New Delhi. The doctor has been admitted to AIIMS.  Police register an attempt to murder case against the two accused who are absconding. Details awaited. 

All options are open for us, BJP will decide on how other parties respond or initiate. BJP has strengthened its position in Jharkhand, where the party has increased its seats from 18 in 2009 to 41 this year: Shah.

The BJP president says ALL options are open in J-K, the BJP could form government or support it.

I believe the people of the both states have shown their love, affection and faith in BJP: Amit Shah

We have also improved our position in J&K and emerged as a relevant political group in the state: Amit Shah.

Amit Shah: BJP has emerged as a relevant party in Jammu and Kashmir. Congress won't touch even double figure mark in upcoming Bihar elections. The people of Jharkhand have given clear majority to a political party for the 1st time after the formation of the state.

Crediting PM Modi for the win in Jharkhand, Shah says only the BJP can give good governance in Jharkhand.  Confidence of the people in Modi has given good result. Our campaign for a Congress-free India is on track. In both the states, the Congress is in the fourth place. 

BJP president Amit Shah thanks the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand for the mandate and PM Modi for his direction.

2014 has been a successful year for the BJP.

Parliamentary Affairs minister Venkaiah Reddy and BJP president Amit Shah to hold a presser any minute now at the BJP HQ in New Delhi. Deliberations to begin with PM Modi on the way ahead for the party in Jammu and Kashmir. In both Jharkhand and JK, the BJP fought without a CM candidate.

Jharkhand BJP heavyweight and former chief minister Arjun Munda loses from Kharsawan  to Dasrath Gagrai of JMM.

Prominent winners and losers in Jammu and Kashmir:

Mufti Mohammad Sayeed from Anantnag and former JK Bank chairman Haseeb Drabu from Pulawama as the party swept all four Assembly seats in Pulwama district.

Separatist turned mainstream politician Sajjad Gani Lone defeated National Conference minister Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan from Handwara.

Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand of Congress lost to BJP's Krishan Lal from Chamb constituency by a margin of 14,790 votes.

Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami (CPIM) was trailing by 200 votes against PDP candidate Nazir Ahmad Laway from Kulgam constituency.

The lone woman minister in Omar Abdullah government, Sakina Itoo of National Conference, was trailing by over 4000 votes against PDP candidate Abdul Majid Padder.

J&K story shifts dramatically again. National Conference up to 16 or 17. With two independents and BJP it could form the govt. National Conference back in play, Barkha Dutt tweets. 

Former Jharkhand deputy chief minister and AJSU party chief Sudesh Kumar Mahto lost Silli seat to his nearest JMM rival Amit Kumar by 29,740 votes.

You wish BJP leaders Merry Christmas, they reply saying Happy New Year. Happened thrice to me in House: TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien.

BJP and Congress can never go together, the call is PDP's. They know what's good for them: Ghulam Nabi Azad on post-poll alliance. 

In Jammu, state Congress spokesperson Rashid Choudhary said that party will be part of a secular government in the state.

"Congress will part of the secular government in Jammu and Kashmir," he told reporters. He said "no secular government can be formed without Congress.

Congress and PDP were in government in coalition in 2002. It was good government. It ran well. Congress was also in coalition with NC," Choudhary said that Congress is open to being part of a secular government in the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the BJP is not particularly to keen to form government in alliance with the People's Democratic Party (PDP), which is set to be the largest party in what is emerging as a hung assembly.

The leads and results so far...

PDP 31, BJP 25, NC 15, Cong 11, Others 5

Congress President Sonia Gandhi discharged from Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi.

Former Jharkhand deputy chief minister and AJSU party chief Sudesh Kumar Mahto lost Silli seat to his nearest JMM rival Amit Kumar by 29,740 votes.

Despite Omar Abdullah's win from Beerwah, the PDP retains the lead with 31 as against the National Conference's 15 seats. The PDP has emerged as the largest party in the state and has not ruled out allying with either the BJP or the Congress.

Pic: PDP workers distribute sweets to celebrate the party's win.

Omar Abdullah tweets: "Dear @IndiaToday please don't be so quick to write my political obituary. Request you check Beerwah result again. Thank you."

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wins Beerwah Assembly seat by a margin of over 1000 seats.

India Today had reported that Omar Abdullah had lost from Beerwah as well as losing from Sonwar.

Congress's Nazir Ahmad Khan trailing by 108 votes, Omar Abdullah leading in Beerwah.

The PDP, which has emerged as the single largest party in Jammu and Kashmir is ahead in 33 seats including two seats already in its bag, appeared to be in the pole position to form the government in the 87 member Assembly.

The party headed by Mufti Mohammed Sayeed can choose to form the government either with the support of Congress which is leading in 11 seats and has won one seat or the BJP. The Congress and PDP had formed a government together in 2002.

The BJP, which is leading in 25 seats, is far short of its target of 44. 

PDP 32, BJP 25, NC 14, Cong 11, Others 6

Jeewan Lal of BJP won the Bani Assembly seat by defeating Ghulam Hyder Malik of National Conference by a margin of 4,412 votes. Lal polled 12,841 votes, while Malik polled 8,429 votes.

Meanwhile, the BJP bagged the Hiranagar Assembly seat for the fifth time. Kuldeep Raj of the BJP defeated his nearest rival Girdhar Lal Chalotra of Indian National Congress by a margin of 39,284 votes. Raj polled 55,399 votes, while Chalotra polled 16,115 votes.

BJP retained Hiranagar constituency and bagged it for the fifth time in past eight Assembly polls.

BJP's Durga Dass had won the seat in 2008 Assembly polls. BJP represented the seat in 1996, 1987, 1980 by-polls, while Congress bagged it in 1977, 1983 and 2002.

Agriculture minister Ghulam Hassan Mir loses from Gulmarg; PDP's Abbas Wani wins.

Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference party's Sajjad Lone says he is humbled by the people's verdict. Lone won from the Handwara seat by over 28,000 votes.

Jammu and Kashmir today returned a hung verdict with PDP as a dominant party that can tie up either with the Congress or BJP in forming the government as BJP and its allies appeared headed for capturing power in Jharkhand.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vigorous campaign in Jammu and Kashmir failed to make a breakthrough in the Valley, but made it a dominant party in the Jammu region where it has won three seats and is ahead in 22 of the 37 seats.

The PDP, which has emerged as the single largest party in Jammu and Kashmir winning is ahead in 33 seats including two seats already in its bag, appeared to be in the pole position to form the government in the 87 member Assembly.

The party headed by Mufti Mohammed Sayeed can choose to form the government either with the support of Congress which is leading in 11 seats and has won one seat or the BJP. The Congress and PDP had formed a government together in 2002.

BJP's Neelam Langeh defeats nearest rival Chaman Lal of National Conference by a margin of 5,364 votes in Ramban constituency.

Former deputy CM of J&K, Krishan Lal, wins from Chhamb. "This is a huge victory for me and BJP." 

Huge slap in the face for Omar Abdullah, who is trailing by 131 votes in his own constitutency, Beerwah. Congress's Nazir Ahmad Khan leading. The National Conference leader began his debut in the state politics with a defeat from Ganderbal Assembly seat in 2002.

With assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir throwing up a hung verdict, Congress today said it was "open" to aligning with PDP in the state to provide a government.

"We are always open. We have allied with PDP as well as with National Conference in past. One thing is clear that we will not go with BJP. As far as they (PDP and NC) are concerned, we have had alliances with them," Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said.

Azad, who campaigned extensively for the party in the elections, had earlier led a coalition government with PDP which had fallen apart on the Amarnath issue.

Sajjad Lone won by 28489 votes from Handwara. He is also contesting in Kupwara. His Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference party, which is contesting 12 seats in Kupwara and Handwara, is being seen as a potential ally of the BJP.

Lone had met PM Narendra Modi in November fuelling speculation that the BJP leadership could be propping up his People's Conference to prevent Mehbooba Mufti's PDP from scoring an outright win.

Sajjad Lone wins from Handwara. Lone is contesting elections from Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference party, founded by his father Abul Gani Lone, who was killed by Pakistan-based militants. Lone, who had been a vocal separatist and was now contesting polls from Handwara seat in the Valley, said the idea of boycotting elections "is stupid".

NC's Davinder Rana wins Nagrota Assembly seat defeating BJP's Nand Kishore by margin of 4048 votes.

The BJP lost one of its big hopes in Jammu and Kashmir with the party's high profile candidate Hina Bhat losing from the Amirakadal constituency. Bhatt, 37, lost to Altaf Bukhari of the People's Democratic Party.

Last month, she said she would be the "first to pick up a gun" if Article 370 of the Constitution, which gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir, were to be scrapped. She told a TV channel today that she did not regret her statement.

Omar Abdullah @abdullah_omar tweets: Congratulations to Ashraf Mir for his victory in Sonawar. I wish him & the people all good luck for the next 6 years. He's now my local MLA.

BJP spokesperson Balbir Ram said that going by  emerging trends, it appears that the party will be able to achieve majority and form its first ever government in the state. "We are leading by a huge margin in 21 constituencies as per the counting trends so far," he added.

JK (leads and results) PDP 29, BJP 25, Cong 14, NC 12, Others: 6

Jharkhand (Leads and results) BJP+ 37,  JMM 23, Cong+ 8, JVM+ 8, Others 5

Hemant Soren wins from Barhait in Jharkhand, is trailing in Dumka constituency. 

Raja Manzoor Ahmed of PDP wins Karnah Assembly seat defeating sitting NC MLA Kafil-ul Rehman by 5775 votes.

BJP's Kuldip Raj wins Hiranagar constituency in Jammu and Kashmir defeating Congress's Girdhari Lal Chalotra.

PDP's Mohammad Ashraf Mir defeats Omar Abdullah from Sonawar constituency, hopes still alive in Beerwah. Omar, who was making his debut from the Beerwah Assembly seat, was leading over his nearest Congress rival Nazir Ahmed Khan by 2016 seats. This seat was with PDP's Shafi Ahmed Wani in 2008 election. He was also trailing in this election and stood at third position with 4726 votes.

Altaf Bukhari, the PDP winning candidate from Amira Kadal, says it is a victory for PDP policies. "Wait for the evening our numbers will rise," he says. 

More hints of a possible PDP-BJP alliance: PDP's Muzaffar Baig says the BJP is not untouchable.. there are different views we will discuss it. Congress is also an option.

Mufti Mohammad Sayeed wins from Anantnag constituency. He is the PDP's chief ministerial candidate is likely to be the state's next CM. 

JMM's Niral Purty defeats Madhu Koda from Majhganon constituency. Koda, former chief minister has been charge sheeted by the CBI in the coal blocks allocation scam. Koda's wife Geeta is, however, leading by 682 votes at Jagannathpur over her nearest JMM rival Mangal Singh Bobonga of JMM.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today said it is in a "difficult" situation over choosing a post-poll ally as election trends show that it won't be able to form government on its own.

The party headed by Mufti Mohammed Sayeed said while it has ideological differences with BJP, the vote was against also against Congress rule.

"The trends are showing that we will not be forming a government on our own. It is a difficult situation for us," PDP Chief spokesperson Naeem Akhter said.

Asked about the possibility of an alliance with Congress, Akhter evaded a direct reply but said that the vote was against the national party. In response to another question, the PDP spokesman said there were ideological differences with BJP but he would not comment on a possible alliance with the party.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was emerging as the lone hope for ruling National Conference in five seats of Budgam district of central Kashmir where PDP was leading in three seats while Independent candidate in one.

Omar, who was making his debut from Beerwah Assembly seat, was leading over his nearest Congress rival Nazir Ahmed Khan by 2016 seats. This seat was with PDP's Shafi Ahmed Wani in 2008 election. He was also trailing in this election and stood at third position with 4726 votes.

Heads up, students: The CBSE in a statement today said all Kendriya Vidalayas will remain closed on December 25; students can take part in an online essay competition if they desire.

The Union human resource development ministry wanted to celebrate the birthdays of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Hindu Mahasabha leader Madan Mohan Malviya by observing 'good governance day' on December 25.

The BJP government therefor wanted CBSE to carry out various activities, like an essay competition, so that students' participation increases.

However, the government seems to have heeded public opinion and backtracked on its unique idea. Merry Christmas, folks.

Former chief minister and Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) candidate Babulal Marandi is trailing behind CPI-ML (Liberation) Raj Kumar Yadav by 800 votes from Dhanwar after 6th round. Marandi is also behind BJP's Nirbhay Sahabadi from Giridih constituency by over 8,000 votes.

From Garhwa, BJP's Satyendra Nath Tiwari is leading by 2,509 votes over his nearest RJD rival Girinath Singh. In Bhawanathpur constituency, Navjawan Sangharsh Morcha candidate Bhanu Pratap Sahi is leading by 3,400 over his nearest BJP rival Anant Pratap Deo.

Pic: BJP workers celebrate the party's 'victory' in the state. Leads so far are: BJP+  39, JMM 21, Cong+ 8, JVM+ 8, Others: 5

With the prospect of a hung assembly looming large, former separatist Sajjad Gani Lone today remained non-committal on supporting any party for government formation in Jammu and Kashmir and said he would prefer to sit in the opposition.

"I have all along maintained that we want to maintain a humble entry into the Assembly. It could be one (seat), it could be three, it could be four. We are not looking beyond that. I am keeping my fingers crossed....

"This is my first Assembly election. I will be very honest with you. I am very nervous," he said.

Lone said he would want to contribute constructively in any government and win again after six years.

"So that is the whole idea. We are very happy to sit in the opposition. I honestly am very rebellious by nature. I would love to sit in opposition and be a very constructive opposition," he said.

Lone is contesting elections from Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference party, founded by his father Abul Gani Lone, who was killed by Pakistan-based militants.

Lone, who had been a vocal separatist and was now contesting polls from Handwara seat in the Valley, said the idea of boycotting elections "is stupid".

"When I was a separatist, people would cast aspersions saying he has mainstream tendencies. When I joined mainstream they say he has separatist tendency. The reality is even when I was separatist, I was not very keen on election boycott....

"I would just say one thing that calling for boycott is getting more and more stupid. But equally stupid, if not more, is that if you think voting is an end to all problem in Kashmir," he said.

Lone said he would like to be a "crusader at the ground level". "But if situation arises, ideologically I don't take the argument of NC or the PDP that there is any ideological difference in the context of Kashmir between the Congress and the BJP," he said.

The PDP (26) ahead in J&K. But it will need a partner. As per present numbers either the BJP (25) or the Congress (14) could do.

In Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren was leading by 2735 votes in Barhait seat but is trailing by 3433 votes in Dumka.

Madhu Koda, former chief minister who has been charge sheeted by CBI in the coal blocks allocation scam, is trailing by 10,082 votes behind Niral Purty of JMM at Majhgaon.

Koda's wife Geeta is, however, leading by 682 votes at Jagannathpur over her nearest JMM rival Mangal Singh Bobonga of JMM.

Congress seems to be losing badly in the tribal dominated state with tally likely to plummet to four from the 14 it had won in 2009 elections. 

In Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was ahead by a slender margin in Beerwah constituency, but trailing by over 1,800 votes in Sonawar seat.

PDP chief ministerial candidate Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was leading from Anantnag seat by 1,177 votes over Congress candidate Hilal Ahmad Shah.

Separatist turned mainstream politician Sajjad Gani Lone was doing well in Handwara seat while independents were ahead in four seats.

Deputy Chief Minister and Congress candidate from Chhamb Tara Chand was trailing Krishan Lal of BJP by a margin of 4,797 votes. 

BJP sources tell CNN IBN that the PDP has sent feelers to the party over government formation. The PDP has also said that a tie-up will be for the best interests of the people.

JKPC led by Sajjad Lone was ahead in two seats while JKPDF and CPI-M were leading in one seat each while Independents were leading in three seats.

The BJP's spectacular performance, the best in the state so far, was however limited to the Jammu region where 37 seats are up for grabs.

The party has not been able to make any dent in the Valley which has 46 seats in all.

Going by the trends, unless any two of the four major parties -- BJP, PDP, NC and Congress--come together government formation would not be possible.

In the last elections, National Conference had won 28, PDP 21, Congress 17 and BJP 11 seats.

Read: 3 reasons why 2014 J&K elections are historic

Jammu and Kashmir is heading for a hung assembly with the BJP making gains in the Jammu region while the party is all set to form government in Jharkhand, the trends coming from both the states in assembly elections show. The PDP,  headed by Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, and the BJP were leading in 25 seats each.

J&K: BJP 25, PDP 26, NC: 17, Cong: 13 

J-K CM Omar Abdullah is trailing by more than 3500 votes at Sonawar against PDP's Mohammad Ashraf Mir.

First winner from J-K: Ali Mohd Sagar from won the Khanyar seat by 798 votes.

PDP's Mufti Mohd Sayeed leading from Anantnag with 11531 votes, Congress's Hilal Shah trailing with 7454 votes. 

BJP National general secretary JP Nadda says the the party is forming government in Jharkhand. "Trends in J&K are good, it's a vote for good-governance," Nadda said.

Former chief minister and Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) candidate Babulal Marandi is trailing behind CPI-ML (Liberation) Raj Kumar Yadav by 800 votes from Dhanwar after 6th round. Marandi is also behind BJP's Nirbhay Sahabadi from Giridih constituency by over 8,000 votes.

From Garhwa, BJP's Satyendra Nath Tiwari is leading by 2,509 votes over his nearest RJD rival Girinath Singh.

In Bhawanathpur constituency, Navjawan Sangharsh Morcha candidate Bhanu Pratap Sahi is leading by 3,400 over his nearest BJP rival Anant Pratap Deo.

BJP's Ram Madhav says the BJP is hopeful of forming government in Jharkhand and will emerge as the largest party in J&K.

NC's Devender Singh Rana leading from Nagrota, BJP's Nand Kishore trailing by 2587 votes.

IN Jharkhand: BJP 40,  JMM 20, JVM+ 8, Cong 7, Others 6.

Union minister Rajnath Singh says the BJP is set to form government in Jharkhand.

In Jharkhand, JMM is leading in Maheshpur, Majhgaon, Kharswan, Littipara, Bishunpur, Borio, Chaibasa, Chakradharpur, Gumla, Jugsalai, Mandu, Sisai, Silli, Sikharipara, Nirsa, Manoharpur, and Seraikela, the EC said.

Though the BJP is surging ahead in 17 seats, former chief minister and party heavy weight Arjun Munda is trailing by 1287 votes at Kharswan behind JMM candidate.

BJP's National Vice-president Raghubar Das is leading in Jamshedpur East by 4051 votes over his nearest JVM-P rival Abhay Singh.

The party is leading in seats including Ranchi, Chatra, Dhanbad, Gandey, Garhwa, Ichagarh, Jama, Jamshedpur West, Jamua, Jharia, Khunti, Mandar, Mahagama, Pakur.

Close to three hours into counting, the BJP has emerged as the largest party in Jammu and Kashmir with most of its leads coming from Jammu.The PDP is however, closing in on the saffron party.

The BJP is all set to get more seats than it has ever had in the state. A total of 821 candidates, including 276 independents, contested the elections to the 87-member House.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has ruled out a post-poll alliance with the BJP given its stand on issues like Article 370, the Uniform Civil Code and the Babri Masjid as also with any other party.

Talking to reporters on the eve of results to the 87- member state assembly, he said, "Clearly, no single party is going to form a government on its own. What remains to be seen is how close to these so-called exit polls, the actual number stacks up."

Will National Conference's Omar Abdullah support the BJO in Jammu and Kashmir. His tweet backing Bharat Ratna for former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee was an attempt to cosy up to the party now giving a tough fight to the PDP is Jammu and Kashmir.

Omar's National Conference is leading in 18 seats in the state.

And PDP once again takes a lead over the BJP in a tight contest in J&K.

PDP is now leading by one seat over the BJP. PDP is at 22, BJP 21. 

JMM's Hemant Soren again leads in both his constituencies, Barhait and Dumka, in Jharkhand.

And the contest get closer between the BJP and PDP in Jammu and Kashmir with the former leading with 28 seats in the 82-member assembly.

The PDP is close with 25 seats, according to CNN-IBN projection.

However, NDTV projects  BJP at 24, and PDP 18.   

JMM's Hemant Soren now trailing in Barhait while is still leading in Dumka constituency in Jharkhand.

It looks like a close contest between the PDP and BJP in Jammu and Kashmir. Early trends show the PDP is leading in 32 seats and the BJP in 25.

The PDP says it is open to working with the BJP in Jammu & Kashmir, reports NDTV.

"Trends are in favour of BJP. Let us wait till we get more good news," says Arjun Munda, BJP candidate from Kharsawan, Jharkhand. 

It's a BJP wave in Jharkhand. Projections by CNN-IBN show that the party is leading by 53 seats. The JMM is a far far second with 11 in the 81-member assembly.   

And in more bad news of the NC. Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah is trailing from Sonawar by 626 votes. However, it's too early to call.

Former Chief Minister Madhu Koda of the Jai Bharat Samanta Party is trailing by 3,000 votes from his nearest JMM rival Niral Purty from Majhgaon (ST) after the first round of counting.

In Jammu and Kashmir, the PDP is leading in 31 and the BJP in 21. The National Conference shows leads in 15 seats and the Congress in mere six in the 87-member J&K assembly.     

It is advantage BJP in Jharkhand, where the party is way ahead in after an one hour and a half into counting of votes in assembly elections.

Early trends show BJP and its ally the All Jharkhand Students Union leading in 44 seats. The JMM is a far second with 9. The Congress and the JVM is leading in 3 seats each in the 81-member Jharkhand assembly.  

Separatist-turned-mainstream Kashmiri politician Sajjad Lone took an early lead as counting is underway in the state, reports NDTV.

The 47-year-old is contesting the state polls for the first time from Handwara in north Kashmir. He has revived the People's Conference founded by his father Abdul Gani Lone, who was killed during an election rally in Srinagar in 2002.

The party, which is contesting 12 seats in Kupwara and Handwara, is being seen as a potential ally of the BJP.

In Jharkhand, Hemant Soren of the JMM is leading in both his constituencies, Barhait and Dumka.

In Jammu and Kashmir, Sajad Lone leading from Handwara and BJP's Hina Bhat leading from Amira Kadal.

Looks like the saffron wave is sweeping Jharkhand. The BJP+ is leading in 26, the JMM is 5, the JVM+ and Congress is 2 out of the 81 seats in the state.   

The neck-and-neck contest continues in Jammu and Kashmir between PDP and BJP.

The PDP is leading in 30 and the BJP in 23 out of the 87 seats in the state. The NC is leading in 13 and the Congress in 6 so far. 

PDP's Mufti Mohd Sayeed leads in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir.

 

Who leads, who trails:

Jai Bharat Samanta Party's Madhu Kora is trailing by 3,065 votes in Majhganon constituency, Jarkhand.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is leading in both his constituencies -- Sonawar and Beerwah

In Jammu and Kashmir PDP takes the lead with 18 seats so far and the BJP is a close second with 13 seats. 

The NC and Congress are far behind with 2 seats each.  

Counting of votes for the 81-member Jharkhand assembly is ongoing in 24 centres across the state today amid tight security.

There are 1,312 counting tables, besides 83 tables for assistant returning officers, an Election Commission release said here. Deogarh constituency would have the maximum rounds of 31 and Chakradharpur the minimum with 10 rounds.

The nearly four-week long elections to the assembly concluded on December 20 to decide its fate after two previous voters' verdict throwing a hung House. A record 66.47 per cent polling had been registered in the five-phase polling, which began on November 25.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren (JMM -Dumka and Barhait seats) and ex-CMs Arjun Munda (BJP-Kharsawan), Madhu Koda (Jai Bharat Samanta Party-Majhgaon) and Babulal Marandi (Jharkhand Vikas Morcha-Dhanwar-Giridih) are among the total 1,136 candidates, including 111 women, who contested the polls.

Other prominent candidates in the fray were Speaker Shashank Sekhar Bhokta (JMM) from Sarath and ex-Speaker C P Singh (BJP) from Ranchi.

The latest trends in Jammu and Kashmir show PDP leading in 13 seats, BJP in 7, the ruling National Conference and Congress in 2.

In Jharkhand, BJP+ is leading in 11 seats, the JMM in 3, JVM+ and Congress i one seat each.     

Ahead of the assembly election results, Jharkhand Vikas Morcha chief Babulal Marandi told CNN-IBN that he is open to all options for a post-poll alliance.

Marandi, who is contesting from Dhanwar and Giridih said, "Let the numbers decide. We will decide on a post-poll alliance after the results are declared."

Marandi had floated JVM after quitting the BJP eight years ago and got 11 seats in the 2008 assembly elections.

Exit polls show that BJP is set to form a government in the state. 

The first leads have started trickling in for the assembly elections held in Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand over five phases.

Early trends show the Bharatiya Janata Party and Peoples Democratic Party neck-to-neck in Jammu and Kashmir. PDP is so far leading in four seats and BJP in three out of the 87 seats in the state.

In Jharkhand, BJP is leading in five, JMM one and Others one.   

North Korea's internet is experiencing a major disruption and could be the target of an attack, according to a company that monitors internet performance."

BJP MLA from Kota North Prahlad Gunjal, who was suspended by the party for allegedly threatening a senior district health official, organised a public meeting in his constituency, saying he has not committed a serious crime as Congress leaders have done.

Two blasts rocked crisis-hit northern Nigeria on Monday, with one bombing killing at least 20 people and a second explosion setting fire to a market, where heavy casualties were feared.

Shrien Dewani, acquitted on charges of orchestrating the murder of his wife Anni, is among the eight Indian-origin people in the annual list of 100 headline makers in South Africa.

The confessions of convicted terrorists are being broadcast on an Iraqi reality TV show in which they are also forced to face the relatives of victims.

Chinese phonemaker Shenzhen OnePlus Technology Co. Ltd today told the Delhi high court that its version of the Cyanogen operating system is different from the one that Micromax has an exclusive licence to for use in India.

French engineering giant Alstom has pleaded guilty and will pay $772 million to settle charges of paying bribes to foreign government officials to win contracts around the globe, the largest-ever fine levied by the US against a company for violations of bribery-related charges.

At least three persons, including two women, were seriously injured in serial grenade blasts in lower Assam's Kokrajhar district where unidentified persons hurled six grenades in three places and opened fire in two other places today, official sources said.

More than 7,300 people have died of Ebola this year in the three countries worst-affected by the epidemic, according to the World Health Organisation.

At least 13 militants affiliated to al-Qaeda and Pakistani Taliban were killed in a heavy exchange of fire with security forces in the country's financial capital today.

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