Lotus blooms in Gujarat as Modi returns to power

Ahmedabad, Dec 23 (UNI) The Lotus bloomed in Gujarat as Chief Minister Narendra Modi today led the BJP back to power in the state for an unprecedented fourth term, in what is seen as a vote in favour of his developmental agenda.

Such was the charisma of the 57-year-old flamboyant CM that the saffron party had done extremely well even in some Muslim dominated areas and Saurashtra where the powerful Patel lobby had turned against him.

Of the 182 constituencies in the state, the BJP had won 79 seats and was leading in 38 seats. In the outgoing Assembly, the BJP had a strength of 127.

The Congress, which had at one stage appeared to pose a stiff challenge to the supremacy of Mr Modi, had won 39 seats and was leading in 20. It had a strength of 51 seats in the outgoing House.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a poll ally of the Congress, had won three seats while the Janata Dal (United) one.

An Independent had won one seat and was leading in another.

Gujarat, which has nearly 70 per cent voters below 40 years, responded to Mr Modi's appeal of Development as they voted the BJP to power for the fourth term in the state.

Saurashtra, where Patels... picking up from para two, line one of DR38 ELECTION-GUJ-RESULTS TWO AHMEDABAD.

UNI