Election 2022 Result: Early trends show BJP ahead in UP

The BJP was leading in over 250 seats in the initial rounds of counting of votes in Uttar Pradesh. Counting of votes for the 403 assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh began on Thursday (March 10) morning with three-layer security in place and cameras installed at all counting centres.

Yogi Adityanath’s party is set to keep control of Uttar Pradesh as officials begin the count in a state assembly vote that will offer clues to the national mood before the next general election, due by 2024. Credit: PTI Photo

As per the early trends in Uttar Pradesh, the saffron party was leading on more than 250 seats. Credit: Reuters Photo

Opinion polls have predicted a comfortable majority for Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh, despite the government's much-criticised handling of COVID-19, high unemployment, and anger over farm reforms that Modi cancelled last year after protests. Credit: PTI Photo

The BJP has long predicted it would retain the northern state because of policies such as free staples for the poor during the pandemic and a major crackdown on crime. Credit: PTI Photo

Uttar Pradesh is home to about a fifth of India's 1.35 billion people and sends the most legislators to the parliament of any state. Credit: PTI Photo

It has long been said that without winning Uttar Pradesh and the neighbouring state of Bihar, no party or coalition has much hope of securing a majority in parliament. The BJP has been in power in both. Credit: PTI Photo