Early Trends Show BJP Leading In Uttar Pradesh On 13 Seats; Mahagathbandhan Ahead In Seven

As the early morning counting of votes has begun across the country, early trends show a very mixed picture in the key state of Uttar Pradesh which has the greatest representation in the Lok Sabha.

BJP has taken initial leads in 13 constituencies, with Congress leading in another four. The SP-BSP combine has a lead on seven seats. In Amethi, which is seeing a contest between Congress president Rahul Gandhi and veteran BJP leader Smriti Irani, the former has taken an initial lead.

UPA president Sonia Gandhi has also taken an early lead in the Rae Bareli seat.