BJP Takes Early Leads In Uttarakhand, Eyes On ‘Nishank’, Currently

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has opened to a lead in early trends in Uttarakhand, a state where it won all five seats in 2014.

While some exit polls have predicted that BJP is set to win four out of the five Lok Sabha constituencies in the hill state, the BJP is confident of winning all five seats, expecting a repeat of its 2014 sweep. Congress had swept the 2009 polls in the state. Congress is fighting to win back the five seats. It has a tough challenge to face in the state against the BJP.

BJP's Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' from Haridwar, who is contesting against Ambrish Kumar of Congress, seems to be on a see-saw of sorts. Both are swapping sides as far as leads are concerned. 'Nishank' is looking at making a comeback on this seat.

Tirath Singh Rawat, who is fighting against Manish Khanduri of Congress, is leading from Pauri Garhwal. Rawat has the advantage of being a trusted karyakarta, while Khanduri has the advantage of lineage. He is son of former MP from the same seat and former CM BC Khanduri. Meanwhile, Ajay Tamta of BJP is leading from Almora against Pradeep Tamta of Congress.

Senior Congress leader Harish Rawat fought in Nainital-Udhamsingh Nagar constituency against BJP's Ajay Bhatt. Almora, Pauri Garhwal, Hardwar, Nainital, Tehri Garhwal are the five seats in the state.

As of now, Ajay Bhatt, who is fighting against 'poster boy' of Congress, Harish Rawat, is leading in Nainital-Udhamsingh Nagar. Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah is leading from Tehri currently.