Early trends: SAD-BJP alliance leading in Punjab

Amritsar, Mar 6 (ANI): The Shiromani Akal Dal (SAD)-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alliance took lead after the initial hour of counting, while the Congress was trailing.

Congress is contesting all 117 seats, while SAD 94 and BJP 23. In the last election SAD had won 50 seats, Congress 42, BJP 19 and independents 06. The fate of 1,078 candidates will be decided today. Voting was held in the state January 30. The counting of votes to the assembly elections for the five states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa began amidst tight security this morning.The first results are expected within two hours. All the results will be out by the evening.The results will decide the fate of candidates in 690 assembly seats --- 403 in UP, 117 seats in Punjab, 70 in Uttarakhand, 60 in Manipur and 40 in Goa. (ANI)