BJP claims big victory for party-backed candidates

LUCKNOW: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday claimed victory for party-backed candidates in the three-tier panchayat polls, saying they had won most seats and were leading in many.

The claim of victory was made even before the full election results had come.

Uttar Pradesh (UP) BJP chief Swatantra Dev Singh said over 45,000 gram pradhans (village head) and more than 60,000 kshetra panchayat members, backed by the party had won.

“The Bharatiya Janata Party win/decisive leads are a ratification of the party work/initiatives taken for the rural poor and farmers,” the Uttar Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party chief said.

The state election commission (SEC) has already made it clear that though political parties may have backed candidates, the results won’t be declared on party lines.