India PM Modi concedes defeat in Delhi state elections

NEW DELHI (AFP) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conceded defeat on Tuesday in Delhi state elections as early results showed anti-corruption campaigner Arvind Kejriwal's party set for a landslide victory.

Modi assured Kejriwal of the national government's ''complete support'' following the right-wing premier's first election loss since storming to power at general polls last May.

''Spoke to @ArvindKejriwal & con- gratulated him on the win. Assured him Centre's complete support in the development of Delhi,'' Modi said in a tweet.

Early tallies showed Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leading in just three seats in the 70-seat state assembly, with former Delhi chief minister Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ahead in 66.

Kejriwal's victory marks a stunning comeback for the anti-graft champion and self-styled anarchist, who resigned following a chaotic 49-day spell in charge of the Delhi state government a year ago.

After apologising for leaving voters without an elected government for a year, Kejriwal was the star of the campaign, outshining former policewoman Kiran Bedi who was the BJP's pick for chief minister.

Rattled by Kejriwal's popularity, Modi headlined several major rallies, portraying his rival as a ''backstabber'' who betrayed voters last time round by quitting so early.

But observers say the BJP's local chapter ran a poor campaign, while Kejriwal's pledges such as cheaper utility bills won over legions of voters willing to give him a second chance. Congress, which has dominated politics since India's independence, was suffering another mauling after being thumped at the general election, leading in no seats as vote counting continued.

Thousands of AAP supporters massed outside the party's headquarters in Delhi, dancing, singing and waving flags with pictures of former tax official Kejriwal while chanting his name.