DHAKA: The counting of votes will start at 8:00am. By 11am, a clear picture pointing to the single largest party or alliance may emerge. The final results should be out by 4:00pm in Indian lok Shaba election.

After a marathon 9-phase voting, which recorded the highest voter turnout ever at 66.4%, the votes will be counted today and the country will finally know the contours of the next Lok Sabha.

Narendra Modi, 63, ran for parliament from the sacred city in a high-profile battle with anti-corruption hero Arvind Kejriwal who heads the Aam Aadmi Party or AAP.

The BJP is expected to win the national elections, securing a majority with its allies.   

Election Commission officials have banned victory processions in Varanasi and throughout the electorally-critical state of Uttar Pradesh after results are announced.

The state's chief election official, Umesh Sinha, said on Thursday the decision was "ultimately aimed at maintaining law and order in the state".

Sinha said the decision was not targeting individuals, amid local media reports that Modi is planning a massive street parade for supporters on Saturday if he wins the seat of Varanasi. BJP sources confirm that Mr Modi will perform a special prayer on the banks of the Ganga.

Late last year, more than 50 people were killed and thousands displaced in Hindu-Muslim violence in Muzaffarnagar in the western part of Uttar Pradesh.

Mr Modi's decision to stand in Varanasi was rich in religious symbolism and seen as reinforcing his Hindu nationalist credentials. In his campaign, he steered clear of hardline rhetoric and focused on promises to revive the economy and create jobs.

BDST: 0823 HRS, MAY 16, 2014