DHAKA: BJP wrested control of Haryana and was set to do so in Maharashtra on Sunday in an outcome that entrenches its status as the dominant political force and Narendra Modi as currently the country’s most popular politician.

The ouster of the ruling party from these two states, Congress, also underscored its continuing political marginalization, reports the Times of India.

Devendra Fadnavis, the 44-year-old MLA from Nagpur South-West, is likely to be the next chief minister of Maharashtra after BJP ended the 15-year reign of Congress and NCP in the state.

BJP won 122 seats in Maharashtra, three more seats than what its estranged ally, Shiv Sena, was offering it for contest when talks broke down.

Sena, the dominant partner in the saffron alliance so far, finished second with 63 seats. Congress ended third with 42, just one ahead of its former partner NCP, which surprisingly offered unconditional outside support to BJP, which can only strengthen BJP’s hand if it seeks a deal with Sena.

In Haryana, BJP won a majority, relegating Om Prakash Chautala and Congress to second and third spots respectively. The CM of the state will be decided shortly.

In Haryana, there was no room for any doubt as BJP defied its status as an upstart to notch an absolute majority, 47 in the House of 90. The party is still to decide on its chief ministerial nominee, though indications are that a non-Jat may get the nod. Congress with 15 seats scored four seats less than Chautala and will, therefore, not get to play even the principal opposition.

BDST: 1005 HRS, OCT 20, 2014