Defying the exit poll predictions, Hemant Soren's Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)- led alliance is set to retain Jharkhand, as it is leading in 57 seats in the 81-member state assembly.   The BJP-led alliance got 23 seats in the state with the JMM leading in 33 seats.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party headed for a victory Saturday in state elections in politically significant Maharashtra while the opposition won mineral-rich Jharkhand state. Polling in the two states are seen as a test of Modi's popularity after his party returned to power in June national elections but was forced to form a coalition government with help from regional partners.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party and its allies were set to return to power in the nation's richest state, television channels reported on Saturday, a boost for the Hindu-nationalist leader after a disappointing general election.