Rajasthan: CM Gehlot resigns after BJP's win
What's the story
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot tendered his resignation on Sunday evening following the party's defeat to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
He reportedly submitted his resignation to Governor Kalraj Mishra.
The poll result trends showed the BJP leading on 116 seats out of the 119 seats in the state. The saffron party is also leading in the heartland states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The Congress was looking to retain power in Rajasthan and break the state's jinx of bringing in different parties after every term.
However, with the Congress's defeat, the BJP is now set to return to form the next government after five years.
Its election campaign was focused on an "anti-incumbency" wave in the state.
Seats
Winning seats for BJP in Rajasthan
As of 3:30pm, the BJP had won 18 seats and was leading on 97 seats. Former Chief Minister and BJP stalwart Vasundhara Raje was among the winners.
BJP's Diya Kumari won Rajasthan's Vidyadhar Nagar, while fellow party candidates Dr. Jaswant Singh Yadav won Behror, BJP's Anita Bhadel won Ajmer South Chhotusingh won Jaisalmer.
Shrichand Kriplani won Nimbahera, and Heeralal Nagar won Sangod.
Details
Rajyavardhan Rathore claims BJP will win polls with vast majority
Meanwhile, former Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore claimed that the BJP would win the Rajasthan polls with a vast majority.
He said that the people of the state wanted to bring about change, which is why they voted in large numbers.
Notably, the state witnessed 69% voting on November 25. Exit polls have given the BJP a slight edge over the ruling Congress.
CM post
Know about CM contenders from BJP
Raje reportedly remains the top contender for the CM post in Rajasthan, as she has been the face of the BJP in Rajasthan for the last 20 years.
Other candidates include Rajsamand MP Diya Kumari, Union ministers Bhupender Yadav and Ashwini Vaishnav, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
Alwar MP and spiritual leader Mahant Balaknath, aka "Yogi of Rajasthan," is also a strong candidate.