Yogi Adityanath, contesting his first state election in Uttar Pradesh, is leading from his home turf. The 49-year-old – fielded by the BJP from Gorakhpur (Urban) – won the Gorakhpur Lok Sabha seat for five terms (1998, 1999, 2004, 2009 and 2014).
Earlier there was speculation that the chief minister will contest from Ayodhya with the Ram temple construction being a core poll issue for the BJP.
According to the ABP C-Voter exit poll, the ruling BJP is set to retain power in Uttar Pradesh with a tally of 236 seats.
The BJP will, however, return to power with a reduced margin in the 403-member state Assembly, with a loss of 89 seats after winning 325 seats in 2017, it had predicted.
Gorakhpur Urban seat had witnessed 53.30 per cent voting held on March 3.
Latest Trends Of All 403 Seats
- BJP+ 267
- SP+ 125
- BSP 4
- INC 4
(With inputs from agencies)