INTERNATIONAL: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has scripted history, returning to power. The BJP became the first party to retain power in the state since 1985.

Following a high-octane electoral battle, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have emerged victorious in four of the five states. In Punjab, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have recorded a historic victory, with the largest mandate in recent years in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a victory roadshow in Gujarat, from the airport to the BJP headquarters in Gandhinagar. He’s on a two-day visit to the state.

In Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, too, has scripted history, returning to power. The BJP became the first party to retain power in the state since 1985. The party is also returning to power in Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa. While CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, in line with tradition, lost his seat, the party have managed to beat anti-incumbency.

In Goa, BJP have crossed the majority mark with the help of three Independent candidates and the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party, which extended its support to the saffron party despite a pre-poll alliance with TMC. Congress leader P Chidambaram has noted, “The overwhelming majority voted against the BJP, but their votes were split among many parties, which gave the BJP the opportunity to win 20 seats.”