Modi thanks Maharashtra for 'blessing' NDA, vows to work in Haryana with same zeal

"People of Maharashtra have blessed the NDA with immense affection. We are humbled to have got the people’s support yet again. Our work towards Maharashtra’s progress continues! I salute each and every Karyakarta of the BJP, Shiv Sena and our entire NDA family for their hardwork," PM Modi tweeted.

As the results came out on Thursday, the BJP and Shiv Sena alliance is leading in 155 seats with 97 of them coming from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis-led saffron party.

Improving its tally to 57, the Shiv Sena has, however, dropped a hint at pushing its young leader Aaditya Thackeray, the grandson of Bal Thackeray, to become the Chief Minister of the western state.

Apart from Shiv Sena, Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) came out with a surprise going head-to-head with the Sena. However, the Congress once again failed to pull up their performance as it could only manage to assume the fourth position with 47 seats.

The Congress and NCP together with 111 seats have certainly come up with a strong opponent to the BJP-Sena alliance in the assembly.

With a confident smile, Fadnavis addressed media and accepted his party lost a few seats but also acknowledged that the BJP fought in lesser number of seats. "People have given a decisive mandate. We fought in lesser number of seats. Above all we lost some seats but the Opposition also could not increase its tally too much," the Chief Minister said.

On Haryana results, Modi said the party would continue to work with same zeal towards the state's development.

"I thank the people of Haryana for blessing us. We will continue to work with the same zeal and dedication for the state’s progress. I laud the efforts of hardworking @BJP4Haryana. Karyakartas who toiled extensively and went among the people to elaborate on our development agenda," the PM wrote.

Though Manohar Lal Khattar-led BJP gave a call to win more than 75 seats in the 90-member assembly, the saffron party struggled to even cross 40 in an occasional neck-to-neck fight with the Congress which was barely present on field during the poll campaign.

As per the last update, the Congress is ahead in 30 seats with 40 going to the BJP.

With either of the two national parties failing to reach the halfway mark, Dushyant Chautala's JJP is all set to be the kingmaker.