New Delhi: Ruling Congress today (Dec 4) bagged five and BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) three seats in Delhi out of the eight decided so far for 70-member Assembly.

While Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit retained the prestigious Gole Market defeating BJP's Poonam Azad, BJP strongman Madan Lal Khurana was elected from Moti Nagar defeating Congress' Alka Lamba.

Congress also won Sarojini Nagar, Jangpura, Okhla and Baljeet Nagar.

Though two other BJP candidates retained Harinagar and Kasturba Nagar constituencies, the party suffered a shock defeat in Sarojini Nagar where its veteran MLA Ram Bhaj had to bite dust. Former Minister H S Balli (BJP) won the Harinagar seat.

Trends available till 11:00 hours from rest of the constituencies showed that Congress was cruising ahead at 40 and BJP in 20 constituencies.

Unfazed over the performance of BJP, its Chief Ministerial aspirant Madan Lal Khurana ruled out quitting politics in event of a defeat in the Assembly polls and blamed the media for projecting a gloomy outlook for his party right from the beginning.

PTI