New Delhi: In a stunning electoral verdict, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was today (May 13, 2004) voted out of power to pave the way for the return of the Congress Party at the helm of the national affairs after eight years in wilderness.

The Congress and its allies such as DMK, MDMK, PMK, TRS and RJD appeared set to capture approximately 225 seats which could mean that the alliance led by it could reach the magic majority of 270 with the help of the left parties who have done extremely well and may get up to 50 seats.

Elections 2004-Where is India heading...
Political Parties in India

Shortly after the trends reflected NDA rout, Prime Minsiter Atal Bihari Vajpayee met his top party leaders and coalition convener George Fernandes and decided to resign.

Vajpayee has convened a meeting of his Cabinet at 5.30 hrs (IST) after which he will drive to Rashtrapati Bhavan to handover his resignation to President APJ Abdul Kalam. Later he will make a broadcast to the nation.

A jubilant Congress said it would stake claim to form the Government with individual leaders already pitching for Sonia Gandhi as Prime Minister.