Bhubaneswar: BJP took an early lead in Orissa going by the trends of Lok Sabha results available till 10 hrs (IST) today (May 13, 2004).

Dharmendra Pradhan of BJP was ahead of his Congress rival Sriballav Panigrahi by 812 votes in Deogarh Lok Sabha constituency.

Sangeeta Singh Deo of the saffron party was also leading by 1309 votes against Congress candidate Sarat Patnaik by 1309 votes in Balangir seat.

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

The picture was, however, different in Assembly seats where both BJP and Congress and its allies were evenly poised.