Sunday, February 27 2005 10:03 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: Ruling RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) maintained its lead in the early trends in the counting of votes in Bihar while Opposition NDA (National Democratic Alliance) was a close second in the fight for the 243-member Assembly.

After two hours of counting, RJD was leading in 21 seats, while BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and its allies were ahead in 14. Allies Congress and LJP (Lok Janshakti Party) were ahead in three and five constituencies respectively.

Others were ahead in ten seats.

RJD Minister Upendra Prasad Verma trailing behind his JDU (Janata Dal-United) rival by about 700 votes in Jamalpur.

While JDU candidates were leading at Jamalpur, Singheshwar and Munger, BJP nominees were ahead at Saharsa and Bettiah, according to initial trends.

RJD candidates were leading at Nokha, Chapra and Nautan, while an independent Surendra Yadav was ahead in Mahisi.