Tuesday, November 22 2005 10:16 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: Lalu Prasad-led RJD's 15-year rule in Bihar appears to be coming to a final end with his party led combine trailing the JD(U)-BJP alliance which has established early leads in 105 constituencies in the 243 member Assembly.

The trends of the election, which was held in four phases, at 0930 hours showed that RJD was way behind with 44 seats. 'Others' were leading in 24 places.

Former Chief Minister and RJD chief's wife Rabri Devi was trailing in her pocketborough Raghopur by 600 votes.

Early trends indicate that LJP which played a spoiler in the February polls, suffering reverses with party leader Pasupati Paras, younger brother of party chief Ram Vilas Paswan, trailing in his traditional constituency.

The Union Minister virtually conceded defeat saying the adverse results for RJD and his party would have no impact on the UPA coalition at the Centre.

The LJP has been able to establish leads in less than 10 seats so far.

The NDA, which had projected JD-U leader Nitish Kumar as Chief Ministerial candidate, appeared to be making inroads in all the regions.

The first result has gone in favour of BJP, with Renu Devi winning from Bettiah. BJP is the junior partner of JD-U in the state.