The Democratic Alliance of Nagaland, comprising the Nagaland People's Front, the Bharatiya Janata Party, Janata Dal-United and the Samata Party, is all set to stake claim to form the government in Nagaland, as the state witnessed its first hung assembly in 20 years.
Till 1300 IST, Sunday, results were declared in 58 of the 60 seats with the Congress clinching 21, the NPF 19, BJP 7, the JD-U 2, the Nagaland Democratic Movement 4, Samata Party 1 and Independents 4.
NPF secretary general Chubatemjan said in Kohima that the alliance, which had issued a common minimum programme as a pre-poll understanding, would enlist the support of Independents.
"We are sure to win the remaining two seats [Longleng and Thonknyu in remote Tuesang district, where polling will be held on Monday and results declared the next day] and all anti-Congress forces and individuals are most welcome to join DAN," he said.
However, the NDM will not be asked to join the alliance, Chubatemjan said.
The Congress accepted the verdict of the people but alleged that large-scale threats to voters by underground organisations, who had openly supported opposition parties, was the reason behind the drubbing.
The NPF and BJP claimed that the Congress lost because of its failure to fulfil promises and its misrule during the past 10 years.
Jubilant over the BJP's maiden entry into the assembly, party in-charge of the Northeast V Satish said in Kohima that it was a victory for the Vajpayee-led National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre.