Intelligence survey puts Cong ahead in MP

An internal assessment of the electoral prospects in Madhya Pradesh carried out by the Central intelligence agencies in September 2003 last week has brought smiles back on the faces of the Congress (I) leaders. It is learnt that the report suggests that the Congress for the first time in two months has surged ahead of the BJP.

The report projects the Congress (I) to finish with about 127 seats in the 230 members Madhya Pradesh assembly. It adds that the BJP will end up bagging about 90-95 seats. Others  would get about 10-13 seats.

The dramatic change in fortunes of the Congress party is being attributed to the good monsoons the state. The good spell of showers has relieved the people from the incessant power cuts and drought situation in most parts. Power, road infrastructure and drought relief were being pegged as the major electoral issues that were identified by the BJP in its run-up to the campaign.