Punjab for the first time witnessed triangular contests for the first time. Major parties – Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Congress and the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janata Party (SAD-BJP) alliance – are anxious waiting for the counting of votes cast for 117 assembly seats on 11 March, 2017.The fate of the next government in the state could be decided in the agricultural Malwa belt, the region south of the river Sutlej, which alone accounts for 69 seats.According to India TV-C Voter exit polls, the AAP is expected to take power in Punjab with 59-67 seats . Meanwhile, India Today-Axis said the Congress is tipped to take power in Punjab, winning 62-71 seats in the 117-member assembly. The ruling Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP alliance was headed towards a rout, it said, giving the Aam Aadmi Party 42-51 seats
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