The BJP appears to fall short of the magic figure of 145 in Maharashtra but its key leaders, chief ministerial probables, are leading in their respective seats.
The BJP's State chief, Devendra Fadnavis, who is believed to be the party's first choice for the chief minister's post, is defending his fort comfortably from Nagpur south-west. He leads by 32,000 votes.
Addressing the media, Mr. Fadnavis said, the CM will be from the BJP.
"Whether we require alliance, and which party we will seek help from, will be decided at the right time by the parliamentary board of the BJP, he added.
Another CM probable, daughter of Gopinath Munde, Pankaja Munde, who is contesting from Parli in Beed, is muscling out any competition from her estranged cousin Dhananjay.
Ms. Munde entered the fray for the top post by saying it was the wish of her father's supporters and the youth of Maharashtra that she be chosen for the post. She leads by 10,000 votes.
Former Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, Vinod Tawde, is contesting his first election, from Borivali in suburban Mumbai, traditionally a BJP seat. He leads by 17,000 votes and is expected to comfortably steer to victory.
Eknath Khadse, the veteran BJP man from North Maharashtra, and Leader of opposition in Legislative Assembly, was initially trailing from Muktainagar but has managed to hold his ground and leads by 17,000 votes. He is also considered a contender for the CM's post but his ill health might minimize his chances.
Sudhir Mungantiwar, former BJP state president, is also leading his opponents in Chandrapur with a comfortable margin.
