Sat Feb 08 06:10:00 UTC 2025: ## BJP’s Chandrabhanu Paswan Leads in Milkipur By-election
**Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh:** The counting of votes for the Milkipur Assembly by-election in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh is underway. As of late afternoon, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, Chandrabhanu Paswan, has maintained a significant lead over his opponent, Ajit Prasad of the Samajwadi Party (SP).
With a majority of the rounds completed, Paswan enjoys a lead of over 45,000 votes. BJP leaders are confident of victory. Prasad, son of sitting Ayodhya MP Awadhesh Prasad, is trailing considerably. The close contest between the BJP and SP was fueled by BJP’s unexpected loss in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Ayodhya. This by-election was seen as a chance for the BJP to regain lost ground.
The counting began at 8 am today, with postal ballots counted first, followed by EVMs. Early trends showed Paswan ahead, and his lead steadily increased throughout the day. The atmosphere is celebratory in BJP circles, with sweets being distributed at the party office. Religious leaders in Ayodhya also expressed their happiness at the BJP’s projected victory.
While SP MP Awadhesh Prasad reportedly prematurely declared his son the winner, the official results are awaited. The final count is expected to confirm a decisive BJP victory in Milkipur.
First Piper 