For the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP has set itself ambitious targets. While the party’s war cry was ‘400 paar’ for the National Democratic Alliance, it also aimed to secure 370 seats on its own. However, four hours after counting started, the trends show BJP falling short of achieving the mammoth figures.

As of 12.30 pm, the NDA was leading on 297 seats, with the BJP ahead on 242 seats.

In comparison, the BJP on its own and in alliance was backed with strong numbers in 2019 polls. In the previous election, the BJP had won 303 seats, which is more than the majority mark of 272 required to form a government.

In total, the BJP-led NDA had won 353 seats in 2019, and registered a strike of approximately 65.1% (353/542). The strike rate refers to the share of seats won by a party or alliance of the overall seats it contested in an election.

The BJP received 37.36% of the total votes cast, and the NDA secured a vote share of around 45%.

The NDA's vote share this election showed a slight increase, trends show. Going by counting trends at 12 pm, the NDA had secured 46 per cent of votes polled.

BJP's numbers seems to be falling short in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra -- two states where the party showed a strong performance in 2019.

The BJP won 62 of 80 seats in UP, and 23 out of 48 seats in Maharashtra.

However, trends show BJP trailing behind INDIA bloc in Uttar Pradesh. The party is ahead on 38 seats as of 12.30 pm.

In Maharashtra, the BJP is leading on 11 seats.

Source: India Today