In arguably the biggest political setback to the left in the country since Mamata Banerjee swept to power in West Bengal in 2011, the BJP-IPFT alliance has established an arguably unassailable lead over the ruling CPI(M) in Tripura after three hours of counting on Saturday.
By 11.30am, the BJP was leading in 40 seats in the 60-member Assembly. The BJP itself was leading in 30 of the 50 seats it contested, while its partner, the IPFT, was leading in the rest.
The Congress, which was the main opposition party in 2013 having won 10 seats, is staring at a wipe-out.
Chief Minister Manik Sarkar is leading in his constituency of Dhanpur, while the BJP's state chief, Biplab Kumar Deb, is leading from Banamalipur. Deb is considered to be one of the frontrunners to be CM if the BJP wins.
The BJP-IPFT has been expecting to do well in the 20 reserved seats for scheduled tribes.