The Congress was leading in 16 seats, and the ruling BJP in four constituencies in Chhattisgarh, poll officials said Tuesday. The Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J), formed by ex-chief minister Ajit Jogi was ahead in two seats in Bilaspur division, they said.

The state had recorded 76.60 per cent voter turnout. and the counting for all the 90 seats started at 8 am at the district headquarters. The counting of postal ballots was taken up first followed by counting of votes from Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), an election official said.

The Congress was leading in Ramanujganj, Samari, Ambikapur, Katghora, Pali-Tanakhar, Beltara, Saraipali, Basna, Bilaigarh, Baloda bazar, Raipur Rural, Raipur Nagar Uttar, Sanjari balod, Durg rural, Kavardha and Narayanpur seats.

The BJP is ahead in Vaishalinagar, Pamgarh, Bilaspur and Rampur seats.

Ajit Jogi was leading in Marwahi seat, while his wife Renu Jogi was ahead in Kota constituency, he said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is seeking a fourth straight term in office under the leadership of Chief Minister Raman Singh, while the Congress is aiming to stage a comeback after being in the opposition for 15 years.