The BJP is ahead in 22 seats in Manipur, with Chief Minister N Biren Singh leading by a handsome margin of more than 16,000 votes against his nearest Congress rival in Heingang constituency, Election Commission data showed.

The Congress, which had emerged as the single-largest party, winning 28 seats in the 2017 assembly elections, is currently leading in just three seats, including the Thoubal constituency, where former chief minister O Ibobi Singh is ahead of his BJP rival by 1,225 votes.

BJP's Thokchom Satyabrata Singh has retained Yaiskul Constituency. He defeated NPP's Huidrom Vikramjit Singh.

The National People's Party is leading in six seats, while the Naga People's Front is ahead in five seats.

The Republican Party of India (Aathawale), Kuki People's Alliance and Independents led in one constituency each, according to EC data.

After a gap of 22 years, Janata Dal (United) managed to record a win in Manipur on Thursday with its candidate from Tipaimukh seat pipping others to the post, reports Hindustan Times.

The exit polls have predicted 25-43 seats for the BJP to have a second shot at power in alliance with smaller parties or on its own. The party has been buoyed by the general perception and assessment by poll pundits that it would emerge as the single largest party with more seats than the 21 it won in 2017.

Counting of votes for 60 assembly seats in Manipur began at 8 am on Thursday under tight security and strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols, officials said.

Trends were available for 41 constituencies so far.

"The District Election Officials and Superintendent of Police in each district have been directed to make elaborate security arrangements for counting including a minimum of three tier security consisting of Central Armed Police Force and the state police. The entire process of counting in addition to the Returning Officer, would also be supervised by the 41 General Observers appointed by the Election Commission," Manipur Chief Electoral Officer Rajesh Agrawal told the media.

For the ruling-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Manipur is a critical state that the party is fighting to maintain its hold in the northeast region.

The counting of votes in the 60-member Manipur Assembly is currently underway in the state. Manipur held voting for the assembly elections in two rounds -- February 27 and March 3.

The state last held assembly elections in 2017. The Congress party had emerged as single largest party by winning on 28 seats. However, it fell short of majority. In result, the BJP-led coalition formed the government under N Biren Singh.