Chandigarh: The Congress was surging towards a clear majority in Punjab on Saturday with its candidates leading in 61 of the 117 assembly seats. Proving wrong exit polls which had projected a close outcome, the Congress was way ahead of the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP combine and the new entrant Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Contrary to surveys that the Akali Dal will be routed, the party was firmly entrenched at the number two slot in counting trends, leading at a respectable 32 seats despite 10 years of being in power. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which was confident of taking power in the border state, led in just 20 seats.