Nagaland appears headed for a hung assembly as no party is likely to reach the 30-seat mark in the 60-member house with 51 results declared on Saturday night.

Of them, the ruling Congress bagged 21, NPF-15, BJP - 6, JD(U) - 2, NDM - 3, Samata Party - 1 and independents - 3.

Prominent leaders who were re-elected included Chief Minister S C Jamir (for a record sixth consecutive term), NPF leader Neiphiu Rio and former chief minister and BJP leader Hokishe Sema.

The real surprise was the BJP's performance which bagged six seats, including the prestigious Dimapur-1 constituency which Sema wrested from the Congress.

Both Rio and Sema are contenders for the chief minister's post.

The NPF got a good response in Phek district wresting four out of five seats, while the Samata Party, a new entrant in Nagaland, defeated Speaker Z Lohe in the Chizami seat.

Although many senior ministers bit the dust, the Congress could retain its seats in its bastion of Mokokchung.

Prominent losers included Rural Development Minister Zachilhu, Agriculture Minister P Enyie Konyak, Health and Family Welfare Minister Neiba Ndang and Planning Minister and S C Jamir's brother Imtisungit Jamir.

On Saturday, counting was held for 57 seats while repolling was held in ten polling booths in Tuensang district.

Nagaland party position at 2130 IST:

Total seats - 60
Counting held - 57
Results declared - 51
Congress - 21
NPF - 15
BJP - 6
JD(U) - 2
NDM - 3
Samata Party - 1
Independents - 3