Congress wins the Indian elections; BJP loses

NEW DELHI – The ruling Congress party swept to a resounding victory Saturday in India's mammoth national elections, defying expectations as it brushed aside the Hindu nationalist opposition BJP.

With today's outcome, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, 77, who recently underwent a heart bypass surgery, is expected to retain his post for a second term and lead the nation of over one billion people with a more stable government.

The Left, comprising Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM), both suffered severe defeats in their strongholds in Kerala and West Bengal.

Over 700 million voters cast their votes in the election, which was held in the five phases, from April 16 and ending on May 13