Counting in all the 81 constituencies of the Jharkhand assembly has begun amidst tight security. Most of the results are expected by this afternoon. Elaborate arrangements have been made for counting of votes and the entire process will be video graphed. The fate of 1,489 candidates who contested the five phase elections held from November 25 will be decided today.

Of the three alliances, Congress has tied up with Jharkhand Vikas Morcha-JVM and BJP with JDU. The RJD has poll alliance with LJP and the CPI. Jhakhand Mukhti Morcha- JMM and the Bahujan Samaj Party are contesting independently.

The last assembly elections in 2005 threw up a hung assembly with BJP and JDU emerging as the largest group with 36 seats, Congress and JMM 26, RJD 7 and others 12.

The assembly was dissolved on October 22 this year following political instability after resignation of Shibu Soren as Chief Minsiter who lost the bi-election in the Tamar constituency. The state has been under President's Rule since January.