Indian Ruling Parties Hold Slim Lead

India's ruling coalition has edged slightly ahead of the Hindu-nationalist opposition, but both alliances are short of a parliamentary majority, Reuters reports. Exit polls following today's conclusion of the month-long general election indicate both political blocs will need new partners, but the surveys have proved inaccurate in the past. Official results won't be ready until Saturday.

"We are looking at political uncertainty and horse-trading," said one expert. If the polls prove accurate, the incumbent coalition would yield seats to the opposition. The ruling coalition, led by the center-left Congress Party, has been in power for 5 years but faces criticism  for lack of reforms.
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