Jubilant scenes outside Mayawati's residence

LUCKNOW: The sound of drums mingled with the noise of crackers as a big crowd of BSP workers descended on the residence of their leader Mayawati here to celebrate the party's success in the UP Assembly elections.

Jubilant BSP workers broke into a dance to the beats of the 'dhol' as it became clear that Mayawati was set to return to power and become the next Chief Minister of the most populous and politically most crucial state in the country.

Packets of 'laddoos' did the rounds as the celebrations gathered momentum and the party workers raised slogans hailing the BSP chief Mayawati.

Fireworks went on in quick succession as the workers held aloft the BSP flag bearing the party's 'elephant' symbol.

Scenes of Holi were also recreated as the people smeared colour on each other to celebrate the BSP's return to power.

"Our leader has put an end to the `jungle raj' in UP. Lawlessness will now come to an end and the corrupt will be sent to jail," a party worker said.

In Kanpur, BSP workers expressed their happiness over party's performance during Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections by taking out processions and distributing sweets in various parts of the city.

The party workers took out processions from Arya Nagar and Naveen market party office and were seen distributing sweets.

The candidates leading in the counting were garlanded by the party workers near the government polytechnique premises where the counting of votes were in progress.