Counting in Ghodadongri Assembly by-poll in Madhya Pradesh’s Betul district was underway today with BJP candidate Mangal Singh Dhurve taking the lead initially, election officials said.

Dhurve was leading with a margin of 10,890 votes over his nearest Congress’ Pratap Singh Uikey after completion of 12 rounds, an election official said, adding, a total of 17 rounds will take place for counting of votes.

After the 12th round, Uikey polled 49,546 votes, while Dhurve secured 60,436 votes, he said.

The by-poll was necessitated after the death of sitting BJP member Sajjan Singh Uikey.

A total of 74.48 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the by-poll that was held on May 30.