Updated 15:52 BST

The BJP is on course for a landslide victory in the Indian elections, winning beyond the 272 seats needed to form a majority government.

So far the BJP has won 285 seats, whilst its alliance has secured 335 seats, IBNlive reported. Votes are still being counted, with over 500 millions votes cast during this protracted election.

The ruling Congress party has suffered its worst defeat in its 128-year history, securing or leading only a few dozen seats.

In Tamil Nadu, Jayalalithaa's party, AIADMK, has also secured a sweeping victory, winning 37 of the 39 seats and emerging as third largest party in the Lok Sabha.

Jayalalithaa told supporters the victory was "historic, unparalleled and unprecedented", reported the Business Standard.  

Describing his victory as "landmark", BJP leader, Narendra Modi, thanked his supporters.

In a phonecall this morning the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, congratulated Mr. Modi, inviting him on a visit to the UK.

"The Prime Minister called Narendra Modi this morning to congratulate him on his victory in the Indian elections and the record turnout, making this the biggest democratic election in history," said an FCO spokesperson.
 
"Mr Modi said he would be delighted to accept the Prime Minister’s invitation to visit the UK.  Both leaders agreed on the importance of the UK-India relationship and agreed to work together to strengthen it in the months ahead," the spokesperson added.

Responding to early results which showed a clear lead for the BJP Mr. Modi had tweeted: "India has won. Good times ahead", while the Congress party admitted its defeat.

"We are accepting the people's verdict in all humility. Trends of the counting are certainly not in our favour. The trends point out that the country has decided to vote against us," Congress party spokesperson, Shakil Ahmed, told AP earlier today.