New Delhi, Dec 8 (IANS): Leaders cutting across party lines expressed surprise at the Aam Aadmi Party's spectacular electoral debut in Delhi, leading in 26 of the total 70 constituencies in the city-state.

"Did not expect AAP to perform so well," Bharatiya Janata Party's leader Nitin Gadkari told mediapersons.

His fellow party member and BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar told NDTV news channel that AAP "had a good show in Delhi".

According to the poll projections available at 3.30 p.m. the BJP was leading in 34 seats while the AAP was ahead in 26 seats.

BJP's chief ministerial candidate Harsh Vardhan told a news channel: "I congratulate Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP for their performance."

The Congress and its allies also expressed surprise at the AAP's performance.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister took to twitter and wrote about AAP: "Never underestimate the underdog/newcomer with a fresh face and message."

Milind Deora, minister of state of Communications, IT and Shipping, wrote on his twitter handle: "Congrats Arvind Kejriwal for raising the ante and a great start. Raised expectations brings with it an enormous responsibility to meet them!"

Another Congress leader, Shakeel Ahmad, told mediapersons: "AAP cut on our votes. The percentage of BJP votes may have also lessened due to AAP's performance."