Markets rise over 1% on BJP's victory in Maha

DOMESTIC equity market on Monday extended the gains made on Friday as the BJP performed exceptionally well in the important Maharashtra state elections and together with allies won a clear majority.

- ARSHAD KHAN

Local benchmark indices - BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty 50 - opened higher by about 1.5% each and maintained the lead throughout the session. Sensex closed the day above the 80,000 mark while Nifty breached the 24,000 level. The 30-stock index settled 992.74 points or 1.25% higher at 80,109 and the Nifty closed 314 points or 1.32% higher at 24,221. The rally comes after the two benchmarks had surged about 2.5% each, their highest single-day