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Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. PM Modi's Tweet, 'Keep this spirit alive at every moment.'

Lok Sabha Election 2019: PM Modi's Tweet, 'Keep this spirit alive at every moment'

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. Rahul Gandhi concedes defeat in Amethi.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Rahul Gandhi concedes defeat in Amethi

The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced today. Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections will begin at 8 am and the clear picture of who will lead the nation for the next five years will emerge in the evening.&nbsp;

Over 8,000 candidates

More than 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats across the nation. Over 67&nbsp;per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections.

Late result expected&nbsp;

It is suggested that the counting of votes and the announcement of results may get delayed due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count. The exercise will take place for the first time.

The exercise will take place in five polling stations per assembly segment which effectively means that out of nearly 10.3 lakh polling stations, the EVM-VVPAT matching will take place in 20600 such stations, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

What happens in case of a mismatch?

In such a situation, the results based on paper slip count will be considered as final.

The entire exercise of EVM-Paper trail machine matching will take an additional four to five hours.

What exit polls say

With the final phase of polling of the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections coming to an end on May 19, exit polls predicted a thumping win for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

The party, along with its allies, is predicted to sweep a lion's share of the Hindi heartland of the nation including states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar as well as the national capital.&nbsp;

Pollsters predicted a considerable loss for Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in terms of seat share in the state, though she is predicted to keep the majority. The BJP, which fared poorly in 2014 in the state is suggested to win seats in double-digit. &nbsp;

The opposition

The opposition has dubbed the exit polls as wrong with many leaders rubbishing what the pollsters have predicted.

Eminent opposition leaders like Chandrababu Naidu, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Sitaram Yechury and Mayawati among others were seen scurrying around this week to meet one another and discuss post-poll strategy.&nbsp;

NDA's resolution

PM Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah held a meeting with Union council of ministers on Tuesday which was later on followed by a dinner for NDA allies hoster by Shah.&nbsp;

At the BJP-led ruling alliance meeting, which was attended by 36 parties, a resolution was passed, terming the 2019 general election decisive for the country and pledging to make India "strong, developed, prosperous and inclusive" by 2022 when India completes 75 years of its independence, party leader and Union minister Rajnath Singh told reporters.

Election result and stock market

Analysts suggest the stock markets soar further if PM Modi makes a comeback for the second term.&nbsp;

The BSE Sensex index rose by its biggest amount in one day since September 2013 on Monday after exit polls showed the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will retain power for a second consecutive term.

The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced today. Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections will begin at 8 am and the clear picture of who will lead the nation for the next five years will emerge in the evening.

The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced today. Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections will begin at 8 am and the clear picture of who will lead the nation for the next five years will emerge in the evening. Over 8,000 candidates More than 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats across the nation. Over 67 per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections. Late result expected It is suggested that the counting of votes and the announcement of results may get delayed due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count. The exercise will take place for the first time. The exercise will take place in five polling stations per assembly segment which effectively means that out of nearly 10.3 lakh polling stations, the EVM-VVPAT matching will take place in 20600 such stations, news agency PTI reported. What happens in case of a mismatch? In such a situation, the results based on paper slip count will be considered as final. The entire exercise of EVM-Paper trail machine matching will take an additional four to five hours. What exit polls say With the final phase of polling of the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections coming to an end on May 19, exit polls predicted a thumping win for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Lok Sabha polls. The party, along with its allies, is predicted to sweep a lion's share of the Hindi heartland of the nation including states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar as well as the national capital. Pollsters predicted a considerable loss for Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in terms of seat share in the state, though she is predicted to keep the majority. The BJP, which fared poorly in 2014 in the state is suggested to win seats in double-digit. The opposition The opposition has dubbed the exit polls as wrong with many leaders rubbishing what the pollsters have predicted. Eminent opposition leaders like Chandrababu Naidu, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Sitaram Yechury and Mayawati among others were seen scurrying around this week to meet one another and discuss post-poll strategy. NDA's resolution PM Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah held a meeting with Union council of ministers on Tuesday which was later on followed by a dinner for NDA allies hoster by Shah. At the BJP-led ruling alliance meeting, which was attended by 36 parties, a resolution was passed, terming the 2019 general election decisive for the country and pledging to make India "strong, developed, prosperous and inclusive" by 2022 when India completes 75 years of its independence, party leader and Union minister Rajnath Singh told reporters. Election result and stock market Analysts suggest the stock markets soar further if PM Modi makes a comeback for the second term. The BSE Sensex index rose by its biggest amount in one day since September 2013 on Monday after exit polls showed the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will retain power for a second consecutive term.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election Commission to start counting of votes for parliamentary polls in 542 seats at 8 am

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. Nitin Gadkari says, ''Opposition should never forget its roles for Democracy''

Opposition should never forget its role in democracy: Nitin Gadkari

India began&nbsp;counting hundreds of millions of votes in its general election today at 8:00 am, with a coalition led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party already preparing to form the next government.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Modi's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/exit-polls-2019-pm-modi-returning-to-power-with-300-plus-seats-say-pollsters-219927">Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is expected to surpass the 272 seats</a> needed to command a majority in the lower house of parliament, six of seven exit polls showed on Sunday.&nbsp;

Their predicted margin of victory is larger than surveys indicated in the run-up to the vote when most polls showed the NDA would be the largest alliance but would fall short of an overall majority.&nbsp;

Counting of votes begins at 08:00 am and&nbsp;trends are expected to be known by noon because of the use of computerised voting machines. Final results in the polls, in which around 900 million Indians were eligible to vote, are due by the evening.&nbsp;

The voting was held in seven phases with first phase&nbsp;beginning from&nbsp;April 11.

The last phase of voting was held on May&nbsp;19. Over 67.11 crore voters exercised their right to vote.&nbsp;

Victory preparation

The NDA held a meeting on Tuesday, at which Modi was garlanded with flowers by members of the alliance, to discuss its policy agenda for its second term in power. It has promised to double farmers'&nbsp;income and boost infrastructure spending over the next five years.

Several opposition leaders attempting to unseat Modi have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/time-to-switch-off-tv-how-politicians-reacted-to-exit-polls-2019-219956">urged voters to wait for the final results</a>, calling the exit polls "gossip".

"Do not get demoralised by the fake exit polls doing the rounds," Congress president Rahul Gandhi said in a message to party workers posted on social media on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The opposition alliance has also protested to India's Election Commission over the electronic voting machines (EVMs) used in the count, that they <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/evms-are-completely-tamper-proof-cannot-be-hacked-former-chief-election-commissioner-op-rawat-220663">alleged can be tampered with</a>, and requested a delay to counting while votes are tallied with a backup paper audit trail.

The commission rejected the opposition's demands on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Around 500 masked people carrying guns and machetes attacked a polling team and forcibly took away EVMs in the remote northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, Reuters reported on Wednesday, though elections in the country as a whole are widely considered to be free and fair by international observers.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/sensex-surges-over-1000-points-may-cross-40000-as-exit-poll-predict-nda-win-220058">Indian stocks posted their biggest gain</a> since September 2013 on Monday after the exit polls and could rally further on Thursday if the trend is confirmed, according to a Reuters poll.&nbsp;

"Markets will have a big sigh of relief as it favours continuity and familiarity in terms of roll-out of policies," said Ajay Bodke, CEO at financial services firm Prabhudas Lilladher.

India began counting hundreds of millions of votes in its general election today at 8:00 am, with a coalition led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party already preparing to form the next government.

India began counting hundreds of millions of votes in its general election today at 8:00 am, with a coalition led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party already preparing to form the next government. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is expected to surpass the 272 seats needed to command a majority in the lower house of parliament, six of seven exit polls showed on Sunday. Their predicted margin of victory is larger than surveys indicated in the run-up to the vote when most polls showed the NDA would be the largest alliance but would fall short of an overall majority. Counting of votes begins at 08:00 am and trends are expected to be known by noon because of the use of computerised voting machines. Final results in the polls, in which around 900 million Indians were eligible to vote, are due by the evening. The voting was held in seven phases with first phase beginning from April 11. The last phase of voting was held on May 19. Over 67.11 crore voters exercised their right to vote. Victory preparation The NDA held a meeting on Tuesday, at which Modi was garlanded with flowers by members of the alliance, to discuss its policy agenda for its second term in power. It has promised to double farmers' income and boost infrastructure spending over the next five years. Several opposition leaders attempting to unseat Modi have urged voters to wait for the final results, calling the exit polls "gossip". "Do not get demoralised by the fake exit polls doing the rounds," Congress president Rahul Gandhi said in a message to party workers posted on social media on Wednesday. The opposition alliance has also protested to India's Election Commission over the electronic voting machines (EVMs) used in the count, that they alleged can be tampered with, and requested a delay to counting while votes are tallied with a backup paper audit trail. The commission rejected the opposition's demands on Wednesday. Around 500 masked people carrying guns and machetes attacked a polling team and forcibly took away EVMs in the remote northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, Reuters reported on Wednesday, though elections in the country as a whole are widely considered to be free and fair by international observers. Indian stocks posted their biggest gain since September 2013 on Monday after the exit polls and could rally further on Thursday if the trend is confirmed, according to a Reuters poll. "Markets will have a big sigh of relief as it favours continuity and familiarity in terms of roll-out of policies," said Ajay Bodke, CEO at financial services firm Prabhudas Lilladher.

Lok Sabha Election Result 2019: Counting of votes begins with BJP looking at second term

The United States Wednesday said that it was confident in the fairness and integrity of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-election-commission-to-start-counting-of-votes-for-parliamentary-polls-in-542-seats-at-8-am-220717">Indian elections</a> and would work with whoever is the victor.&nbsp;

"I would say from the US perspective, we are very confident in the fairness and the integrity of the Indian elections, and we will obviously work with whoever is the victor and whatever the outcome is there," State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus told reporters during an off-camera gaggle here.

Unlike other countries, the US does not send its election observers to India because of the strong independent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/foreign-media-on-exit-polls-predicting-second-term-for-bjp-219997">credentials of the Election Commission</a> of India.&nbsp;

"We have a very strong relationship and a lot of cooperation with the Indian government on a full range of issues, and the Secretary (of State, Mike Pompeo) has said numerous times that we have a true strategic partner in India," Ortagus said in response to a question.

The diplomat praised India and its people for carrying out such a massive exercise peacefully, describing it as fascinating. "Someone pointed this out to me today that India's election is the largest exercise in democracy in human history," she said.

"I think with everything going on in the world, that's a thing that we can pause and think about and certainly commend the Indian people," Ortagus added.

The Washington Post had on Wednesday said that the Indian election was the largest democratic exercise in the world.

"With about 900 million eligible voters, the size of the electorate had swelled by more than 80 million compared to 2014. In that election, 550 million people ultimately cast votes," it had said.

Richard M Rossow, Wadhwani Chair in US India Policy Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think-tank, said the next Indian government will have a difficult time managing ties with the United States.&nbsp;

"A dual-track approach is quite clear,&nbsp;continued progress in deepening our security relationship while simultaneously engaging in a wider trade fight," Rossow said.&nbsp;

"Too often this trade fight is attributed mainly to the United States. This is unfair, as the Modi government took significant steps to slow imports in recent years, such as increasing customs duties and initiating new local content mandates for government procurement," Rossow told PTI in response to a question.&nbsp;

He said while the next government in India might trigger fresh reforms early in its tenure, they are likely to be more focused on attracting foreign investment rather than taking steps that could increase imports.&nbsp;

"Investment-oriented reforms are unlikely to assuage US trade policy concerns. So this dual-track approach is likely to persist post-election," Rossow added.

A New York Times editorial piece said the election had become a sweeping referendum on the last five years of governance by Narendra Modi, the country's dominant and divisive prime minister.

It is also likely to be the world's most expensive elections, with parties estimated to have spent a total of as much as $7 billion, it read.

According to The Washington Post, the result of this election will be pivotal to the future of India, soon to become the world's most populous nation.&nbsp;

"India is attempting to catch up in economic terms with China, its neighbour to the east, a pursuit that requires massive investment in infrastructure and significant policy change. At the same time, the country is also deciding what kind of democracy it wants to be," the daily said.

In a news dispatch from New Delhi, The Wall Street Journal reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears on track for a second term if exit polls bear out, "but less clear to investors and executives is which version of Mr Modi would take charge,&nbsp;the business-friendly leader or the divisive nationalist."&nbsp;

The United States Wednesday said that it was confident in the fairness and integrity of the Indian elections and would work with whoever is the victor. "I would say from the US perspective, we are very confident in the fairness and the integrity of the Indian elections, and we will obviously work with whoever is the victor and whatever the outcome is there," State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus told reporters during an off-camera gaggle here.

The United States Wednesday said that it was confident in the fairness and integrity of the Indian elections and would work with whoever is the victor. "I would say from the US perspective, we are very confident in the fairness and the integrity of the Indian elections, and we will obviously work with whoever is the victor and whatever the outcome is there," State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus told reporters during an off-camera gaggle here. Unlike other countries, the US does not send its election observers to India because of the strong independent credentials of the Election Commission of India. "We have a very strong relationship and a lot of cooperation with the Indian government on a full range of issues, and the Secretary (of State, Mike Pompeo) has said numerous times that we have a true strategic partner in India," Ortagus said in response to a question. The diplomat praised India and its people for carrying out such a massive exercise peacefully, describing it as fascinating. "Someone pointed this out to me today that India's election is the largest exercise in democracy in human history," she said. "I think with everything going on in the world, that's a thing that we can pause and think about and certainly commend the Indian people," Ortagus added. The Washington Post had on Wednesday said that the Indian election was the largest democratic exercise in the world. "With about 900 million eligible voters, the size of the electorate had swelled by more than 80 million compared to 2014. In that election, 550 million people ultimately cast votes," it had said. Richard M Rossow, Wadhwani Chair in US India Policy Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think-tank, said the next Indian government will have a difficult time managing ties with the United States. "A dual-track approach is quite clear, continued progress in deepening our security relationship while simultaneously engaging in a wider trade fight," Rossow said. "Too often this trade fight is attributed mainly to the United States. This is unfair, as the Modi government took significant steps to slow imports in recent years, such as increasing customs duties and initiating new local content mandates for government procurement," Rossow told PTI in response to a question. He said while the next government in India might trigger fresh reforms early in its tenure, they are likely to be more focused on attracting foreign investment rather than taking steps that could increase imports. "Investment-oriented reforms are unlikely to assuage US trade policy concerns. So this dual-track approach is likely to persist post-election," Rossow added. A New York Times editorial piece said the election had become a sweeping referendum on the last five years of governance by Narendra Modi, the country's dominant and divisive prime minister. It is also likely to be the world's most expensive elections, with parties estimated to have spent a total of as much as $7 billion, it read. According to The Washington Post, the result of this election will be pivotal to the future of India, soon to become the world's most populous nation. "India is attempting to catch up in economic terms with China, its neighbour to the east, a pursuit that requires massive investment in infrastructure and significant policy change. At the same time, the country is also deciding what kind of democracy it wants to be," the daily said. In a news dispatch from New Delhi, The Wall Street Journal reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears on track for a second term if exit polls bear out, "but less clear to investors and executives is which version of Mr Modi would take charge, the business-friendly leader or the divisive nationalist."

Lok Sabha polls 2019: US says it is confident about fairness, integrity of Indian elections

India Inc Thursday said BJP-led NDA's stupendous performance in Lok Sabha polls is an endorsement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decisive leadership, asserting that NDA 2.0 must unleash bold initiatives to transform the economy.

Several corporate honchos, including Anand Mahindra, Adi Godrej, Anil Agarwal and Sunil Mittal cheered as trends pointed towards the BJP and allies returning to power with a thumping majority, saying it was the time for deep reforms entwined with India's ambition to emerge as a global superpower.

"The government will now re-ignite its reforms agenda to push growth, tackle critical issues like creating more jobs, usher in more tax-friendly laws, strengthen India's position in global trade while protecting domestic industry from dumping and create more conducive environment to attract FDI in critical segments like mining and Oil &amp; Gas," Vedanta Resources Chairman Anil Agarwal said.

Bharti Enterprises Founder &amp; Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal said the phenomenal mandate clearly underlines the nation's unambiguous confidence in Prime Minister Modi's decisive and visionary leadership.

This solid verdict would further strengthen his resolve to drive forward the economic agenda to ensure that the fruits of the economic momentum continue to reach the poor, so visible during the last five years, he added.

Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra said that Modi is set to become the most powerful democratically-elected leader in the world after the thumping win.

"Size of the country (Land mass+population) X Size of the Economy X Size of the election mandate = Leader's Power Quotient. By the measure of this crude formula, @narendramodi is about to become the most powerful, democratically elected leader in the world today...," Mahindra tweeted.

CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee termed the verdict as a mandate for development and said, "The election results will reinvigorate the strong and constructive government-industry partnership and dialogue for growth built by the government in its previous term..."

In a blog post, Biocon Chairperson and MD Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw said the NDA 1.0 succeeded in formulating a five-year strategic plan which has been well appreciated by the country as is evident from the poll results.

"Therefore, NDA 2.0 must focus on the implementation of this plan in order to unlock opportunities for inclusive economic growth. Over the next five years NDA 2.0 must introduce policies that are bold, innovative and transformational to translate the economic potential into prosperity for all," she said.

Dalmia Bharat Group Managing Director Puneet Dalmia said, "The results are a clear indication that the country and its people are all for progress and stability."

Terming the NDA victory as a "strong mandate for continuity", JK Organisation Director Harsh Pati Singhania said, "I hope the government will redouble its efforts and continue the process of economic and social reforms and build on the strong foundations laid in its first term."

PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) President Rajeev Talwar said the majority mandate has laid a heavy responsibility on the government to take unprecedented economic and social decisions that will transform the Indian economy from its current size of USD 2.6 trillion towards a growth rate of 8 to 10 per cent each year in the next five years.

RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka said the resounding victory of BJP reinforces voter's choice of their most able leader to lead the nation.

"Markets got off to a roaring start, reflecting the sentiment of the nation. Unfinished agendas will get continuity and time to usher in prosperity and growth, both for Bharat and India," he tweeted.

Mahindra &amp; Mahindra Managing Director Pawan Goenka hoped that with the results in, Budget will come out very quickly, adding there is a need "to bring back government spending in a big way" as it had slowed down from the fourth quarter of the last financial year.

Assocham President B K Goenka said, "a strong and stable government would bring in more foreign investment even as domestic firms are witnessing renewed confidence. We are in for a virtuous cycle where consumption and investment drive each other."

Raymond Ltd CMD Gautam Hari Singhania said a decisive leadership and political stability is good for the country and a major boost for the fast-growing national economy and the victory should usher in a new era of industrial growth and policy reforms, including a significant fillip to the manufacturing sector.

Expressing similar sentiments, noted banker Uday Kotak said in a tweet, "Time for the transformation of India. Time for deep reform. I dream of us as a global superpower in my lifetime. Heartiest congratulations to @narendramodi, the BJP, and the NDA."

Godrej Group Chairman Adi Godrej said the new government is expected to take steps to ensure that India's gross domestic product (GDP) growth improves.

Dabur India Ltd Chief Financial Officer Lalit Malik said the new government should focus on overall economic development and employment creation, which would go a long way in accelerating consumer demand and improving overall GDP growth.

Surendra Hiranandani, Founder and Director at House of Hiranandani, said a stable government at the centre will further boost the growth in the real estate sector and hoped that it would take concrete action to push investments, increase growth and generate employment.

"The decisive mandate for the new government is a welcome development, which will allow undivided attention to national priorities like boosting employment and creating more enterprises across the country," a Snapdeal Spokesperson said.&nbsp;

India Inc Thursday said BJP-led NDA's stupendous performance in Lok Sabha polls is an endorsement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decisive leadership, asserting that NDA 2.

India Inc Thursday said BJP-led NDA's stupendous performance in Lok Sabha polls is an endorsement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decisive leadership, asserting that NDA 2.0 must unleash bold initiatives to transform the economy. Several corporate honchos, including Anand Mahindra, Adi Godrej, Anil Agarwal and Sunil Mittal cheered as trends pointed towards the BJP and allies returning to power with a thumping majority, saying it was the time for deep reforms entwined with India's ambition to emerge as a global superpower. "The government will now re-ignite its reforms agenda to push growth, tackle critical issues like creating more jobs, usher in more tax-friendly laws, strengthen India's position in global trade while protecting domestic industry from dumping and create more conducive environment to attract FDI in critical segments like mining and Oil & Gas," Vedanta Resources Chairman Anil Agarwal said. Bharti Enterprises Founder & Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal said the phenomenal mandate clearly underlines the nation's unambiguous confidence in Prime Minister Modi's decisive and visionary leadership. This solid verdict would further strengthen his resolve to drive forward the economic agenda to ensure that the fruits of the economic momentum continue to reach the poor, so visible during the last five years, he added. Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra said that Modi is set to become the most powerful democratically-elected leader in the world after the thumping win. "Size of the country (Land mass+population) X Size of the Economy X Size of the election mandate = Leader's Power Quotient. By the measure of this crude formula, @narendramodi is about to become the most powerful, democratically elected leader in the world today...," Mahindra tweeted. CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee termed the verdict as a mandate for development and said, "The election results will reinvigorate the strong and constructive government-industry partnership and dialogue for growth built by the government in its previous term..." In a blog post, Biocon Chairperson and MD Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw said the NDA 1.0 succeeded in formulating a five-year strategic plan which has been well appreciated by the country as is evident from the poll results. "Therefore, NDA 2.0 must focus on the implementation of this plan in order to unlock opportunities for inclusive economic growth. Over the next five years NDA 2.0 must introduce policies that are bold, innovative and transformational to translate the economic potential into prosperity for all," she said. Dalmia Bharat Group Managing Director Puneet Dalmia said, "The results are a clear indication that the country and its people are all for progress and stability." Terming the NDA victory as a "strong mandate for continuity", JK Organisation Director Harsh Pati Singhania said, "I hope the government will redouble its efforts and continue the process of economic and social reforms and build on the strong foundations laid in its first term." PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) President Rajeev Talwar said the majority mandate has laid a heavy responsibility on the government to take unprecedented economic and social decisions that will transform the Indian economy from its current size of USD 2.6 trillion towards a growth rate of 8 to 10 per cent each year in the next five years. RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka said the resounding victory of BJP reinforces voter's choice of their most able leader to lead the nation. "Markets got off to a roaring start, reflecting the sentiment of the nation. Unfinished agendas will get continuity and time to usher in prosperity and growth, both for Bharat and India," he tweeted. Mahindra & Mahindra Managing Director Pawan Goenka hoped that with the results in, Budget will come out very quickly, adding there is a need "to bring back government spending in a big way" as it had slowed down from the fourth quarter of the last financial year. Assocham President B K Goenka said, "a strong and stable government would bring in more foreign investment even as domestic firms are witnessing renewed confidence. We are in for a virtuous cycle where consumption and investment drive each other." Raymond Ltd CMD Gautam Hari Singhania said a decisive leadership and political stability is good for the country and a major boost for the fast-growing national economy and the victory should usher in a new era of industrial growth and policy reforms, including a significant fillip to the manufacturing sector. Expressing similar sentiments, noted banker Uday Kotak said in a tweet, "Time for the transformation of India. Time for deep reform. I dream of us as a global superpower in my lifetime. Heartiest congratulations to @narendramodi, the BJP, and the NDA." Godrej Group Chairman Adi Godrej said the new government is expected to take steps to ensure that India's gross domestic product (GDP) growth improves. Dabur India Ltd Chief Financial Officer Lalit Malik said the new government should focus on overall economic development and employment creation, which would go a long way in accelerating consumer demand and improving overall GDP growth. Surendra Hiranandani, Founder and Director at House of Hiranandani, said a stable government at the centre will further boost the growth in the real estate sector and hoped that it would take concrete action to push investments, increase growth and generate employment. "The decisive mandate for the new government is a welcome development, which will allow undivided attention to national priorities like boosting employment and creating more enterprises across the country," a Snapdeal Spokesperson said.

India Inc hails 'NaMo again', watches for bold reforms in NDA 2.0

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. Rahul Gandhi congratulates PM Modi & accepts defeat.

Congress Press Conference: Rahul Gandhi congratulates PM Modi & accepts defeat

With the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-counting-of-votes-to-take-place-on-thursday-fates-of-over-8000-candidates-to-be-decided-220612">counting of votes due on Thursday</a>, all eyes will be on Uttar Pradesh which offers a massive chunk of 80 parliamentary constituencies. The strategic significance of the state in deciding the fate of the incumbent central government could never be undermined.&nbsp;

The state has given 10 prime ministers since independence. Going by the exit polls predictions, the BJP-led <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lions-share-of-uttar-pradeshs-seats-going-to-bjp-predict-exit-polls-219936">NDA is likely to get the lion's share of Uttar Pradesh</a>'s 80 Lok Sabha seats. Times Now-VMR said the NDA will get 58 seats in UP and C-Voter suggested 38 seats for the alliance. The poll of polls, a collection of various exit polls, predicted 43 seats for the NDA.

For Rahul Gandhi-led Congress, the pollsters painted a dismal picture giving just a couple of seats to the party in the state. The SP-BSP-RLD alliance is predicted to bag between 20 to 40 seats, pollsters said.&nbsp;

During the last Lok Sabha polls, the NDA registered a landslide win with 71 seats out of 80.&nbsp;

Along with its NDA constituents, the BJP won 336 out of 543 seats and formed the government at the Centre. It was for the first time in about three decades that a party won such a huge number of seats.

This time around, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/exit-polls-2019-pm-modi-returning-to-power-with-300-plus-seats-say-pollsters-219927">the exit polls show the BJP cornering over 300 seats</a> and form a government at the Centre comfortably. The party, along with its allies, is predicted to sweep a lion's share of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-in-countrys-hindi-heartland-exit-polls-spell-thumping-victory-for-party-in-madhya-pradesh-4-other-states-219985">Hindi heartland of the nation</a> including states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar as well as the national capital.&nbsp;

With the counting of votes progressing on Thursday, fates of some of the political bigwigs will be sealed who are contesting from the key constituencies of Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a second term from Varanasi Lok Sabha seat where he is in the contest with Congress' Ajai Rai.&nbsp;

Amethi: Congress chief Rahul Gandhi is in a tough fight against BJP minister Smriti Irani.&nbsp;

Rae Bareli: Sonia Gandhi is in a straight contest with BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh.

Azamgarh: A traditional SP stronghold, Azamgarh will see a battle between chief Akhilesh Yadav and BJP's Dinesh Lal Yadav Nirahua.

Mainpuri: Another SP bastion, party patriarch is set to lock horns here with BJP's Prem Singh Shakya.&nbsp;

Lucknow: Union Home Minister is set to take on SP's Poonam Sinha and Congress' Acharya Pramod Krishnam.&nbsp;

Gorakhpur: Here, the fight is mainly among Madhusudan Tripathi of the Congress, Ravindra Shyamnarayan Shukla alias Ravi Kishan of the BJP and Rambhual Nishad of the SP.

Sultanpur: The seat will witness a close contest as the BJP's candidate is the Union minister Maneka Gandhi, who is replacing her son Varun Gandhi.

Congress candidate Sanjay Singh will give tough competition to Maneka Gandhi, as Congress has had a hold on this seat in 7 Lok Sabha elections against the BJP's 4 wins in this constituency.

Allahabad: Rita Bahuguna Joshi is BJP's candidate on the Allahabad seat.

Joshi is fighting against Congress leader Yogesh Shukla and SP's Rajendra Singh Patel.

With the counting of votes due on Thursday, all eyes will be on Uttar Pradesh which offers a massive chunk of 80 parliamentary constituencies. The strategic significance of the state in deciding the fate of the incumbent central government could never be undermined.

With the counting of votes due on Thursday, all eyes will be on Uttar Pradesh which offers a massive chunk of 80 parliamentary constituencies. The strategic significance of the state in deciding the fate of the incumbent central government could never be undermined. The state has given 10 prime ministers since independence. Going by the exit polls predictions, the BJP-led NDA is likely to get the lion's share of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats. Times Now-VMR said the NDA will get 58 seats in UP and C-Voter suggested 38 seats for the alliance. The poll of polls, a collection of various exit polls, predicted 43 seats for the NDA. For Rahul Gandhi-led Congress, the pollsters painted a dismal picture giving just a couple of seats to the party in the state. The SP-BSP-RLD alliance is predicted to bag between 20 to 40 seats, pollsters said. During the last Lok Sabha polls, the NDA registered a landslide win with 71 seats out of 80. Along with its NDA constituents, the BJP won 336 out of 543 seats and formed the government at the Centre. It was for the first time in about three decades that a party won such a huge number of seats. This time around, the exit polls show the BJP cornering over 300 seats and form a government at the Centre comfortably. The party, along with its allies, is predicted to sweep a lion's share of the Hindi heartland of the nation including states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar as well as the national capital. With the counting of votes progressing on Thursday, fates of some of the political bigwigs will be sealed who are contesting from the key constituencies of Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a second term from Varanasi Lok Sabha seat where he is in the contest with Congress' Ajai Rai. Amethi: Congress chief Rahul Gandhi is in a tough fight against BJP minister Smriti Irani. Rae Bareli: Sonia Gandhi is in a straight contest with BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh. Azamgarh: A traditional SP stronghold, Azamgarh will see a battle between chief Akhilesh Yadav and BJP's Dinesh Lal Yadav Nirahua. Mainpuri: Another SP bastion, party patriarch is set to lock horns here with BJP's Prem Singh Shakya. Lucknow: Union Home Minister is set to take on SP's Poonam Sinha and Congress' Acharya Pramod Krishnam. Gorakhpur: Here, the fight is mainly among Madhusudan Tripathi of the Congress, Ravindra Shyamnarayan Shukla alias Ravi Kishan of the BJP and Rambhual Nishad of the SP. Sultanpur: The seat will witness a close contest as the BJP's candidate is the Union minister Maneka Gandhi, who is replacing her son Varun Gandhi. Congress candidate Sanjay Singh will give tough competition to Maneka Gandhi, as Congress has had a hold on this seat in 7 Lok Sabha elections against the BJP's 4 wins in this constituency. Allahabad: Rita Bahuguna Joshi is BJP's candidate on the Allahabad seat. Joshi is fighting against Congress leader Yogesh Shukla and SP's Rajendra Singh Patel.

Lok Sabha election 2019: Results of high-stakes polls in Uttar Pradesh's 80 seats to seal Mahagathbandhan's fate 

The vote count for Lok Sabha elections on Thursday showed that the people of the country have given the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-modi-wave-sweeps-india-again-nda-poised-to-win-lok-sabha-elections-221034">mandate to the BJP-led NDA</a> to again govern the country for the next five years. An important part in that mandate was played by Uttar Pradesh, which has the maximum number of Lok Sabha seats (80).

The alliance of Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) failed to stop the BJP's juggernaut which, along with its allies, is leading 59 seats in Uttar Pradesh. The overall tally of the BJP stands at 286, four more than its 2014 number.

The BJP's performance shows that the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) experiment of SP and BSP failed to achieve the desired results. Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati - chiefs of SP and BSP respectively - had joined hands in January this year to keep the BJP out. After their surprise annoucement, it was widely believed that the BJP will lose due to cast arithmetic. But the result said otherwise.

The Samajwadi Party, as part of the agreement, contested 37 of 80 Lok Sabha seats in UP.

While the BSP contested on 38 seats, the RLD, also a part of the alliance, fought from three seats. The SP-BSP-RLD alliance left two seats for the Congress in Amethi and Rae Bareli.

Watch: BJP+ achieves massive mandate in Lok Sabha polls

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In the 2017 assembly election in the state, the BJP had won 312 of the 403 seats in the state - its best-ever tally.

On Sunday, shortly after the seventh and last phase of polling for 2019 Lok Sabha elections, four exit polls predicted a win for the National Democratic Alliance and a rout for the SP-BSP alliance in UP. Out of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in UP, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance was seen winning 52 seats, Congress two and others 26.

The vote count for Lok Sabha elections on Thursday showed that the people of the country have given the mandate to the BJP-led NDA to again govern the country for the next five years.

The vote count for Lok Sabha elections on Thursday showed that the people of the country have given the mandate to the BJP-led NDA to again govern the country for the next five years. An important part in that mandate was played by Uttar Pradesh, which has the maximum number of Lok Sabha seats (80). The alliance of Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) failed to stop the BJP's juggernaut which, along with its allies, is leading 59 seats in Uttar Pradesh. The overall tally of the BJP stands at 286, four more than its 2014 number. The BJP's performance shows that the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) experiment of SP and BSP failed to achieve the desired results. Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati - chiefs of SP and BSP respectively - had joined hands in January this year to keep the BJP out. After their surprise annoucement, it was widely believed that the BJP will lose due to cast arithmetic. But the result said otherwise. The Samajwadi Party, as part of the agreement, contested 37 of 80 Lok Sabha seats in UP. While the BSP contested on 38 seats, the RLD, also a part of the alliance, fought from three seats. The SP-BSP-RLD alliance left two seats for the Congress in Amethi and Rae Bareli. Watch: BJP+ achieves massive mandate in Lok Sabha polls In the 2017 assembly election in the state, the BJP had won 312 of the 403 seats in the state - its best-ever tally. On Sunday, shortly after the seventh and last phase of polling for 2019 Lok Sabha elections, four exit polls predicted a win for the National Democratic Alliance and a rout for the SP-BSP alliance in UP. Out of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in UP, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance was seen winning 52 seats, Congress two and others 26.

Lok Sabha election results 2019: UP numbers show 'Mahagathbandhan' a failed experiment

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. Congress accepts defeat in Lok Sabha Election

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Congress accepts defeat in Lok Sabha Election

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. Kirron Kher thanks public & her senior leadership.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Kirron Kher thanks public & her senior leadership

From just two seats in Lok Sabha in 1984 to win two back-to-back majority in general elections, the BJP with its right-wing Hindutva ideology has firmly taken the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-live-updates-220687">centre-stage of India's political landscape</a>, displacing the Congress.&nbsp;

With the Ram temple movement in 1990s, its graph started rising but its influence remained largely restricted to Hindi heartland and the party emerged as the single largest party in 1996 under the leadership of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.&nbsp;

The party for the first time formed government in 1996 for 13 days and then for 13 months in 1998 when its government lost by a single vote in Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

It was Vajpayee's pragmatic leadership which helped the party shed its "untouchable" tag as it forged new alliances and led the first non-Congress government which completed its five-year tenure.&nbsp;

It tasted stratospheric success with the emergence of Narendra Modi on national scene and the party won majority on its own for the first time in 2014 while expanding its footprint beyond Hindi heartland, especially in the Northeast region.&nbsp;

Few had imagined the BJP would be able to travel this far when it was founded on April 6, 1980. The party originated from Jan Sangh, which had merged with the Janata Party 1n 1977 but three years later splintered.&nbsp;

When the saffron party contested its first election in 1984, it won only two Lok Sabha seats. Following which, then party president L K Advani made Hindutva as the core ideology of the party and used the rhetoric of "pseudo-secularism" and "Muslim appeasement" to great effect in winning popular support among the Hindus.&nbsp;

The hardline Hindutva politics, which was in line with its ideological parent RSS's ideology, paid rich electoral dividends in the next general elections in 1989 when the BJP won 85 Lok Sabha seats. Following Advani's 'Ram Rath Yatra' in 1990, the party grew in strength and in the 1991 general elections, it increased its strength to 120.

The party's vote share went up to 20.1 per cent in 1991 from 11.4 per cent in 1989 and 7.4 per cent in 1984.

In the 1996 general elections, the BJP for the first time became the single largest party in Lok Sabha by winning 161 seats and staked claim to form the government.

The first ever BJP-led government, formed under the leadership of Vajpayee, lasted for only 13 days as it failed to attract allies to muster a majority.

In the next general polls in 1998, the BJP's tally increased and it got 182 seats in the Lok Sabha and formed a coalition government called the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which lasted 13 months when it lost a no-confidence motion by a single vote.

A year later, the BJP came back to power as the NDA won 270 seats in the general elections on its own, with the party again getting 182 seats. And Vajpayee became prime minister for the third time.

This time BJP's government lasted the full term until the next general polls in 2004, from where the BJP's decline started as it lost two back-to-back general elections.

A change of fortunes happened in 2014 with the emergence of Narendra Modi on the national scene as the face of the saffron party and under his leadership the BJP won 282 seats on its own. And this was perhaps the first party in three decade when any party had got majority on its own.

Following the BJP's massive victory and splendid performance in Uttar Pradesh, Amit Shah, who was in charge of the state, was rewarded with party's top post.

With this change of ranks in the party's leadership, a new era of Modi-Shah duo started which led to the party's victory in various state assembly elections and the BJP was ruling the 18 states at one point of time.

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The party, which is again all set to win, now occupies the centre-stage of Indian political landscape. With it being the strongest political entity in the country, the BJP has become the central focal point of Indian politics and become the common enemy of all the opposition parties.&nbsp;

From just two seats in Lok Sabha in 1984 to win two back-to-back majority in general elections, the BJP with its right-wing Hindutva ideology has firmly taken the centre-stage of India's political landscape, displacing the Congress.

From just two seats in Lok Sabha in 1984 to win two back-to-back majority in general elections, the BJP with its right-wing Hindutva ideology has firmly taken the centre-stage of India's political landscape, displacing the Congress. With the Ram temple movement in 1990s, its graph started rising but its influence remained largely restricted to Hindi heartland and the party emerged as the single largest party in 1996 under the leadership of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The party for the first time formed government in 1996 for 13 days and then for 13 months in 1998 when its government lost by a single vote in Lok Sabha. It was Vajpayee's pragmatic leadership which helped the party shed its "untouchable" tag as it forged new alliances and led the first non-Congress government which completed its five-year tenure. It tasted stratospheric success with the emergence of Narendra Modi on national scene and the party won majority on its own for the first time in 2014 while expanding its footprint beyond Hindi heartland, especially in the Northeast region. Few had imagined the BJP would be able to travel this far when it was founded on April 6, 1980. The party originated from Jan Sangh, which had merged with the Janata Party 1n 1977 but three years later splintered. When the saffron party contested its first election in 1984, it won only two Lok Sabha seats. Following which, then party president L K Advani made Hindutva as the core ideology of the party and used the rhetoric of "pseudo-secularism" and "Muslim appeasement" to great effect in winning popular support among the Hindus. The hardline Hindutva politics, which was in line with its ideological parent RSS's ideology, paid rich electoral dividends in the next general elections in 1989 when the BJP won 85 Lok Sabha seats. Following Advani's 'Ram Rath Yatra' in 1990, the party grew in strength and in the 1991 general elections, it increased its strength to 120. The party's vote share went up to 20.1 per cent in 1991 from 11.4 per cent in 1989 and 7.4 per cent in 1984. In the 1996 general elections, the BJP for the first time became the single largest party in Lok Sabha by winning 161 seats and staked claim to form the government. The first ever BJP-led government, formed under the leadership of Vajpayee, lasted for only 13 days as it failed to attract allies to muster a majority. In the next general polls in 1998, the BJP's tally increased and it got 182 seats in the Lok Sabha and formed a coalition government called the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which lasted 13 months when it lost a no-confidence motion by a single vote. A year later, the BJP came back to power as the NDA won 270 seats in the general elections on its own, with the party again getting 182 seats. And Vajpayee became prime minister for the third time. This time BJP's government lasted the full term until the next general polls in 2004, from where the BJP's decline started as it lost two back-to-back general elections. A change of fortunes happened in 2014 with the emergence of Narendra Modi on the national scene as the face of the saffron party and under his leadership the BJP won 282 seats on its own. And this was perhaps the first party in three decade when any party had got majority on its own. Following the BJP's massive victory and splendid performance in Uttar Pradesh, Amit Shah, who was in charge of the state, was rewarded with party's top post. With this change of ranks in the party's leadership, a new era of Modi-Shah duo started which led to the party's victory in various state assembly elections and the BJP was ruling the 18 states at one point of time. × The party, which is again all set to win, now occupies the centre-stage of Indian political landscape. With it being the strongest political entity in the country, the BJP has become the central focal point of Indian politics and become the common enemy of all the opposition parties.

BJP's journey from just two seats in Lok Sabha in 1984 to winning two back-to-back majority

The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced today. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-counting-of-votes-to-take-place-on-thursday-fates-of-over-8000-candidates-to-be-decided-220612">The voting will start at 8 am</a>.

While all of you can access <a href="https://www.wionews.com/">Wionews.com</a> for essential live updates around results and trends, there are various platforms set up by the Election Commission to put out the information as they come.&nbsp;

The poll panel had specially created a website for results and trends: <a href="https://results.eci.gov.in/">results.eci.gov.in</a>. The website is set to go live at 8 am and will let users look at the results and trends constituency-wise and party-wise.

Another way to check results is via ''Voter Helpline App''. The Election Commission came up with this new IT-based initiative to provide real-time trends and results of the counting of the votes.

The app will be available on both Android and iOS.The app boasts of a number of innovative features including an option to bookmark one's favourite candidate from a constituency and track her/his result exclusively said the commission.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-election-watch-election-commission-rejects-vvpat-demand-220683/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

More than 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats across the nation. 67.11 per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections.

It is suggested that the counting of votes and the announcement of results may get delayed due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count. The exercise will take place for the first time.

The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced today. The voting will start at 8 am. While all of you can access Wionews.

The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced today. The voting will start at 8 am. While all of you can access Wionews.com for essential live updates around results and trends, there are various platforms set up by the Election Commission to put out the information as they come. The poll panel had specially created a website for results and trends: results.eci.gov.in. The website is set to go live at 8 am and will let users look at the results and trends constituency-wise and party-wise. Another way to check results is via ''Voter Helpline App''. The Election Commission came up with this new IT-based initiative to provide real-time trends and results of the counting of the votes. The app will be available on both Android and iOS.The app boasts of a number of innovative features including an option to bookmark one's favourite candidate from a constituency and track her/his result exclusively said the commission. More than 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats across the nation. 67.11 per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections. It is suggested that the counting of votes and the announcement of results may get delayed due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count. The exercise will take place for the first time.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Guide to check results, trends on Election Commission website and app

WION's expert analysis on Guna and Amethi constituencies

Analysis: What poll losses in Guna and Amethi mean for Congress

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that he respects people's&nbsp;verdict as he <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/in-a-neck-and-neck-battle-smriti-irani-defeats-rahul-gandhi-in-amethi-221025">conceded defeat in the Lok Sabha election</a>.

Addressing a press conference as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/congratulations-to-the-winners-but-all-losers-are-not-losers-how-opposition-reacted-to-lok-sabha-2019-election-results-220926">Modi's government returned to power</a> with a thumping majority, Rahul Gandhi said people of India decided Narendra Modi will be the Prime Minister and ''I respect their verdict''.&nbsp;

''I congratulate PM Modi and the BJP for their win,'' &nbsp;the Congress president said.&nbsp;

''Our fight is ideological, he said and added there are two ideologies - one followed by Mr Narendra Modi and the other one followed by the Congress party.&nbsp;

The Congress president asked the people not to be scared as ''we are there''.

Congratulating BJP's Smriti Irani for her victory in Amethi, he said people of Amethi had given their mandate.&nbsp;

Public is the boss, and through this mandate, it has given its order, he added.&nbsp;

Watch: BJP party workers celebrate in West Bengal and Mumbai

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&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that he respects people's verdict as he conceded defeat in the Lok Sabha election. Addressing a press conference as Modi's government returned to power with a thumping majority, Rahul Gandhi said people of India decided Narendra Modi will be the Prime Minister and ''I respect their verdict''.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that he respects people's verdict as he conceded defeat in the Lok Sabha election. Addressing a press conference as Modi's government returned to power with a thumping majority, Rahul Gandhi said people of India decided Narendra Modi will be the Prime Minister and ''I respect their verdict''. ''I congratulate PM Modi and the BJP for their win,'' the Congress president said. ''Our fight is ideological, he said and added there are two ideologies - one followed by Mr Narendra Modi and the other one followed by the Congress party. The Congress president asked the people not to be scared as ''we are there''. Congratulating BJP's Smriti Irani for her victory in Amethi, he said people of Amethi had given their mandate. Public is the boss, and through this mandate, it has given its order, he added. Watch: BJP party workers celebrate in West Bengal and Mumbai ×

Lok Sabha election results 2019: Rahul Gandhi concedes defeat, asks Congress workers not to lose hope

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. In conversation with BJP's Tuhin A. Sinha | Lok Sabha Election Results 2019

WION Exclusive | In conversation with BJP's Tuhin A. Sinha | Lok Sabha Election Results 2019

On a day that threw a slew of surprises, Prime Minister Narendra Modi added another by removing 'Chowkidar' from his Twitter name.&nbsp;

PM Modi tweeted out saying that the word "‘Chowkidar’ goes from my Twitter name but it remains an integral part of me".

In March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed his name on his Twitter profile to 'Chowkidar' Narendra Modi, and a number of BJP bigwigs including party president Amit Shah and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal followed suit.&nbsp;

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Now, the time has come to take the Chowkidar Spirit to the next level. 
 
Keep this spirit alive at every moment and continue working for India’s progress. 
 
The word ‘Chowkidar’ goes from my Twitter name but it remains an integral part of me. Urging you all to do the same too!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1131539657794183168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Modi had first referred to himself as the chowkidar (watchman) of the nation in the run-up to the 2014 general elections. "Na khaoonga, na khaane doonga (I will not be corrupt, I will not let others be corrupt)," he had said then. &nbsp;

The others to add the prefix 'Chowkidar' to their Twitter profiles Sunday included BJP president Amit Shah, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, and Health Minister JP Nadda.&nbsp;

"As Chowkidars of our nation, we are committed to creating a clean economy by using cashless financial transactions," Goyal tweeted.&nbsp;

"The menace of corruption and black money has adversely affected us for decades. Time to eliminate these for a better future," he added.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Vladimir Putin, Shinzo Abe and other world leaders congratulate PM Modi

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lok-sabha-election-2019-viladimir-putin-shinzo-abe-and-world-leaders-congratulates-pm-modi-220961/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Modi's adding of the prefix 'Chowkidar' to his name on Twitter was being seen as a response to Congress president Rahul Gandhi's allegation that "Chowkidar chor hai".&nbsp;

Meanwhile, expressing gratitude over the overwhelming leads secured by the Bharatiya Janata Party for the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the electors for placing trust in the party once again. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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Thank you India! The faith placed in our alliance is humbling and gives us strength to work even harder to fulfil people's aspirations. 
 
I salute every BJP Karyakarta for their determination, perseverance &amp; hardwork. They went home to home, elaborating on our development agenda.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1131527111804477440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-thank-you-india-faith-placed-in-our-alliance-is-humbling-pm-modi-221011">Thank you India!</a> The faith placed in our alliance is humbling and gives us the strength to work even harder to fulfil people's aspirations," the prime minister tweeted.&nbsp;

"I salute every BJP Karyakarta for their determination, perseverance and hard work. They went home to home, elaborating on our development agenda," his tweet read.

On a day that threw a slew of surprises, Prime Minister Narendra Modi added another by removing 'Chowkidar' from his Twitter name. PM Modi tweeted out saying that the word "‘Chowkidar’ goes from my Twitter name but it remains an integral part of me".

On a day that threw a slew of surprises, Prime Minister Narendra Modi added another by removing 'Chowkidar' from his Twitter name. PM Modi tweeted out saying that the word "‘Chowkidar’ goes from my Twitter name but it remains an integral part of me". In March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed his name on his Twitter profile to 'Chowkidar' Narendra Modi, and a number of BJP bigwigs including party president Amit Shah and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal followed suit. Now, the time has come to take the Chowkidar Spirit to the next level. Keep this spirit alive at every moment and continue working for India’s progress. The word ‘Chowkidar’ goes from my Twitter name but it remains an integral part of me. Urging you all to do the same too! — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 23, 2019 × Modi had first referred to himself as the chowkidar (watchman) of the nation in the run-up to the 2014 general elections. "Na khaoonga, na khaane doonga (I will not be corrupt, I will not let others be corrupt)," he had said then. The others to add the prefix 'Chowkidar' to their Twitter profiles Sunday included BJP president Amit Shah, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, and Health Minister JP Nadda. "As Chowkidars of our nation, we are committed to creating a clean economy by using cashless financial transactions," Goyal tweeted. "The menace of corruption and black money has adversely affected us for decades. Time to eliminate these for a better future," he added. Watch: Vladimir Putin, Shinzo Abe and other world leaders congratulate PM Modi Modi's adding of the prefix 'Chowkidar' to his name on Twitter was being seen as a response to Congress president Rahul Gandhi's allegation that "Chowkidar chor hai". Meanwhile, expressing gratitude over the overwhelming leads secured by the Bharatiya Janata Party for the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the electors for placing trust in the party once again. Thank you India! The faith placed in our alliance is humbling and gives us strength to work even harder to fulfil people's aspirations. I salute every BJP Karyakarta for their determination, perseverance & hardwork. They went home to home, elaborating on our development agenda. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 23, 2019 × "Thank you India! The faith placed in our alliance is humbling and gives us the strength to work even harder to fulfil people's aspirations," the prime minister tweeted. "I salute every BJP Karyakarta for their determination, perseverance and hard work. They went home to home, elaborating on our development agenda," his tweet read.

After BJP's impressive show in Lok Sabha polls, PM Modi drops 'Chowkidar' from Twitter handle

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is on course to win the 2019 Lok Sabha handsomely. The NDA is so far leading on 348 seats out of 542 on which the polls were held; the BJP's tally stood at 286. This is four more than the party's 2014 tally.

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Thank you India! The faith placed in our alliance is humbling and gives us strength to work even harder to fulfil people's aspirations. 
 
I salute every BJP Karyakarta for their determination, perseverance &amp; hardwork. They went home to home, elaborating on our development agenda.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1131527111804477440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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BJP's victory was evident from the moment counting began at 8am on Thursday. The BJP's graph kept climbing leaps and bounds and by 9.30am, had crossed the halfway mark of 272 making it clear that the party is again going to form the government at the Centre under the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-thank-you-india-faith-placed-in-our-alliance-is-humbling-pm-modi-221011">leadership of Narendra Modi</a>.

The BJP grabbed the pole position riding on the back of massive gains it made in north Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Delhi - the Hindi heartland of India. Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state and one with the highest number of Lok Sabha seats - 80 - is ready to hand over 59 seats to NDA. Though it is less than its 2014 tally of 71, the party has still managed to emerge as the single largest party in the state against the combined challenge of Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). The 'Mahagathbandhan' is so far leading on 20 seats in UP.

Among the most shocking upset of this election came from Amethi, where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/in-a-neck-and-neck-battle-smriti-irani-defeats-rahul-gandhi-in-amethi-221025">Congress president Rahul Gandhi</a> lost against BJP's Smriti Irani by 35,000 votes. In 2014, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/has-rahul-gandhi-become-a-liability-for-congress-221005">Rahul Gandhi</a> had defeated Irani but by a narrow margin of over a lakh votes. Gandhi, who also contested from Wayanad in Kerala, won the seat by more than eight lakh votes.

The regional satraps, meanwhile, were able holding on to their forts. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is ahead of Bhojpuri singer Nirahua in Azamgarh seat, his father and SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav is leading from Mainpuri. Another SP heavyweight Azam Khan is fighting a close battle against actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada from Rampur.

In Bihar, the BJP-led NDA is leading in 38 of the state's 40 seats. The party is in alliance with Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) and Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) in Bihar. As per the seat-sharing agreement between the three parties, the BJP and JD(U) fought on 17 seats each and LJP on six. In the opposition Mahagathbandhan, the RJD has contested 19 seats giving up Arrah from its quota for the CPI (ML), followed by Congress (09), RLSP (05), HAM (03) and VIP (03).

In the high-stakes battle between Union minister Giriraj Singh and former JNU president Kanhaiya Kumar, Singh emerged victorious.

Watch: BJP party workers celebrate in West Bengal and Mumbai

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bjp-party-workers-celebrate-in-west-bengal-and-mumbai-220931/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The most-watched state in the election clearly was West Bengal where the BJP was pitted against Trinamool Congress. What made the electoral battle interesting was the skirmishes reported from different parts of the state between TMC and BJP workers. The workers of both parties accused each other of electoral malpractices and violence. Most of the exit polls had predicted an unprecedented surge of the BJP in Bengal this election, BJP president Amit Shah had even said that the party will win 23 seats in Bengal. The predictions seem to be very close to the current tally on the BJP - it is leading in 18 of the state's 42 Lok Sabha seats. In 2014, last time it had just won two. The TMC, meanwhile, won 24.

Celebrations began at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi shortly after trends indicated that the party has already crossed the halfway mark of 272. BJP workers danced and distributed sweets among themselves.

Most of the exit polls on Sunday had predicted a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-2019-look-forward-to-working-for-peace-progress-and-prosperity-in-south-asia-imran-khan-congratulates-pm-modi-220992">win for Narendra Modi</a>-led NDA - some had even said that the victory margin will be a record.

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is on course to win the 2019 Lok Sabha handsomely. The NDA is so far leading on 348 seats out of 542 on which the polls were held; the BJP's tally stood at 286.

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is on course to win the 2019 Lok Sabha handsomely. The NDA is so far leading on 348 seats out of 542 on which the polls were held; the BJP's tally stood at 286. This is four more than the party's 2014 tally. Thank you India! The faith placed in our alliance is humbling and gives us strength to work even harder to fulfil people's aspirations. I salute every BJP Karyakarta for their determination, perseverance & hardwork. They went home to home, elaborating on our development agenda. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 23, 2019 × BJP's victory was evident from the moment counting began at 8am on Thursday. The BJP's graph kept climbing leaps and bounds and by 9.30am, had crossed the halfway mark of 272 making it clear that the party is again going to form the government at the Centre under the leadership of Narendra Modi. The BJP grabbed the pole position riding on the back of massive gains it made in north Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Delhi - the Hindi heartland of India. Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state and one with the highest number of Lok Sabha seats - 80 - is ready to hand over 59 seats to NDA. Though it is less than its 2014 tally of 71, the party has still managed to emerge as the single largest party in the state against the combined challenge of Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). The 'Mahagathbandhan' is so far leading on 20 seats in UP. Among the most shocking upset of this election came from Amethi, where Congress president Rahul Gandhi lost against BJP's Smriti Irani by 35,000 votes. In 2014, Rahul Gandhi had defeated Irani but by a narrow margin of over a lakh votes. Gandhi, who also contested from Wayanad in Kerala, won the seat by more than eight lakh votes. The regional satraps, meanwhile, were able holding on to their forts. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is ahead of Bhojpuri singer Nirahua in Azamgarh seat, his father and SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav is leading from Mainpuri. Another SP heavyweight Azam Khan is fighting a close battle against actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada from Rampur. In Bihar, the BJP-led NDA is leading in 38 of the state's 40 seats. The party is in alliance with Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) and Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) in Bihar. As per the seat-sharing agreement between the three parties, the BJP and JD(U) fought on 17 seats each and LJP on six. In the opposition Mahagathbandhan, the RJD has contested 19 seats giving up Arrah from its quota for the CPI (ML), followed by Congress (09), RLSP (05), HAM (03) and VIP (03). In the high-stakes battle between Union minister Giriraj Singh and former JNU president Kanhaiya Kumar, Singh emerged victorious. Watch: BJP party workers celebrate in West Bengal and Mumbai The most-watched state in the election clearly was West Bengal where the BJP was pitted against Trinamool Congress. What made the electoral battle interesting was the skirmishes reported from different parts of the state between TMC and BJP workers. The workers of both parties accused each other of electoral malpractices and violence. Most of the exit polls had predicted an unprecedented surge of the BJP in Bengal this election, BJP president Amit Shah had even said that the party will win 23 seats in Bengal. The predictions seem to be very close to the current tally on the BJP - it is leading in 18 of the state's 42 Lok Sabha seats. In 2014, last time it had just won two. The TMC, meanwhile, won 24. Celebrations began at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi shortly after trends indicated that the party has already crossed the halfway mark of 272. BJP workers danced and distributed sweets among themselves. Most of the exit polls on Sunday had predicted a win for Narendra Modi-led NDA - some had even said that the victory margin will be a record.

Lok Sabha election results 2019: Modi wave sweeps India again, NDA poised to win Lok Sabha elections

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. Pak PM Imran Khan congratulates PM Modi

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Pak PM Imran Khan congratulates PM Modi

The Election Commission on Wednesday came up with a new IT-based initiative to provide real-time trends and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-counting-of-votes-to-take-place-on-thursday-fates-of-over-8000-candidates-to-be-decided-220612">results of the counting of the votes</a> on May 23.

"Trends and results will be available on the ECI website as well as on the Voter Helpline App available on both Android and iOS," said the Election Commission.

The dissemination of information will start from 8 am on the counting day and will be continuously updated, said the commission.

The app boasts of a number of innovative features including an option to bookmark one's favourite candidate from a constituency and track her/his result exclusively said the commission.

"Users with the help of filters can find out the winning/leading or trailing candidate details, along with the constituency-wise or state-wise results from the app," said the commission.

The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced today.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-fate-of-724-women-candidates-to-be-decided-tomorrow-220590">Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections</a>&nbsp;will begin at 8 am today and the clear picture of who will lead the nation for the next five years will emerge in the evening.&nbsp;

More than 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats across the nation. 67.11 per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections.

It is suggested that the counting of votes and the announcement of results may get delayed due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count. The exercise will take place for the first time.

&nbsp;

The Election Commission on Wednesday came up with a new IT-based initiative to provide real-time trends and results of the counting of the votes on May 23. "Trends and results will be available on the ECI website as well as on the Voter Helpline App available on both Android and iOS," said the Election Commission.

The Election Commission on Wednesday came up with a new IT-based initiative to provide real-time trends and results of the counting of the votes on May 23. "Trends and results will be available on the ECI website as well as on the Voter Helpline App available on both Android and iOS," said the Election Commission. The dissemination of information will start from 8 am on the counting day and will be continuously updated, said the commission. The app boasts of a number of innovative features including an option to bookmark one's favourite candidate from a constituency and track her/his result exclusively said the commission. "Users with the help of filters can find out the winning/leading or trailing candidate details, along with the constituency-wise or state-wise results from the app," said the commission. The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced today. Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections will begin at 8 am today and the clear picture of who will lead the nation for the next five years will emerge in the evening. More than 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats across the nation. 67.11 per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections. It is suggested that the counting of votes and the announcement of results may get delayed due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count. The exercise will take place for the first time.

Election Commission launches a special app for voters to track election results today

A day<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-results-of-high-stakes-polls-in-uttar-pradeshs-80-seats-to-seal-mahagathbandhans-fate-220632"> before the counting of votes</a> take place, Odisha Congress president Niranjan Patnaik Wednesday conceded that the party will not be able to form a government on its own in the state, and may even lose the opposition status.

Patnaik's statement indicated that its straight fight between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/counting-of-votes-to-be-held-in-63-centres-in-odisha-chief-electoral-officer-220593">BJD and the BJP in Odisha</a>, a state where Congress had its government for several times in the past and where it is principal opposition to the Naveen Patnaik headed the party for previous 19 years.

Amid indication of Congress poor showing, knives are out for the OPCC leadership.

"We (Congress) will not be able to form the government in the state on our own. However, our performance will be better than in 2014," Patnaik told reporters here during an interaction while reacting to exit polls predictions.

"We may also lose the opposition status," he said.

The Congress had in 2014 bagged only 16 out of the total 147 seats in Odisha Assembly and had failed to open its account in the Lok Sabha polls.

Different exit polls this time predicted one Lok Sabha seat and 15 assembly seats for the party.

Majority of the exit polls forecast an impressive performance by the BJP in Odisha this time. Many of them even suggested&nbsp;BJP bagging more seats out of a total of 21 Lok Sabha constituencies in Odisha than the BJD.

In the state assembly election also, the polls indicated the BJP emerging as the main challenger to the Naveen Patnaik's party.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi had addressed several rallies in Odisha to boost party prospect at both the national and state levels.

About himself, Patnaik, however, claimed that he will win from both Bhandaripokhari and Ghasipura assembly seats.

Senior Congress leader and former minister Jagannath Patnaik Wednesday resigned from the posts of OPCC coordination committee and the Pradesh Election Committee(PEC) in protest against the poor poll preparedness and management by the party state leadership.

"The state leadership failed to propagate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-nyay-to-undo-the-anyay-of-narendra-modi-govt-rahul-gandhi-209114">Rahul Gandhi's NYAY and programmes for farmers</a>. The party also failed to maintain its policy in ticket distribution and management of elections... I have sent my resignation letter to PCC president," he said.

The former minister said that the wrongdoings in the party should be corrected and discussion needed on the reason for losing an opportunity this time. "I, therefore, did not resign from the PCC or AICC," Jagannath Patnaik said.

Congress candidate from Sukinda assembly seat and former minister, Sarat Rout directly blamed the OPCC president and accused him of failing to manage the party's election strategy.

"He (Niranjan) has betrayed the trust of Rahul Gandhi," Rout alleged adding that the Congress this time chose to take the third position giving an advantage to the BJP.

"There was mismanagement at all levels - from ticket distribution to poll management. I was a candidate fighting against the BJD. Nobody from the party came to my help, I fought the election like an orphan," Rout said.

Asked whether a change in PCC presidentship will be the right action, Rout said: "Removing Niranjan Patnaik from the post will not help the party. Damage has already been done. He may quit the post on his own."

Congress candidate from Cuttack Lok Sabha segment, Panchanan Kangungo also expressed a similar view.

A day before the counting of votes take place, Odisha Congress president Niranjan Patnaik Wednesday conceded that the party will not be able to form a government on its own in the state, and may even lose the opposition status.

A day before the counting of votes take place, Odisha Congress president Niranjan Patnaik Wednesday conceded that the party will not be able to form a government on its own in the state, and may even lose the opposition status. Patnaik's statement indicated that its straight fight between the BJD and the BJP in Odisha, a state where Congress had its government for several times in the past and where it is principal opposition to the Naveen Patnaik headed the party for previous 19 years. Amid indication of Congress poor showing, knives are out for the OPCC leadership. "We (Congress) will not be able to form the government in the state on our own. However, our performance will be better than in 2014," Patnaik told reporters here during an interaction while reacting to exit polls predictions. "We may also lose the opposition status," he said. The Congress had in 2014 bagged only 16 out of the total 147 seats in Odisha Assembly and had failed to open its account in the Lok Sabha polls. Different exit polls this time predicted one Lok Sabha seat and 15 assembly seats for the party. Majority of the exit polls forecast an impressive performance by the BJP in Odisha this time. Many of them even suggested BJP bagging more seats out of a total of 21 Lok Sabha constituencies in Odisha than the BJD. In the state assembly election also, the polls indicated the BJP emerging as the main challenger to the Naveen Patnaik's party. Congress President Rahul Gandhi had addressed several rallies in Odisha to boost party prospect at both the national and state levels. About himself, Patnaik, however, claimed that he will win from both Bhandaripokhari and Ghasipura assembly seats. Senior Congress leader and former minister Jagannath Patnaik Wednesday resigned from the posts of OPCC coordination committee and the Pradesh Election Committee(PEC) in protest against the poor poll preparedness and management by the party state leadership. "The state leadership failed to propagate Rahul Gandhi's NYAY and programmes for farmers. The party also failed to maintain its policy in ticket distribution and management of elections... I have sent my resignation letter to PCC president," he said. The former minister said that the wrongdoings in the party should be corrected and discussion needed on the reason for losing an opportunity this time. "I, therefore, did not resign from the PCC or AICC," Jagannath Patnaik said. Congress candidate from Sukinda assembly seat and former minister, Sarat Rout directly blamed the OPCC president and accused him of failing to manage the party's election strategy. "He (Niranjan) has betrayed the trust of Rahul Gandhi," Rout alleged adding that the Congress this time chose to take the third position giving an advantage to the BJP. "There was mismanagement at all levels - from ticket distribution to poll management. I was a candidate fighting against the BJD. Nobody from the party came to my help, I fought the election like an orphan," Rout said. Asked whether a change in PCC presidentship will be the right action, Rout said: "Removing Niranjan Patnaik from the post will not help the party. Damage has already been done. He may quit the post on his own." Congress candidate from Cuttack Lok Sabha segment, Panchanan Kangungo also expressed a similar view.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Congress in Odisha concedes defeat before counting of votes; says, may even lose the opposition status

Buoyed by exit polls predicting a sweeping victory for the BJP in Delhi, the party's unit here has already ordered delicacies like 'motichoor cakes' and 'kamal barfis', a day before counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls on Thursday.

BJP president Manoj Tiwari, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/exit-polls-2019-pollsters-predict-bjp-to-make-a-clean-sweep-in-delhi-on-all-7-seats-219933">asserting the party's victory on all seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital</a>, said 350-kg of fine quality "ladoos" have been ordered for celebrations at the central office on DDU Marg and the Delhi unit's office on Pant Marg.

The party has also placed orders for a 7-kg special 'motichoor cake' and nine similar cakes, each weighing between 4-5 kgs, at the Bengali Pastry shop, BJP's social media team's co-convener Neelkant Bakshi said.&nbsp;

The cakes will be cut at the BJP's central office, Bakshi said.&nbsp;

BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor has ordered a 50-kg lotus shaped 'kamal barfi'. The price per kg is Rs 2,000.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-votes-exit-polls-2019-bjp-react-to-exit-poll-predictions-219967/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Congress, which hopes for a "good show" in the polls, maintained a cautious note, with its leaders saying celebrations will be held after the declaration of results.

Most of the exit polls have predicted that the BJP may win 5-7 seats and have put the Congress in second place.&nbsp;

They have predicted victory for the Congress on 1-2 seats, while most of them have forecast that the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) here will be in third place on most of the seats.

Former Delhi Congress president and the party's candidate from the New Delhi Lok Sabha seat Ajay Maken said he was confident of a victory.

"The Congress will put up a good show. We have the support of all sections of society, especially minorities and government employees. Of course, celebrations will be held with the distribution of sweets and bursting of crackers," Maken said.

Congress working president Rajesh Lilothia, who is contesting from the North West Delhi Lok Sabha seat, said the party will win on all seven seats.

"We will celebrate after the results are declared and it will be a grand one," Rajesh Lilothia said.

The parties have also made special arrangements like installing large LED screens for party workers and other visitors to watch progression of counting of votes.

The candidates in the fray will visit the counting centres and take updates on trends from their agents and party leaders. The counting of votes will begin at 8 am on Thursday.

A total of 164 candidates contested the Lok Sabha elections from the seven seats in Delhi.

Over 1.43 crore people were eligible to vote in the polls in Delhi, out of which 60.21 per cent exercised their franchise.

The elections for the seven parliamentary seats were largely a triangular contest among the incumbent BJP, a spirited Congress and the AAP.&nbsp;

In 2004, the BJP managed a clean sweep winning all seven seats.

Buoyed by exit polls predicting a sweeping victory for the BJP in Delhi, the party's unit here has already ordered delicacies like 'motichoor cakes' and 'kamal barfis', a day before counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls on Thursday.

Buoyed by exit polls predicting a sweeping victory for the BJP in Delhi, the party's unit here has already ordered delicacies like 'motichoor cakes' and 'kamal barfis', a day before counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls on Thursday. BJP president Manoj Tiwari, asserting the party's victory on all seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital, said 350-kg of fine quality "ladoos" have been ordered for celebrations at the central office on DDU Marg and the Delhi unit's office on Pant Marg. The party has also placed orders for a 7-kg special 'motichoor cake' and nine similar cakes, each weighing between 4-5 kgs, at the Bengali Pastry shop, BJP's social media team's co-convener Neelkant Bakshi said. The cakes will be cut at the BJP's central office, Bakshi said. BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor has ordered a 50-kg lotus shaped 'kamal barfi'. The price per kg is Rs 2,000. The Congress, which hopes for a "good show" in the polls, maintained a cautious note, with its leaders saying celebrations will be held after the declaration of results. Most of the exit polls have predicted that the BJP may win 5-7 seats and have put the Congress in second place. They have predicted victory for the Congress on 1-2 seats, while most of them have forecast that the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) here will be in third place on most of the seats. Former Delhi Congress president and the party's candidate from the New Delhi Lok Sabha seat Ajay Maken said he was confident of a victory. "The Congress will put up a good show. We have the support of all sections of society, especially minorities and government employees. Of course, celebrations will be held with the distribution of sweets and bursting of crackers," Maken said. Congress working president Rajesh Lilothia, who is contesting from the North West Delhi Lok Sabha seat, said the party will win on all seven seats. "We will celebrate after the results are declared and it will be a grand one," Rajesh Lilothia said. The parties have also made special arrangements like installing large LED screens for party workers and other visitors to watch progression of counting of votes. The candidates in the fray will visit the counting centres and take updates on trends from their agents and party leaders. The counting of votes will begin at 8 am on Thursday. A total of 164 candidates contested the Lok Sabha elections from the seven seats in Delhi. Over 1.43 crore people were eligible to vote in the polls in Delhi, out of which 60.21 per cent exercised their franchise. The elections for the seven parliamentary seats were largely a triangular contest among the incumbent BJP, a spirited Congress and the AAP. In 2004, the BJP managed a clean sweep winning all seven seats.

Buoyed by exit poll projections, BJP leaders order ladoos, motichoor cakes to celebrate win

The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced on Thursday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-fate-of-724-women-candidates-to-be-decided-tomorrow-220590">Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections</a> will begin at 8 am today and the clear picture of who will lead the nation for the next five years will emerge in the evening.&nbsp;

Over 8,000 candidates

More than 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats across the nation. 67.11 per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections.

Late result expected&nbsp;

It is suggested that the counting of votes and the announcement of results may get delayed due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count. The exercise will take place for the first time.

The exercise will take place in five polling stations per assembly segment which effectively means that out of nearly 10.3 lakh polling stations, the EVM-VVPAT matching will take place in 20600 such stations, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

What happens in case of a mismatch?

In such a situation, the results based on paper slip count will be considered as final.

The entire exercise of EVM-Paper trail machine matching will take an additional four to five hours.

What exit polls say

With the final phase of polling of the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections coming to an end on May 19, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/exit-polls-2019-pm-modi-returning-to-power-with-300-plus-seats-say-pollsters-219927">exit polls predicted a thumping win for the Bharatiya Janata Party</a> in the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

The party, along with its allies, is predicted to sweep a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-in-countrys-hindi-heartland-exit-polls-spell-thumping-victory-for-party-in-madhya-pradesh-4-other-states-219985">lion's share of the Hindi heartland</a> of the nation including states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar as well as the national capital.&nbsp;

Pollsters predicted a considerable loss for Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in terms of seat share in the state, though she is predicted to keep the majority. The BJP, which fared poorly in 2014 in the state is suggested to win seats in double-digit. &nbsp;

The opposition

The opposition has dubbed the exit polls as wrong with many leaders rubbishing what the pollsters have predicted.

Eminent opposition leaders like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/chandrababu-naidu-calls-on-mamata-banerjee-discusses-formation-of-non-bjp-government-220201">Chandrababu Naidu, Mamata Banerjee</a>, Akhilesh Yadav, Sitaram Yechury and Mayawati among others were seen scurrying around this week to meet one another and discuss post-poll strategy.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/at-nda-meeting-pm-modi-expresses-concern-over-needless-controversy-over-evms-by-opposition-220526">NDA's resolution</a>

PM Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah held a meeting with Union council of ministers on Tuesday which was later on followed by a dinner for NDA allies hoster by Shah.&nbsp;

At the BJP-led ruling alliance meeting, which was attended by 36 parties, a resolution was passed, terming the 2019 general election decisive for the country and pledging to make India "strong, developed, prosperous and inclusive" by 2022 when India completes 75 years of its independence, party leader and Union minister Rajnath Singh told reporters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/nifty-sensex-to-climb-a-bit-more-if-pm-modi-wins-decisively-poll-220553">Election result and stock market</a>

Analysts suggest the stock markets soar further if PM Modi makes a comeback for the second term.&nbsp;

The BSE Sensex index rose by its biggest amount in one day since September 2013 on Monday after exit polls showed the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will retain power for a second consecutive term.

The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced on Thursday. Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections will begin at 8 am today and the clear picture of who will lead the nation for the next five years will emerge in the evening.

The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced on Thursday. Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections will begin at 8 am today and the clear picture of who will lead the nation for the next five years will emerge in the evening. Over 8,000 candidates More than 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats across the nation. 67.11 per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections. Late result expected It is suggested that the counting of votes and the announcement of results may get delayed due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count. The exercise will take place for the first time. The exercise will take place in five polling stations per assembly segment which effectively means that out of nearly 10.3 lakh polling stations, the EVM-VVPAT matching will take place in 20600 such stations, news agency PTI reported. What happens in case of a mismatch? In such a situation, the results based on paper slip count will be considered as final. The entire exercise of EVM-Paper trail machine matching will take an additional four to five hours. What exit polls say With the final phase of polling of the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections coming to an end on May 19, exit polls predicted a thumping win for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Lok Sabha polls. The party, along with its allies, is predicted to sweep a lion's share of the Hindi heartland of the nation including states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar as well as the national capital. Pollsters predicted a considerable loss for Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in terms of seat share in the state, though she is predicted to keep the majority. The BJP, which fared poorly in 2014 in the state is suggested to win seats in double-digit. The opposition The opposition has dubbed the exit polls as wrong with many leaders rubbishing what the pollsters have predicted. Eminent opposition leaders like Chandrababu Naidu, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Sitaram Yechury and Mayawati among others were seen scurrying around this week to meet one another and discuss post-poll strategy. NDA's resolution PM Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah held a meeting with Union council of ministers on Tuesday which was later on followed by a dinner for NDA allies hoster by Shah. At the BJP-led ruling alliance meeting, which was attended by 36 parties, a resolution was passed, terming the 2019 general election decisive for the country and pledging to make India "strong, developed, prosperous and inclusive" by 2022 when India completes 75 years of its independence, party leader and Union minister Rajnath Singh told reporters. Election result and stock market Analysts suggest the stock markets soar further if PM Modi makes a comeback for the second term. The BSE Sensex index rose by its biggest amount in one day since September 2013 on Monday after exit polls showed the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will retain power for a second consecutive term.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Nation's next government to be decided as counting of votes to take place today

It was the mother-of-all battle, the most-watched contest of this <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-thank-you-india-faith-placed-in-our-alliance-is-humbling-pm-modi-221011">Lok Sabha elections</a>, which was ultimately won by the challenger. 
&nbsp; 
The battleground was Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, a dusty little town widely known as the Congress bastion and stronghold of the Gandhi family. Congress president Rahul Gandhi - who won from Amethi in 2004, 2009 and 2014 - was pitted against BJP's Smriti Irani whom he had defeated in 2014. The 2014 victory margin of one lakh votes was narrow, going by the fact that Amethi is Gandhis' family bastion, but Rahul successfully defended the seat. 
&nbsp; 
In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/congratulations-to-the-winners-but-all-losers-are-not-losers-how-opposition-reacted-to-lok-sabha-2019-election-results-220926">fortunes were reversed</a> and Irani emerged victorious though by a thin margin of 35,899 votes. But the win had its share of nervous moments in the form of seesaw battle during counting of votes. As soon as the counting began on Thursday morning, early trends showed Smriti Irani leading. But Gandhi was again in the driver’s seat as counting progressed. As times passed, Irani took the lead and eventually won the contest.

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कौन कहता है आसमां में सुराख नहीं हो सकता ...
— Chowkidar Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) <a href="https://twitter.com/smritiirani/status/1131539947905851392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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What makes this battle significant is that a Gandhi had not been defeated from Amethi since 1980, barring 1998. The reversal is surely going to cast a shadow on the future of Rahul Gandhi, who is leading the Congress during its most tumultous phase. 
&nbsp; 
"We have to introspect, that is for sure. But let the complete result come and let us examine it first," Congress leader Brijesh Kalappa told WION. "We can then go to the drawing board and create a new plan of action," he added. 
&nbsp; 
The voice of the people is the voice of the god. We will have to listen to it and accept the mandate, Kalappa said. 
&nbsp; 
Congress's overall performance has not been up to the mark in UP. It is leading on just one seat in the state; in 2014, the party had won two. 
&nbsp; 
The Congress was not part of the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) of Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and had fielded its own candidates. This year's result has also raised questions on Congress's future which has suffered yet another defeat at the hands of the BJP. From winning 430 Lok Sabha seats in 1989, India's Grand Old Party was reduced to just 44 seats in 2014 elections. And this year's setback will make the things worse for it.

It was the mother-of-all battle, the most-watched contest of this Lok Sabha elections, which was ultimately won by the challenger. The battleground was Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, a dusty little town widely known as the Congress bastion and stronghold of the Gandhi family.

It was the mother-of-all battle, the most-watched contest of this Lok Sabha elections, which was ultimately won by the challenger. The battleground was Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, a dusty little town widely known as the Congress bastion and stronghold of the Gandhi family. Congress president Rahul Gandhi - who won from Amethi in 2004, 2009 and 2014 - was pitted against BJP's Smriti Irani whom he had defeated in 2014. The 2014 victory margin of one lakh votes was narrow, going by the fact that Amethi is Gandhis' family bastion, but Rahul successfully defended the seat. In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the fortunes were reversed and Irani emerged victorious though by a thin margin of 35,899 votes. But the win had its share of nervous moments in the form of seesaw battle during counting of votes. As soon as the counting began on Thursday morning, early trends showed Smriti Irani leading. But Gandhi was again in the driver’s seat as counting progressed. As times passed, Irani took the lead and eventually won the contest. कौन कहता है आसमां में सुराख नहीं हो सकता ... — Chowkidar Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) May 23, 2019 × What makes this battle significant is that a Gandhi had not been defeated from Amethi since 1980, barring 1998. The reversal is surely going to cast a shadow on the future of Rahul Gandhi, who is leading the Congress during its most tumultous phase. "We have to introspect, that is for sure. But let the complete result come and let us examine it first," Congress leader Brijesh Kalappa told WION. "We can then go to the drawing board and create a new plan of action," he added. The voice of the people is the voice of the god. We will have to listen to it and accept the mandate, Kalappa said. Congress's overall performance has not been up to the mark in UP. It is leading on just one seat in the state; in 2014, the party had won two. The Congress was not part of the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) of Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and had fielded its own candidates. This year's result has also raised questions on Congress's future which has suffered yet another defeat at the hands of the BJP. From winning 430 Lok Sabha seats in 1989, India's Grand Old Party was reduced to just 44 seats in 2014 elections. And this year's setback will make the things worse for it.

In neck and neck battle, Smriti Irani defeats Rahul Gandhi in Amethi

Actress-turned-politician Urmila Matondkar suffered defeat on her maiden political outing.&nbsp;

Contesting elections from the Mumbai North constituency, Urmila lost to Bhartiya Janta Party’s sure-shot bet, Gopal Chinayya Shetty. &nbsp;

Star campaigners are crucial in the Indian elections as they drive massive crowds. The fight between Congress’ Urmila and BJP’s Gopal grabbed eyeballs throughout their campaigns as the former joined the party when no one wanted to fight against BJP’s candidate.&nbsp;In 2014, Gopal had won with a victory margin of 4.46 lakh.&nbsp;

Many feel that by bringing in Urmila, Congress wanted to do what they did with Govinda as he won over BJP veteran Ram Naik. Some felt that Urmila could prove to be even better than Govinda as he did not really spend any time in the constituency after his victory.&nbsp;

The actress congratulated Shetty on his win and stated that she had filed a complaints to the Election Commission over discripencies found in EVMs.&nbsp;

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Urmila Matondkar, Congress candidate from Mumbai North parliamentary constituency: I congratulate Gopal Shetty. We have noticed discrepancies in EVMs, we have prepared a report on it that we will submit to Election Commission at the end of the day. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElectionResults2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElectionResults2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/nX2ONYA08d">pic.twitter.com/nX2ONYA08d</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1131514301733384192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On the form of EVM 17C from Magathane, the signatures and the machine numbers are different. A complaint has been filed with the Election Commission.
— Urmila Matondkar (@OfficialUrmila) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialUrmila/status/1131442691219304448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Urmila is a well known Bollywood actress who is known for her performance in hit films like ‘Rangeela’, ‘Kaun’, ‘Ek Hasina Thi’, ‘Pinjar’ and more.&nbsp;

Actress-turned-politician Urmila Matondkar suffered defeat on her maiden political outing. Contesting elections from the Mumbai North constituency, Urmila lost to Bhartiya Janta Party’s sure-shot bet, Gopal Chinayya Shetty.

Actress-turned-politician Urmila Matondkar suffered defeat on her maiden political outing. Contesting elections from the Mumbai North constituency, Urmila lost to Bhartiya Janta Party’s sure-shot bet, Gopal Chinayya Shetty. Star campaigners are crucial in the Indian elections as they drive massive crowds. The fight between Congress’ Urmila and BJP’s Gopal grabbed eyeballs throughout their campaigns as the former joined the party when no one wanted to fight against BJP’s candidate. In 2014, Gopal had won with a victory margin of 4.46 lakh. Many feel that by bringing in Urmila, Congress wanted to do what they did with Govinda as he won over BJP veteran Ram Naik. Some felt that Urmila could prove to be even better than Govinda as he did not really spend any time in the constituency after his victory. The actress congratulated Shetty on his win and stated that she had filed a complaints to the Election Commission over discripencies found in EVMs. Urmila Matondkar, Congress candidate from Mumbai North parliamentary constituency: I congratulate Gopal Shetty. We have noticed discrepancies in EVMs, we have prepared a report on it that we will submit to Election Commission at the end of the day. #ElectionResults2019 pic.twitter.com/nX2ONYA08d — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2019 × On the form of EVM 17C from Magathane, the signatures and the machine numbers are different. A complaint has been filed with the Election Commission. — Urmila Matondkar (@OfficialUrmila) May 23, 2019 × Urmila is a well known Bollywood actress who is known for her performance in hit films like ‘Rangeela’, ‘Kaun’, ‘Ek Hasina Thi’, ‘Pinjar’ and more.

Lok Sabha Election Result 2019: Urmila Matondkar loses from Mumbai North constituency