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At a time when the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/notwithstanding-exit-polls-opposition-leaders-set-to-meet-tomorrow-220222">Election Commission</a> is under fire from opposition parties for being biased, former president Pranab Mukherjee on Monday lauded the role of the poll panel saying the 2019 Lok Sabha polls were conducted "perfectly".

Speaking at a book launch event here, he said that right from the first election commissioner Sukumar Sen to the present election commissioners, the institution is working very well.

He said all the three commissioners are appointed by the executive and they are doing their job well.

Mukherjee said, "you cannot criticise them, it was perfect conduct of elections".

"If democracy has succeeded, it is largely due to perfect conduct of elections by election commissioners starting from Sukumar Sen to the present election commissioners," Mukherjee said at the launch of the book 'Defining India: Through Their Eyes' by NDTV's Sonia Singh.

His remarks come a day after Congress president Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Election Commission's "capitulation" before Prime Minister Narendra Modi is obvious and the poll watchdog is not feared and respected anymore.

The EC has been criticised by the opposition parties for being allegedly biased towards the BJP.

The opposition stepped up its criticism of the poll panel after Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa wrote to the Chief Election Commissioner stating he will be recusing himself from EC meetings as his dissent was not being recorded on clearances given by the poll panel to the PM and BJP chief Amit Shah over alleged poll code violations.&nbsp;

At a time when the Election Commission is under fire from opposition parties for being biased, former president Pranab Mukherjee on Monday lauded the role of the poll panel saying the 2019 Lok Sabha polls were conducted "perfectly".

At a time when the Election Commission is under fire from opposition parties for being biased, former president Pranab Mukherjee on Monday lauded the role of the poll panel saying the 2019 Lok Sabha polls were conducted "perfectly". Speaking at a book launch event here, he said that right from the first election commissioner Sukumar Sen to the present election commissioners, the institution is working very well. He said all the three commissioners are appointed by the executive and they are doing their job well. Mukherjee said, "you cannot criticise them, it was perfect conduct of elections". "If democracy has succeeded, it is largely due to perfect conduct of elections by election commissioners starting from Sukumar Sen to the present election commissioners," Mukherjee said at the launch of the book 'Defining India: Through Their Eyes' by NDTV's Sonia Singh. His remarks come a day after Congress president Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Election Commission's "capitulation" before Prime Minister Narendra Modi is obvious and the poll watchdog is not feared and respected anymore. The EC has been criticised by the opposition parties for being allegedly biased towards the BJP. The opposition stepped up its criticism of the poll panel after Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa wrote to the Chief Election Commissioner stating he will be recusing himself from EC meetings as his dissent was not being recorded on clearances given by the poll panel to the PM and BJP chief Amit Shah over alleged poll code violations.

Former president Pranab Mukherjee hails Election Commission, says polls were conducted 'perfectly'

Top opposition leaders will meet in the national capital Tuesday to discuss the possibility of a non-NDA alliance staking claim to government formation and also move the Election Commission to press for their demand of tallying paper trail of votes (VVPATs) with electronic voting machine (EVM) figures.

According to sources, leaders of opposition parties such as the Congress, TDP, Left parties, BSP, NCP and TMC will informally meet to discuss the way forward in case the NDA fails to get to the majority mark.

Ahmed Patel and Ghulam Nabi Azad of the Congress, Sharad Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), TDP's Chandrababu Naidu, Satish Chandra Misra of the BSP, Sitaram Yechury of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), D Raja of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Derek O'Brien of the TMC are expected to take part in Tuesday's meeting among others.

Notwithstanding exit polls that have predicted a majority for the BJP-led NDA, the opposition is going ahead with its strategy as most parties have trashed the forecast and claimed that the NDA would not get a majority in the Lok Sabha.

Opposition leaders are citing previous examples when exit polls were proved wrong, as also elsewhere in the world like the surprise result in Australia.

As part of his efforts to unite the opposition, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader Naidu held a meeting on Monday with his West Bengal counterpart, Mamata Banerjee, at her Kolkata residence on forming a non-BJP government at the Centre in case of a hung verdict.

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav also telephoned Banerjee on Monday and discussed the strategy of the "Mahagathbandhan", sources said.

Naidu has been moving around across the country and has held several rounds of discussions with top opposition leaders in a bid to unite them and form an alliance to stake claim to form the next government in case the NDA falls short of the majority mark.

On Sunday, Naidu met UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi separately in New Delhi, besides NCP supremo Pawar. 
Akhilesh and Mayawati also held a meeting on Monday and discussed their strategy going forward.

However, in view of the exit polls, the opposition has turned a bit cautious and decided not to hold any formal meetings.

Sources said the opposition strategy was to procure letters of support from various parties and in case of a hung verdict, to present the same before the president to stake claim to form the government.

They added that the opposition did not want to leave anything to chance and did not wish to waste any time in staking a claim for government formation and thus, was putting its house in order.

Opposition parties will also be meeting the Election Commission and demand tallying of VVPAT slips with EVM figures in an entire Assembly constituency in case a discrepancy is found in any polling booth.

The Supreme Court has asked the EC to tally the VVPAT slips with the EVM figures of five polling stations in each Assembly constituency across the country, which may delay the results.

In another related development, the apex court Tuesday dismissed a PIL seeking 100 per cent matching of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the counting of votes on May 23 for Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

Top opposition leaders will meet in the national capital Tuesday to discuss the possibility of a non-NDA alliance staking claim to government formation and also move the Election Commission to press for their demand of tallying paper trail of votes (VVPATs) with electronic voting machine (EVM) figures.

Top opposition leaders will meet in the national capital Tuesday to discuss the possibility of a non-NDA alliance staking claim to government formation and also move the Election Commission to press for their demand of tallying paper trail of votes (VVPATs) with electronic voting machine (EVM) figures. According to sources, leaders of opposition parties such as the Congress, TDP, Left parties, BSP, NCP and TMC will informally meet to discuss the way forward in case the NDA fails to get to the majority mark. Ahmed Patel and Ghulam Nabi Azad of the Congress, Sharad Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), TDP's Chandrababu Naidu, Satish Chandra Misra of the BSP, Sitaram Yechury of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), D Raja of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Derek O'Brien of the TMC are expected to take part in Tuesday's meeting among others. Notwithstanding exit polls that have predicted a majority for the BJP-led NDA, the opposition is going ahead with its strategy as most parties have trashed the forecast and claimed that the NDA would not get a majority in the Lok Sabha. Opposition leaders are citing previous examples when exit polls were proved wrong, as also elsewhere in the world like the surprise result in Australia. As part of his efforts to unite the opposition, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader Naidu held a meeting on Monday with his West Bengal counterpart, Mamata Banerjee, at her Kolkata residence on forming a non-BJP government at the Centre in case of a hung verdict. Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav also telephoned Banerjee on Monday and discussed the strategy of the "Mahagathbandhan", sources said. Naidu has been moving around across the country and has held several rounds of discussions with top opposition leaders in a bid to unite them and form an alliance to stake claim to form the next government in case the NDA falls short of the majority mark. On Sunday, Naidu met UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi separately in New Delhi, besides NCP supremo Pawar. Akhilesh and Mayawati also held a meeting on Monday and discussed their strategy going forward. However, in view of the exit polls, the opposition has turned a bit cautious and decided not to hold any formal meetings. Sources said the opposition strategy was to procure letters of support from various parties and in case of a hung verdict, to present the same before the president to stake claim to form the government. They added that the opposition did not want to leave anything to chance and did not wish to waste any time in staking a claim for government formation and thus, was putting its house in order. Opposition parties will also be meeting the Election Commission and demand tallying of VVPAT slips with EVM figures in an entire Assembly constituency in case a discrepancy is found in any polling booth. The Supreme Court has asked the EC to tally the VVPAT slips with the EVM figures of five polling stations in each Assembly constituency across the country, which may delay the results. In another related development, the apex court Tuesday dismissed a PIL seeking 100 per cent matching of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the counting of votes on May 23 for Lok Sabha polls.

Notwithstanding exit polls, opposition leaders set to meet, also to move Election Commission over VVPATs

Domestic stock markets soared on Monday, with the Sensex gaining more than 1,000 points in late afternoon deals, a day after exit polls predicted that the Bharatiya Janata Party will win almost as many seats as it did in 2014 and form a government comfortably.

Sensex Jumps Over 1,000 Points After Exit Polls Predict NDA Win

Bigwigs cast their votes in the final phase of 2019 Lok Sabha elections

A day after meeting Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/hope-naidus-excitement-last-till-may-23-shiv-sena-mocks-andhra-cm-220025"> Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu</a> will meet West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee here on Monday, sources said.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president will meet Banerjee as part of his efforts to unite opposition parties against the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha election results on May 23.

"Naidu will hold a meeting with Mamata Banerjee at West Bengal secretariat this afternoon. Both will hold talks on the strategies of the 'mahagatbandhan' (grand alliance)," a highly placed source said.

During his interaction with Banerjee, Naidu is expected to brief her about his meetings with all political leaders in New Delhi over the weekend, the source said.

Naidu had a busy Sunday as he called on the Gandhis,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-nationalist-congress-party-supremo-sharad-pawar-meets-n-chandrababu-naidu-in-delhi-219863"> Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar</a> and Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury.

On Saturday, he had met Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.

Dubbing the exit polls "gossip", Banerjee Sunday said she doesn't trust such surveys as the "game plan" is to use them for "manipulation" of EVMs.

Her remarks came after most exit polls forecast another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with some predicting that the BJP-led NDA will get more than 300 seats, comfortably crossing the majority mark of 272 in the Lok Sabha.

A day after meeting Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will meet West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee here on Monday, sources said.

A day after meeting Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will meet West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee here on Monday, sources said. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president will meet Banerjee as part of his efforts to unite opposition parties against the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha election results on May 23. "Naidu will hold a meeting with Mamata Banerjee at West Bengal secretariat this afternoon. Both will hold talks on the strategies of the 'mahagatbandhan' (grand alliance)," a highly placed source said. During his interaction with Banerjee, Naidu is expected to brief her about his meetings with all political leaders in New Delhi over the weekend, the source said. Naidu had a busy Sunday as he called on the Gandhis, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar and Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury. On Saturday, he had met Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. Dubbing the exit polls "gossip", Banerjee Sunday said she doesn't trust such surveys as the "game plan" is to use them for "manipulation" of EVMs. Her remarks came after most exit polls forecast another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with some predicting that the BJP-led NDA will get more than 300 seats, comfortably crossing the majority mark of 272 in the Lok Sabha.

Chandrababu Naidu to meet Mamata Banerjee for post-poll alliance talks in Kolkata

Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik on Monday dismissed Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar from his ministerial position on the recommendation of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Five other leaders of the Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP), who were holding ministerial ranks in commissions, have also been removed with immediate effect.

Om Prakash Rajbhar was holding the post of Minister for Backward Class Welfare and 'Divyangjan' Empowerment in Uttar Pradesh government.

This comes after Adityanath earlier today wrote to state governor Ram Naik requesting him to immediately dismiss Rajbhar from the state cabinet.&nbsp;

Rajbhar had earlier resigned from the Cabinet but his resignation was not accepted.

On May 1, Rajbhar had stated that he has resigned as a cabinet minister from the state government over the seat-sharing agreement with the BJP.

"I had resigned on the night of April 13 from the post of state minister when they (BJP) said that you have to contest on our symbol. I told them I will contest from only one seat but from my own party. However, they did not agree to that either. Following which, I immediately resigned but they did not accept my resignation," Rajbhar had said back then.

SBSP is an ally of the BJP since 2017. Earlier on April 16, Rajbhar had announced that his party will go 'solo' in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls. He had alleged that the BJP wanted to "eliminate" the SBSP as it did not give them a single ticket.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik on Monday dismissed Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar from his ministerial position on the recommendation of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik on Monday dismissed Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar from his ministerial position on the recommendation of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Five other leaders of the Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP), who were holding ministerial ranks in commissions, have also been removed with immediate effect. Om Prakash Rajbhar was holding the post of Minister for Backward Class Welfare and 'Divyangjan' Empowerment in Uttar Pradesh government. This comes after Adityanath earlier today wrote to state governor Ram Naik requesting him to immediately dismiss Rajbhar from the state cabinet. Rajbhar had earlier resigned from the Cabinet but his resignation was not accepted. On May 1, Rajbhar had stated that he has resigned as a cabinet minister from the state government over the seat-sharing agreement with the BJP. "I had resigned on the night of April 13 from the post of state minister when they (BJP) said that you have to contest on our symbol. I told them I will contest from only one seat but from my own party. However, they did not agree to that either. Following which, I immediately resigned but they did not accept my resignation," Rajbhar had said back then. SBSP is an ally of the BJP since 2017. Earlier on April 16, Rajbhar had announced that his party will go 'solo' in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls. He had alleged that the BJP wanted to "eliminate" the SBSP as it did not give them a single ticket. (With inputs from agencies)

Uttar Pradesh: Governor Ram Naik dismisses Om Prakash Rajbhar from Cabinet on chief ministers Yogi Adityanath's request

In this segment of WION's India Election Watch, We Decode Is MP Congress a Divided house? with Panel of Special Guests or Experts With Us. #LokSabhaElection2019 #GeneralElections2019 #PMModi

India Election Watch: Is MP Congress a Divided house?

The Maha Exit poll 2019 of Zee Media Network predicts National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to win more than 300 seats in Lok Sabha election 2019, and that wil be a massive victory. Watch out some of the political reactions over the exit-polls.

Lok Sabha election 2019: Political reactions over landslide win to NDA in exit-polls

Hours after the BJP in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/congress-madhya-pradesh-government-will-fall-on-its-own-bjp-220113">Madhya Pradesh</a> asked the Congress government to prove its majority and wrote to the state governor for convening a special session of the state Assembly, Chief Minister Kamal Nath Monday said he was all prepared to go for the floor test.

Nath also claimed that he had proven the majority of his coalition government "four times" in the last five months, and is ready to do so again.

Earlier in the day, the BJP wrote to Governor Anandiben Patel, asking her to convene a special session of the House.

"I have already told them...The BJP is trying it for long. I have proved majority in the House four times in the last five months and I am ready for floor test again," Nath told PTI late evening.

He said the BJP was talking about the instability of the Congress-led government as it wanted to save itself from getting "exposed" on its erstwhile corrupt rule.

The chief minister said the BJP had lost on the floor of the House on earlier occasions as well but didn't elaborate.

On earlier occasions, the Congres had managed to elect Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the party even after the BJP demanded the division of votes.

The Congress had also passed the supplementary Budget and regular Budget in the House.

In the Assembly polls last year, the Congress won 114 of the state's 230 seats, two short of the majority mark of 116. The Bahujan Samaj Party, having two MLAs, and Samajwadi Party, which has one, are supporting the Congress. There are four Independents. The BJP won 109 seats.

In his letter to the governor, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Gopal Bhargava stated that the party wanted a discussion on important issues like the farm loan waiver and (to) test the government's strength.

The development came a day after the majority of exit polls predicted the return of the BJP-led NDA to power for the second term.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Hours after the BJP in Madhya Pradesh asked the Congress government to prove its majority and wrote to the state governor for convening a special session of the state Assembly, Chief Minister Kamal Nath Monday said he was all prepared to go for the floor test.

Hours after the BJP in Madhya Pradesh asked the Congress government to prove its majority and wrote to the state governor for convening a special session of the state Assembly, Chief Minister Kamal Nath Monday said he was all prepared to go for the floor test. Nath also claimed that he had proven the majority of his coalition government "four times" in the last five months, and is ready to do so again. Earlier in the day, the BJP wrote to Governor Anandiben Patel, asking her to convene a special session of the House. "I have already told them...The BJP is trying it for long. I have proved majority in the House four times in the last five months and I am ready for floor test again," Nath told PTI late evening. He said the BJP was talking about the instability of the Congress-led government as it wanted to save itself from getting "exposed" on its erstwhile corrupt rule. The chief minister said the BJP had lost on the floor of the House on earlier occasions as well but didn't elaborate. On earlier occasions, the Congres had managed to elect Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the party even after the BJP demanded the division of votes. The Congress had also passed the supplementary Budget and regular Budget in the House. In the Assembly polls last year, the Congress won 114 of the state's 230 seats, two short of the majority mark of 116. The Bahujan Samaj Party, having two MLAs, and Samajwadi Party, which has one, are supporting the Congress. There are four Independents. The BJP won 109 seats. In his letter to the governor, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Gopal Bhargava stated that the party wanted a discussion on important issues like the farm loan waiver and (to) test the government's strength. The development came a day after the majority of exit polls predicted the return of the BJP-led NDA to power for the second term.

Ready for floor test: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath

In this segment of WION's India Election Watch, We Decode on the Politics Over Surgical Strike with Panel of Special Guests or Experts With Us. #LokSabhaElection2019 #GeneralElections2019 #PMModi

India Election Watch: Politics Over Surgical Strike

BJP has claimed the Congress Govt in minority in Madhya Pradesh. There could be a trouble in MP for Congress. #LokSabhaElection2019 #GeneralElections2019 #PMModi

India Election Watch: Trouble For Congress In MP

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday tweeted a picture with Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/mayawati-meets-akhilesh-yadav-after-exit-polls-projections-220072">holding discussions</a>. The tweet in Hindi read, "Ab agale kadam ki tayyari (Now, preparing for the next step)".&nbsp;

According to reports, Yadav drove to the residence of Mayawati in the morning and held closed-door talks with her for about an hour.

Aiming to check the return of NDA at the Centre, Mayawati had opted to sink decades-long differences to enter into an alliance with the SP for the Lok Sabha election.

In the 2014 general election, the BJP had won 71 seats, ally Apna Dal bagged 2, Samajwadi Party 5 and the Congress 2, while the BSP drew a blank.

The BJP's impressive show in Uttar Pradesh helped the BJP to pull off a record 282 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha to oust the Congress, which was decimated to just 44 seats.

With 80 Lok Sabha seats, Uttar Pradesh has the largest number of seats in the lower house of Parliament.

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अब अगले क़दम की तैयारी... <a href="https://t.co/jrnI4TNoNK">pic.twitter.com/jrnI4TNoNK</a>
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavakhilesh/status/1130422061791416320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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This time around, the pollsters predict the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lions-share-of-uttar-pradeshs-seats-going-to-bjp-predict-exit-polls-219936">Bharatiya Janata Party stealing a lion's share</a> on the total 80 parliamentary constituencies.&nbsp;

The exit polls have predicted that the BJP-led NDA will again get the lion's share of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats. While Times Now-VMR says NDA will get 58 seats in UP, C-Voter is a little conservative predicting 38 seats for it. The poll of polls, a collection of various exit polls, predicts 43 seats for NDA.

Meanwhile, Telugu Desam Party chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/chandrababu-naidu-calls-on-mamata-banerjee-discusses-formation-of-non-bjp-government-220201">N Chandrababu Naidu met his West Bengal counterpart</a> in Kolkata today.&nbsp;

Naidu, who reached here from Amaravati, held a 45-minute-long meeting with Banerjee on the future strategies of the "Mahagatbandhan" (Grand Alliance), the highly-placed sources said.

The meeting also discussed possibilities of forming a non-BJP government including regional parties with the support of the Congress.

Top opposition leaders will meet in the national capital on Tuesday to discuss the political situation and possibilities of a non-NDA alliance to stake claim for government formation.

According to sources, leaders of opposition parties such as the Congress, TDP, Left parties, BSP, NCP and TMC will <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/notwithstanding-exit-polls-opposition-leaders-set-to-meet-tomorrow-220222">informally meet on Tuesday</a> to discuss the way forward in case the NDA fails to get to the majority mark.

Ahmed Patel and Ghulam Nabi Azad of the Congress, Sharad Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), TDP's Naidu, Satish Chandra Misra of the BSP, Sitaram Yechury of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), D Raja of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Derek O'Brien of the TMC are expected to take part in Tuesday's meeting among others.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday tweeted a picture with Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati after holding discussions. The tweet in Hindi read, "Ab agale kadam ki tayyari (Now, preparing for the next step)".

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday tweeted a picture with Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati after holding discussions. The tweet in Hindi read, "Ab agale kadam ki tayyari (Now, preparing for the next step)". According to reports, Yadav drove to the residence of Mayawati in the morning and held closed-door talks with her for about an hour. Aiming to check the return of NDA at the Centre, Mayawati had opted to sink decades-long differences to enter into an alliance with the SP for the Lok Sabha election. In the 2014 general election, the BJP had won 71 seats, ally Apna Dal bagged 2, Samajwadi Party 5 and the Congress 2, while the BSP drew a blank. The BJP's impressive show in Uttar Pradesh helped the BJP to pull off a record 282 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha to oust the Congress, which was decimated to just 44 seats. With 80 Lok Sabha seats, Uttar Pradesh has the largest number of seats in the lower house of Parliament. अब अगले क़दम की तैयारी... pic.twitter.com/jrnI4TNoNK — Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) May 20, 2019 × This time around, the pollsters predict the Bharatiya Janata Party stealing a lion's share on the total 80 parliamentary constituencies. The exit polls have predicted that the BJP-led NDA will again get the lion's share of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats. While Times Now-VMR says NDA will get 58 seats in UP, C-Voter is a little conservative predicting 38 seats for it. The poll of polls, a collection of various exit polls, predicts 43 seats for NDA. Meanwhile, Telugu Desam Party chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met his West Bengal counterpart in Kolkata today. Naidu, who reached here from Amaravati, held a 45-minute-long meeting with Banerjee on the future strategies of the "Mahagatbandhan" (Grand Alliance), the highly-placed sources said. The meeting also discussed possibilities of forming a non-BJP government including regional parties with the support of the Congress. Top opposition leaders will meet in the national capital on Tuesday to discuss the political situation and possibilities of a non-NDA alliance to stake claim for government formation. According to sources, leaders of opposition parties such as the Congress, TDP, Left parties, BSP, NCP and TMC will informally meet on Tuesday to discuss the way forward in case the NDA fails to get to the majority mark. Ahmed Patel and Ghulam Nabi Azad of the Congress, Sharad Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), TDP's Naidu, Satish Chandra Misra of the BSP, Sitaram Yechury of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), D Raja of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Derek O'Brien of the TMC are expected to take part in Tuesday's meeting among others. (With inputs from agencies)

Preparing for the 'next step,' Akhilesh Yadav tweets picture with Mayawati after holding discussions 

Two days ahead of the Lok Sabha poll results, top opposition leaders will meet in the national capital on Tuesday to discuss the political situation and possibilities of a non-NDA alliance to stake claim for government formation.

As part of his efforts to unite the opposition, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader N Chandrababu <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/chandrababu-naidu-calls-on-mamata-banerjee-discusses-formation-of-non-bjp-government-220201">Naidu held a meeting with his West Bengal counterpart</a>, Mamata Banerjee, at her Kolkata residence on forming a non-BJP government at the Centre in case of a hung verdict.

Naidu had a 45-minute meeting with Banerjee on the future strategies of the "Mahagathbandhan" (Grand Alliance), during which he also discussed the possibilities of forming a non-BJP government, including regional parties, with the support of the Congress.

"It was decided at the meeting that a detailed discussion will be held with other players of the Mahagathbandhan in the event of a hung verdict after the poll results are declared on May 23," a source said.

The decision on Banerjee going to New Delhi would also be taken after May 23, the source added.

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav also telephoned Banerjee during the day and discussed the strategy of the "Mahagathbandhan", sources said.

Naidu has been moving around across the country and has held several rounds of discussions with top opposition leaders in a bid to unite them and form an alliance to stake claim to form the next government in case the NDA falls short of the majority mark.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief met Banerjee again on Monday evening to discuss the political scenario in the wake of the exit poll predictions.

On Sunday, Naidu met UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi separately in New Delhi, besides NCP supremo Sharad Pawar. The TDP leader has already met other top opposition leaders such as Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav in Lucknow, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal, Left leaders and Sharad Yadav in Delhi.

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/mayawati-meets-akhilesh-yadav-after-exit-polls-projections-220072">Akhilesh and Mayawati also held a meeting</a> and discussed their strategy going forward.

However, in view of the exit polls, most of which have predicted a majority for the BJP-led NDA, the opposition has turned a bit cautious and decided not to hold any formal meetings.

Top Congress leaders also held a meeting under the guidance of Sonia Gandhi on Saturday, where the current political situation was discussed.

Sources said the opposition strategy was to procure letters of support from various parties and in case of a hung verdict, to present the same before the president to stake claim to form the government.

They added that the opposition did not want to leave anything to chance and did not wish to waste any time in staking claim for government formation and thus, was putting its house in order.

Notwithstanding the exit poll predictions, the opposition is going ahead with its strategy as most parties have trashed the forecast and claimed that the NDA would not get a majority in the Lok Sabha.

Opposition leaders are citing previous examples when exit polls were proved wrong, as also elsewhere in the world like the surprise result in Australia.

Opposition leaders will also meet the Election Commission (EC) and raise the issue of tallying the paper trail of votes (VVPATs) with the electronic voting machine (EVM) figures as directed by the Supreme Court.

The opposition parties are demanding tallying of VVPAT slips with EVM figures in an entire Assembly constituency in case a discrepancy is found in any polling booth.

The court has asked the EC to tally the VVPAT slips with the EVM figures of five polling stations in each Assembly constituency across the country, which may delay the results.

According to sources, leaders of opposition parties such as the Congress, TDP, Left parties, BSP, NCP and TMC will informally meet on Tuesday to discuss the way forward in case the NDA fails to get to the majority mark.

Ahmed Patel and Ghulam Nabi Azad of the Congress, Sharad Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), TDP's Naidu, Satish Chandra Misra of the BSP, Sitaram Yechury of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), D Raja of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Derek O'Brien of the TMC are expected to take part in Tuesday's meeting among others.&nbsp;

Two days ahead of the Lok Sabha poll results, top opposition leaders will meet in the national capital on Tuesday to discuss the political situation and possibilities of a non-NDA alliance to stake claim for government formation.

Two days ahead of the Lok Sabha poll results, top opposition leaders will meet in the national capital on Tuesday to discuss the political situation and possibilities of a non-NDA alliance to stake claim for government formation. As part of his efforts to unite the opposition, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu held a meeting with his West Bengal counterpart, Mamata Banerjee, at her Kolkata residence on forming a non-BJP government at the Centre in case of a hung verdict. Naidu had a 45-minute meeting with Banerjee on the future strategies of the "Mahagathbandhan" (Grand Alliance), during which he also discussed the possibilities of forming a non-BJP government, including regional parties, with the support of the Congress. "It was decided at the meeting that a detailed discussion will be held with other players of the Mahagathbandhan in the event of a hung verdict after the poll results are declared on May 23," a source said. The decision on Banerjee going to New Delhi would also be taken after May 23, the source added. Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav also telephoned Banerjee during the day and discussed the strategy of the "Mahagathbandhan", sources said. Naidu has been moving around across the country and has held several rounds of discussions with top opposition leaders in a bid to unite them and form an alliance to stake claim to form the next government in case the NDA falls short of the majority mark. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief met Banerjee again on Monday evening to discuss the political scenario in the wake of the exit poll predictions. On Sunday, Naidu met UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi separately in New Delhi, besides NCP supremo Sharad Pawar. The TDP leader has already met other top opposition leaders such as Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav in Lucknow, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal, Left leaders and Sharad Yadav in Delhi. Meanwhile, Akhilesh and Mayawati also held a meeting and discussed their strategy going forward. However, in view of the exit polls, most of which have predicted a majority for the BJP-led NDA, the opposition has turned a bit cautious and decided not to hold any formal meetings. Top Congress leaders also held a meeting under the guidance of Sonia Gandhi on Saturday, where the current political situation was discussed. Sources said the opposition strategy was to procure letters of support from various parties and in case of a hung verdict, to present the same before the president to stake claim to form the government. They added that the opposition did not want to leave anything to chance and did not wish to waste any time in staking claim for government formation and thus, was putting its house in order. Notwithstanding the exit poll predictions, the opposition is going ahead with its strategy as most parties have trashed the forecast and claimed that the NDA would not get a majority in the Lok Sabha. Opposition leaders are citing previous examples when exit polls were proved wrong, as also elsewhere in the world like the surprise result in Australia. Opposition leaders will also meet the Election Commission (EC) and raise the issue of tallying the paper trail of votes (VVPATs) with the electronic voting machine (EVM) figures as directed by the Supreme Court. The opposition parties are demanding tallying of VVPAT slips with EVM figures in an entire Assembly constituency in case a discrepancy is found in any polling booth. The court has asked the EC to tally the VVPAT slips with the EVM figures of five polling stations in each Assembly constituency across the country, which may delay the results. According to sources, leaders of opposition parties such as the Congress, TDP, Left parties, BSP, NCP and TMC will informally meet on Tuesday to discuss the way forward in case the NDA fails to get to the majority mark. Ahmed Patel and Ghulam Nabi Azad of the Congress, Sharad Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), TDP's Naidu, Satish Chandra Misra of the BSP, Sitaram Yechury of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), D Raja of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Derek O'Brien of the TMC are expected to take part in Tuesday's meeting among others.

Notwithstanding exit polls, opposition leaders set to meet on Tuesday

In this segment of WION's India Election Watch, We Decode Numbers Of 'Exit Polls 2019' with Panel of Special Guests or Experts With Us. #LokSabhaElection2019 #GeneralElections2019 #PMModi

India Election Watch: Decodes Numbers Of 'Exit Polls 2019' With Some Experts

The Maha Exit poll 2019 of Zee Media Network predicts National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to win more than 300 seats in Lok Sabha election 2019, and that is a massive victory. Indian market react to Exit-Polls; Sensex jumps more than 890 points on opening

Indian market react to Exit-Polls; Sensex jumps more than 890 points on opening

In this segment of India Election Watch, We Deciphered the 'Exit Polls 2019' Numbers for you all. #LokSabhaElection2019 #GeneralElections2019 #PMModi

India Election Watch: Deciphering the 'Exit Polls 2019' Numbers

Domestic stock markets opened higher on Monday after exit polls of the <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">2019 Lok Sabha elections</a> projected BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to win a comfortable majority.&nbsp;

At 10:30 AM, the S&amp;P BSE Sensex had gained a whopping 972.43 points, or 2.55 per cent, to trade at 38,903.31 levels, with Maruti, State Bank of India, Larsen &amp; Toubro, ICICI Bank, and Reliance Industries among the top gainers. The broader Nifty50, had gained 285.05 points, or 2.49 per cent, to trade at 11,691.

The exit polls are predicting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA is coming back to power at the Centre with close to 300 seats.

The Indian rupee also gained in the early trade on Monday. It opened higher by 73 paise at 69.49 per dollar on Monday versus previous close 70.22.

Wall Street ended lower on Friday as continuing trade tensions pulled industrial and tech shares down, and the Dow capped a fourth straight week of losses in its longest weekly losing streak in three years. 
 
Exit polls have been used for years to provide the pulse of India's political climate once voting is over. They try to give a sense of how voters may have exercised their franchise and which political party or alliance of parties stand the best chance of forming the next government.

Domestic stock markets opened higher on Monday after exit polls of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections projected BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to win a comfortable majority.

Domestic stock markets opened higher on Monday after exit polls of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections projected BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to win a comfortable majority. At 10:30 AM, the S&P BSE Sensex had gained a whopping 972.43 points, or 2.55 per cent, to trade at 38,903.31 levels, with Maruti, State Bank of India, Larsen & Toubro, ICICI Bank, and Reliance Industries among the top gainers. The broader Nifty50, had gained 285.05 points, or 2.49 per cent, to trade at 11,691. The exit polls are predicting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA is coming back to power at the Centre with close to 300 seats. The Indian rupee also gained in the early trade on Monday. It opened higher by 73 paise at 69.49 per dollar on Monday versus previous close 70.22. Wall Street ended lower on Friday as continuing trade tensions pulled industrial and tech shares down, and the Dow capped a fourth straight week of losses in its longest weekly losing streak in three years. Exit polls have been used for years to provide the pulse of India's political climate once voting is over. They try to give a sense of how voters may have exercised their franchise and which political party or alliance of parties stand the best chance of forming the next government.

Sensex rises 950 points as BJP-led NDA sweeps exit polls, rupee jumps against US dollar

The Maha Exit poll 2019 of Zee Media Network predicts National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to win more than 300 seats in Lok Sabha election 2019, and that is a massive victory. Just after the Exit-Poles COngress President Rahul Gandhi tweets over the role and responsibilty of EC. Tweet expresses his worry over results.

Exit-poll results: Rahul Gandhi's tweet shows an expression of worry

Cash, drugs, liquor and precious metals worth Rs 3449.12 crore were seized by enforcement agencies since the <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">Lok Sabha polls</a> were announced on March 10, the Election Commission said on Sunday. The seizure is nearly three times the figures of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the figures show.

In 2014, the overall seizure was Rs 1,206 crore, Director General (Election Expenditure) in the EC Dilip Sharma told a press conference.

Between March 10 and May 19, Rs 839.03 crore in cash, liquor worth Rs 294.41 crore, drugs worth Rs 1270.37 crore, precious metals, including gold, worth Rs 986.76 crore and "freebies", including sarees, wrist watches, aimed at inducing voters worth Rs 58.56 crore were seized, he said.

The total comes to Rs 3449.12 crore.&nbsp;

Cash, drugs, liquor and precious metals worth Rs 3449.12 crore were seized by enforcement agencies since the Lok Sabha polls were announced on March 10, the Election Commission said on Sunday.

Cash, drugs, liquor and precious metals worth Rs 3449.12 crore were seized by enforcement agencies since the Lok Sabha polls were announced on March 10, the Election Commission said on Sunday. The seizure is nearly three times the figures of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the figures show. In 2014, the overall seizure was Rs 1,206 crore, Director General (Election Expenditure) in the EC Dilip Sharma told a press conference. Between March 10 and May 19, Rs 839.03 crore in cash, liquor worth Rs 294.41 crore, drugs worth Rs 1270.37 crore, precious metals, including gold, worth Rs 986.76 crore and "freebies", including sarees, wrist watches, aimed at inducing voters worth Rs 58.56 crore were seized, he said. The total comes to Rs 3449.12 crore.

Rs 3,500 crore worth cash, liquor, drugs seized during this Lok Sabha polls

A day after meeting Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu meets West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

Chandrababu Naidu meets Mamata Banerjee for post-poll alliance talks in Kolkata

The Maha Exit poll 2019 of Zee Media Network predicts National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to win more than 300 seats in Lok Sabha election 2019, and that is a massive victory. So will PM Modi is getting a 2nd term for sure? or there is something more to witness on the judgement day on 23rd May?

Maha Exit Poll 2019: Over 300 seats for NDA; Modi set for 2nd term

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader N Chandrababu <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/naidu-to-meet-mamata-for-post-poll-alliance-talks-in-kolkata-220055">Naidu held a meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee</a> at her residence here Monday to decide on forming a non-BJP government at the Centre in case of a hung verdict, TMC sources said.

Naidu, who reached here from Amaravati, held a 45-minute-long meeting with Banerjee on the future strategies of the "Mahagatbandhan" (Grand Alliance), the highly-placed sources said.

The meeting also discussed possibilities of forming a non-BJP government including regional parties with the support of the Congress, they said.

"It was decided at today's meeting that a detailed discussion will be held among other political players of the Mahagatbandhan in the event of a hung verdict after the poll results are declared on May 23, the sources said.

The decision on Banerjee going to New Delhi would also be taken after May 23, the sources said.

Naidu, who is making efforts to bring together opposition leaders against the BJP, left for New Delhi after the meeting.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav telephoned Banerjee during the day and discussed the proposed strategy of the "Mahagathbandhan", the sources said.

The TDP President had on Sunday called on National Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and had also met CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury. 
On Saturday he had met BSP chief Mayawati and Yadav.

During his meeting with Banerjee, the TDP chief spoke about the meetings, the TMC sources said.

The exit polls gave a clear verdict in favour of the BJP, which was promptly dubbed by Banerjee as "gossip".

The TMC supremo had said that she does not trust such surveys as the "game plan" is to use them for "manipulation" of EVMs.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu held a meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at her residence here Monday to decide on forming a non-BJP government at the Centre in case of a hung verdict, TMC sources said.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu held a meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at her residence here Monday to decide on forming a non-BJP government at the Centre in case of a hung verdict, TMC sources said. Naidu, who reached here from Amaravati, held a 45-minute-long meeting with Banerjee on the future strategies of the "Mahagatbandhan" (Grand Alliance), the highly-placed sources said. The meeting also discussed possibilities of forming a non-BJP government including regional parties with the support of the Congress, they said. "It was decided at today's meeting that a detailed discussion will be held among other political players of the Mahagatbandhan in the event of a hung verdict after the poll results are declared on May 23, the sources said. The decision on Banerjee going to New Delhi would also be taken after May 23, the sources said. Naidu, who is making efforts to bring together opposition leaders against the BJP, left for New Delhi after the meeting. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav telephoned Banerjee during the day and discussed the proposed strategy of the "Mahagathbandhan", the sources said. The TDP President had on Sunday called on National Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and had also met CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury. On Saturday he had met BSP chief Mayawati and Yadav. During his meeting with Banerjee, the TDP chief spoke about the meetings, the TMC sources said. The exit polls gave a clear verdict in favour of the BJP, which was promptly dubbed by Banerjee as "gossip". The TMC supremo had said that she does not trust such surveys as the "game plan" is to use them for "manipulation" of EVMs.

Chandrababu Naidu calls on Mamata Banerjee, discusses formation of non-BJP government

With most of the <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</a> predicting a rout for his party in Andhra Pradesh, Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu Sunday night said that time and again such polls failed.

"Time and again exit polls have failed to catch the people's pulse. Exit polls have proved to be incorrect and far from ground reality in many instances. While undoubtedly TDP govt will be formed in AP, we are confident that non-BJP parties will form a non-BJP govt at the centre (sic)," Naidu said in a late night tweet.

Barring one or two, almost all exit polls predicted a thumping victory for the main opposition YSR Congress in the state elections.

They also said the YSRC would win close to 20 of the 25 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

Though not dismal, the polls gave good numbers to the TDP as well. 
In another tweet, he said, "We reiterate our demand to the ECI to count VVPATs in at least 50% of polling stations. VVPATs should be counted in 5 polling stations in each Assembly Constituency at the beginning of the counting process. In case of discrepancy, all VVPATs of Assembly Constituency shall be counted."

With most of the exit polls predicting a rout for his party in Andhra Pradesh, Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu Sunday night said that time and again such polls failed.

With most of the exit polls predicting a rout for his party in Andhra Pradesh, Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu Sunday night said that time and again such polls failed. "Time and again exit polls have failed to catch the people's pulse. Exit polls have proved to be incorrect and far from ground reality in many instances. While undoubtedly TDP govt will be formed in AP, we are confident that non-BJP parties will form a non-BJP govt at the centre (sic)," Naidu said in a late night tweet. Barring one or two, almost all exit polls predicted a thumping victory for the main opposition YSR Congress in the state elections. They also said the YSRC would win close to 20 of the 25 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Though not dismal, the polls gave good numbers to the TDP as well. In another tweet, he said, "We reiterate our demand to the ECI to count VVPATs in at least 50% of polling stations. VVPATs should be counted in 5 polling stations in each Assembly Constituency at the beginning of the counting process. In case of discrepancy, all VVPATs of Assembly Constituency shall be counted."

Time and again exit polls have failed to catch the people's pulse: Chandrababu Naidu

Fearing manipulation, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday wrote to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora, seeking deployment of additional observer and security forces at the strong rooms.

AAP has alleged the opposition parties have "planned attempts to gerrymander with EVMs a day or two ahead of the actual counting on May 23."

"I have strong reasons to believe our political adversaries will attempt to open strong rooms housing EVMs and manipulate or replace the machines as a handful of such incidents in the past have been witnessed," AAP's south Delhi candidate Raghav Chadha stated in the letter to Arora on Monday.

"Alarming as it may be, this would not be the first time such an attack on the electoral process would take place," Chadha, also a national spokesperson of AAP, has further stated in the letter.

"You may recall the municipal elections of 2017, at which time, specifically in a ward falling within South Delhi parliamentary constituency, strong rooms were violated and seals had been broken prior to the day assigned for counting," reads the letter.

"In addition to the already appointed Election Observer whose role is to oversee the entire electoral process, we request the ECI to appoint another independent observer whose sole focus shall be to maintain a watchful eye on strong rooms and ensure safety and security of EVMs. Until the declaration of results, the observer must ensure safe custody and integrity of EVMs."

"We request the CRPF security at Jijabaji Institute, where South Delhi's EVMs are housed, be tightened. It is further requested that additional CRPF personnel may be deployed to keep a watch over the strong rooms round the clock."

All seven seats in the city-state went to polls on May 12 during the sixth phase of seven-phased Lok Sabha polls. In South Delhi parliamentary constituency, Raghav Chadha is faced with BJP`s sitting MP Ramesh Bidhuri and Congress` Vijender Singh. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Fearing manipulation, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday wrote to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora, seeking deployment of additional observer and security forces at the strong rooms.

Fearing manipulation, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday wrote to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora, seeking deployment of additional observer and security forces at the strong rooms. AAP has alleged the opposition parties have "planned attempts to gerrymander with EVMs a day or two ahead of the actual counting on May 23." "I have strong reasons to believe our political adversaries will attempt to open strong rooms housing EVMs and manipulate or replace the machines as a handful of such incidents in the past have been witnessed," AAP's south Delhi candidate Raghav Chadha stated in the letter to Arora on Monday. "Alarming as it may be, this would not be the first time such an attack on the electoral process would take place," Chadha, also a national spokesperson of AAP, has further stated in the letter. "You may recall the municipal elections of 2017, at which time, specifically in a ward falling within South Delhi parliamentary constituency, strong rooms were violated and seals had been broken prior to the day assigned for counting," reads the letter. "In addition to the already appointed Election Observer whose role is to oversee the entire electoral process, we request the ECI to appoint another independent observer whose sole focus shall be to maintain a watchful eye on strong rooms and ensure safety and security of EVMs. Until the declaration of results, the observer must ensure safe custody and integrity of EVMs." "We request the CRPF security at Jijabaji Institute, where South Delhi's EVMs are housed, be tightened. It is further requested that additional CRPF personnel may be deployed to keep a watch over the strong rooms round the clock." All seven seats in the city-state went to polls on May 12 during the sixth phase of seven-phased Lok Sabha polls. In South Delhi parliamentary constituency, Raghav Chadha is faced with BJP`s sitting MP Ramesh Bidhuri and Congress` Vijender Singh. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

AAP seeks additional security at strong room in Delhi, writes to Chief Election Commissioner

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy has slammed exit polls that predict the second term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi while raising concerns over the credibility of electronic voting machines (EVM) just ahead of the big Lok Sabha election results.

Karnataka CM Kumaraswamy slams exit polls, Targeted at EVMs