‘US ensuring global energy supplies’: Trump demands reimbursement for securing Strait of Hormuz

Dodgers beat Reds for playoff berth in bid for third consecutive World Series

800 million years old - Scientists discover 'fingerprints' of supercontinent Gondwana in ancient rocks

‘Let’s go’: Newly declassified videos show dramatic rescue of US Air Force officers downed in Iran

‘Want to reset ties with India, have engagement based on mutual interests,’ says Bangladesh minister

Did India risk its US trade deal despite softer stance at BRICS?

Delhi govt to roll out ₹13,820 crore development projects under Seva Sankalp Abhiyan: CM Rekha Gupta

New OTT releases this week (September 14-20, 2026): Lust Stories 3, Waiting Hai, Irumudi- 5 new titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Emmys 2026: Matthew Rhys wins Best Actor twice, sets historic 78-year record

UPI payments up to Rs 2,000 to stays free, but bigger transactions may soon cost you: Govt

What is Hyrox, in news for athlete who soiled herself, but kept running and using common equipment?

Photographs, LeT labels vanish from two 2008 Mumbai attack entries in Pakistan’s most wanted list

Trump downplays China's alleged 'help' to Iran in strike on Jordan base | Gravitas

Saudi Arabia discovers 110 million tonnes of Uranium-rich ore in Madinah region

3 Italians fly from Delhi to Munich without immigration clearance; Air India gets notice on major security lapse

Sent home midway from UK tour, Pakistan's Salman Agha hits 300* in domestic return

Why European Meteor missiles use ramjet engines compared to standard US solid rockets

Video of Pakistani lawmaker struggling to read English tribute to Jinnah goes viral - WATCH

Russia proposes to build 360 kmph Ivolga FG trains in India: What happened on sidelines of BRICS

Turkish Airlines plane flies through a storm three times, triggering severe turbulence

Ecstasy tablets are rage in 'drug haven' Libya | Gravitas

Pakistan puts Pak Rs 70 lakh bounty on UN terrorist Masood Azhar; move draws skepticism in Delhi

'Now Trump is copying us': Shivakumar links US $5,000 plan to Congress guarantees

China thinned Himalayan troop presence in 2025, India defence report says; terms border situation 'stable'

Baba Vanga's first prophecy for 2027 is out, and straight out of science fiction

Why Chinese PL-15 air-to-air missiles use dual-pulse motors compared to European interceptors

Nigerian Navy seizes 10,000 litres of suspected illegal fuel in Rivers State crackdown

'She married her brother': Ilhan Omar faces criminal probe over immigration fraud claims

BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla says Mohsin Naqvi 'did not object' India refusing trophy from ACC chief

Plane carrying prominent figure crashes at Libya’s Misrata airport: Report

Extreme warming in Indian Ocean added 695 billion tons of ice to Antarctica ice sheet

'Huge destructive power': North Korea calls its latest missile launches 'live-fire drill' even as US dismisses 'immediate threat'

Emmy Awards 2026: Widow's Bay and The Pitt win in lead categories- check out the complete list of winners

Trump loses Supreme Court battle over mail ballots ahead of US midterms: What happened?

Ukraine strikes Syzran Oil Refinery deep inside Russia, fires erupt

Emmys 2026 Red Carpet: Zendaya, Nicole Kidman and Julia Garner lead the glamour peak

Iran, India agree to deepen humanitarian and political ties, President Pezeshkian says

Who is Kalyan Bainsla, accused in the Gurugram hit-and-run case involving woman biker?

China discovers vast gold and silver 'mine' in the Pacific with unheard-of deposits

Emmys 2026 In Memoriam: Catherine O’Hara honoured by on-screen children Macaulay Culkin, Annie Murphy, Dan Levy; Dolly Parton, Rob Reiner remembered

UK man admits drugging, raping wife for 20 years in shocking abuse case

Newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) from Mumbai South, Arvind Sawant, will take oath as minister in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/narendra-modi-ushers-in-second-term-as-prime-minister-222608">Narendra Modi's Cabinet</a>, said Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday.

The swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister-elect Modi will be held today at 7 pm in the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

"From Shiv Sena one leader will take oath as a minister. It has been decided that one Lok Sabha MP from each NDA ally will become a minister. Uddhav ji has given Arvind Sawant`s name, he will take oath as a minister," he told ANI.

When asked to comment on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's decision to not attend the ceremony, Raut said, "No matter if Mamata Banerjee has differences but she as Chief Minister should join the swearing-in ceremony. Prime Minister helps the state in difficult times, she should not forget it. You (WB) are not a country but a state. Prime Minister holds more power as stipulated in the Constitution."

Sawant retained his parliamentary seat by defeating Congress` Milind Deora by over one lakh votes. Shiv Sena has 18 Lok Sabha MPs in the 17th Lok Sabha.

 
&nbsp;

Newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) from Mumbai South, Arvind Sawant, will take oath as minister in Narendra Modi's Cabinet, said Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday.

Newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) from Mumbai South, Arvind Sawant, will take oath as minister in Narendra Modi's Cabinet, said Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday. The swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister-elect Modi will be held today at 7 pm in the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. "From Shiv Sena one leader will take oath as a minister. It has been decided that one Lok Sabha MP from each NDA ally will become a minister. Uddhav ji has given Arvind Sawant`s name, he will take oath as a minister," he told ANI. When asked to comment on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's decision to not attend the ceremony, Raut said, "No matter if Mamata Banerjee has differences but she as Chief Minister should join the swearing-in ceremony. Prime Minister helps the state in difficult times, she should not forget it. You (WB) are not a country but a state. Prime Minister holds more power as stipulated in the Constitution." Sawant retained his parliamentary seat by defeating Congress` Milind Deora by over one lakh votes. Shiv Sena has 18 Lok Sabha MPs in the 17th Lok Sabha.

Shiv Sena's Arvind Sawant to be part of Modi's Cabinet

Former Assam Chief Minister and Congress leader Tarun Gogoi on Thursday said that party president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-workers-gather-outside-rahul-gandhis-residence-urging-him-not-to-resign-222563">Rahul Gandhi is sticking to his decision to resign</a> from the post.

"We want Rahul to continue as Congress president. But he is insisting that he will not continue as party president anymore. All members of the working committee are unanimously saying that we will not accept Rahul's resignation. We asked him to withdraw his resignation but he did not do it," Gogoi told ANI.

"In a democracy, a strong opposition is needed. Who will become a strong opposition? There is only one party Congress and Rahul has the capability to lead the party with his pan-India image," he said.

The Congress leader said that Rahul has stated that he will help the next party president.

"Rahul said he will continue till next president is chosen... He said he will fight the ideological battle with BJP and (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi. He said that he will help the next Congress president," according to Gogoi.

On May 25, Rahul had offered to step down from the post at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, taking moral responsibility for the party's dismal performance in the Lok Sabha elections.

His resignation was rejected "unanimously" by the CWC members who authorised him to do a complete overhaul and restructuring of the party at every level.

The Congress president, who won the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat, lost to BJP`s Smriti Irani from Amethi parliamentary constituency which was considered a stronghold of the party.&nbsp;

Former Assam Chief Minister and Congress leader Tarun Gogoi on Thursday said that party president Rahul Gandhi is sticking to his decision to resign from the post.

Former Assam Chief Minister and Congress leader Tarun Gogoi on Thursday said that party president Rahul Gandhi is sticking to his decision to resign from the post. "We want Rahul to continue as Congress president. But he is insisting that he will not continue as party president anymore. All members of the working committee are unanimously saying that we will not accept Rahul's resignation. We asked him to withdraw his resignation but he did not do it," Gogoi told ANI. "In a democracy, a strong opposition is needed. Who will become a strong opposition? There is only one party Congress and Rahul has the capability to lead the party with his pan-India image," he said. The Congress leader said that Rahul has stated that he will help the next party president. "Rahul said he will continue till next president is chosen... He said he will fight the ideological battle with BJP and (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi. He said that he will help the next Congress president," according to Gogoi. On May 25, Rahul had offered to step down from the post at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, taking moral responsibility for the party's dismal performance in the Lok Sabha elections. His resignation was rejected "unanimously" by the CWC members who authorised him to do a complete overhaul and restructuring of the party at every level. The Congress president, who won the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat, lost to BJP`s Smriti Irani from Amethi parliamentary constituency which was considered a stronghold of the party.

Rahul Gandhi not ready to withdraw his resignation: Congress leader Tarun Gogoi

Urging people not to indulge in speculation, Congress on Tuesday said the Congress Working Committee <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-refuses-to-meet-senior-leaders-remains-adamant-on-his-decision-to-step-down-as-congress-chief-222324">(CWC) has rejected Rahul Gandhi's resignation</a> from the party president's post and that "is the only realty".

"I don't think we should speculate. CWC has already explained that Rahul is not resigning... And it should rest there and we should not speculate. Let's not indulge in any speculation," said Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera.

When a media person said that Rahul had rejected the resolution, Khera dismissed it saying, "Maybe you know better than me."

Rahul had offered to step down from the party post at the CWC meeting held last Saturday, taking moral responsibility for Congress'&nbsp;dismal performance in the Lok Sabha elections.
Watch: Rahul insists on resigning; CWC to hold another meeting

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rahul-insists-on-resigning-as-cong-president-cwc-to-hold-another-meeting-222176/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
However, Rahul's offer of resignation was unanimously rejected by the CWC.

Sources said that despite senior leaders making serious attempts to convince him to rethink his decision, Rahul is unfazed.

Earlier in the day Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot arrived at Rahul`s residence.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala and party general secretary in-charge KC Venugopal were also present at his residence.

Along with Congress leaders, UPA ally DMK too batted for the continuance of Rahul as the party president.

Earlier in the day, DMK chief MK Stalin telephoned Rahul and urged him to continue in the post.

Urging people not to indulge in speculation, Congress on Tuesday said the Congress Working Committee (CWC) has rejected Rahul Gandhi's resignation from the party president's post and that "is the only realty".

Urging people not to indulge in speculation, Congress on Tuesday said the Congress Working Committee (CWC) has rejected Rahul Gandhi's resignation from the party president's post and that "is the only realty". "I don't think we should speculate. CWC has already explained that Rahul is not resigning... And it should rest there and we should not speculate. Let's not indulge in any speculation," said Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera. When a media person said that Rahul had rejected the resolution, Khera dismissed it saying, "Maybe you know better than me." Rahul had offered to step down from the party post at the CWC meeting held last Saturday, taking moral responsibility for Congress' dismal performance in the Lok Sabha elections. Watch: Rahul insists on resigning; CWC to hold another meeting However, Rahul's offer of resignation was unanimously rejected by the CWC. Sources said that despite senior leaders making serious attempts to convince him to rethink his decision, Rahul is unfazed. Earlier in the day Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot arrived at Rahul`s residence. Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala and party general secretary in-charge KC Venugopal were also present at his residence. Along with Congress leaders, UPA ally DMK too batted for the continuance of Rahul as the party president. Earlier in the day, DMK chief MK Stalin telephoned Rahul and urged him to continue in the post.

Let's not indulge in speculation: Congress on Rahul Gandhi's resignation

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) working president Jayakumar on Tuesday asserted that the mandate received by Congress and its allies in South India is a testimony of people's faith in party president Rahul Gandhi and hence, he must not resign respecting their faith.

He also informed that they will pass a resolution urging the Congress president to continue on the post.

Speaking to ANI, Jayakumar said, "Though Rahul ji's name was not announced for the post of Prime Minister, our largest ally DMK leader Stalin clearly said that we are going to seek votes in the name of Rahul Gandhi as the Prime Minister. People have handsomely voted for us and we all won with a large margin in the state. It is a clear indication that people accepted Rahul Gandhi even as Prime Minister of the country."

He, however, refused to comment on the party's abysmal performance in other parts of the country, while indicating that the party's performance in the state that they won in December seems hard to believe.

"In North what has happened I don`t want to get into it. We formed government in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. In these states suddenly over few months time, people`s heart and mind changed and they voted en-mass for something else, it looks very ridiculous to me", said Jayakumar.

The newly elected MP also asserted that they will be passing a resolution requesting Congress president to take back his resignation.

Jayakumar said, "I don`t accept this kind of situation from Southern side, people have voted for us en masse and they have accepted Congress and Rahul Gandhi. Therefore we cannot go and stand in front of people that our leader has resigned because some performance is bad in some part of the country. Tomorrow we are going to pass a resolution to say that Rahul should stand and lead the party. We will come with the resolution and come and meet Rahul Gandhi."

On being asked whether most Congress MP's being from South have any kind of impact, he said, "Definitely Congress party is strong in the South and it must be recognised and regarded."

A few days back on May 25, P Chidambaram got emotional while appealing to Gandhi not to step down from his post, claiming that the party`s cadres in the southern states will commit suicide.

During the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, all leaders urged Gandhi to continue as the party president, even as Rahul remained firm on his decision to resign, sources said.

Addressing media after the CWC meeting, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said Rahul has been authorised to restructure the party following its dismal performance in the recently held general elections.

When party leaders asked UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi to intervene and dissuade Rahul from resigning, she said it was up to Rahul to decide whether to step down or not, sources added.

However, his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was of the view that no decision should be taken in haste. She, sources claimed, also said if Rahul decides to resign, it would mean that he fell into BJP's trap.

While the newly-elected Wayanad MP expressed his intent to discontinue as the party president, sources said he asserted that he would continue to fight for Congress'&nbsp;ideology and work for the party.

When the 48-year-old scion of the Nehru-Gandhi family remained adamant on discontinuing as the party president, the CWC leaders rose to oppose his offer stating that he was not the one to be blamed for the party's drubbing.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) working president Jayakumar on Tuesday asserted that the mandate received by Congress and its allies in South India is a testimony of people's faith in party president Rahul Gandhi and hence, he must not resign respecting their faith.

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) working president Jayakumar on Tuesday asserted that the mandate received by Congress and its allies in South India is a testimony of people's faith in party president Rahul Gandhi and hence, he must not resign respecting their faith. He also informed that they will pass a resolution urging the Congress president to continue on the post. Speaking to ANI, Jayakumar said, "Though Rahul ji's name was not announced for the post of Prime Minister, our largest ally DMK leader Stalin clearly said that we are going to seek votes in the name of Rahul Gandhi as the Prime Minister. People have handsomely voted for us and we all won with a large margin in the state. It is a clear indication that people accepted Rahul Gandhi even as Prime Minister of the country." He, however, refused to comment on the party's abysmal performance in other parts of the country, while indicating that the party's performance in the state that they won in December seems hard to believe. "In North what has happened I don`t want to get into it. We formed government in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. In these states suddenly over few months time, people`s heart and mind changed and they voted en-mass for something else, it looks very ridiculous to me", said Jayakumar. The newly elected MP also asserted that they will be passing a resolution requesting Congress president to take back his resignation. Jayakumar said, "I don`t accept this kind of situation from Southern side, people have voted for us en masse and they have accepted Congress and Rahul Gandhi. Therefore we cannot go and stand in front of people that our leader has resigned because some performance is bad in some part of the country. Tomorrow we are going to pass a resolution to say that Rahul should stand and lead the party. We will come with the resolution and come and meet Rahul Gandhi." On being asked whether most Congress MP's being from South have any kind of impact, he said, "Definitely Congress party is strong in the South and it must be recognised and regarded." A few days back on May 25, P Chidambaram got emotional while appealing to Gandhi not to step down from his post, claiming that the party`s cadres in the southern states will commit suicide. During the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, all leaders urged Gandhi to continue as the party president, even as Rahul remained firm on his decision to resign, sources said. Addressing media after the CWC meeting, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said Rahul has been authorised to restructure the party following its dismal performance in the recently held general elections. When party leaders asked UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi to intervene and dissuade Rahul from resigning, she said it was up to Rahul to decide whether to step down or not, sources added. However, his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was of the view that no decision should be taken in haste. She, sources claimed, also said if Rahul decides to resign, it would mean that he fell into BJP's trap. While the newly-elected Wayanad MP expressed his intent to discontinue as the party president, sources said he asserted that he would continue to fight for Congress' ideology and work for the party. When the 48-year-old scion of the Nehru-Gandhi family remained adamant on discontinuing as the party president, the CWC leaders rose to oppose his offer stating that he was not the one to be blamed for the party's drubbing.

South India voted on Rahul Gandhi's name: Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president

Two days before his swearing-in ceremony, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/chemistry-triumphed-over-poll-arithmetic-pm-modi-on-lok-sabha-result-222048">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/pm-modi-transformed-kashi-in-five-years-amit-shah-221930">BJP president Amit Shah</a> on Tuesday held an extensive meeting that lasted for around five hours.

According to sources, both the leaders are believed to have discussed the shape of the government, which will be sworn in on Thursday, May 30 and the formation of the new council of ministers.

Speculations are rife on the future role of Shah inside and outside the BJP.

It is believed that Shah, who played a crucial role in the BJP's return to power with a sweeping majority, may join the government.

However, Shah himself has always evaded an answer to this, stating that he is not in the know of the matter.

Watch: Guests List For Modi's Swearing-In Ceremony

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-watch-guests-list-for-modis-swearing-in-ceremony-222357/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to sources, around 60 to 66 new ministers could be sworn-in on May 30. It will include some new faces and states like West Bengal, Telangana and Odisha, in which the party has done well, and are expected to have a good number in the council of ministers.

Sources also indicate that key members from the previous Cabinet such as Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Piyush Goyal and Narendra Singh Tomar are expected to be retained in the new government.

There are also high chances that a few previous ministers may be dropped this time due to their low performance.AIADMK, an ally of the NDA, which managed to get only one seat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, is expected to get one ministerial berth.

Shiv Sena and JD(U) are expected to get two berths while one berth each will be there for LJP and SAD.

Two days before his swearing-in ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday held an extensive meeting that lasted for around five hours.

Two days before his swearing-in ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday held an extensive meeting that lasted for around five hours. According to sources, both the leaders are believed to have discussed the shape of the government, which will be sworn in on Thursday, May 30 and the formation of the new council of ministers. Speculations are rife on the future role of Shah inside and outside the BJP. It is believed that Shah, who played a crucial role in the BJP's return to power with a sweeping majority, may join the government. However, Shah himself has always evaded an answer to this, stating that he is not in the know of the matter. Watch: Guests List For Modi's Swearing-In Ceremony According to sources, around 60 to 66 new ministers could be sworn-in on May 30. It will include some new faces and states like West Bengal, Telangana and Odisha, in which the party has done well, and are expected to have a good number in the council of ministers. Sources also indicate that key members from the previous Cabinet such as Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Piyush Goyal and Narendra Singh Tomar are expected to be retained in the new government. There are also high chances that a few previous ministers may be dropped this time due to their low performance.AIADMK, an ally of the NDA, which managed to get only one seat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, is expected to get one ministerial berth. Shiv Sena and JD(U) are expected to get two berths while one berth each will be there for LJP and SAD.

In 5-hour-long meeting, PM Modi and Amit Shah discuss new Cabinet

The oath-taking ceremony of Narendra Modi for the Prime Minister's office will be a grand spectacle at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhawan and will be attended by four Presidents, three Prime Ministers, one special envoy, India's top political class and the entire diplomatic corps. Millions will be watching it television and social media, as always is expected to see millions of tweets and posts.

The four Presidents at the ceremony are—President of Bangladesh Mohammed Abdul Hamid, President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena, President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena, President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov and President of Myanmar U Win Myint.

The three PMs include Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli &amp; Prime Minister of Bhutan Dr Lotay Tshering.&nbsp;

Remember BIMSTEC leaders along with Kyrgyzstan who is the chair of Shanghai cooperation organisation (SCO) and Mauritius, who was the Chief Guest at this year's Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, will be coming at the oath-taking ceremony.

Narendra Modi has been getting congratulatory calls and messages by world leaders since the election results were announced on May 23.

Nepal Ambassador Nilambar Acharya told WION, "We have close relations and we are confident that relationship will get further impetus in the 2nd term of Narendra Modi"

Thailand, one of the BIMSTEC country, is being represented by special envoy Grisada Boonrach since due to there own government formation.

"Thailand applauds India’s vibrant democracy &amp; welcomes the swearing in of a new government. The next 5 years will see a New India @ 75 &amp; dynamic change. Strong neighbours can reinforce this. That’s why we are honoured to be here", Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Ambassador of Thailand said, while reacting to WION on Indian invite to the neighbouring country.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan envoy Austin Fernando speaking to WION on the re-election and oath taking said, "We must remember that we are not only friends and neighbours, but relations too. Our mutual relations will certainly benefit both countries also in the future under PM Narendra Modi’s second tenure of office"

Before the oath-taking ceremony, PM will pay homage to father of nation Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, the samadhi of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Atal Samadhi &amp; the National War Memorial in front of India Gate, before he takes oath at Rashtrapati Bhawan at 7 PM.

The oath-taking ceremony of Narendra Modi for the Prime Minister's office will be a grand spectacle at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhawan and will be attended by four Presidents, three Prime Ministers, one special envoy, India's top political class and the entire diplomatic corps.

The oath-taking ceremony of Narendra Modi for the Prime Minister's office will be a grand spectacle at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhawan and will be attended by four Presidents, three Prime Ministers, one special envoy, India's top political class and the entire diplomatic corps. Millions will be watching it television and social media, as always is expected to see millions of tweets and posts. The four Presidents at the ceremony are—President of Bangladesh Mohammed Abdul Hamid, President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena, President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena, President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov and President of Myanmar U Win Myint. The three PMs include Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli & Prime Minister of Bhutan Dr Lotay Tshering. Remember BIMSTEC leaders along with Kyrgyzstan who is the chair of Shanghai cooperation organisation (SCO) and Mauritius, who was the Chief Guest at this year's Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, will be coming at the oath-taking ceremony. Narendra Modi has been getting congratulatory calls and messages by world leaders since the election results were announced on May 23. Nepal Ambassador Nilambar Acharya told WION, "We have close relations and we are confident that relationship will get further impetus in the 2nd term of Narendra Modi" Thailand, one of the BIMSTEC country, is being represented by special envoy Grisada Boonrach since due to there own government formation. "Thailand applauds India’s vibrant democracy & welcomes the swearing in of a new government. The next 5 years will see a New India @ 75 & dynamic change. Strong neighbours can reinforce this. That’s why we are honoured to be here", Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Ambassador of Thailand said, while reacting to WION on Indian invite to the neighbouring country. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan envoy Austin Fernando speaking to WION on the re-election and oath taking said, "We must remember that we are not only friends and neighbours, but relations too. Our mutual relations will certainly benefit both countries also in the future under PM Narendra Modi’s second tenure of office" Before the oath-taking ceremony, PM will pay homage to father of nation Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, the samadhi of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Atal Samadhi & the National War Memorial in front of India Gate, before he takes oath at Rashtrapati Bhawan at 7 PM.

PM Narendra Modi oath ceremony: Four Presidents, three PMs and millions glued on tv screens

Amit Shah, Gautam Gambhir, Mimi Chakraborty: A look at first-time Lok Sabha poll winners

The BJP has managed to puncture opposition's claims that the party is anti-minority by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/after-nehru-and-indira-modi-becomes-third-prime-minister-to-return-to-power-with-huge-mandate-221300">winning more than 50 per cent of the Lok Sabha seats</a> in 90 'minority-concentration' districts identified in 2008 by the then UPA government.

Besides a considerable minority population, these districts have both socio-economic and basic amenities indicators below the national average.

Of the 79 such constituencies, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-narendra-modi-surge-swept-aside-all-predictions-221494">BJP has won the maximum of 41 seats</a>, a gain of seven over 2014. Congress's share has almost halved, down from 12 in 2014 to six now.

An analyst claimed that Muslims did not vote en bloc in favour of one party or candidate this time.

On the other hand, 27 Muslim candidates won in the recently-concluded elections. However, none of the six Muslim candidates fielded by the BJP tasted success.

Watch:&nbsp;Historical mandate for BJP; Sweeps away whole opposition

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iew-historical-mandate-for-bjp-sweeps-away-whole-opposition-221416/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The winning MPs are from Trinamool Congress (5); Congress (4); Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), National Conference and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) (3 each); AIMIM (2); LJP, NCP, CPI(M) and AIUDF (one each).

The Opposition parties have been accusing the BJP of not doing enough for the minorities and also aiding and abetting attacks on them.

Nearly 20 per cent of the country's 130 crore people are Muslims.

In the minority-concentration districts, the BJP gained the most in West Bengal, which has 18 such seats. In Raiganj in Uttar Dinajpur district which has a Muslim population of nearly 49 per cent, BJP's Debasree Chaudhuri defeated TMC's Agarwal Kanaialal by 60574 votes.

In neighbouring Jalpaiguri seat, BJP candidate Jayanta Kumar Roy defeated sitting TMC MP Bijoy Chandra Barman by 184004 votes. The seat has about 20 per cent Muslim population.

In Maldaha North seat in Malda, the party's Khagen Murmu won defeating TMC's Mausam Noor by a margin of 84288 votes. The seat has nearly 50 per cent Muslim population.

In Coochbehar seat which has a Muslim population of around 30 per cent, BJP's Nisith Pramanik got the better of his nearest rival TMC's Paresh Chandra Adhikary by 54231 votes.

In Balurghat in North Dinajpur district, BJP candidate Sukanta Majumdar defeated TMC's Arpita Ghosh by a margin of 33293 votes. The seat has 35 per cent Muslim population.

In Bishnupur Lok Sabha seat (20 per cent) in Bankura, BJP candidate Saumitra Khan won by 78047 votes defeating his Trinamool Congress rival Shyamal Santra.

In Hooghly seat (20 per cent), Locket Chatterjee of the BJP defeated his TMC rival Ratna Dey (Nag) by a margin of 73362 votes while S S Ahluwalia of BJP won the Burdwan-Durgapur seat by a slender margin of 2439 votes defeating his nearest AITC rival Mamtaz Sanghamita. The seat has around 15 per cent Muslim population.

The UPA government in 2008 had identified the 90 minority-concentration districts under a development programme that focussed on education, health and skill development in these districts.

Rampur, Nagina, Moradabad, Sambhal and Amroha are among the 20 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh where Muslim voters are in a very large number.

Though the BJP performed well in the state, ensuring that the SP-BSP-RLD combine does not get a cake walk, the 'mahagathbandhan' bagged these five seats.

In Rampur, where Muslims account for nearly 50 per cent of the voters, veteran SP leader Azam Khan defeated BJP candidate and actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada by over one lakh votes.

The BSP won the Nagina seat when its candidate Girish Chandra defeated sitting BJP MP Yashwant Singh by over 1.66 lakh votes.

In Moradabad, ST Hasan of the SP defeated sitting BJP MP Kunwar Sarvesh Kumar by nearly 99,000 votes.

Another SP candidate, SR Barq defeated Parmeshwar Lal Saini of BJP in Sambhal seat.

In Amroha, Kunwar Danish Ali, who had defected from the Janata Dal (Secular) and had joined the BSP just ahead of the polls, emerged victorious trouncing sitting BJP MP Kunwar Singh Tanwar.

The Congress had fielded six Muslim candidates in Uttar Pradesh, but none of them won.

In the entire state, Muslims account for nearly 20 per cent of the population.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, not a single Muslim candidate won and the jinx was broken only during Kairana bypoll when the seat was wrested from the BJP by Tabassum Hassan, the joint opposition candidate, who had contested on RLD ticket.

In Bihar, there are seven such seats, and in Kishanganj, which has around 65 per cent Muslim population, Congress's Mohd Javed defeated JD(U)'s Syed Mahmood Ashraf by 34,466 votes.

In Araria (45 per cent), BJP's Pradip Kumar Singh defeated sitting RJD MP Sarfaraz Alam by 1,37,241 votes while in Katihar (40 per cent) Congress's Tariq Anwar (sitting MP, who won the seat on an NCP ticket) lost to Dulal Chandra Goswami of the JD(U) by 57,203 votes.

Darbhanga, having a Muslim population of about 23 per cent, saw BJP's Gopal Jee Thakur defeating RJD's Abdul Bari Siddiqui by 2,67,979 votes.

In Khagaria (23 per cent), sitting Lok Janshakti Party MP Mehboob Ali Kaisar defeated Mukesh Sahni of VIP by 2,48,570 votes, while in Banka (20 per cent) JD(U)'s Giridhari Yadav prevailed over sitting RJD MP Jai Prakash Narain Yadav by 2,00,532 votes and in Madhubani (19 per cent), BJP's Ashok Yadav defeated VIP's Badri Purbe by 4,54,940 votes.

In Assam, the Congress won two of the seats where there is a sizeable Muslim population -- Abdul Khaleque in Barpeta (over 45 per cent) and Pradyut Bordoloi in Nowgong (over 34 per cent). AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal emerged winner in Dhubri, where the Muslim population is over 65 per cent.

The BJP has managed to puncture opposition's claims that the party is anti-minority by winning more than 50 per cent of the Lok Sabha seats in 90 'minority-concentration' districts identified in 2008 by the then UPA government.

The BJP has managed to puncture opposition's claims that the party is anti-minority by winning more than 50 per cent of the Lok Sabha seats in 90 'minority-concentration' districts identified in 2008 by the then UPA government. Besides a considerable minority population, these districts have both socio-economic and basic amenities indicators below the national average. Of the 79 such constituencies, the BJP has won the maximum of 41 seats, a gain of seven over 2014. Congress's share has almost halved, down from 12 in 2014 to six now. An analyst claimed that Muslims did not vote en bloc in favour of one party or candidate this time. On the other hand, 27 Muslim candidates won in the recently-concluded elections. However, none of the six Muslim candidates fielded by the BJP tasted success. Watch: Historical mandate for BJP; Sweeps away whole opposition The winning MPs are from Trinamool Congress (5); Congress (4); Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), National Conference and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) (3 each); AIMIM (2); LJP, NCP, CPI(M) and AIUDF (one each). The Opposition parties have been accusing the BJP of not doing enough for the minorities and also aiding and abetting attacks on them. Nearly 20 per cent of the country's 130 crore people are Muslims. In the minority-concentration districts, the BJP gained the most in West Bengal, which has 18 such seats. In Raiganj in Uttar Dinajpur district which has a Muslim population of nearly 49 per cent, BJP's Debasree Chaudhuri defeated TMC's Agarwal Kanaialal by 60574 votes. In neighbouring Jalpaiguri seat, BJP candidate Jayanta Kumar Roy defeated sitting TMC MP Bijoy Chandra Barman by 184004 votes. The seat has about 20 per cent Muslim population. In Maldaha North seat in Malda, the party's Khagen Murmu won defeating TMC's Mausam Noor by a margin of 84288 votes. The seat has nearly 50 per cent Muslim population. In Coochbehar seat which has a Muslim population of around 30 per cent, BJP's Nisith Pramanik got the better of his nearest rival TMC's Paresh Chandra Adhikary by 54231 votes. In Balurghat in North Dinajpur district, BJP candidate Sukanta Majumdar defeated TMC's Arpita Ghosh by a margin of 33293 votes. The seat has 35 per cent Muslim population. In Bishnupur Lok Sabha seat (20 per cent) in Bankura, BJP candidate Saumitra Khan won by 78047 votes defeating his Trinamool Congress rival Shyamal Santra. In Hooghly seat (20 per cent), Locket Chatterjee of the BJP defeated his TMC rival Ratna Dey (Nag) by a margin of 73362 votes while S S Ahluwalia of BJP won the Burdwan-Durgapur seat by a slender margin of 2439 votes defeating his nearest AITC rival Mamtaz Sanghamita. The seat has around 15 per cent Muslim population. The UPA government in 2008 had identified the 90 minority-concentration districts under a development programme that focussed on education, health and skill development in these districts. Rampur, Nagina, Moradabad, Sambhal and Amroha are among the 20 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh where Muslim voters are in a very large number. Though the BJP performed well in the state, ensuring that the SP-BSP-RLD combine does not get a cake walk, the 'mahagathbandhan' bagged these five seats. In Rampur, where Muslims account for nearly 50 per cent of the voters, veteran SP leader Azam Khan defeated BJP candidate and actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada by over one lakh votes. The BSP won the Nagina seat when its candidate Girish Chandra defeated sitting BJP MP Yashwant Singh by over 1.66 lakh votes. In Moradabad, ST Hasan of the SP defeated sitting BJP MP Kunwar Sarvesh Kumar by nearly 99,000 votes. Another SP candidate, SR Barq defeated Parmeshwar Lal Saini of BJP in Sambhal seat. In Amroha, Kunwar Danish Ali, who had defected from the Janata Dal (Secular) and had joined the BSP just ahead of the polls, emerged victorious trouncing sitting BJP MP Kunwar Singh Tanwar. The Congress had fielded six Muslim candidates in Uttar Pradesh, but none of them won. In the entire state, Muslims account for nearly 20 per cent of the population. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, not a single Muslim candidate won and the jinx was broken only during Kairana bypoll when the seat was wrested from the BJP by Tabassum Hassan, the joint opposition candidate, who had contested on RLD ticket. In Bihar, there are seven such seats, and in Kishanganj, which has around 65 per cent Muslim population, Congress's Mohd Javed defeated JD(U)'s Syed Mahmood Ashraf by 34,466 votes. In Araria (45 per cent), BJP's Pradip Kumar Singh defeated sitting RJD MP Sarfaraz Alam by 1,37,241 votes while in Katihar (40 per cent) Congress's Tariq Anwar (sitting MP, who won the seat on an NCP ticket) lost to Dulal Chandra Goswami of the JD(U) by 57,203 votes. Darbhanga, having a Muslim population of about 23 per cent, saw BJP's Gopal Jee Thakur defeating RJD's Abdul Bari Siddiqui by 2,67,979 votes. In Khagaria (23 per cent), sitting Lok Janshakti Party MP Mehboob Ali Kaisar defeated Mukesh Sahni of VIP by 2,48,570 votes, while in Banka (20 per cent) JD(U)'s Giridhari Yadav prevailed over sitting RJD MP Jai Prakash Narain Yadav by 2,00,532 votes and in Madhubani (19 per cent), BJP's Ashok Yadav defeated VIP's Badri Purbe by 4,54,940 votes. In Assam, the Congress won two of the seats where there is a sizeable Muslim population -- Abdul Khaleque in Barpeta (over 45 per cent) and Pradyut Bordoloi in Nowgong (over 34 per cent). AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal emerged winner in Dhubri, where the Muslim population is over 65 per cent.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: BJP wins over 50% seats in 'minority-concentration' districts

Biju Janata Dal chief Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday took oath as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/naveen-patnaik-invites-modi-to-his-swearing-in-ceremony-as-odisha-cm-222062">Odisha's Chief Minister</a> for the fifth consecutive term. Along with him, a 20-member Council of Ministers were also sworn in.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar.

Patnaik's BJD stormed into power in the state Assembly polls bagging 112 of the 147 seats.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal had Patnaik to form the next government in the state.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Bhubaneswar: Gita Mehta, prominent Indian writer and sister of Naveen Patnaik also present at the swearing in ceremony of Naveen Patnaik. <a href="https://t.co/tk0dx7uBit">pic.twitter.com/tk0dx7uBit</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1133605558441979904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Governor appointed 11 Cabinet ministers and nine Ministers of State on the recommendation of the chief minister.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
PM Narendra Modi: Congratulations to Naveen Patnaik ji on taking oath as Odisha’s Chief Minister. Best wishes to him and his team in fulfilling the people’s aspirations. I assure complete cooperation from the Centre in working for Odisha’s progress. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/KCiD4D2dIN">pic.twitter.com/KCiD4D2dIN</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1133611533185904642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Patnaik, the son of former chief minister Biju Patnaik formed the BJD after quitting the Janata Dal in 1997. He became the chief minister for the first time in the year 2000 and his party had been in alliance with the BJP till 2009.&nbsp;

Patnaik was hailed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his crisis management skills when Cyclone Fani ravaged the state. The PM had said that a mass tragedy could be averted only because the state government worked in tandem with the instructions issued by the Centre and implemented it on the ground.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Biju Janata Dal chief Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday took oath as Odisha's Chief Minister for the fifth consecutive term. Along with him, a 20-member Council of Ministers were also sworn in.

Biju Janata Dal chief Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday took oath as Odisha's Chief Minister for the fifth consecutive term. Along with him, a 20-member Council of Ministers were also sworn in. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar. Patnaik's BJD stormed into power in the state Assembly polls bagging 112 of the 147 seats. On Sunday, Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal had Patnaik to form the next government in the state. Bhubaneswar: Gita Mehta, prominent Indian writer and sister of Naveen Patnaik also present at the swearing in ceremony of Naveen Patnaik. pic.twitter.com/tk0dx7uBit — ANI (@ANI) May 29, 2019 × The Governor appointed 11 Cabinet ministers and nine Ministers of State on the recommendation of the chief minister. PM Narendra Modi: Congratulations to Naveen Patnaik ji on taking oath as Odisha’s Chief Minister. Best wishes to him and his team in fulfilling the people’s aspirations. I assure complete cooperation from the Centre in working for Odisha’s progress. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/KCiD4D2dIN — ANI (@ANI) May 29, 2019 × Patnaik, the son of former chief minister Biju Patnaik formed the BJD after quitting the Janata Dal in 1997. He became the chief minister for the first time in the year 2000 and his party had been in alliance with the BJP till 2009. Patnaik was hailed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his crisis management skills when Cyclone Fani ravaged the state. The PM had said that a mass tragedy could be averted only because the state government worked in tandem with the instructions issued by the Centre and implemented it on the ground.

For record 5th time, Naveen Patnaik takes oath as Odisha Chief Minister 

The Congress party will be holding another Working Committee meeting this week to discuss the leadership issue&nbsp;amid reports of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/disquiet-in-congress-ranks-as-rahul-gandhi-insists-on-resigning-fate-of-rajasthan-and-karnataka-governments-uncertain-222058">Rahul Gandhi not ready to take back his resignation</a> as the party chief.&nbsp;

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and senior party leaders have been trying to make Rahul change his mind from exiting the post.&nbsp;

Party treasurer Ahmed Patel and organisational general secretary KC Venugopal met with Gandhi at his residence yesterday and urged him to continue to lead the party.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/what-happened-at-the-cwc-meeting-the-inside-story-221561">Congress Working Committee (CWC) met last weekend</a> to deliberate on the poll debacle and strategise on ways to bring in structural reform in the party.

It is being reported that taking the moral responsibility of party's nemesis in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, Rahul offered to step down - a move that was unanimously rejected by party's top brass.

Watch:&nbsp;Rahul adamant on resignation, wants a non-Gandhi as next Congress president

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rahul-adamant-on-resignation-wants-a-non-gandhi-as-next-congress-president-221657/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Sources said that despite senior leaders making serious attempts to convince Gandhi to rethink his decision, Gandhi is said to be unfazed, news agency ANI reported.

Party leaders, sources said, maintained that Congress cannot afford to have a new leader at the helm for rebuilding the organisation at this juncture and that the responsibility for the defeat is collective and not individual.

"The Congress party expects everyone including the media to respect the sanctity of a closed-door meeting of the CWC. Various conjectures, speculations, insinuations, assumptions, gossip and rumour mongering in a section of the media is uncalled for and unwarranted," Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala posted on Twitter.

Meanwhile, more trouble for Congress as three more state party chiefs tendered their resignations on Monday, taking the total number to six.

Congress party chiefs of Jharkhand, Assam and Punjab have also resigned in addition to those from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha.&nbsp;

Karnataka Pradesh Campaign Committee chairman HK Patil has also resigned.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Congress party will be holding another Working Committee meeting this week to discuss the leadership issue amid reports of Rahul Gandhi not ready to take back his resignation as the party chief.

The Congress party will be holding another Working Committee meeting this week to discuss the leadership issue amid reports of Rahul Gandhi not ready to take back his resignation as the party chief. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and senior party leaders have been trying to make Rahul change his mind from exiting the post. Party treasurer Ahmed Patel and organisational general secretary KC Venugopal met with Gandhi at his residence yesterday and urged him to continue to lead the party. Congress Working Committee (CWC) met last weekend to deliberate on the poll debacle and strategise on ways to bring in structural reform in the party. It is being reported that taking the moral responsibility of party's nemesis in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, Rahul offered to step down - a move that was unanimously rejected by party's top brass. Watch: Rahul adamant on resignation, wants a non-Gandhi as next Congress president Sources said that despite senior leaders making serious attempts to convince Gandhi to rethink his decision, Gandhi is said to be unfazed, news agency ANI reported. Party leaders, sources said, maintained that Congress cannot afford to have a new leader at the helm for rebuilding the organisation at this juncture and that the responsibility for the defeat is collective and not individual. "The Congress party expects everyone including the media to respect the sanctity of a closed-door meeting of the CWC. Various conjectures, speculations, insinuations, assumptions, gossip and rumour mongering in a section of the media is uncalled for and unwarranted," Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala posted on Twitter. Meanwhile, more trouble for Congress as three more state party chiefs tendered their resignations on Monday, taking the total number to six. Congress party chiefs of Jharkhand, Assam and Punjab have also resigned in addition to those from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha. Karnataka Pradesh Campaign Committee chairman HK Patil has also resigned. (With inputs from agencies)

With Rahul Gandhi firm on quitting as party chief, Congress Working Committee to meet again

Gujarat MLA and OBC leader Alpesh Thakor, who <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/alpesh-thakor-couldnt-handle-power-given-by-congress-hardik-patel-210237">resigned from the Congress party last month</a>, said that he will not join BJP though he is in contact with several of the BJP leaders.

While talking to ANI on phone, he said, "I meet several BJP leaders as I am an MLA and I have to work for my constituency but I have no plans to join BJP."

Last month, along with Alpesh Thakor, MLA Dhavalsinh Thakor and MLA Bharatji Thakor also resigned from the Congress.

Their resignation came a day ahead of the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections.

Alpesh, who came to limelight due to his quota agitation some years back, joined the Congress in 2017 ahead of the last Gujarat polls and was elected from Radhanpur.&nbsp;

Last month, Congress leader Hardik Patel on Saturday said his party gave a lot of respect and power to MLA Alpesh Thakor which the latter could not handle.

"Congress party had given so much respect and power but he could not handle it. He started playing blame games," Mr Patel told ANI.

Mr Thakor, who had joined the Congress party in 2017, ahead of last Gujarat Assembly polls, tendered his resignation after 18 months from all party posts on Wednesday evening.

Hardik Patel further alleged that the BJP tried its best to stop him from contesting the Lok Sabha polls.

"I am accepting the decision of the High Court. BJP lawyers tried their best so that I could not contest the ongoing elections. Congress wanted to take me to the Parliament. I am a 25-year-old young man and many elections will come in the future," he said.

Gujarat MLA and OBC leader Alpesh Thakor, who resigned from the Congress party last month, said that he will not join BJP though he is in contact with several of the BJP leaders.

Gujarat MLA and OBC leader Alpesh Thakor, who resigned from the Congress party last month, said that he will not join BJP though he is in contact with several of the BJP leaders. While talking to ANI on phone, he said, "I meet several BJP leaders as I am an MLA and I have to work for my constituency but I have no plans to join BJP." Last month, along with Alpesh Thakor, MLA Dhavalsinh Thakor and MLA Bharatji Thakor also resigned from the Congress. Their resignation came a day ahead of the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections. Alpesh, who came to limelight due to his quota agitation some years back, joined the Congress in 2017 ahead of the last Gujarat polls and was elected from Radhanpur. Last month, Congress leader Hardik Patel on Saturday said his party gave a lot of respect and power to MLA Alpesh Thakor which the latter could not handle. "Congress party had given so much respect and power but he could not handle it. He started playing blame games," Mr Patel told ANI. Mr Thakor, who had joined the Congress party in 2017, ahead of last Gujarat Assembly polls, tendered his resignation after 18 months from all party posts on Wednesday evening. Hardik Patel further alleged that the BJP tried its best to stop him from contesting the Lok Sabha polls. "I am accepting the decision of the High Court. BJP lawyers tried their best so that I could not contest the ongoing elections. Congress wanted to take me to the Parliament. I am a 25-year-old young man and many elections will come in the future," he said.

I have no plans to join BJP: Gujarat MLA Alpesh Thakor

In a major setback to West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress, three MLAs from West Bengal, including Trinamool Congress-turned-BJP leader Mukul Roy's son Subhrangshu Roy, along with more than 50 councillors on Tuesday joined the BJP here.

The other two MLAs are Tushar Kanti Bhattacharya from Bishnupur (Trinamool Congress) and Debendra Roy from Hemtabad (CPI-M). Roy represents Bijpur Assembly constituency.

Led by BJP leader Mukul Roy's son Subhrangshu, who was suspended by the Trinamool for six years for "demeaning the party", a large number of MLAs and councillors reached Delhi where they accepted BJP membership in the presence of Party President Amit Shah.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Kailash Vijayvargiya, BJP National General Secretary on 3 MLAs and more than 50 Councillors from WB joining BJP: Like the elections were held in seven phases in West Bengal, joinings in BJP will also happen in seven phases. Today was just the first phase. <a href="https://t.co/YbYEYK2KwU">pic.twitter.com/YbYEYK2KwU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1133325427043254272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Mukul Roy claimed in Delhi that the BJP could take control of up to 60 municipalities in the near future.

"I feel in the next two-three months the BJP will wrest 55-60 municipalities in the state," he said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
West Bengal: 16 TMC Councillors of the Kanchrapara Municipality collectively withdraw from AITC Councillor' Party. Subhrangshu Roy, son of BJP leader Mukul Roy also withdraws his membership. <a href="https://t.co/h2F9wZf4SN">pic.twitter.com/h2F9wZf4SN</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1133317419823296513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"More than 20 women councillors are here in Delhi. We are not upset with Mamata Ji (Banerjee) but BJP's massive gains in Bengal has influenced us to join the party. People are liking BJP as they are working for them," Ruby Chatterjee, TMC councillor from Garifa, Ward no 6, told ANI.

In Lok Sabha polls&nbsp;2019, BJP inflicted a massive blow to the ruling TMC by winning 18 of the 42 parliamentary constituencies, in contrast with the figure of 2 seats in the 2014 general elections.

The Mamata Banerjee-led TMC although retained the state, it won just 22 seats, as against 34 in 2014.

(With inputs from ANI)

In a major setback to West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress, three MLAs from West Bengal, including Trinamool Congress-turned-BJP leader Mukul Roy's son Subhrangshu Roy, along with more than 50 councillors on Tuesday joined the BJP here.

In a major setback to West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress, three MLAs from West Bengal, including Trinamool Congress-turned-BJP leader Mukul Roy's son Subhrangshu Roy, along with more than 50 councillors on Tuesday joined the BJP here. The other two MLAs are Tushar Kanti Bhattacharya from Bishnupur (Trinamool Congress) and Debendra Roy from Hemtabad (CPI-M). Roy represents Bijpur Assembly constituency. Led by BJP leader Mukul Roy's son Subhrangshu, who was suspended by the Trinamool for six years for "demeaning the party", a large number of MLAs and councillors reached Delhi where they accepted BJP membership in the presence of Party President Amit Shah. Kailash Vijayvargiya, BJP National General Secretary on 3 MLAs and more than 50 Councillors from WB joining BJP: Like the elections were held in seven phases in West Bengal, joinings in BJP will also happen in seven phases. Today was just the first phase. pic.twitter.com/YbYEYK2KwU — ANI (@ANI) May 28, 2019 × Mukul Roy claimed in Delhi that the BJP could take control of up to 60 municipalities in the near future. "I feel in the next two-three months the BJP will wrest 55-60 municipalities in the state," he said. West Bengal: 16 TMC Councillors of the Kanchrapara Municipality collectively withdraw from AITC Councillor' Party. Subhrangshu Roy, son of BJP leader Mukul Roy also withdraws his membership. pic.twitter.com/h2F9wZf4SN — ANI (@ANI) May 28, 2019 × "More than 20 women councillors are here in Delhi. We are not upset with Mamata Ji (Banerjee) but BJP's massive gains in Bengal has influenced us to join the party. People are liking BJP as they are working for them," Ruby Chatterjee, TMC councillor from Garifa, Ward no 6, told ANI. In Lok Sabha polls 2019, BJP inflicted a massive blow to the ruling TMC by winning 18 of the 42 parliamentary constituencies, in contrast with the figure of 2 seats in the 2014 general elections. The Mamata Banerjee-led TMC although retained the state, it won just 22 seats, as against 34 in 2014. (With inputs from ANI)

Setback for Mamata Banerjee: 2 Trinamool Congress MLAs, over 50 councillors join BJP

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth on Tuesday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "charismatic" leader like Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi and attributed the BJP's massive win in the Lok Sabha polls to his leadership.

"This Lok Sabha poll victory is a win for the individual leadership called Modi. It is the victory for a charismatic leader," he told reporters in Chennai.

He also said that he would be attending Modi's swearing-in on Thursday.

Speaking of the impact of leadership in politics he said, at the central level or state level, leaders are those who lead the respective parties to victory. "At the national level, after Jawaharlal Nehru, there were Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Vajpayee and now Narendra Modi. At the state level in Tamil Nadu, we had a Kamarajar, Anna, Kalaignar, MG Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa," said the actor.

On the national mandate he said, apart from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, there has been a Modi wave that has swept across, and that "nobody could swim against it". "Those who went with the wave have won," he added.

On the dismal performance of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu he said that the the issues such as NEET, hydrocarbon extraction project, Sterlite police firing and the strong campaign of the opposition parties have played a major role.

About his expectations from the new government he said, "They should definitely take Tamil Nadu seriously and work for the state and also link the rivers Cauvery, Godavari and Krishna."

He also appreciated fellow actor and debutant politician Kamal Haasan for garnering around four per cent vote share on debut.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-indian-superstar-rajinikanth-to-attend-pm-modis-oath-taking-222206/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Rajinikanth also said that Rahul Gandhi should not resign as Congress president following the party's debacle in the Lok Sabha elections, saying he was a youngster and perhaps had not got the cooperation of senior party leaders.

"I won't say he lacks leadership qualities, Congress is an age old party and has senior leaders. As a youngster it is difficult to manage senior leaders, senior Congress leaders have not co-operated well and worked hard. Rahul should not resign, he should prove that he can do."

In a democracy ruling party and opposition party are important, I expect the opposition party also to be strong, said Rajinikanth.

&nbsp;

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth on Tuesday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "charismatic" leader like Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi and attributed the BJP's massive win in the Lok Sabha polls to his leadership.

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth on Tuesday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "charismatic" leader like Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi and attributed the BJP's massive win in the Lok Sabha polls to his leadership. "This Lok Sabha poll victory is a win for the individual leadership called Modi. It is the victory for a charismatic leader," he told reporters in Chennai. He also said that he would be attending Modi's swearing-in on Thursday. Speaking of the impact of leadership in politics he said, at the central level or state level, leaders are those who lead the respective parties to victory. "At the national level, after Jawaharlal Nehru, there were Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Vajpayee and now Narendra Modi. At the state level in Tamil Nadu, we had a Kamarajar, Anna, Kalaignar, MG Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa," said the actor. On the national mandate he said, apart from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, there has been a Modi wave that has swept across, and that "nobody could swim against it". "Those who went with the wave have won," he added. On the dismal performance of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu he said that the the issues such as NEET, hydrocarbon extraction project, Sterlite police firing and the strong campaign of the opposition parties have played a major role. About his expectations from the new government he said, "They should definitely take Tamil Nadu seriously and work for the state and also link the rivers Cauvery, Godavari and Krishna." He also appreciated fellow actor and debutant politician Kamal Haasan for garnering around four per cent vote share on debut. Rajinikanth also said that Rahul Gandhi should not resign as Congress president following the party's debacle in the Lok Sabha elections, saying he was a youngster and perhaps had not got the cooperation of senior party leaders. "I won't say he lacks leadership qualities, Congress is an age old party and has senior leaders. As a youngster it is difficult to manage senior leaders, senior Congress leaders have not co-operated well and worked hard. Rahul should not resign, he should prove that he can do." In a democracy ruling party and opposition party are important, I expect the opposition party also to be strong, said Rajinikanth.

Rajinikanth to attend Modi's swearing-in; calls BJP win in Lok Sabha polls victory for 'charismatic' leader Modi

Congress top brass visited Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday amid reports of him not ready to take back his resignation as party chief.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Deputy CM Sachin Pilot, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Randeep Singh Surjewala were spotted arriving at Gandhi's residence in Delhi today.&nbsp;

This comes just a few days before the party is expected to hold another <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/with-rahul-gandhi-firm-on-quitting-as-party-chief-congress-working-committee-to-meet-again-this-week-222138">Working Committee meeting this week</a>.&nbsp;

The Congress party will be holding another Working Committee meeting this week to discuss the leadership issue amid reports of Rahul Gandhi not ready to take back his resignation as the party chief.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Rahul adamant on resignation, wants a non-Gandhi as next Congress president

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rahul-adamant-on-resignation-wants-a-non-gandhi-as-next-congress-president-221657/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and senior party leaders have been trying to make Rahul change his mind from exiting the post.&nbsp;

Party treasurer Ahmed Patel and organisational general secretary KC Venugopal met with Gandhi at his residence yesterday and urged him to continue to lead the party.

Congress Working Committee (CWC) met last weekend to deliberate on the poll debacle and strategise on ways to bring in structural reform in the party.

It is being reported that taking the moral responsibility of party's nemesis in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, Rahul offered to step down - a move that was unanimously rejected by party's top brass.

Congress top brass visited Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday amid reports of him not ready to take back his resignation as party chief. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Deputy CM Sachin Pilot, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Randeep Singh Surjewala were spotted arriving at Gandhi's residence in Delhi today.

Congress top brass visited Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday amid reports of him not ready to take back his resignation as party chief. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Deputy CM Sachin Pilot, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Randeep Singh Surjewala were spotted arriving at Gandhi's residence in Delhi today. This comes just a few days before the party is expected to hold another Working Committee meeting this week. The Congress party will be holding another Working Committee meeting this week to discuss the leadership issue amid reports of Rahul Gandhi not ready to take back his resignation as the party chief. Watch: Rahul adamant on resignation, wants a non-Gandhi as next Congress president UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and senior party leaders have been trying to make Rahul change his mind from exiting the post. Party treasurer Ahmed Patel and organisational general secretary KC Venugopal met with Gandhi at his residence yesterday and urged him to continue to lead the party. Congress Working Committee (CWC) met last weekend to deliberate on the poll debacle and strategise on ways to bring in structural reform in the party. It is being reported that taking the moral responsibility of party's nemesis in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, Rahul offered to step down - a move that was unanimously rejected by party's top brass.

Post surgical analysis of Congress poll debacle, Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot meet Rahul Gandhi

The president of Assam unit of the Congress party, Ripun Bora, submitted his resignation to party president Rahul Gandhi after Congress's "humiliating defeat" in the recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections.

"I take the moral responsibility for the dismal performance of the Congress party in the result of Lok Sabha elections under my leadership in Assam. Whatever may be the reason for this humiliating defeat of my party in Assam, my conscience does not allow me to continue as president of Assam PCC," Bora said in his resignation letter.

"I shall always be a disciplined soldier of my party and I am ready to dedicate myself to work for the party in the days to come. In order to give a new look to the party and rejuvenate it I think a new successor should take immediately my place," he added.

Out of the total 14 Lok Sabha seats in Assam, Congress only managed to win three, while the BJP bagged nine of them and two went to others.&nbsp;

Bora is the latest to resign over Congress's performance. Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar, party's Odisha unit chief Niranjan Patnaik and Karnataka state unit president HK Patil have already sent their resignations to Gandhi. Delhi Congress president Shiela Dikshit has also sent her resignation to the party chief.

The Congress is going through a crisis after its humiliating defeat in the Lok Sabha elections, where the voters gave a decisive mandate to BJP-led NDA to govern the country for the next fiver years. Rahul Gandhi has himself offered to resign as party president, though the proposal was rejected during the party's working committee meeting.

The president of Assam unit of the Congress party, Ripun Bora, submitted his resignation to party president Rahul Gandhi after Congress's "humiliating defeat" in the recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections.

The president of Assam unit of the Congress party, Ripun Bora, submitted his resignation to party president Rahul Gandhi after Congress's "humiliating defeat" in the recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections. "I take the moral responsibility for the dismal performance of the Congress party in the result of Lok Sabha elections under my leadership in Assam. Whatever may be the reason for this humiliating defeat of my party in Assam, my conscience does not allow me to continue as president of Assam PCC," Bora said in his resignation letter. "I shall always be a disciplined soldier of my party and I am ready to dedicate myself to work for the party in the days to come. In order to give a new look to the party and rejuvenate it I think a new successor should take immediately my place," he added. Out of the total 14 Lok Sabha seats in Assam, Congress only managed to win three, while the BJP bagged nine of them and two went to others. Bora is the latest to resign over Congress's performance. Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar, party's Odisha unit chief Niranjan Patnaik and Karnataka state unit president HK Patil have already sent their resignations to Gandhi. Delhi Congress president Shiela Dikshit has also sent her resignation to the party chief. The Congress is going through a crisis after its humiliating defeat in the Lok Sabha elections, where the voters gave a decisive mandate to BJP-led NDA to govern the country for the next fiver years. Rahul Gandhi has himself offered to resign as party president, though the proposal was rejected during the party's working committee meeting.

Assam Congress chief Ripun Bora resigns post 'humiliating defeat' in Lok Sabha polls

Preparations are going on in full swing in Varanasi ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to his parliamentary constituency today after getting a landslide victory in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

Next 5 years are crucial for India: PM Modi

Taking responsibility of the party's debacle in the recently held Lok Sabha elections, Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Ajoy Kumar Monday resigned from his post.

Ajoy Kumar handed over his resignation letter to the party's state unit in-charge R P N Singh.

"I have handed over my resignation letter to R P N Singh, party's state unit in-charge in the state, taking personal responsibility for the election results," Kumar told PTI over the phone.

It is not immediately known whether his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/punjab-congress-chief-sunil-jakhar-resigns-after-defeat-221988">resignation letter</a> was accepted.

The Congress, which led the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) in the state, contested the Lok Sabha polls from seven out of 14 seats.

Watch:&nbsp;Why did Congress' strategy fail?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-did-congress-strategy-fail-221125/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

But the party could win only one seat - Singhbhum(ST) - where former chief minister Madhu Koda's wife, Gita Koda, defeated BJP's state unit president Laxman Gilua. The JMM contested four seats and won only one seat, while Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) contested two seats and lost both.

On the other side, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) failed to open its account, though it had contested the Lok Sabha polls from Palamau (SC) and Chatra constituencies. The BJP-Ajsu Party alliance won 12 of the total 14 Lok Sabha seats in Jharkhand.

According to the pre-poll alliance, seat-sharing arrangement of the 'Mahagathbandhan', the Congress had been given the charge to head the grand alliance in Lok Sabha, while the JMM would be given responsibility during the assembly polls to be held later this year.

Taking responsibility of the party's debacle in the recently held Lok Sabha elections, Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Ajoy Kumar Monday resigned from his post.

Taking responsibility of the party's debacle in the recently held Lok Sabha elections, Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Ajoy Kumar Monday resigned from his post. Ajoy Kumar handed over his resignation letter to the party's state unit in-charge R P N Singh. "I have handed over my resignation letter to R P N Singh, party's state unit in-charge in the state, taking personal responsibility for the election results," Kumar told PTI over the phone. It is not immediately known whether his resignation letter was accepted. The Congress, which led the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) in the state, contested the Lok Sabha polls from seven out of 14 seats. Watch: Why did Congress' strategy fail? But the party could win only one seat - Singhbhum(ST) - where former chief minister Madhu Koda's wife, Gita Koda, defeated BJP's state unit president Laxman Gilua. The JMM contested four seats and won only one seat, while Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) contested two seats and lost both. On the other side, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) failed to open its account, though it had contested the Lok Sabha polls from Palamau (SC) and Chatra constituencies. The BJP-Ajsu Party alliance won 12 of the total 14 Lok Sabha seats in Jharkhand. According to the pre-poll alliance, seat-sharing arrangement of the 'Mahagathbandhan', the Congress had been given the charge to head the grand alliance in Lok Sabha, while the JMM would be given responsibility during the assembly polls to be held later this year.

Jharkhand Congress president  Ajoy Kumar resigns from post

Pappu ki Adi, the famous tea stall in Varanasi, is bustling with chai lovers on Monday.

What makes the day more special is - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/prime-minister-narendra-modi-to-visit-varanasi-today-221858">Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming to Varanasi</a>, to the place whose voters sent him to Lok Sabha for the second consecutive time in the recently concluded general elections.

Chandra Prakash Jain, a local businessman who had come to get his daily cup of tea, said the whole of Varanasi was waiting eagerly for PM Modi and added that the constituency would ensure PM Modi's win for many more terms in the future.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves at people on his way to Kashi Vishwanath temple. <a href="https://t.co/BIeoXzlwua">pic.twitter.com/BIeoXzlwua</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1132874944692531202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"We welcome Prime Minister Modiji on his first visit to Varanasi post his win in the Lok Sabha polls. The whole of Varanasi is eager to see him and thank him for the developmental work he has carried out in Varanasi and the country. He will win from here again and will definitely win two or three times more," Jain told ANI here.

Sridhar Pandey, an astrologer from Ganga Ghat, said that PM Modi is a unique leader and his love for the people knows no bounds. Pandey said he had also conducted pujas for the Prime Minister on his earlier visits.

"It is unique that a leader is coming to thank the people after winning the elections. It shows he is a unique and compassionate leader who cares for the people. His unceasing, tireless work in the past five years has made people love him even more," the astrologer said.

"We know it takes time for development but we want him to finish all the good work he has started, especially the cleaning of Ganga. I have personally accompanied PM Modi when he did aarti at the Ganga ghat in his previous trips, he is a great person," Pandey told ANI.

Ram S Mishra, a local journalist, said that there was no doubt about PM Modi's capability but also implored him to take a closer look at the work being done in his constituency.

"Kashi had chosen its MP the last time but this time we have chosen the Prime Minister of the country. This is a great achievement for Varanasi and we thank Modiji for enhancing its image in the globe," he said.

"We also want him to monitor and assess the development work in his second term as the MP from this constituency and ensure better use of funds. Kashi thanks PM Modi and will be with him always," said Mishra.

There is energy and excitement in Varanasi, a sentiment summed up in a few lines by Manoj, the son of the iconic Pappu tea stall's owner who is managing the shop since the morning."We will wholeheartedly welcome PM Modi for his rally, he has done great work in the constituency and will do much more in the future. We have full faith in him and his commitment," Manoj said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Visuals of security from Varanasi ahead of PM Narendra Modi's visit today. An LED screen has been installed at the entrance of Kashi Vishwanath Temple (pic 4) which will live stream visuals from inside when PM Modi will offer prayers. <a href="https://t.co/VObjmcgJ5E">pic.twitter.com/VObjmcgJ5E</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1132841600248188928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The preparations for Modi's welcome have been completed and the area has been decked up with BJP flags, ribbons and wall paintings of Buddha and other spiritual idols.

Cleaning and maintenance work in the area has also been completed.

An LED screen has been installed at the entrance of Kashi Vishwanath Temple which will live stream visuals from inside when PM Modi offers prayers.

Modi's visit is nothing less than a festival for the people of his constituency. Dancers, musicians, and acrobats also took to the streets of the holy city to perform and keep the crowds waiting for Prime Minister entertained.

On Sunday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also held a meeting with local administration officials in Varanasi to assess preparations for Modi's visit.&nbsp;

Pappu ki Adi, the famous tea stall in Varanasi, is bustling with chai lovers on Monday. What makes the day more special is - Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming to Varanasi, to the place whose voters sent him to Lok Sabha for the second consecutive time in the recently concluded general elections.

Pappu ki Adi, the famous tea stall in Varanasi, is bustling with chai lovers on Monday. What makes the day more special is - Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming to Varanasi, to the place whose voters sent him to Lok Sabha for the second consecutive time in the recently concluded general elections. Chandra Prakash Jain, a local businessman who had come to get his daily cup of tea, said the whole of Varanasi was waiting eagerly for PM Modi and added that the constituency would ensure PM Modi's win for many more terms in the future. #WATCH Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves at people on his way to Kashi Vishwanath temple. pic.twitter.com/BIeoXzlwua — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 27, 2019 × "We welcome Prime Minister Modiji on his first visit to Varanasi post his win in the Lok Sabha polls. The whole of Varanasi is eager to see him and thank him for the developmental work he has carried out in Varanasi and the country. He will win from here again and will definitely win two or three times more," Jain told ANI here. Sridhar Pandey, an astrologer from Ganga Ghat, said that PM Modi is a unique leader and his love for the people knows no bounds. Pandey said he had also conducted pujas for the Prime Minister on his earlier visits. "It is unique that a leader is coming to thank the people after winning the elections. It shows he is a unique and compassionate leader who cares for the people. His unceasing, tireless work in the past five years has made people love him even more," the astrologer said. "We know it takes time for development but we want him to finish all the good work he has started, especially the cleaning of Ganga. I have personally accompanied PM Modi when he did aarti at the Ganga ghat in his previous trips, he is a great person," Pandey told ANI. Ram S Mishra, a local journalist, said that there was no doubt about PM Modi's capability but also implored him to take a closer look at the work being done in his constituency. "Kashi had chosen its MP the last time but this time we have chosen the Prime Minister of the country. This is a great achievement for Varanasi and we thank Modiji for enhancing its image in the globe," he said. "We also want him to monitor and assess the development work in his second term as the MP from this constituency and ensure better use of funds. Kashi thanks PM Modi and will be with him always," said Mishra. There is energy and excitement in Varanasi, a sentiment summed up in a few lines by Manoj, the son of the iconic Pappu tea stall's owner who is managing the shop since the morning."We will wholeheartedly welcome PM Modi for his rally, he has done great work in the constituency and will do much more in the future. We have full faith in him and his commitment," Manoj said. Visuals of security from Varanasi ahead of PM Narendra Modi's visit today. An LED screen has been installed at the entrance of Kashi Vishwanath Temple (pic 4) which will live stream visuals from inside when PM Modi will offer prayers. pic.twitter.com/VObjmcgJ5E — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 27, 2019 × The preparations for Modi's welcome have been completed and the area has been decked up with BJP flags, ribbons and wall paintings of Buddha and other spiritual idols. Cleaning and maintenance work in the area has also been completed. An LED screen has been installed at the entrance of Kashi Vishwanath Temple which will live stream visuals from inside when PM Modi offers prayers. Modi's visit is nothing less than a festival for the people of his constituency. Dancers, musicians, and acrobats also took to the streets of the holy city to perform and keep the crowds waiting for Prime Minister entertained. On Sunday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also held a meeting with local administration officials in Varanasi to assess preparations for Modi's visit.

Varanasi brims with festivities as PM Modi visits holy city

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-visits-mother-heeraben-in-gandhinagar-221839">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>&nbsp;on Monday arrived in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi after getting a landslide victory in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections last week.

Preparations were in full swing in Varanasi. Banners have been put at various places in the city featuring photographs of the prime minister.

"We are keenly waiting for Prime Minister Modi to visit Varanasi. It is heartening to see that he will be our Prime Minister again," said a local.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Varanasi. He will offer prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple today and hold a meeting with party workers later today. <a href="https://t.co/35oirBCFOa">pic.twitter.com/35oirBCFOa</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1132865884949745664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Another one added, "A lot of development work was done in Varanasi. Now we are just hoping that the same will happen in the next five years as well."

Three days before taking oath as the Prime Minister for a second consecutive term, Modi will hold a roadshow in Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency, and will address the BJP workers.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/next-5-years-are-crucial-for-india-pm-modi-221853/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The chief priest of Kashi Vishwanath temple, Acharya Ashok Dwivedi, who will perform puja with Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, said the Varanasi MP has the blessings of Lord Shiva and mother Ganga has accepted him.

Admiring the success of Modi in the Lok Sabha elections, Dwivedi told ANI, "Baba Shiv and Maa Ganga have accepted him. Prime Minister has blessings of Baba with him. Our Prime Minister is the most respected leader."

"This is our fortune that Prime Minister will perform puja with all rituals as he did in 2014 Lok Sabha and state elections. He is the biggest devotee of Vishwanath baba. Even before the rituals start, he devotes himself to god, you can see tears of devotion in his eyes", he added.

PM Modi is expected to visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple. He is also expected to hold a five-kilometre-long roadshow in the constituency to celebrate his massive victory in the Lok Sabha elections.

After the 'darshan'&nbsp;and 'puja'&nbsp;at Kashi Vishwanath temple, the Prime Minister is scheduled to address the BJP workers at Deendayal Hastkala Sankul.

Modi defeated his Samajwadi Party (SP) rival Shalini Yadav by a margin of over 4.80 lakh votes in the Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi. The BJP, which had won 282 seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, managed to increase its tally and notched up 303 seats in the 2019 elections.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday arrived in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi after getting a landslide victory in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections last week.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday arrived in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi after getting a landslide victory in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections last week. Preparations were in full swing in Varanasi. Banners have been put at various places in the city featuring photographs of the prime minister. "We are keenly waiting for Prime Minister Modi to visit Varanasi. It is heartening to see that he will be our Prime Minister again," said a local. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Varanasi. He will offer prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple today and hold a meeting with party workers later today. pic.twitter.com/35oirBCFOa — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 27, 2019 × Another one added, "A lot of development work was done in Varanasi. Now we are just hoping that the same will happen in the next five years as well." Three days before taking oath as the Prime Minister for a second consecutive term, Modi will hold a roadshow in Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency, and will address the BJP workers. The chief priest of Kashi Vishwanath temple, Acharya Ashok Dwivedi, who will perform puja with Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, said the Varanasi MP has the blessings of Lord Shiva and mother Ganga has accepted him. Admiring the success of Modi in the Lok Sabha elections, Dwivedi told ANI, "Baba Shiv and Maa Ganga have accepted him. Prime Minister has blessings of Baba with him. Our Prime Minister is the most respected leader." "This is our fortune that Prime Minister will perform puja with all rituals as he did in 2014 Lok Sabha and state elections. He is the biggest devotee of Vishwanath baba. Even before the rituals start, he devotes himself to god, you can see tears of devotion in his eyes", he added. PM Modi is expected to visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple. He is also expected to hold a five-kilometre-long roadshow in the constituency to celebrate his massive victory in the Lok Sabha elections. After the 'darshan' and 'puja' at Kashi Vishwanath temple, the Prime Minister is scheduled to address the BJP workers at Deendayal Hastkala Sankul. Modi defeated his Samajwadi Party (SP) rival Shalini Yadav by a margin of over 4.80 lakh votes in the Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi. The BJP, which had won 282 seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, managed to increase its tally and notched up 303 seats in the 2019 elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Varanasi; will hold a roadshow, address party workers

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/will-work-with-pm-modi-for-betterment-of-people-of-delhi-arvind-kejriwal-after-losing-on-all-7-seats-221149">Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal</a> on Sunday motivated party workers to not get disheartened by their crushing defeat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections and said "they should now look forward to the Delhi Assembly elections," which are slated to take place next year.

Kejriwal said he is confident of getting more than 54 per cent vote share which AAP received in the last Delhi Assembly elections when it won 67 out of 70 seats.

Taking to the stage, Kejriwal congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for winning a second term and hoped that the Central government would work in good faith with the state government for the betterment of Delhi.

"People gave votes based on PM face thinking it was a national election and not one for AAP. But now it is time to go to them saying this here is the state election now and we must vote not on a name but on the basis of work done," Kejriwal said.

He urged the AAP volunteers to go to the "people of Delhi and ask them if Delhi had elected a BJP state government four years ago, would schools have been transformed, would mohalla clinics have been made, would doorstep delivery be started?"

The CM believes, based on the work they have done for people, their 54 per cent vote share in the last assembly elections would surpass this time. "The only precondition for this is that everyone sheds this air of dismay and starts afresh with a smile," he said.&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday motivated party workers to not get disheartened by their crushing defeat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections and said "they should now look forward to the Delhi Assembly elections," which are slated to take place next year.

Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday motivated party workers to not get disheartened by their crushing defeat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections and said "they should now look forward to the Delhi Assembly elections," which are slated to take place next year. Kejriwal said he is confident of getting more than 54 per cent vote share which AAP received in the last Delhi Assembly elections when it won 67 out of 70 seats. Taking to the stage, Kejriwal congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for winning a second term and hoped that the Central government would work in good faith with the state government for the betterment of Delhi. "People gave votes based on PM face thinking it was a national election and not one for AAP. But now it is time to go to them saying this here is the state election now and we must vote not on a name but on the basis of work done," Kejriwal said. He urged the AAP volunteers to go to the "people of Delhi and ask them if Delhi had elected a BJP state government four years ago, would schools have been transformed, would mohalla clinics have been made, would doorstep delivery be started?" The CM believes, based on the work they have done for people, their 54 per cent vote share in the last assembly elections would surpass this time. "The only precondition for this is that everyone sheds this air of dismay and starts afresh with a smile," he said.

Don't get disheartened by Lok Sabha defeat, look forward to Assembly polls: Kejriwal to party workers

Faced with a colossal electoral defeat, the Congress was on Monday riven by internal turmoil with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dont-want-any-post-want-to-work-for-partys-ideology-rahul-gandhi-221816">Rahul Gandhi insisting on quitting</a> as party president while its governments in Rajasthan and Karnataka teetered on the brink.&nbsp;

In the midst of the disquiet, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/punjab-congress-chief-sunil-jakhar-resigns-after-defeat-221988">several state Congress chiefs</a>, including Punjab's Sunil Jakhar, Jharkhand's Ajoy Kumar and Assam's Ripun Bora, also offered to resign following the party's drubbing in the elections, party insiders said.&nbsp;

Congress sources said Gandhi is insisting on resigning his post and is understood to have conveyed to several leaders that it is time for the grand old party to look for a new chief.&nbsp;

The Congress won only 52 out of 542 parliamentary seats in the Lok Sabha polls, just six more than its 2014 tally. The party could not open its account in 18 states and union territories.

Taking responsibility for the defeat, Gandhi on Saturday offered to resign as party president at a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the highest decision-making body of the party, but it was "unanimously rejected".&nbsp;

At the CWC meeting, Gandhi accused three senior leaders -- Ashok Gehlot, Kamal Nath and P Chidambaram -- of placing their sons above the party.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Rahul adamant on resignation, wants a non-Gandhi as next Congress president

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rahul-adamant-on-resignation-wants-a-non-gandhi-as-next-congress-president-221657/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

His sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the entire top brass of the party left Rahul Gandhi alone to fight it out against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. &nbsp; &nbsp;

As the party grapples with a severe existential crisis, its governments in both Karnataka and Rajasthan face a tough time with reports suggesting the BJP may try to wrest power in both states.

It is learnt that Congress legislators Ramesh Jarkiholi and Dr Sudhakar visited BJP leader S M Krishna's residence in Bengaluru on Sunday along with several other BJP leaders and they are understood to have deliberated on dethroning the incumbent dispensation.

Sources said a number of Congress legislators in Karnataka are understood to be unhappy over the party's electoral loss.

In Rajasthan, there have been reports of internal turmoil with several ministers demanding fixing of accountability and seeking action against those responsible for the poll debacle in the state.

The Congress drew a blank in Rajasthan as the NDA won all 25 seats. In Karnataka, where it formed a government with the JD(S) in May last year, the Congress managed to win only one Lok Sabha seat out of 28.

The party was crushed in most of the 29 states, including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, where it had defeated BJP in the assembly polls in December.&nbsp;

As crisis beset the opposition party, its chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala on Monday urged everyone to respect the sanctity of the CWC meeting and asked the media not to fall into the trap of "conjectures, insinuations, gossip and rumour-mongering".

Surjewala said it is a democratic forum for exchange of ideas and taking corrective action. It was a "closed-door" meeting and any speculation about it was unwarranted and uncalled for, he added.

He was reacting to news reports about happenings at the May 25 meeting, the first of the CWC after the Congress's humiliating defeat in the parliamentary polls.

"The Congress party expects everyone, including the media, to respect the sanctity of a closed-door meeting of the CWC. Various conjectures, speculation, insinuations, assumptions, gossip and rumour-mongering in a section of the media is uncalled for and unwarranted.

"The CWC held a collective deliberation on the performance of the party, the challenges before it as also the way ahead, instead of casting aspersions on the role or conduct of any specific individual. The gist of the deliberations was made public in the CWC resolution of May 25, 2019," the Congress leader said in a statement.

Faced with a colossal electoral defeat, the Congress was on Monday riven by internal turmoil with Rahul Gandhi insisting on quitting as party president while its governments in Rajasthan and Karnataka teetered on the brink.

Faced with a colossal electoral defeat, the Congress was on Monday riven by internal turmoil with Rahul Gandhi insisting on quitting as party president while its governments in Rajasthan and Karnataka teetered on the brink. In the midst of the disquiet, several state Congress chiefs, including Punjab's Sunil Jakhar, Jharkhand's Ajoy Kumar and Assam's Ripun Bora, also offered to resign following the party's drubbing in the elections, party insiders said. Congress sources said Gandhi is insisting on resigning his post and is understood to have conveyed to several leaders that it is time for the grand old party to look for a new chief. The Congress won only 52 out of 542 parliamentary seats in the Lok Sabha polls, just six more than its 2014 tally. The party could not open its account in 18 states and union territories. Taking responsibility for the defeat, Gandhi on Saturday offered to resign as party president at a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the highest decision-making body of the party, but it was "unanimously rejected". At the CWC meeting, Gandhi accused three senior leaders -- Ashok Gehlot, Kamal Nath and P Chidambaram -- of placing their sons above the party. Watch: Rahul adamant on resignation, wants a non-Gandhi as next Congress president His sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the entire top brass of the party left Rahul Gandhi alone to fight it out against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As the party grapples with a severe existential crisis, its governments in both Karnataka and Rajasthan face a tough time with reports suggesting the BJP may try to wrest power in both states. It is learnt that Congress legislators Ramesh Jarkiholi and Dr Sudhakar visited BJP leader S M Krishna's residence in Bengaluru on Sunday along with several other BJP leaders and they are understood to have deliberated on dethroning the incumbent dispensation. Sources said a number of Congress legislators in Karnataka are understood to be unhappy over the party's electoral loss. In Rajasthan, there have been reports of internal turmoil with several ministers demanding fixing of accountability and seeking action against those responsible for the poll debacle in the state. The Congress drew a blank in Rajasthan as the NDA won all 25 seats. In Karnataka, where it formed a government with the JD(S) in May last year, the Congress managed to win only one Lok Sabha seat out of 28. The party was crushed in most of the 29 states, including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, where it had defeated BJP in the assembly polls in December. As crisis beset the opposition party, its chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala on Monday urged everyone to respect the sanctity of the CWC meeting and asked the media not to fall into the trap of "conjectures, insinuations, gossip and rumour-mongering". Surjewala said it is a democratic forum for exchange of ideas and taking corrective action. It was a "closed-door" meeting and any speculation about it was unwarranted and uncalled for, he added. He was reacting to news reports about happenings at the May 25 meeting, the first of the CWC after the Congress's humiliating defeat in the parliamentary polls. "The Congress party expects everyone, including the media, to respect the sanctity of a closed-door meeting of the CWC. Various conjectures, speculation, insinuations, assumptions, gossip and rumour-mongering in a section of the media is uncalled for and unwarranted. "The CWC held a collective deliberation on the performance of the party, the challenges before it as also the way ahead, instead of casting aspersions on the role or conduct of any specific individual. The gist of the deliberations was made public in the CWC resolution of May 25, 2019," the Congress leader said in a statement.

Disquiet in Congress ranks as Rahul Gandhi insists on resigning, fate of Rajasthan and Karnataka governments uncertain

PM Modi to visit his parliamentary constituency Varanasi today

Taking a potshot at the "shameful defeat" of the Congress in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the Shiv Sena on Monday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi's personality "does not attract people."

"The Congress party faced a more shameful defeat than 2014 this time," Shiv Sena said in its editorial mouthpiece 'Saamana'.

"Rahul Gandhi's&nbsp;personality does not attract people and his speeches are not impressive. Is there anything that can inspire a person or the country from whatever Rahul Gandhi says?" it asked.

After analyzing Congress post the Lok Sabha elections, Shiv Sena said the grand old party is visionless right now. It also stated, "Congress party has leaders, but lacks party workers."

Shiv Sena took a jibe at the appointment of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as the party's general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh. "Congress won two seats in Uttar Pradesh in 2014, but only managed one in 2019," Shiv Sena stated.&nbsp;

Taking a potshot at the "shameful defeat" of the Congress in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the Shiv Sena on Monday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi's personality "does not attract people.

Taking a potshot at the "shameful defeat" of the Congress in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the Shiv Sena on Monday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi's personality "does not attract people." "The Congress party faced a more shameful defeat than 2014 this time," Shiv Sena said in its editorial mouthpiece 'Saamana'. "Rahul Gandhi's personality does not attract people and his speeches are not impressive. Is there anything that can inspire a person or the country from whatever Rahul Gandhi says?" it asked. After analyzing Congress post the Lok Sabha elections, Shiv Sena said the grand old party is visionless right now. It also stated, "Congress party has leaders, but lacks party workers." Shiv Sena took a jibe at the appointment of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as the party's general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh. "Congress won two seats in Uttar Pradesh in 2014, but only managed one in 2019," Shiv Sena stated.

Rahul Gandhi's personality does not attract people: Shiv Sena

The top stars of Tamil cinema, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, have been invited for the May 30 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/banglas-hasina-wont-be-able-to-attend-modis-inauguration-for-2nd-time-222041">swearing-in of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister</a> for a second term, sources close to the stars said.

While Haasan, whose fledgeling political party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) had made its electoral debut this Lok Sabha polls, Rajinikanth is yet to formalise his December 2017 announcement on taking the political plunge.

Sources close to both actors acknowledged the two being invited to Modi's swearing-in scheduled on Thursday but did not divulge if the veterans would participate.

Incidentally, Haasan has been opposed to the BJP, even expressing joy that the saffron party which swept the Lok Sabha seats in rest of the country, did not win a single seat in Tamil Nadu, saying the state did not toe the national line.

His remarks that free India's first extremist was a Hindu, referring to Nathuram Godse who had gunned down Mahatma Gandhi, had drawn a strong reaction from the state BJP, which even moved the Election Commission, seeking action against him.

Rajinikanth, whom Modi had met in the past during his visit to the city, had in December 2017 announced that he will indeed take the political plunge, by floating a party that would contest from all the 234 Assembly seats in the state in the next general elections.

The next Assembly polls are due in 2021.

Watch:&nbsp;Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena to attend Modi's swearing-in ceremony

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lankan-president-maithripala-sirisena-to-attend-modis-swearing-in-ceremony-221542/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Incidentally, commenting on the opposition uniting against Modi last year, the superstar had said the Prime Minister was 'stronger' than 10 persons aligning against him.

"When 10 persons go against one person, who is stronger? Those 10, or the persons they are aligning against. If 10 persons declare war against one man, who is stronger," he had said then on the possibility of a mega opposition alliance against Modi.

However, the veteran star had earlier questioned the 'flawed' implementation of the Modi government's demonetisation exercise in November 2016.

Modi will be administered the oath of office for his second term along with his new council of ministers on May 30 by President Ram Nath Kovind.

He is the first BJP leader who has been elected for the second time after completion of his five-year tenure, a feat so far achieved only by two Congress leaders--Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.&nbsp;

The top stars of Tamil cinema, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, have been invited for the May 30 swearing-in of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister for a second term, sources close to the stars said.

The top stars of Tamil cinema, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, have been invited for the May 30 swearing-in of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister for a second term, sources close to the stars said. While Haasan, whose fledgeling political party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) had made its electoral debut this Lok Sabha polls, Rajinikanth is yet to formalise his December 2017 announcement on taking the political plunge. Sources close to both actors acknowledged the two being invited to Modi's swearing-in scheduled on Thursday but did not divulge if the veterans would participate. Incidentally, Haasan has been opposed to the BJP, even expressing joy that the saffron party which swept the Lok Sabha seats in rest of the country, did not win a single seat in Tamil Nadu, saying the state did not toe the national line. His remarks that free India's first extremist was a Hindu, referring to Nathuram Godse who had gunned down Mahatma Gandhi, had drawn a strong reaction from the state BJP, which even moved the Election Commission, seeking action against him. Rajinikanth, whom Modi had met in the past during his visit to the city, had in December 2017 announced that he will indeed take the political plunge, by floating a party that would contest from all the 234 Assembly seats in the state in the next general elections. The next Assembly polls are due in 2021. Watch: Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena to attend Modi's swearing-in ceremony Incidentally, commenting on the opposition uniting against Modi last year, the superstar had said the Prime Minister was 'stronger' than 10 persons aligning against him. "When 10 persons go against one person, who is stronger? Those 10, or the persons they are aligning against. If 10 persons declare war against one man, who is stronger," he had said then on the possibility of a mega opposition alliance against Modi. However, the veteran star had earlier questioned the 'flawed' implementation of the Modi government's demonetisation exercise in November 2016. Modi will be administered the oath of office for his second term along with his new council of ministers on May 30 by President Ram Nath Kovind. He is the first BJP leader who has been elected for the second time after completion of his five-year tenure, a feat so far achieved only by two Congress leaders--Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.

Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan invited for swearing-in ceremony of Modi

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/your-satisfaction-is-my-lifes-mantra-pm-modi-to-varanasi-bjp-workers-221920">Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday</a> said chemistry has triumphed over poll arithmetic to give the BJP a landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections and also spoke about how his party always faced the dangers of "political untouchability" and political violence.

On a thanksgiving visit to this temple town after his victory from Varanasi parliamentary constituency for the second straight time, Modi decried the misconception that the BJP was a Hindi heartland party.

Calling himself a 'sevak' of Varanasi, Modi offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple that was preceded by a roadshow of sorts as his cavalcade traversed through the bylanes of this temple town amid high security with crowds lining the roads and people on rooftops trying to catch a glimpse of the man who will be sworn as prime minister for a second term on May 30.

"Political pundits are not aware that their thinking and logic is meant for the 20th century. Results show that beyond arithmetic there is chemistry and this time chemistry has triumphed over arithmetic," Modi told his electorate while thanking them profusely for their hardwork and dedication, four days after he steered the BJP to power at the Centre with a resounding victory of 303 seats in the Lok Sabha.

Modi, who will be taking oath as the prime minister for the second time on May 30, said the hat trick of victories in 2014, 2017 and 2019 -- vis-a-vis Uttar Pradesh -- is no mean achievement for the BJP.

"For the country, I am the PM, but for you, I am your MP, I am your sevak," he told the Varanasi electorate, wondering how political pundits still consider his party as that of the Hindi heartland. Modi's victory margin was over four lakh votes.

"There is no region where the BJP's poll percentage is not rising. We have government in Assam, getting elected in Ladakh yet political pundits say (our's is) Hindi heartland politics, this is a misconception that has been created," he said at the meeting of BJP workers.

Admitting that politics is about perception, Modi lamented that a wrong impression had been created about his party through lies and wrong logic.

"Because of this wrong awful perception, people do not like standing with us. But those creating bad and wrong perception can be defeated with the help of transparency and hard work. This is the strategy to trounce it," he said.

Modi also dwelled on the dangers faced by the BJP in the form of "political untouchability" and political violence.

"Take the cases of Kerala or Kashmir, Bengal or Tripura (these cases) it will not come in media. Some people have selective sensitivity. Hundreds of workers have been killed only for political ideology. In Tripura workers were hanged, in Bengal murders are still on, in Kerala too... Perhaps in India, only one political party has faced such killings. Violence has been given legitimacy. This is danger before us," he said.

"Babasaheb Bhimrao (Ambedkar) and (Mahatma) Gandhi had shunned untouchability but unfortunately, political untouchability is rising,...BJP workers were murdered," he said.

Amid such hatred, BJP's mantra remains 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' Modi said, adding that unlike others, his party has not come under the pressure of vote bank politics which has "spoiled" democracy.

The prime minister said he was also grateful to his opponents who fought against him.

Stressing on the significance of Opposition in democracy, he said: "When others come to power, there is no sign of opposition".

He cited the example of Tripura where there was no Opposition during the decades of Left rule but "now that we are in government there is a 'jaandar and shandar vipaksh'. This is the spirit of democracy."

Thanking Uttar Pradesh for showing the way for India and strengthening the foundation of a healthy democracy, the prime minister also spoke about his Kedarnath visit after the completion of polling.

"Since the people of Kashi had ordered me not to come here for a month after filing my nomination papers, I thought if not Baba in Kashi then (baba) elsewhere," he said, adding perhaps no other candidate is as satisfied or contended as he was (before the results are announced) and its reason was the confidence of Kashivasis.

Earlier, BJP president Amit Shah said Modi has only shown a glimpse of development and Kashi will turn into an amazing city in the next five years.

In the city along with the prime minister for thanking the electorate and party workers for the landslide win in the recent Lok Sabha elections, the BJP president said what a difference had come in Kashi of 2014 and today.

Watch:&nbsp;'Chemistry defeated arithmetic in 2019 LS polls', says PM Modi

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chesmistry-defeated-arithmetic-in-2019-ls-polls-pm-modi-221971/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Hinting at the SP-BSP-RLD alliance, he said some media was predicting Modi will not get clear majority but the party successfully gave a call for working on achieving 50 per cent vote share.

Both Shah and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in their speeches here, focused on the "gruelling" campaigning Modi undertook in the run-up to the general elections.

Stressing on coordination between the government and party organisation, Modi said, "the perfect synergy between the government and party organisation was a big power and the BJP has realised it."

"The Government makes policies while the organisation makes 'ranniti' (strategy). The synergy of 'niti' (policies) and 'ranniti' (strategy) is the mirror of sarkar and organisation and the country is getting its benefits," he said.

"Work and workers create wonders," he said, giving full credit for his victory to the workers at the grassroots level for creating awareness of his government's policies and programmes for the people.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said chemistry has triumphed over poll arithmetic to give the BJP a landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections and also spoke about how his party always faced the dangers of "political untouchability" and political violence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said chemistry has triumphed over poll arithmetic to give the BJP a landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections and also spoke about how his party always faced the dangers of "political untouchability" and political violence. On a thanksgiving visit to this temple town after his victory from Varanasi parliamentary constituency for the second straight time, Modi decried the misconception that the BJP was a Hindi heartland party. Calling himself a 'sevak' of Varanasi, Modi offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple that was preceded by a roadshow of sorts as his cavalcade traversed through the bylanes of this temple town amid high security with crowds lining the roads and people on rooftops trying to catch a glimpse of the man who will be sworn as prime minister for a second term on May 30. "Political pundits are not aware that their thinking and logic is meant for the 20th century. Results show that beyond arithmetic there is chemistry and this time chemistry has triumphed over arithmetic," Modi told his electorate while thanking them profusely for their hardwork and dedication, four days after he steered the BJP to power at the Centre with a resounding victory of 303 seats in the Lok Sabha. Modi, who will be taking oath as the prime minister for the second time on May 30, said the hat trick of victories in 2014, 2017 and 2019 -- vis-a-vis Uttar Pradesh -- is no mean achievement for the BJP. "For the country, I am the PM, but for you, I am your MP, I am your sevak," he told the Varanasi electorate, wondering how political pundits still consider his party as that of the Hindi heartland. Modi's victory margin was over four lakh votes. "There is no region where the BJP's poll percentage is not rising. We have government in Assam, getting elected in Ladakh yet political pundits say (our's is) Hindi heartland politics, this is a misconception that has been created," he said at the meeting of BJP workers. Admitting that politics is about perception, Modi lamented that a wrong impression had been created about his party through lies and wrong logic. "Because of this wrong awful perception, people do not like standing with us. But those creating bad and wrong perception can be defeated with the help of transparency and hard work. This is the strategy to trounce it," he said. Modi also dwelled on the dangers faced by the BJP in the form of "political untouchability" and political violence. "Take the cases of Kerala or Kashmir, Bengal or Tripura (these cases) it will not come in media. Some people have selective sensitivity. Hundreds of workers have been killed only for political ideology. In Tripura workers were hanged, in Bengal murders are still on, in Kerala too... Perhaps in India, only one political party has faced such killings. Violence has been given legitimacy. This is danger before us," he said. "Babasaheb Bhimrao (Ambedkar) and (Mahatma) Gandhi had shunned untouchability but unfortunately, political untouchability is rising,...BJP workers were murdered," he said. Amid such hatred, BJP's mantra remains 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' Modi said, adding that unlike others, his party has not come under the pressure of vote bank politics which has "spoiled" democracy. The prime minister said he was also grateful to his opponents who fought against him. Stressing on the significance of Opposition in democracy, he said: "When others come to power, there is no sign of opposition". He cited the example of Tripura where there was no Opposition during the decades of Left rule but "now that we are in government there is a 'jaandar and shandar vipaksh'. This is the spirit of democracy." Thanking Uttar Pradesh for showing the way for India and strengthening the foundation of a healthy democracy, the prime minister also spoke about his Kedarnath visit after the completion of polling. "Since the people of Kashi had ordered me not to come here for a month after filing my nomination papers, I thought if not Baba in Kashi then (baba) elsewhere," he said, adding perhaps no other candidate is as satisfied or contended as he was (before the results are announced) and its reason was the confidence of Kashivasis. Earlier, BJP president Amit Shah said Modi has only shown a glimpse of development and Kashi will turn into an amazing city in the next five years. In the city along with the prime minister for thanking the electorate and party workers for the landslide win in the recent Lok Sabha elections, the BJP president said what a difference had come in Kashi of 2014 and today. Watch: 'Chemistry defeated arithmetic in 2019 LS polls', says PM Modi Hinting at the SP-BSP-RLD alliance, he said some media was predicting Modi will not get clear majority but the party successfully gave a call for working on achieving 50 per cent vote share. Both Shah and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in their speeches here, focused on the "gruelling" campaigning Modi undertook in the run-up to the general elections. Stressing on coordination between the government and party organisation, Modi said, "the perfect synergy between the government and party organisation was a big power and the BJP has realised it." "The Government makes policies while the organisation makes 'ranniti' (strategy). The synergy of 'niti' (policies) and 'ranniti' (strategy) is the mirror of sarkar and organisation and the country is getting its benefits," he said. "Work and workers create wonders," he said, giving full credit for his victory to the workers at the grassroots level for creating awareness of his government's policies and programmes for the people.

Chemistry triumphed over poll arithmetic: PM Modi on Lok Sabha result

Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar has resigned on Monday after he lost the Gurdaspur seat to Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) actor-turned-politician Sunny Deol.

In his resignation letter, Jakhar took moral responsibility for losing his seat and also party's poor performance in the state.

Jakhar said that he was unable to retain his seat despite the support from the Congress President, General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi and Chief Minister Amarinder Singh.

Earlier today, the president of Assam unit of the Congress party, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/assam-congress-committee-president-resigns-post-humiliating-defeat-in-lok-sabha-polls-221861">Ripun Bora, also submitted his resignation</a> to party president Rahul Gandhi.

Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar, party's Odisha unit chief Niranjan Patnaik and Karnataka state unit president HK Patil have already sent their resignations to Gandhi.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Rahul adamant on resignation, wants a non-Gandhi as next Congress president

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rahul-adamant-on-resignation-wants-a-non-gandhi-as-next-congress-president-221657/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Delhi Congress president Shiela Dikshit has also sent her resignation to the party chief.

The Congress is going through a crisis after its humiliating defeat in the Lok Sabha elections, where the voters gave a decisive mandate to BJP-led NDA to govern the country for the next five years.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi has himself offered to resign as party president, though the proposal was rejected during the party's working committee meeting.

(With inputs from agencies)

Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar has resigned on Monday after he lost the Gurdaspur seat to Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) actor-turned-politician Sunny Deol. In his resignation letter, Jakhar took moral responsibility for losing his seat and also party's poor performance in the state.

Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar has resigned on Monday after he lost the Gurdaspur seat to Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) actor-turned-politician Sunny Deol. In his resignation letter, Jakhar took moral responsibility for losing his seat and also party's poor performance in the state. Jakhar said that he was unable to retain his seat despite the support from the Congress President, General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi and Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. Earlier today, the president of Assam unit of the Congress party, Ripun Bora, also submitted his resignation to party president Rahul Gandhi. Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar, party's Odisha unit chief Niranjan Patnaik and Karnataka state unit president HK Patil have already sent their resignations to Gandhi. Watch: Rahul adamant on resignation, wants a non-Gandhi as next Congress president Delhi Congress president Shiela Dikshit has also sent her resignation to the party chief. The Congress is going through a crisis after its humiliating defeat in the Lok Sabha elections, where the voters gave a decisive mandate to BJP-led NDA to govern the country for the next five years. Rahul Gandhi has himself offered to resign as party president, though the proposal was rejected during the party's working committee meeting. (With inputs from agencies)

Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar resigns after defeat