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The Rajya Sabha has 245 MPs, of which 241 are elected and four are nominated. At present, the BJP and its allies have 102 members in the Rajya Sabha20 seats short of a simple majority. How will the BJP get these additional 20 seats?

IEW: BJP eyes majority in Rajya Sabha

Elections in India has been summed up now, PM Modi led BJP+ gets massive mandate and surely done a serious damage to opposition. People choose 'chowkidaar' over 'Naamdaar' again for the next 5 years.

IEW: PM Modi 2.0; what to expect?

After <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-draws-a-blank-in-18-states-and-union-territories-221310">facing a defeat for the second time in the consecutive Lok Sabha elections</a>, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) is meeting today to discuss the reason for party's debacle.

Though there was no official word on the agenda for the meeting, sources said the committee will talk about future strategies.

The CWC is also expected to take stock of the party's loss in Uttar Pradesh.

Congress, despite extensive campaigning by its president Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, was decimated to a single seat in Uttar Pradesh - Sonia Gandhi's Raebareli Lok Sabha seat. Rahul Gandhi, who represented the Amethi seat since 2004, lost to BJP's Smriti Irani.

The source also indicated that the committee is likely to discuss the party's complete loss in the states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh where it had won the Assembly elections just five months ago.

All members of the committee have been instructed to talk and put their proposal openly in front of the committee in the meeting today, the sources said.

Speculations are that the party president Rahul Gandhi is likely to offer his resignation accepting moral responsibility for the debacle.

However, Gandhi's offer may not be accepted and the party may reaffirm its faith to work under his leadership, said sources. Gandhi apparently wants to send a signal that he was also accountable for the party's performance which was not any better than the 2014 results.

In the last elections, the Congress had won 44 seats, the lowest-score in its history, and improved its tally marginally by 8 to reach 52 seats in the latest elections.

Meanwhile, presidents of the party units in states like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha have offered to resign from their post accepting responsibility for the poor showing of the party in the just-concluded elections.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

After facing a defeat for the second time in the consecutive Lok Sabha elections, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) is meeting today to discuss the reason for party's debacle.

After facing a defeat for the second time in the consecutive Lok Sabha elections, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) is meeting today to discuss the reason for party's debacle. Though there was no official word on the agenda for the meeting, sources said the committee will talk about future strategies. The CWC is also expected to take stock of the party's loss in Uttar Pradesh. Congress, despite extensive campaigning by its president Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, was decimated to a single seat in Uttar Pradesh - Sonia Gandhi's Raebareli Lok Sabha seat. Rahul Gandhi, who represented the Amethi seat since 2004, lost to BJP's Smriti Irani. The source also indicated that the committee is likely to discuss the party's complete loss in the states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh where it had won the Assembly elections just five months ago. All members of the committee have been instructed to talk and put their proposal openly in front of the committee in the meeting today, the sources said. Speculations are that the party president Rahul Gandhi is likely to offer his resignation accepting moral responsibility for the debacle. However, Gandhi's offer may not be accepted and the party may reaffirm its faith to work under his leadership, said sources. Gandhi apparently wants to send a signal that he was also accountable for the party's performance which was not any better than the 2014 results. In the last elections, the Congress had won 44 seats, the lowest-score in its history, and improved its tally marginally by 8 to reach 52 seats in the latest elections. Meanwhile, presidents of the party units in states like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha have offered to resign from their post accepting responsibility for the poor showing of the party in the just-concluded elections.

Lok Sabha elections 2019: Congress may introspect poll debacle in CWC meeting today

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi arrives for Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting. The meeting will begin shortly. Watch full video to know more.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi arrives for Congress Working Committee meeting

After registering <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">a landslide win in the Lok Sabha polls</a>, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit his home state, Gujarat and seek blessings from his mother.&nbsp;

In a tweet posted on Saturday, the prime minister stated that he will be in Gujarat on Sunday after which he will head to his Parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, on Monday "to thank the people of this great land for reposing their faith in me," his tweet read.

"Will be going to Gujarat tomorrow evening, to seek blessings of my Mother. Day after tomorrow morning, I will be in Kashi to thank the people of this great land for reposing their faith in me," PM Modi had tweeted.&nbsp;

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Will be going to Gujarat tomorrow evening, to seek blessings of my Mother. Day after tomorrow morning, I will be in Kashi to thank the people of this great land for reposing their faith in me.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1132145099767517185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Beating the anti-incumbency of his first five years in power, Prime Minister Modi on Thursday secured an even greater mandate for the second straight term.

Marking another historic victory, PM Modi-led BJP crossed over 300 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. The party had won 282 seats in the 2014 general election.

After registering a landslide win in the Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit his home state, Gujarat and seek blessings from his mother.

After registering a landslide win in the Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit his home state, Gujarat and seek blessings from his mother. In a tweet posted on Saturday, the prime minister stated that he will be in Gujarat on Sunday after which he will head to his Parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, on Monday "to thank the people of this great land for reposing their faith in me," his tweet read. "Will be going to Gujarat tomorrow evening, to seek blessings of my Mother. Day after tomorrow morning, I will be in Kashi to thank the people of this great land for reposing their faith in me," PM Modi had tweeted. Will be going to Gujarat tomorrow evening, to seek blessings of my Mother. Day after tomorrow morning, I will be in Kashi to thank the people of this great land for reposing their faith in me. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 25, 2019 × Beating the anti-incumbency of his first five years in power, Prime Minister Modi on Thursday secured an even greater mandate for the second straight term. Marking another historic victory, PM Modi-led BJP crossed over 300 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. The party had won 282 seats in the 2014 general election.

PM Modi to visit Gujarat on Sunday to seek blessings of mother, will head to Varanasi on Monday

Narendra Modi relected as India's PM with a heavy mandate. The stats are very huge and sweeps away each and every opposition party in India. Looks like today India shows that they had choose development over the 'Dynasty' rule.

IEW: What's next for PM Modi?

With the Congress party staring at a massive loss in the Lok Sabha elections, party chief Rahul Gandhi set a couple of records that are bound to be remembered in the electoral history of India.&nbsp;

Gandhi registered a landslide win from Kerala's Wayanad Parliamentary constituency by a margin of over 4 lakh votes, at the same time he lost Congress stronghold Amethi to BJP opponent and Union minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/in-a-neck-and-neck-battle-smriti-irani-defeats-rahul-gandhi-in-amethi-221025">Smriti Irani by over 50,000 votes</a>.

A win from Wayanad exhibits locals' expectation from the Congress as the area, although being a hub of tourism in the state, is marred by severe infrastructural lapses. Locals here have to travel for kilometres to Calicut or neighbouring cities for medical treatments.&nbsp;

On the other hand, losing Amethi translates into a big blow for the Congress. This could even exhibit the grand old party losing its grip in Uttar Pradesh, moreover on its traditional bastions.&nbsp;

Gandhi, however, gave a tough fight to Irani and the electoral battle for Amethi, which throughout the counting day, was seen as a neck-to-neck one.&nbsp;

It must be noted that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance had refrained from fielding candidates on Congress key seats in Uttar Pradesh, including Amethi and Raebareli, to ensure BJP's defeat - a strategy which hasn't quite seemed to have materialised.&nbsp;

Gandhi on Thursday evening said that he respects people's verdict as he <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-rahul-gandhi-concedes-defeat-asks-congress-workers-not-to-lose-hope-221026">conceded defeat in the Lok Sabha election</a>.

Addressing a press conference as Modi's government returned to power with a thumping majority, Rahul Gandhi said people of India decided Narendra Modi will be the Prime Minister and ''I respect their verdict''.&nbsp;

''I congratulate PM Modi and the BJP for their win,'' &nbsp;the Congress president said.&nbsp;

''Our fight is ideological, he said and added there are two ideologies - one followed by Mr Narendra Modi and the other one followed by the Congress party.&nbsp;

The Congress president asked the people not to be scared as ''we are there''.

Congratulating BJP's Smriti Irani for her victory in Amethi, he said people of Amethi had given their mandate.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the result for the Lok Sabha polls spelt a massive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party and another term from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The party, along with its allies, maintained a comfortable lead on over 280 seats, which rose up on over 340 seats as the day progressed.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Congress accepts defeat in Lok Sabha Election

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With the Congress party staring at a massive loss in the Lok Sabha elections, party chief Rahul Gandhi set a couple of records that are bound to be remembered in the electoral history of India.

With the Congress party staring at a massive loss in the Lok Sabha elections, party chief Rahul Gandhi set a couple of records that are bound to be remembered in the electoral history of India. Gandhi registered a landslide win from Kerala's Wayanad Parliamentary constituency by a margin of over 4 lakh votes, at the same time he lost Congress stronghold Amethi to BJP opponent and Union minister Smriti Irani by over 50,000 votes. A win from Wayanad exhibits locals' expectation from the Congress as the area, although being a hub of tourism in the state, is marred by severe infrastructural lapses. Locals here have to travel for kilometres to Calicut or neighbouring cities for medical treatments. On the other hand, losing Amethi translates into a big blow for the Congress. This could even exhibit the grand old party losing its grip in Uttar Pradesh, moreover on its traditional bastions. Gandhi, however, gave a tough fight to Irani and the electoral battle for Amethi, which throughout the counting day, was seen as a neck-to-neck one. It must be noted that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance had refrained from fielding candidates on Congress key seats in Uttar Pradesh, including Amethi and Raebareli, to ensure BJP's defeat - a strategy which hasn't quite seemed to have materialised. Gandhi on Thursday evening said that he respects people's verdict as he conceded defeat in the Lok Sabha election. Addressing a press conference as Modi's government returned to power with a thumping majority, Rahul Gandhi said people of India decided Narendra Modi will be the Prime Minister and ''I respect their verdict''. ''I congratulate PM Modi and the BJP for their win,'' the Congress president said. ''Our fight is ideological, he said and added there are two ideologies - one followed by Mr Narendra Modi and the other one followed by the Congress party. The Congress president asked the people not to be scared as ''we are there''. Congratulating BJP's Smriti Irani for her victory in Amethi, he said people of Amethi had given their mandate. Meanwhile, the result for the Lok Sabha polls spelt a massive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party and another term from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The party, along with its allies, maintained a comfortable lead on over 280 seats, which rose up on over 340 seats as the day progressed. Watch: Congress accepts defeat in Lok Sabha Election ×

In historic Lok Sabha polls, Rahul Gandhi scripts two electoral records

Union Finance Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/election-results-to-be-in-consonance-with-exit-polls-outcome-arun-jaitley-220128">Arun Jaitley</a> is unlikely to continue in his current role due to poor health as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-result-2019-pm-modi-thanks-world-leaders-sportspersons-and-celebrities-for-their-wishes-on-twitter-221240">Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his second term,</a> according to four sources with knowledge of the matter.

The sources said that Jaitley, 66, is unlikely to take up any offer to continue in the top job steering Asia's third-largest economy as his health has deteriorated over the past few months.

The Bharatiya Janata Party swept the Indian general election with a historic mandate of about 300 out of 542 parliamentary seats that were contested, results announced by the Election Commission of India on May 23 showed.

"He is definitely not taking the post of the finance minister simply because he is very unwell," one of the sources, who did not want to be named, told Reuters.

"If at all, he might take up a less stressful role."

Jaitley did not return messages. His mobile phone didn't ring.

His officer on special duty, Paras Sankhla, did not respond to calls, mail and messages. Jaitley's personal secretary SD&nbsp;Ranakoti and assistant secretary Padam Singh Jamwal did not immediately respond to an email.

Jaitley, who is one of the top three leaders in the BJP and the government, after PM Modi and party President Amit Shah, was not seen at the celebrations at BJP headquarters on Thursday night. Both Modi and Shah gave victory speeches at the event.

He has not been seen in public for at least two weeks but has been publishing blogs and messages on social media.

Chief troubleshooter

In his latest message on social media, Jaitley congratulated Prime Minister Modi and all the workers of the BJP and its allies on the victory.

"Aspirational India does not accept royalties, dynasties and caste-based parties," he said in an apparent swipe at the opposition Congress party led by Rahul Gandhi, the fourth scion of the Gandhi family.

Jaitley, a lawyer-turned-politician, is one of the most important leaders in the current cabinet. He often acts as a chief troubleshooter.

In the past five years, Jaitley has steered through parliament major economic legislation such as a nationwide goods and services tax - which had languished for nearly two decades - and has defended controversial policies for the government.

Modi had given him the responsibility of three ministries when he first took office in 2014, finance, defence and information and broadcasting ministries.

A diabetic, Jaitley's health issues became worse after he had a kidney transplant in May last year. He also had to skip the interim budget in February when he was in hospital in the United States getting cancer treatment.

Shah, Modi's right-hand man, could be a candidate to take up the finance ministry, according to a senior minister in the current government, who did not want to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue.

India's economy is showing major signs of a slowdown after three consecutive years of 7% plus growth rates and the next finance minister is expected to seek to provide some economic stimulus without blowing the lid off the nation's fiscal deficit.

Piyush Goyal, 54, current railways and coal minister, also could be considered given that he stepped into the role twice in the Modi government between 2014 and 2019 when Jaitley was out sick.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is unlikely to continue in his current role due to poor health as Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his second term, according to four sources with knowledge of the matter.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is unlikely to continue in his current role due to poor health as Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his second term, according to four sources with knowledge of the matter. The sources said that Jaitley, 66, is unlikely to take up any offer to continue in the top job steering Asia's third-largest economy as his health has deteriorated over the past few months. The Bharatiya Janata Party swept the Indian general election with a historic mandate of about 300 out of 542 parliamentary seats that were contested, results announced by the Election Commission of India on May 23 showed. "He is definitely not taking the post of the finance minister simply because he is very unwell," one of the sources, who did not want to be named, told Reuters. "If at all, he might take up a less stressful role." Jaitley did not return messages. His mobile phone didn't ring. His officer on special duty, Paras Sankhla, did not respond to calls, mail and messages. Jaitley's personal secretary SD Ranakoti and assistant secretary Padam Singh Jamwal did not immediately respond to an email. Jaitley, who is one of the top three leaders in the BJP and the government, after PM Modi and party President Amit Shah, was not seen at the celebrations at BJP headquarters on Thursday night. Both Modi and Shah gave victory speeches at the event. He has not been seen in public for at least two weeks but has been publishing blogs and messages on social media. Chief troubleshooter In his latest message on social media, Jaitley congratulated Prime Minister Modi and all the workers of the BJP and its allies on the victory. "Aspirational India does not accept royalties, dynasties and caste-based parties," he said in an apparent swipe at the opposition Congress party led by Rahul Gandhi, the fourth scion of the Gandhi family. Jaitley, a lawyer-turned-politician, is one of the most important leaders in the current cabinet. He often acts as a chief troubleshooter. In the past five years, Jaitley has steered through parliament major economic legislation such as a nationwide goods and services tax - which had languished for nearly two decades - and has defended controversial policies for the government. Modi had given him the responsibility of three ministries when he first took office in 2014, finance, defence and information and broadcasting ministries. A diabetic, Jaitley's health issues became worse after he had a kidney transplant in May last year. He also had to skip the interim budget in February when he was in hospital in the United States getting cancer treatment. Shah, Modi's right-hand man, could be a candidate to take up the finance ministry, according to a senior minister in the current government, who did not want to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue. India's economy is showing major signs of a slowdown after three consecutive years of 7% plus growth rates and the next finance minister is expected to seek to provide some economic stimulus without blowing the lid off the nation's fiscal deficit. Piyush Goyal, 54, current railways and coal minister, also could be considered given that he stepped into the role twice in the Modi government between 2014 and 2019 when Jaitley was out sick.

Arun Jaitley unlikely to remain finance minister in PM Modi's new term: Report

Disgruntled AAP MLA Alka Lamba launched a veiled attack on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over AAP's crushing loss in Lok Sabha elections, asking shouldn't the person who took all the decisions in a closed room own the responsibility and quit.

She lashed out at her party after she was again removed from AAP's MLA WhatsApp group, which includes Kejriwal.

Without naming him, Lamba said that at a time when the party came third in the CM's constituency, lost in all 70 assembly segments and lost its security deposit, shouldn't the person, who sat in a closed room and took all decisions on alliance and candidates, quit.

"Kejriwal ji, you are yourself admitting that you made very big mistakes due to which the party fared badly in the Lok Sabha polls. Without looking at the mistakes made by the party you have asked us to apologise to people. We should introspect on the mistakes," she said.

AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bhardwaj said that the party did not want to comment on her.

"She is an attention-seeker. Some MLAs had raised a point that some people are unhappy about a few local works in their area. To that the chief minister had asked them to meet such people with humility, assure them of speedy work and apologise for inconvenience," he said.

Sharing screenshots of the WhatsApp group on Twitter, which purportedly shows that she was removed by AAP's North East Delhi candidate Dilip Pandey, Lamba asked why was she being held responsible for the party's crushing loss in the Lok Sabha elections.

Pandey did not respond on the matter.

"I have always been telling the party what you (Kejriwal) are telling them now. I am sometimes added to the group, sometimes removed. It would have been better if a meeting was held to introspect, look at the shortcomings and move ahead," she said.

Lamba claimed that she had raised questions about the party performance in the Lok Sabha polls which did not go down well with the AAP.

The MLA from Chandni Chowk also claimed that some legislators had told her that her tweet praising Naveen Patnaik, for winning the fifth term as chief minister of Odisha, was not appreciated by party leaders.

The AAP suffered a crushing defeat in the polls and lost on all seven seats in Delhi with a margin of lakhs of votes.

This is the second time that Lamba has been dropped from the group. She was earlier dropped in December last year when she raised objection over the party's resolution to revoke Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna.

However, she was added before poll campaigning and was expected to campaign for the party. But Lamba refused and even refrained from participating in Kejriwal's roadshow after she was asked to walk behind his car during the show.

In April, Lamba engaged in a bitter Twitter spat with Bharadwaj, who had taunted her to resign from the party.

Following the spat, she addressed a large crowd outside Jama Masjid and said the party was repeatedly demanding her resignation.

She had alleged that the party leadership was "weakening" her and said she was being accused of attempting to switch over to the Congress. 
Before joining the AAP, Lamba was part of the Congress women's wing.

Disgruntled AAP MLA Alka Lamba launched a veiled attack on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over AAP's crushing loss in Lok Sabha elections, asking shouldn't the person who took all the decisions in a closed room own the responsibility and quit.

Disgruntled AAP MLA Alka Lamba launched a veiled attack on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over AAP's crushing loss in Lok Sabha elections, asking shouldn't the person who took all the decisions in a closed room own the responsibility and quit. She lashed out at her party after she was again removed from AAP's MLA WhatsApp group, which includes Kejriwal. Without naming him, Lamba said that at a time when the party came third in the CM's constituency, lost in all 70 assembly segments and lost its security deposit, shouldn't the person, who sat in a closed room and took all decisions on alliance and candidates, quit. "Kejriwal ji, you are yourself admitting that you made very big mistakes due to which the party fared badly in the Lok Sabha polls. Without looking at the mistakes made by the party you have asked us to apologise to people. We should introspect on the mistakes," she said. AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bhardwaj said that the party did not want to comment on her. "She is an attention-seeker. Some MLAs had raised a point that some people are unhappy about a few local works in their area. To that the chief minister had asked them to meet such people with humility, assure them of speedy work and apologise for inconvenience," he said. Sharing screenshots of the WhatsApp group on Twitter, which purportedly shows that she was removed by AAP's North East Delhi candidate Dilip Pandey, Lamba asked why was she being held responsible for the party's crushing loss in the Lok Sabha elections. Pandey did not respond on the matter. "I have always been telling the party what you (Kejriwal) are telling them now. I am sometimes added to the group, sometimes removed. It would have been better if a meeting was held to introspect, look at the shortcomings and move ahead," she said. Lamba claimed that she had raised questions about the party performance in the Lok Sabha polls which did not go down well with the AAP. The MLA from Chandni Chowk also claimed that some legislators had told her that her tweet praising Naveen Patnaik, for winning the fifth term as chief minister of Odisha, was not appreciated by party leaders. The AAP suffered a crushing defeat in the polls and lost on all seven seats in Delhi with a margin of lakhs of votes. This is the second time that Lamba has been dropped from the group. She was earlier dropped in December last year when she raised objection over the party's resolution to revoke Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna. However, she was added before poll campaigning and was expected to campaign for the party. But Lamba refused and even refrained from participating in Kejriwal's roadshow after she was asked to walk behind his car during the show. In April, Lamba engaged in a bitter Twitter spat with Bharadwaj, who had taunted her to resign from the party. Following the spat, she addressed a large crowd outside Jama Masjid and said the party was repeatedly demanding her resignation. She had alleged that the party leadership was "weakening" her and said she was being accused of attempting to switch over to the Congress. Before joining the AAP, Lamba was part of the Congress women's wing.

Disgruntled AAP MLA Alka Lamba seeks accountability from Kejriwal in Lok Sabha polls

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday said the 2019 elections "united people" and gave a "positive mandate".

While speaking at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/nda-lawmakers-meet-in-delhi-to-formally-elect-narendra-modi-as-prime-minister-221557">parliamentary meeting</a>, PM Modi said, "Elections divide and create gulf but 2019 polls united people and society. There was a pro-incumbency wave in this election, its result was a positive mandate".

"These elections were pro-incumbency. This pro-incumbency wave is tied with the thread of trust...The trust was not only between people and govt but also among people themselves. This gave birth to that trust,"&nbsp;he said.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-stakes-claim-to-form-the-government-swearing-in-likely-on-may-30-221611">prime minister</a>&nbsp;was addressing the&nbsp;newly-elected members of Parliament belonging to BJP and other allies in the NDA in the Central Hall of Parliament.

Watch- PM Modi at Parliament: We will transform India together

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Stating that there was no better path than serving people while in power, PM Modi said his first government worked for the poor people who in 2019 re-elected his party.

He also reached out to minorities saying there will be no discrimination against anyone on the basis of caste, sect and religion and gave a new slogan of "trust towards all".

Modi said political parties in the past played deceit on minorities who were used for vote bank politics.

"They were kept in illusion, climate of fear and insecurity. They were misled by deceit. It would have been better if they were given education so that some good leaders emerged from the community, which could have become equal to other sections. But for the sake of vote bank politics, they were kept away from everything."

"Today I appeal to all that we have to break that deceit on minorities. We have to gain their trust. We have to move shoulder to shoulder without discriminating on the basis of caste, sect and religion. We are for 130 crore people. These should be our priorities and responsibility. 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas aur ab Sabka Vishwas (Everyone`s support, everyone`s development and now everyone`s trust). This is our mantra. I will leave no stone unturned and I will work for all citizens of India," he said.

Speaking to the NDA MPs, he said, "You all have elected me as the leader, I think of it as a part of the system, I'm one of you, equal to you"

"We are for those who trusted us and also for those whose trust we have to win over".

He further claimed that some statements made for publicity often trouble them and asked the NDA leaders to restrict themselves in speaking to media.

He also asked the leaders to shun VIP culture and asked them to &nbsp;stand in queues wherever required, like other citizens.&nbsp;

"Don't trust media reports on names being considered for ministerial berths, responsibilities will be given as per norms.

"Minorities made to live in fear by those who believed in vote-bank politics, we have to end this deception and take everyone along," Modi said.

The parliamentary board of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/focus-is-now-on-the-next-five-years-team-will-deliver-better-pm-modi-221500">BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA)</a>&nbsp;unanimously elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi as leader of NDA coalition&nbsp;at a meeting in Parliament's Central Hall in New Delhi&nbsp;on Saturday.

Amit shah proposed Narendra Modi's&nbsp;name as the leader of BJP Parliamentary Party while Rajnath singh and Nitin Gadkari seconded the proposal which was endorsed by all BJP MPs.&nbsp;

Top alliance leaders, including JD(U)'s Nitish Kumar, Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray and Akali Dal's Parkash Singh Badal, extended their party's support after Modi was elected as the leader of the BJP parliamentary party at first.

Modi's election was a mere formality as the NDA had already declared him the alliance's prime ministerial candidate.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday said the 2019 elections "united people" and gave a "positive mandate". While speaking at the parliamentary meeting, PM Modi said, "Elections divide and create gulf but 2019 polls united people and society.

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday said the 2019 elections "united people" and gave a "positive mandate". While speaking at the parliamentary meeting, PM Modi said, "Elections divide and create gulf but 2019 polls united people and society. There was a pro-incumbency wave in this election, its result was a positive mandate". "These elections were pro-incumbency. This pro-incumbency wave is tied with the thread of trust...The trust was not only between people and govt but also among people themselves. This gave birth to that trust," he said. The prime minister was addressing the newly-elected members of Parliament belonging to BJP and other allies in the NDA in the Central Hall of Parliament. Watch- PM Modi at Parliament: We will transform India together × Stating that there was no better path than serving people while in power, PM Modi said his first government worked for the poor people who in 2019 re-elected his party. He also reached out to minorities saying there will be no discrimination against anyone on the basis of caste, sect and religion and gave a new slogan of "trust towards all". Modi said political parties in the past played deceit on minorities who were used for vote bank politics. "They were kept in illusion, climate of fear and insecurity. They were misled by deceit. It would have been better if they were given education so that some good leaders emerged from the community, which could have become equal to other sections. But for the sake of vote bank politics, they were kept away from everything." "Today I appeal to all that we have to break that deceit on minorities. We have to gain their trust. We have to move shoulder to shoulder without discriminating on the basis of caste, sect and religion. We are for 130 crore people. These should be our priorities and responsibility. 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas aur ab Sabka Vishwas (Everyone`s support, everyone`s development and now everyone`s trust). This is our mantra. I will leave no stone unturned and I will work for all citizens of India," he said. Speaking to the NDA MPs, he said, "You all have elected me as the leader, I think of it as a part of the system, I'm one of you, equal to you" "We are for those who trusted us and also for those whose trust we have to win over". He further claimed that some statements made for publicity often trouble them and asked the NDA leaders to restrict themselves in speaking to media. He also asked the leaders to shun VIP culture and asked them to stand in queues wherever required, like other citizens. "Don't trust media reports on names being considered for ministerial berths, responsibilities will be given as per norms. "Minorities made to live in fear by those who believed in vote-bank politics, we have to end this deception and take everyone along," Modi said. The parliamentary board of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) unanimously elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi as leader of NDA coalition at a meeting in Parliament's Central Hall in New Delhi on Saturday. Amit shah proposed Narendra Modi's name as the leader of BJP Parliamentary Party while Rajnath singh and Nitin Gadkari seconded the proposal which was endorsed by all BJP MPs. Top alliance leaders, including JD(U)'s Nitish Kumar, Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray and Akali Dal's Parkash Singh Badal, extended their party's support after Modi was elected as the leader of the BJP parliamentary party at first. Modi's election was a mere formality as the NDA had already declared him the alliance's prime ministerial candidate. (With inputs from agencies)

2019 elections 'united people' and gave 'positive mandate': PM Modi at parliamentary meet

After a humiliating defeat in the Lok Sabha polls, top Congress leaders will deliberate on party losses at a meeting of the working committee on Saturday where party chief Rahul Gandhi is likely to offer his resignation.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi likely to resign at CWC meeting today

BJP leader Ravi Kishan, who won the Lok Sabha elections from Gorakhpur seat, met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath here on Friday.

The Gorakhpur seat was represented by Adityanath for five terms since 1998 until Praveen Kumar Nishad of Samajwadi Party won the seat in a by-poll last year.

The seat was vacated by Adityanath when he became the chief minister in 2017.

Ravi Kishan brought Gorakhpur Lok Sabha seat back into the BJP's kitty and termed his win as "the victory of truth".

The Bhojpuri film actor defeated Rambhual Nishad of Samajwadi Party (SP) by a margin of 3,01,664 votes.

Talking to ANI, the actor-turned-politician said, "This is a victory of truth, I thank people of Gorakhpur for the mandate."

"I also thank Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, BJP president Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their belief in me," added Kishan.

He termed it a "huge victory reflective of the fact that from now onwards the caste-based politics is over".

Kishan had contested and lost from Jaunpur Lok Sabha seat during 2014 general elections on a Congress ticket. The actor joined BJP two years ago.&nbsp;

BJP leader Ravi Kishan, who won the Lok Sabha elections from Gorakhpur seat, met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath here on Friday. The Gorakhpur seat was represented by Adityanath for five terms since 1998 until Praveen Kumar Nishad of Samajwadi Party won the seat in a by-poll last year.

BJP leader Ravi Kishan, who won the Lok Sabha elections from Gorakhpur seat, met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath here on Friday. The Gorakhpur seat was represented by Adityanath for five terms since 1998 until Praveen Kumar Nishad of Samajwadi Party won the seat in a by-poll last year. The seat was vacated by Adityanath when he became the chief minister in 2017. Ravi Kishan brought Gorakhpur Lok Sabha seat back into the BJP's kitty and termed his win as "the victory of truth". The Bhojpuri film actor defeated Rambhual Nishad of Samajwadi Party (SP) by a margin of 3,01,664 votes. Talking to ANI, the actor-turned-politician said, "This is a victory of truth, I thank people of Gorakhpur for the mandate." "I also thank Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, BJP president Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their belief in me," added Kishan. He termed it a "huge victory reflective of the fact that from now onwards the caste-based politics is over". Kishan had contested and lost from Jaunpur Lok Sabha seat during 2014 general elections on a Congress ticket. The actor joined BJP two years ago.

Ravi Kishan meets Yogi Adityanath after winning Gorakhpur Lok Sabha seat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi may be sworn-in for the second term on May 30 and some world leaders could be invited for it. Watch full video to know more.

PM Narendra Modi's mega swearing-in ceremony likely on May 30

After humiliating defeat in the 2nd Lok Sabha Election in a row, Top Congress leaders will meet in Delhi today. According to the sources, Rahul Gandhi is likely to offer his resignation at the meet. Watch full video to know more.

Congress Working Committee to meet today in Delhi, Rahul Gandhi may offer to resign

BJP-led NDA will today be hosting a Parliamentary Party in the central hall of the Parliament today. Watch full video to know more.

BJP-led NDA to host a Parliamentary Party in central hall of the Parliament today

After her<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/in-a-neck-and-neck-battle-smriti-irani-defeats-rahul-gandhi-in-amethi-221025"> historic victory in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi</a> constituency in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, former Union Minister Smriti Irani spoke to WION's Editor in Chief Sudhir Chaudhary discussing her five-year plan that made inroads for the BJP in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/north-remembers-smriti-iranis-dig-at-rahul-gandhi-after-amethi-win-221254">Congress bastion</a>.

WION: This was your second fight from the Amethi constituency. Did you ever think of defeating Gandhi from his bastion?

Smriti Irani: &nbsp;Amethi has voted for development. Under Narendra Modi's guidance and Yogi Adityanath's help, we were able to perform work in the constituency. The issue of the election was development. I had said during the election campaign that the fight&nbsp;was not against Smriti Irani and Rahul Gandhi, but instead, it was people's fight for their rights, for the developments of their families. People of the country are never going to lose any election if they decide to fight for their rights.

WION: When did you first realise that you can beat Rahul Gandhi and your situation at the ground was stronger than him?

Smriti Irani: I was working for the past five years for BJP's victory and not for Gandhi's defeat. And this would have been possible only if&nbsp;people would give their blessings and support to BJP. It was possible only after we talked to every family. This was possible only after services from BJP's central and state government reached every single person in the constituency.

In the last five years, I categorically said and ensured that whosoever gets&nbsp;the ticket from BJP, but the MP from Amethi will be chosen from our&nbsp;party. 
Our sole aim was the victory of a BJP candidate in Amethi.

WION: Did you ever feel that the fight in Amethi has become personal between Smriti Irani and Rahul Gandhi or Gandhi family and not between BJP and Congress? Is there any personal rivalry between you and Rahul Gandhi?

Smriti Irani: There is no rivalry between us, rivalry exists among people with the same stature. As a party worker, I feel proud that my party has scripted&nbsp;a political and social history so that the people rose above caste and religious&nbsp;discrimination and voted for positive development.

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After her historic victory in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi constituency in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, former Union Minister Smriti Irani spoke to WION's Editor in Chief Sudhir Chaudhary discussing her five-year plan that made inroads for the BJP in the Congress bastion.

After her historic victory in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi constituency in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, former Union Minister Smriti Irani spoke to WION's Editor in Chief Sudhir Chaudhary discussing her five-year plan that made inroads for the BJP in the Congress bastion. WION: This was your second fight from the Amethi constituency. Did you ever think of defeating Gandhi from his bastion? Smriti Irani: Amethi has voted for development. Under Narendra Modi's guidance and Yogi Adityanath's help, we were able to perform work in the constituency. The issue of the election was development. I had said during the election campaign that the fight was not against Smriti Irani and Rahul Gandhi, but instead, it was people's fight for their rights, for the developments of their families. People of the country are never going to lose any election if they decide to fight for their rights. WION: When did you first realise that you can beat Rahul Gandhi and your situation at the ground was stronger than him? Smriti Irani: I was working for the past five years for BJP's victory and not for Gandhi's defeat. And this would have been possible only if people would give their blessings and support to BJP. It was possible only after we talked to every family. This was possible only after services from BJP's central and state government reached every single person in the constituency. In the last five years, I categorically said and ensured that whosoever gets the ticket from BJP, but the MP from Amethi will be chosen from our party. Our sole aim was the victory of a BJP candidate in Amethi. WION: Did you ever feel that the fight in Amethi has become personal between Smriti Irani and Rahul Gandhi or Gandhi family and not between BJP and Congress? Is there any personal rivalry between you and Rahul Gandhi? Smriti Irani: There is no rivalry between us, rivalry exists among people with the same stature. As a party worker, I feel proud that my party has scripted a political and social history so that the people rose above caste and religious discrimination and voted for positive development. ×

Had ensured that MP from Amethi would be chosen from our party: Smriti Irani to WION

The parliamentary board of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/focus-is-now-on-the-next-five-years-team-will-deliver-better-pm-modi-221500">BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA)</a>&nbsp;unanimously elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi as leader of NDA coalition&nbsp;at a meeting in Parliament's Central Hall in New Delhi&nbsp;on Saturday.

Amit shah proposed Narendra Modi's&nbsp;name as the leader of BJP Parliamentary Party while Rajnath singh and Nitin Gadkari seconded the proposal which was endorsed by all BJP MPs.&nbsp;

"Modi is elected the leader of the parliamentary party of 353 MPs unanimously," BJP president Amit Shah announced after the election as Modi acknowledged the support and cheers from MPs.

Top alliance leaders, including JD(U)'s Nitish Kumar, Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray and Akali Dal's Parkash Singh Badal, extended their party's support after Modi was elected as the leader of the BJP parliamentary party at first.

Modi's election was a mere formality as the NDA had already declared him the alliance's prime ministerial candidate.

Modi sought the blessings of senior BJP leaders LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi immediately after he was elected as the leader of BJP &amp; NDA at the NDA meeting.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/arun-jaitley-unlikely-to-remain-finance-minister-in-modis-new-term-report-221424">NDA leaders </a>will meet President Ram Nath Kovind at 7pm. After the meeting, Modi will meet the President at 8pm and stake claim to form the government.

The 16th Lok Sabha was dissolved on Saturday following the general elections and the new House has been constituted. The President signed the order accepting the advice of the Cabinet which met on Friday and made a recommendation to this effect.

The NDA returned to power with a massive majority in the Lok Sabha elections with the BJP alone bagging 303 of total 542 seats contested, 21 more than it had got in the 2014 elections. Elections were held in 542 of the 543 seats. The election in Vellore Lok Sabha seat was cancelled by the Election Commission citing abuse of money power.

Watch: PM Modi interacts with entire PMO staff in New Delhi

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Modi's swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place on May 30. India has started sending out invites to neighbouring countries and ASEAN nations for the ceremony.

WION has learnt that Sri Lankan President's office has confirmed to media that President Maithripala Sirisena will be attending the oath-taking ceremony. This is in line with the Modi government's "Neighbourhood First" policy and "Act East" policy as well as its growing focus on the BIMSTEC grouping.

&nbsp;

The parliamentary board of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) unanimously elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi as leader of NDA coalition at a meeting in Parliament's Central Hall in New Delhi on Saturday.

The parliamentary board of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) unanimously elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi as leader of NDA coalition at a meeting in Parliament's Central Hall in New Delhi on Saturday. Amit shah proposed Narendra Modi's name as the leader of BJP Parliamentary Party while Rajnath singh and Nitin Gadkari seconded the proposal which was endorsed by all BJP MPs. "Modi is elected the leader of the parliamentary party of 353 MPs unanimously," BJP president Amit Shah announced after the election as Modi acknowledged the support and cheers from MPs. Top alliance leaders, including JD(U)'s Nitish Kumar, Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray and Akali Dal's Parkash Singh Badal, extended their party's support after Modi was elected as the leader of the BJP parliamentary party at first. Modi's election was a mere formality as the NDA had already declared him the alliance's prime ministerial candidate. Modi sought the blessings of senior BJP leaders LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi immediately after he was elected as the leader of BJP & NDA at the NDA meeting. The NDA leaders will meet President Ram Nath Kovind at 7pm. After the meeting, Modi will meet the President at 8pm and stake claim to form the government. The 16th Lok Sabha was dissolved on Saturday following the general elections and the new House has been constituted. The President signed the order accepting the advice of the Cabinet which met on Friday and made a recommendation to this effect. The NDA returned to power with a massive majority in the Lok Sabha elections with the BJP alone bagging 303 of total 542 seats contested, 21 more than it had got in the 2014 elections. Elections were held in 542 of the 543 seats. The election in Vellore Lok Sabha seat was cancelled by the Election Commission citing abuse of money power. Watch: PM Modi interacts with entire PMO staff in New Delhi × Modi's swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place on May 30. India has started sending out invites to neighbouring countries and ASEAN nations for the ceremony. WION has learnt that Sri Lankan President's office has confirmed to media that President Maithripala Sirisena will be attending the oath-taking ceremony. This is in line with the Modi government's "Neighbourhood First" policy and "Act East" policy as well as its growing focus on the BIMSTEC grouping.

Modi unanimously elected leader of NDA coalition, to stake claim to form government today

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seems to have played his part well as a BJP chieftain in ensuring his party's victory in the Lok Sabha elections.

Fadnavis is being credited for holding the BJP fort at a time when Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) led by AIMIM and Prakash Ambedkar has added a third dimension to the high-stake contest between the NDA and the Congress-NCP combine in Maharashtra.

The BJP's poll strategy ensured that the saffron party retain its 2014 tally of 23 seats despite latent anti-incumbency and drought.

The results will further strengthen Fadnavis' hand as the state faces the crucial Assembly elections in September-October this year.

In 2019 general elections, the NDA won 41 of total 48 seats, which is a replay of its 2014 performance.

While the BJP won 23 seats with a vote share of 27.59%, the Sena bagged 18 seats with a vote share of 23.29%.

The NDA has won 41 out of total 48 seats in the state.

Fadnavis, 48, who became chief minister in October 2014, is set to complete a full term in office, which is rare in Maharashtra's political history.

"Fadnavis had addressed 97 rallies in the state during the Lok Sabha campaigning. The morale of BJP workers is high and we expect to replicate our performance in the assembly polls under Fadnavis's leadership," said state BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari.

Fadnavis faced hostile Shiv Sena, which often took swipes at the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the last five years, but he handled the situation deftly till the Sena came on board.

According to BJP sources, Fadnavis smartly handed Palghar constituency, which was won by the BJP in a 2018 bypoll, to the Sena which fielded BJP MP Rajendra Gavit on its ticket. Gavit went on to win the election again.

To take on NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Fadnavis exploited dissensions within his party to induct Ranjitsinh Mohite Patil into the BJP, they said.

Mohite Patil's father Vijaysinh Mohite Patil, who was the MP from Madha in the 16th Lok Sabha, was reportedly piqued over reports that Pawar might contest from Madha. However, Pawar never contested.

The BJP then inducted Satara district Congress president Ranjit Nimbalkar into the party and fielded him from Madha. Nimbalkar snatched the seat from the NCP.

Fadanvis also delivered a blow to the Congress by inducting Sujay, son of former Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, and fielded him from Ahmednagar.

Pawar had refused to cede the seat to the Congress for Vikhe Patil's sake while recalling his old rivalry with Sujay's grand father, late Balasaheb Vikhe Patil.

At a poll rally in Ahmednagar, Fadnavis described the move to field Sujay on BJP ticket as a "surgical strike" on the Congress.

Sujay defeated his nearest NCP rival Sangram Jagtap by a margin of 2,77,597 votes.

The Congress could win only one seat while the NCP retained its tally of four seats.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seems to have played his part well as a BJP chieftain in ensuring his party's victory in the Lok Sabha elections. Fadnavis is being credited for holding the BJP fort at a time when Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) led by AIMIM and Prakash Ambedkar has added a third dimension to the high-stake contest between the NDA and the Congress-NCP combine in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seems to have played his part well as a BJP chieftain in ensuring his party's victory in the Lok Sabha elections. Fadnavis is being credited for holding the BJP fort at a time when Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) led by AIMIM and Prakash Ambedkar has added a third dimension to the high-stake contest between the NDA and the Congress-NCP combine in Maharashtra. The BJP's poll strategy ensured that the saffron party retain its 2014 tally of 23 seats despite latent anti-incumbency and drought. The results will further strengthen Fadnavis' hand as the state faces the crucial Assembly elections in September-October this year. In 2019 general elections, the NDA won 41 of total 48 seats, which is a replay of its 2014 performance. While the BJP won 23 seats with a vote share of 27.59%, the Sena bagged 18 seats with a vote share of 23.29%. The NDA has won 41 out of total 48 seats in the state. Fadnavis, 48, who became chief minister in October 2014, is set to complete a full term in office, which is rare in Maharashtra's political history. "Fadnavis had addressed 97 rallies in the state during the Lok Sabha campaigning. The morale of BJP workers is high and we expect to replicate our performance in the assembly polls under Fadnavis's leadership," said state BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari. Fadnavis faced hostile Shiv Sena, which often took swipes at the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the last five years, but he handled the situation deftly till the Sena came on board. According to BJP sources, Fadnavis smartly handed Palghar constituency, which was won by the BJP in a 2018 bypoll, to the Sena which fielded BJP MP Rajendra Gavit on its ticket. Gavit went on to win the election again. To take on NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Fadnavis exploited dissensions within his party to induct Ranjitsinh Mohite Patil into the BJP, they said. Mohite Patil's father Vijaysinh Mohite Patil, who was the MP from Madha in the 16th Lok Sabha, was reportedly piqued over reports that Pawar might contest from Madha. However, Pawar never contested. The BJP then inducted Satara district Congress president Ranjit Nimbalkar into the party and fielded him from Madha. Nimbalkar snatched the seat from the NCP. Fadanvis also delivered a blow to the Congress by inducting Sujay, son of former Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, and fielded him from Ahmednagar. Pawar had refused to cede the seat to the Congress for Vikhe Patil's sake while recalling his old rivalry with Sujay's grand father, late Balasaheb Vikhe Patil. At a poll rally in Ahmednagar, Fadnavis described the move to field Sujay on BJP ticket as a "surgical strike" on the Congress. Sujay defeated his nearest NCP rival Sangram Jagtap by a margin of 2,77,597 votes. The Congress could win only one seat while the NCP retained its tally of four seats.

BJP retains 2014 tally in Maharashtra under chief minister Fadnavis

Rahul Gandhi offered to resign as President of Congress party. CWC unanimously rejected Rahul's rejection. Randeep Surjewala said, CWC expresses its gratitude to 12.13 voters who stood behind Congress in election.

Surjewala: CWC expresses its gratitude to 12.13 crore voters who stood behind Congress in election

At the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Saturday, party president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-result-2019-at-cwc-meet-rahul-gandhi-offers-to-step-down-as-party-chief-committee-rejects-resignation-221506">Rahul Gandhi offered to resign</a> in the wake of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-narendra-modi-surge-swept-aside-all-predictions-221494">humiliating defeat</a> at the hands of the BJP in Lok Sabha elections. The proposal was, however, rejected but not without drama.

Gandhi insisted at the meeting that he wants to resign as Congress president saying he wants to fight for the party, strengthen it and he doesn't have to be the party president to do that, said Congress sources. He also said that he doesn't want a Gandhi to be the Congress president, ruling out Priyanka's name too, said sources.

But the proposal was rejected unanimously and the party stuck to its tradition of not looking beyond the Nehru-Gandhi family. It is very similar to what happened in 2014 when Sonia Gandhi, the then Congress president, had offered to resign after the party's loss in Lok Sabha elections.

Sources also said that the CWC passed a resolution today authorising Gandhi to restructure the party.

Rahul Gandhi left the meeting venue without saying anything to the medipersons outside. But senior party leaders maintained that his leadership was not questioned.

The meeting of CWC, the party's highest decision-making body, was called to deliberate upon the reasons behind the party's electoral debacle and discuss as to why its poll narrative failed to convince the people.

"I don't agree that it was a disastrous performance, but we were not able to rise up to the expectations. Party will discuss this in details...Today we had only general discussions," Congress leader AK Antony said.

The meeting, chaired by Congress president Rahul Gandhi, was attended by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Uttar Pradesh (East) in-charge Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and chief ministers of four party-ruled states - Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh - and of the Union Territory Puducherry.

Senior leader and former Union minister P Chidambaram was also present in the meeting alongside other party colleagues including AK Antony, Ahmed Patel, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Sheila Dikshit, Mallikarjun Kharge, Ambika Soni, Anand Sharma and Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Watch: Why did Congress' strategy fail?

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Though the Congress improved on its 2014 tally of 44, it could win just 52 Lok Sabha seats this year. In 18 states and Union Territories, the party could not open its account.

Some of the Congress leaders have sent their resignations to Rahul Gandhi in the wake of the party's poll defeat. Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar and Odisha Congress president Niranjan Patnaik are among them.

At the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Saturday, party president Rahul Gandhi offered to resign in the wake of humiliating defeat at the hands of the BJP in Lok Sabha elections.

At the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Saturday, party president Rahul Gandhi offered to resign in the wake of humiliating defeat at the hands of the BJP in Lok Sabha elections. The proposal was, however, rejected but not without drama. Gandhi insisted at the meeting that he wants to resign as Congress president saying he wants to fight for the party, strengthen it and he doesn't have to be the party president to do that, said Congress sources. He also said that he doesn't want a Gandhi to be the Congress president, ruling out Priyanka's name too, said sources. But the proposal was rejected unanimously and the party stuck to its tradition of not looking beyond the Nehru-Gandhi family. It is very similar to what happened in 2014 when Sonia Gandhi, the then Congress president, had offered to resign after the party's loss in Lok Sabha elections. Sources also said that the CWC passed a resolution today authorising Gandhi to restructure the party. Rahul Gandhi left the meeting venue without saying anything to the medipersons outside. But senior party leaders maintained that his leadership was not questioned. The meeting of CWC, the party's highest decision-making body, was called to deliberate upon the reasons behind the party's electoral debacle and discuss as to why its poll narrative failed to convince the people. "I don't agree that it was a disastrous performance, but we were not able to rise up to the expectations. Party will discuss this in details...Today we had only general discussions," Congress leader AK Antony said. The meeting, chaired by Congress president Rahul Gandhi, was attended by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Uttar Pradesh (East) in-charge Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and chief ministers of four party-ruled states - Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh - and of the Union Territory Puducherry. Senior leader and former Union minister P Chidambaram was also present in the meeting alongside other party colleagues including AK Antony, Ahmed Patel, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Sheila Dikshit, Mallikarjun Kharge, Ambika Soni, Anand Sharma and Jyotiraditya Scindia. Watch: Why did Congress' strategy fail? × Though the Congress improved on its 2014 tally of 44, it could win just 52 Lok Sabha seats this year. In 18 states and Union Territories, the party could not open its account. Some of the Congress leaders have sent their resignations to Rahul Gandhi in the wake of the party's poll defeat. Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar and Odisha Congress president Niranjan Patnaik are among them.

What happened at the CWC meeting: The inside story

TRS would go into the reasons for not getting the expected number seats in the Lok Sabha polls and it feels that Modi factor and others helped the BJP make surprise gains, party sources said Saturday.

The sources dismissed reports that some ministers may face the axe over the party's poor performance.

TRS bagged nine of the total 17 Lok Sabha seats in the state, while its ally AIMIM retained its constituency (Hyderabad). BJP managed to win four, while Congress secured three.

Predicting that neither NDA nor UPA would be able to get a majority on their own, TRS had expected to win 16 seats to play a key role at the Centre.

The losses, including the defeat of sitting TRS MP and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's daughter Kavitha in Nizamabad, are seen as a setback to the party.

TRS sources pointed out that the party was successful in 10 of the 17 seats along with ally AIMIM. BJP's vote percentage rose to about 20 per cent from 10 per cent in assembly elections held in last December as the voters preferred Modi's leadership as it was a national election, they said.

TRS secured about 42 per cent votes though it was a national election, they said.

The sources discounted reports that Rao expressed anger at some party leaders and that some ministers would be changed.

They said leaders would be told to review in case of results were not satisfactory, while appreciating those who did a good job.

TRS would achieve very good results in the local body polls (held this month) the votes of which would be counted soon, the sources said.

TRS MLC Palla Rajeshwar Reddy Friday said the party would go into reasons for losing some constituencies.

"We expected some more seats. We got nine only. We have to definitely think what had gone wrong, some of the seats particularly... We could observe that 'milakhat' (understanding) of BJP and Congress," he told PTI.

He alleged that Congress and BJP had reached an understanding to defeat TRS.

"For example, in Nizamabad constituency, you take Jagtial (assembly seat). The Congress candidate got only 1,000 votes there. Congress leader Jeevan Reddy represented (Jagtial) for so many years. It was a complete shift of Congress voting to BJP," he said.

"Congress lost deposit in Nizamabad constituency and wherein they got only 1,000 votes in Jagtial assembly constituency, which shows it is a clear understanding between the Congress and BJP. BJP purchased these people," Reddy said Friday.

TRS would go into the reasons for not getting the expected number seats in the Lok Sabha polls and it feels that Modi factor and others helped the BJP make surprise gains, party sources said Saturday.

TRS would go into the reasons for not getting the expected number seats in the Lok Sabha polls and it feels that Modi factor and others helped the BJP make surprise gains, party sources said Saturday. The sources dismissed reports that some ministers may face the axe over the party's poor performance. TRS bagged nine of the total 17 Lok Sabha seats in the state, while its ally AIMIM retained its constituency (Hyderabad). BJP managed to win four, while Congress secured three. Predicting that neither NDA nor UPA would be able to get a majority on their own, TRS had expected to win 16 seats to play a key role at the Centre. The losses, including the defeat of sitting TRS MP and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's daughter Kavitha in Nizamabad, are seen as a setback to the party. TRS sources pointed out that the party was successful in 10 of the 17 seats along with ally AIMIM. BJP's vote percentage rose to about 20 per cent from 10 per cent in assembly elections held in last December as the voters preferred Modi's leadership as it was a national election, they said. TRS secured about 42 per cent votes though it was a national election, they said. The sources discounted reports that Rao expressed anger at some party leaders and that some ministers would be changed. They said leaders would be told to review in case of results were not satisfactory, while appreciating those who did a good job. TRS would achieve very good results in the local body polls (held this month) the votes of which would be counted soon, the sources said. TRS MLC Palla Rajeshwar Reddy Friday said the party would go into reasons for losing some constituencies. "We expected some more seats. We got nine only. We have to definitely think what had gone wrong, some of the seats particularly... We could observe that 'milakhat' (understanding) of BJP and Congress," he told PTI. He alleged that Congress and BJP had reached an understanding to defeat TRS. "For example, in Nizamabad constituency, you take Jagtial (assembly seat). The Congress candidate got only 1,000 votes there. Congress leader Jeevan Reddy represented (Jagtial) for so many years. It was a complete shift of Congress voting to BJP," he said. "Congress lost deposit in Nizamabad constituency and wherein they got only 1,000 votes in Jagtial assembly constituency, which shows it is a clear understanding between the Congress and BJP. BJP purchased these people," Reddy said Friday.

'TRS will analyse loss; Modi factor one of the reasons': Party sources

A Modi wave and simmering anger over TMC's alleged appeasement of the minorities that polarised voters after bloodied panchayat elections last year may have cost the ruling party in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/polarisation-nrc-transfer-of-left-votes-help-bjp-breach-mamata-banerjees-fortress-221352">West Bengal</a> dearly as its tally came down from 34 to 22 in the Lok Sabha polls.

Stunned by the sudden saffron surge, daggers seems to have been drawn in the Trinamool Congress (TMC) camp with local leaders blaming those holding top party posts for their "lack of foresightedness" and "arrogant approach" as primary reasons behind the poor poll show.

Although the TMC has managed to increase its vote share from 39 per cent in 2014 to 43 per cent this time, it failed to hold on to its strongholds in tribal-dominated Jangalmahal region of south Bengal and tea garden belt in the north, where the party faced a complete rout.

The BJP won 18 of total 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state and increased its vote share from 17 per cent in 2014 to 40.5 per cent this time. Even in the seats the TMC won, the BJP emerged as the runners-up, relegating the Left to the third spot.

Although the TMC leadership is tight-lipped as a sense of "fear and despair" gripped party's ranks with some even apprehending the stability of its government in the state, its secretary general Partha Chatterjee has described BJP's rise in the state as "temporary".

"We just failed to gauge the undercurrent. We really don't know what lies ahead. It would be really tough to keep the flock together," said a TMC leader, who did not wish to be named.

Of the 22 seats the TMC won, 16 constituencies witnessed a battle of nerves till the last round of counting with leads changing in minutes.

If the data of the national polls are analysed assembly segment-wise, the BJP is ahead in nearly 130 of the 294 assembly constituencies in the state, the majority mark being 148. West Bengal will go for assembly polls in 2021.

According to TMC sources, initial assessment has revealed that there was groundswell against the party in rural areas due to several factors, foremost of which was the violence during panchayat polls due to which many couldn't cast their votes. The others being corruption at the local level and stiff polarisation amid an anger over "appeasement".

TMC insiders said the party virtually failed to counter BJP's nationalism narrative and Hindutva pitch, which resulted in the polarisation in the state, where Muslims constitute 27 per cent of the population.

Bengal, where the electoral discourse has largely steered clear of communal flairs after Independence, witnessed allegations of appeasement flying from both sides -- TMC and BJP -- resulting in the polarisation.

"While the BJP banked on its plank of NRC to drive out infiltrators and a sustained campaign against alleged attempts by the TMC to stop Durga Puja in Bengal, our part not only failed to counter, but in its bid to project itself as messiah of Muslims earned the wrath of a large section of Hindus," said a senior TMC leader.

The viral video of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee getting down from her car and chasing few youths who shouted "Jai Shri Ram" also didn't go down well and the BJP milked the incident to further polarise the election, according to analysts.

They said the infighting in party's rank also led to discontent with a section of TMC cadres voting for the BJP in order to "teach their own party leaders a lesson".

BJP's spectacular performance may have raised eyebrows given its dismal organisational strength in the state, but according to Mukul Roy, considered to be the main architect of the lotus (BJP's election symbol) bloom, the victory was much anticipated.

"In most of the areas, a large section of disgruntled TMC workers and leaders have voted in favour of the BJP. Several TMC leaders have actually worked for us. Now it's time for us to bring those TMC workers and leaders into the BJP and work towards the final battle for assembly polls," he said.

Also the en masse shift of Left votes played a key role in BJP's Bengal show.

Compared to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the Left vote share of 29 per cent dwindled to about 7 per cent, indicating a complete shift to the saffron side. 
According to senior Left leaders, a huge section of Left voters, including party cadres, chose the BJP to defeat Banerjee in the state.

The TMC which had systematically poached elected representatives of the Congress and the Left over the last few years while working towards its mission of "opposition-free" Bengal, actually led to a bipolar political field between TMC and BJP - the only opposition, political observers said.

With assembly elections in two-year's time, municipal polls next year, the biggest challenge before the TMC is to keep its flock together as its top leadership is apprehensive of an exodus to BJP.&nbsp;

A Modi wave and simmering anger over TMC's alleged appeasement of the minorities that polarised voters after bloodied panchayat elections last year may have cost the ruling party in West Bengal dearly as its tally came down from 34 to 22 in the Lok Sabha polls.

A Modi wave and simmering anger over TMC's alleged appeasement of the minorities that polarised voters after bloodied panchayat elections last year may have cost the ruling party in West Bengal dearly as its tally came down from 34 to 22 in the Lok Sabha polls. Stunned by the sudden saffron surge, daggers seems to have been drawn in the Trinamool Congress (TMC) camp with local leaders blaming those holding top party posts for their "lack of foresightedness" and "arrogant approach" as primary reasons behind the poor poll show. Although the TMC has managed to increase its vote share from 39 per cent in 2014 to 43 per cent this time, it failed to hold on to its strongholds in tribal-dominated Jangalmahal region of south Bengal and tea garden belt in the north, where the party faced a complete rout. The BJP won 18 of total 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state and increased its vote share from 17 per cent in 2014 to 40.5 per cent this time. Even in the seats the TMC won, the BJP emerged as the runners-up, relegating the Left to the third spot. Although the TMC leadership is tight-lipped as a sense of "fear and despair" gripped party's ranks with some even apprehending the stability of its government in the state, its secretary general Partha Chatterjee has described BJP's rise in the state as "temporary". "We just failed to gauge the undercurrent. We really don't know what lies ahead. It would be really tough to keep the flock together," said a TMC leader, who did not wish to be named. Of the 22 seats the TMC won, 16 constituencies witnessed a battle of nerves till the last round of counting with leads changing in minutes. If the data of the national polls are analysed assembly segment-wise, the BJP is ahead in nearly 130 of the 294 assembly constituencies in the state, the majority mark being 148. West Bengal will go for assembly polls in 2021. According to TMC sources, initial assessment has revealed that there was groundswell against the party in rural areas due to several factors, foremost of which was the violence during panchayat polls due to which many couldn't cast their votes. The others being corruption at the local level and stiff polarisation amid an anger over "appeasement". TMC insiders said the party virtually failed to counter BJP's nationalism narrative and Hindutva pitch, which resulted in the polarisation in the state, where Muslims constitute 27 per cent of the population. Bengal, where the electoral discourse has largely steered clear of communal flairs after Independence, witnessed allegations of appeasement flying from both sides -- TMC and BJP -- resulting in the polarisation. "While the BJP banked on its plank of NRC to drive out infiltrators and a sustained campaign against alleged attempts by the TMC to stop Durga Puja in Bengal, our part not only failed to counter, but in its bid to project itself as messiah of Muslims earned the wrath of a large section of Hindus," said a senior TMC leader. The viral video of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee getting down from her car and chasing few youths who shouted "Jai Shri Ram" also didn't go down well and the BJP milked the incident to further polarise the election, according to analysts. They said the infighting in party's rank also led to discontent with a section of TMC cadres voting for the BJP in order to "teach their own party leaders a lesson". BJP's spectacular performance may have raised eyebrows given its dismal organisational strength in the state, but according to Mukul Roy, considered to be the main architect of the lotus (BJP's election symbol) bloom, the victory was much anticipated. "In most of the areas, a large section of disgruntled TMC workers and leaders have voted in favour of the BJP. Several TMC leaders have actually worked for us. Now it's time for us to bring those TMC workers and leaders into the BJP and work towards the final battle for assembly polls," he said. Also the en masse shift of Left votes played a key role in BJP's Bengal show. Compared to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the Left vote share of 29 per cent dwindled to about 7 per cent, indicating a complete shift to the saffron side. According to senior Left leaders, a huge section of Left voters, including party cadres, chose the BJP to defeat Banerjee in the state. The TMC which had systematically poached elected representatives of the Congress and the Left over the last few years while working towards its mission of "opposition-free" Bengal, actually led to a bipolar political field between TMC and BJP - the only opposition, political observers said. With assembly elections in two-year's time, municipal polls next year, the biggest challenge before the TMC is to keep its flock together as its top leadership is apprehensive of an exodus to BJP.

Amid saffron surge, Mamata Banerjee's challenge to keep flock together ahead of state polls

India has started sending out invites to neighbouring countries and ASEAN nations for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-narendra-modi-likely-to-take-oath-as-prime-minister-on-may-30-221221">PM Narendra Modi's oath-taking ceremony</a>. The ceremony is likely to take place on May 30. WION has learnt that Sri Lankan President's office has confirmed to media that President Maithripala Sirisena will be attending the oath-taking ceremony. This is in line with the Modi government's "Neighbourhood First" policy and "Act East" policy as well as its growing focus on the BIMSTEC grouping.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Indian government sources have said, "At the moment, we have no information on this matter. &nbsp;We will share details with the media once a decision is taken."

During the first tenure of his government, PM Modi had visited all South Asian countries. Countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka saw multiple visits. Last year, all 10 heads of the ASEAN countries were invited for the Republic Day celebration.

Pakistan still hasn't received the invite for the oath-taking ceremony.

In 2014, PM Modi had invited all heads of state of SAARC countries for his oath-taking ceremony. These included PM of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay, Nepal PM Sushil Koirala, PM of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif, Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, Afghan President Hamid Karzai and speaker of Bangladesh's PM Jatiyo Sangshad Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury.&nbsp;

Only Bangladesh's PM Hasina remains in office as she was re-elected last year, rest all the countries have seen a change in government.&nbsp;

It is still not clear if leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, Japan's Shinzo Abe, France's Emmanuel Macron and Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu will attend the oath-taking ceremony. All these leaders had called PM Modi to congratulate him on his re-election. &nbsp;

Isreal is still in the government formation mode. Netanyahu has been given a mandate by the president to try and form a government and as of now, a coalition hasn't been finalised.

India has started sending out invites to neighbouring countries and ASEAN nations for PM Narendra Modi's oath-taking ceremony. The ceremony is likely to take place on May 30.

India has started sending out invites to neighbouring countries and ASEAN nations for PM Narendra Modi's oath-taking ceremony. The ceremony is likely to take place on May 30. WION has learnt that Sri Lankan President's office has confirmed to media that President Maithripala Sirisena will be attending the oath-taking ceremony. This is in line with the Modi government's "Neighbourhood First" policy and "Act East" policy as well as its growing focus on the BIMSTEC grouping. Meanwhile, Indian government sources have said, "At the moment, we have no information on this matter. We will share details with the media once a decision is taken." During the first tenure of his government, PM Modi had visited all South Asian countries. Countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka saw multiple visits. Last year, all 10 heads of the ASEAN countries were invited for the Republic Day celebration. Pakistan still hasn't received the invite for the oath-taking ceremony. In 2014, PM Modi had invited all heads of state of SAARC countries for his oath-taking ceremony. These included PM of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay, Nepal PM Sushil Koirala, PM of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif, Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, Afghan President Hamid Karzai and speaker of Bangladesh's PM Jatiyo Sangshad Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury. Only Bangladesh's PM Hasina remains in office as she was re-elected last year, rest all the countries have seen a change in government. It is still not clear if leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, Japan's Shinzo Abe, France's Emmanuel Macron and Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu will attend the oath-taking ceremony. All these leaders had called PM Modi to congratulate him on his re-election. Isreal is still in the government formation mode. Netanyahu has been given a mandate by the president to try and form a government and as of now, a coalition hasn't been finalised.

India begins sending out invites to foreign leaders for PM Modi's oath-taking ceremony

The 16th Lok Sabha was on Saturday dissolved following the general elections and the new House has been constituted.

President Ram Nath Kovind has signed the order accepting the advice of the Cabinet which met on Friday and made a recommendation to this effect.

He signed the order in exercise of the powers conferred upon him by sub-clause (B) of clause (2) of Article 85 of the Constitution, a Rashtrapati Bhawan communique said.

The dissolution paves the way for the constitution of a new House and swearing-in of a new government.

Earlier, the three-member Election Commission headed by Sunil Arora called on the President and handed him over the list of the newly-elected Members of Parliament duly constituting the 17th Lok Sabha.

The 16th Lok Sabha had its tenure up to June 3, 2019.&nbsp;

The 16th Lok Sabha was on Saturday dissolved following the general elections and the new House has been constituted. President Ram Nath Kovind has signed the order accepting the advice of the Cabinet which met on Friday and made a recommendation to this effect.

The 16th Lok Sabha was on Saturday dissolved following the general elections and the new House has been constituted. President Ram Nath Kovind has signed the order accepting the advice of the Cabinet which met on Friday and made a recommendation to this effect. He signed the order in exercise of the powers conferred upon him by sub-clause (B) of clause (2) of Article 85 of the Constitution, a Rashtrapati Bhawan communique said. The dissolution paves the way for the constitution of a new House and swearing-in of a new government. Earlier, the three-member Election Commission headed by Sunil Arora called on the President and handed him over the list of the newly-elected Members of Parliament duly constituting the 17th Lok Sabha. The 16th Lok Sabha had its tenure up to June 3, 2019.

16th Lok Sabha gets dissolved, all eyes on PM Modi's oath-taking ceremony

After a humiliating defeat in the Lok Sabha elections, according to the sources, Congress President Rahul Gandhi has offered his resignation at Congress Working Committee meeting But his resignation has not been accepted by the Committee.. Watch full video to know more.

Rahul Gandhi offers resignation in CWC meeting, not accepted by committee: Sources

YSR Congress party has held a meeting in Amravati in AP, where Jaganmohan Reddy has been elected as the legislative assembly leader. Watch full video to know more.

YSR Congress party holds meeting in Amravati