<p>Soon after top Congress leader Sonia Gandhi turned down the invitation to the Ram temple consecration ceremony, a letter she wrote to Pope Francis in the year 2016 about not being able to make it to the canonisation ceremony of Mother Teresa immediately went viral on social media.</p>

<p>Elucidating on how she could not attend the "sacred ceremony", the then Congress party president, in the letter, said that had she not been indisposed, she would have been present to witness the event.</p>

<p>At the time, she also nominated two senior party leaders, Margaret Alva and Luizinho Faleiro, to attend the Vatican ceremony on her behalf.</p>

<p>"Every citizen of India, including our nearly 20 million Catholics, takes immense pride and joy on the recognition by your Holiness and the Catholic Church of Mother Teresa's profound nobility of soul, purity of purpose, and service to God through service to humanity," she wrote in her letter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi's letter to Pope Francis on Canonization Ceremony of Mother Teresa <a href="https://t.co/cCk3Yn12I1">pic.twitter.com/cCk3Yn12I1</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/770513682203717632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If I had not been unwell, I too would have been there to witness this sacred ceremony, and to pay my humble homage to the woman who was the very embodiment of boundless compassion, mercy, and grace," she added.</p>

<p>Gandhi along with party colleagues Mallikarjun Kharge and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had on Wednesday "respectfully declined" the invite to attend the Ram Temple ceremony inviting severe backlash from ruling party BJP.</p>

<p>The official release issued by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, "Lord Ram is worshipped by millions in our country. Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here is the statement of Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/Jairam_Ramesh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jairam_Ramesh</a>, General Secretary (Communications), Indian National Congress. <a href="https://t.co/JcKIEk3afy">pic.twitter.com/JcKIEk3afy</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1745034149457477811?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'For the sake of appeasement', Union minister Pralhad Joshi slams congress&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Union minister Pralhad Joshi on Thursday said that the Congress party turned down the invitation for the "sake of appeasement."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ayodhya-to-develop-ramayana-forest-offering-glimpse-into-lord-rams-exile-period-679386">Ayodhya to develop ‘Ramayana Forest’, offering glimpses into Lord Ram’s exile period</a></p>

<p>"For the sake of appeasement, the Congress party is continuously opposing Hindu beliefs. Whenever the issue of Ram Temple has been raised in the last two to four decades, they have always opposed it. They even said Lord Ram was a fictional figure and questioned the Ram Setu... The present Congress party has reached the heights of appeasement. I am not surprised by their decision..." Joshi told news agency ANI.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi highlighted a pattern of boycotts by the Congress who had earlier skipped the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, and also the President's address.</p>

<p>"Congress boycotted the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, Kargil Vijay Diwas from 2004 to 2009, and even the Bharat Ratna ceremony of former President Pranab Mukherjee, who belonged to their party," Trivedi said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Parliament Special Session Day 3: Sonia Gandhi to lead Congress in-charge</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'This is Nehru's Congress, not Gandhi's Congress'</strong></h2>

<p>Trivedi, launching a scathing attack against the grand old party, invoked India's first prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru claiming, "This is Nehru's Congress, this is not Gandhi's Congress. Mahatma Gandhi used to sing 'Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram' and today Congress is not attending the "pran pratishtha" ceremony. This shows Congress is against Hindu religion and Hindutva."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Karnataka BJP leader CT Ravi also cited an incident where Nehru had refused to visit Somnath Temple in Gujarat claiming that the party through the ages opposed "Hindutva".</p>

<p>"Congress has always been against Hindutva. Somnath Temple was reconstructed by Sardar Vallabbhai Patel, Babu Rajendra Prasad, and KM Munshi. Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister during that time. He didn't visit Somanth. So how can the present leadership of Congress go to Ayodhya?," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Soon after top Congress leader Sonia Gandhi turned down the invitation to the Ram temple consecration ceremony, a letter she wrote to Pope Francis in the year 2016 about not being able to make it to the canonisation ceremony of Mother Teresa immediately went viral on social media.

Soon after top Congress leader Sonia Gandhi turned down the invitation to the Ram temple consecration ceremony, a letter she wrote to Pope Francis in the year 2016 about not being able to make it to the canonisation ceremony of Mother Teresa immediately went viral on social media. Elucidating on how she could not attend the "sacred ceremony", the then Congress party president, in the letter, said that had she not been indisposed, she would have been present to witness the event. At the time, she also nominated two senior party leaders, Margaret Alva and Luizinho Faleiro, to attend the Vatican ceremony on her behalf. "Every citizen of India, including our nearly 20 million Catholics, takes immense pride and joy on the recognition by your Holiness and the Catholic Church of Mother Teresa's profound nobility of soul, purity of purpose, and service to God through service to humanity," she wrote in her letter. Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi's letter to Pope Francis on Canonization Ceremony of Mother Teresa pic.twitter.com/cCk3Yn12I1 — Congress (@INCIndia) August 30, 2016 × "If I had not been unwell, I too would have been there to witness this sacred ceremony, and to pay my humble homage to the woman who was the very embodiment of boundless compassion, mercy, and grace," she added. Gandhi along with party colleagues Mallikarjun Kharge and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had on Wednesday "respectfully declined" the invite to attend the Ram Temple ceremony inviting severe backlash from ruling party BJP. The official release issued by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, "Lord Ram is worshipped by millions in our country. Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya." Here is the statement of Shri @Jairam_Ramesh, General Secretary (Communications), Indian National Congress. pic.twitter.com/JcKIEk3afy — Congress (@INCIndia) January 10, 2024 × 'For the sake of appeasement', Union minister Pralhad Joshi slams congress Union minister Pralhad Joshi on Thursday said that the Congress party turned down the invitation for the "sake of appeasement." Also read: Ayodhya to develop ‘Ramayana Forest’, offering glimpses into Lord Ram’s exile period "For the sake of appeasement, the Congress party is continuously opposing Hindu beliefs. Whenever the issue of Ram Temple has been raised in the last two to four decades, they have always opposed it. They even said Lord Ram was a fictional figure and questioned the Ram Setu... The present Congress party has reached the heights of appeasement. I am not surprised by their decision..." Joshi told news agency ANI. Meanwhile, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi highlighted a pattern of boycotts by the Congress who had earlier skipped the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, and also the President's address. "Congress boycotted the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, Kargil Vijay Diwas from 2004 to 2009, and even the Bharat Ratna ceremony of former President Pranab Mukherjee, who belonged to their party," Trivedi said. Watch | Parliament Special Session Day 3: Sonia Gandhi to lead Congress in-charge × 'This is Nehru's Congress, not Gandhi's Congress' Trivedi, launching a scathing attack against the grand old party, invoked India's first prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru claiming, "This is Nehru's Congress, this is not Gandhi's Congress. Mahatma Gandhi used to sing 'Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram' and today Congress is not attending the "pran pratishtha" ceremony. This shows Congress is against Hindu religion and Hindutva." Karnataka BJP leader CT Ravi also cited an incident where Nehru had refused to visit Somnath Temple in Gujarat claiming that the party through the ages opposed "Hindutva". "Congress has always been against Hindutva. Somnath Temple was reconstructed by Sardar Vallabbhai Patel, Babu Rajendra Prasad, and KM Munshi. Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister during that time. He didn't visit Somanth. So how can the present leadership of Congress go to Ayodhya?," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Sonia Gandhi's old letter to Pope goes viral after she declines Ram temple inauguration invite

<p>In a recent social media post, renowned actor-politician Khushbu Sundar, who also serves as a member of the National Commission for Women, shared a photo showcasing a bouquet of flowers she purportedly purchased from young vendors at a Mumbai crossing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sundar then reflected on the incident and drew inspiration from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on self-dependence.</p>

<p>But the post sparked controversy as critics accused Khushbu of downplaying the issue of child labour.</p>

<p>The criticism on social media intensified with many users perceiving it as a contradiction between her official role and the implicit endorsement of child labour through the flower purchase.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-child-influencers-lives-are-glitzy-but-gloomy-now-some-are-fighting-back-585953">Explained: Child influencers' lives are glitzy, but gloomy! Now some are fighting back</a></strong></p>

<p>Addressing the backlash on Thursday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader issued a public apology, acknowledging the oversight in her initial social media post.</p>

<p>"My tweet about a child selling flowers in Mumbai yesterday was made in a very positive context as she was helping her own education and not confining to begging. I do realize it sums up to child labour...A child needs to grow up in a very secure and happy environment. Be in school and play to have a healthy mindset and upbringing. I, who has been through struggle, pain and hardship as a child myself, saw me in that child whose eyes and gait spoke of confidence and courage. My intention was not to hurt anyone. I seek your forgiveness for sending out a wrong message. I have never deleted any of my tweets till date, but this I did. All I have to say is sorry from the bottom of my heart," the BJP leader said.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;Child labour at 'critical moment' as more pushed into work: ILO</strong></p>

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<p>The post went viral on X and Instagram. Many people commented that only in India a scene of a child toiling in the streets can be transformed into a plank for praising PM. Khushbu clarified: "The kid I spoke to finishes her school and then sells flowers to help her education. I am a responsible citizen and a mother. And as a follower of PM Modi ji, we understand our responsibilities better than others of you."</p>

<p>"I am very sure I work more for child labour than you do. As someone who has always been involved in public service, I understand better. Kindly read the positive side and not jump to conclusions just because it is probably fashionable for you to be anti-Modi," Khushbu said in another retaliatory post.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a recent social media post, renowned actor-politician Khushbu Sundar, who also serves as a member of the National Commission for Women, shared a photo showcasing a bouquet of flowers she purportedly purchased from young vendors at a Mumbai crossing.

In a recent social media post, renowned actor-politician Khushbu Sundar, who also serves as a member of the National Commission for Women, shared a photo showcasing a bouquet of flowers she purportedly purchased from young vendors at a Mumbai crossing. Sundar then reflected on the incident and drew inspiration from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on self-dependence. But the post sparked controversy as critics accused Khushbu of downplaying the issue of child labour. The criticism on social media intensified with many users perceiving it as a contradiction between her official role and the implicit endorsement of child labour through the flower purchase. Also read | Explained: Child influencers' lives are glitzy, but gloomy! Now some are fighting back Addressing the backlash on Thursday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader issued a public apology, acknowledging the oversight in her initial social media post. "My tweet about a child selling flowers in Mumbai yesterday was made in a very positive context as she was helping her own education and not confining to begging. I do realize it sums up to child labour...A child needs to grow up in a very secure and happy environment. Be in school and play to have a healthy mindset and upbringing. I, who has been through struggle, pain and hardship as a child myself, saw me in that child whose eyes and gait spoke of confidence and courage. My intention was not to hurt anyone. I seek your forgiveness for sending out a wrong message. I have never deleted any of my tweets till date, but this I did. All I have to say is sorry from the bottom of my heart," the BJP leader said. Also watch | Child labour at 'critical moment' as more pushed into work: ILO × The post went viral on X and Instagram. Many people commented that only in India a scene of a child toiling in the streets can be transformed into a plank for praising PM. Khushbu clarified: "The kid I spoke to finishes her school and then sells flowers to help her education. I am a responsible citizen and a mother. And as a follower of PM Modi ji, we understand our responsibilities better than others of you." "I am very sure I work more for child labour than you do. As someone who has always been involved in public service, I understand better. Kindly read the positive side and not jump to conclusions just because it is probably fashionable for you to be anti-Modi," Khushbu said in another retaliatory post. (With inputs from agencies)

India: BJP leader Khushbu Sundar issues clarification over a 'child vendor' post

<p>India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday (Jan 11) slammed Congress over declining the invitation extended to its leaders for the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, stating that this move had demonstrated the grand old party's inherent opposition to the country's culture and Hindu religion.</p>

<p>Union minister Pralhad Joshi while talking to the reporters said that the party turned down the invitation for the "sake of appeasement."</p>

<p>"For the sake of appeasement, the Congress party is continuously opposing Hindu beliefs. Whenever the issue of Ram Temple has been raised in the last two to four decades, they have always opposed it. They even said Lord Ram was a fictional figure and questioned the Ram Setu... The present Congress party has reached the heights of appeasement. I am not surprised by their decision..." Joshi told news agency ANI.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi highlighted a pattern of boycotts by the Congress who had earlier skipped the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, and also the President's address.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Ram Temple Ayodhya consecration: Congress calls temple inauguration an event for 'electoral gains'</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">"Congress boycotted the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, Kargil Vijay Diwas from 2004 to 2009, and even the Bharat Ratna ceremony of former President Pranab Mukherjee, who belonged to their party," Trivedi said.</div>

<p>Questioning the Congress party's opposition to the Ram Temple the BJP spokesperson further said, "Babri's supporters are also coming to the Pran Pratisthan of Ram Lalla, but why is Congress opposing it?"</p>

<p>"In your fight against PM Modi, you went to an extent of standing against India, but now fighting against PM Modi, you're even fighting against God," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-temple-giant-prayer-bell-weighing-2400-kg-made-with-eight-metals-to-be-installed-in-ayodhya-temple-678999">Ram Temple: Giant prayer bell weighing 2400 kg made with eight metals to be installed in Ayodhya temple</a></p>

<h2><strong>'This is Nehru's Congress, not Gandhi's Congress'</strong></h2>

<p>Trivedi, launching a scathing attack against the grand old party, invoked India's first prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru claiming, "This is Nehru's Congress, this is not Gandhi's Congress. Mahatma Gandhi used to sing 'Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram' and today Congress is not attending the "pran pratishtha" ceremony. This shows Congress is against Hindu religion and Hindutva."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Karnataka BJP leader CT Ravi also cited an incident where Nehru had refused to visit Somnath Temple in Gujarat claiming that the party through the ages opposed "Hindutva".</p>

<p>"Congress has always been against Hindutva. Somnath Temple was reconstructed by Sardar Vallabbhai Patel, Babu Rajendra Prasad, and KM Munshi. Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister during that time. He didn't visit Somanth. So how can the present leadership of Congress go to Ayodhya?," he said.</p>

<p>"First, they were crying that they did not receive an invitation, and when they did, they refused to accept," Ravi added.</p>

<p>BJP MP Harnath Singh Yadav further alleged that the Congress was against the Ram temple from the very beginning.</p>

<p>"Congress opposed Ram Janmabhoomi right from the beginning. It left no stone unturned in overcoming all the obstacles that it could. They had an opportunity to atone for all their sins and crimes but they lost that opportunity. Citizens of this country are standing with Lord Ram. People whose spirits live somewhere else are against Lord Ram," the BJP MP said.</p>

<p>"It is not just Congress alone. Akhilesh Yadav refused to even accept the invitation letter. He too had the opportunity to atone for what his father did but he too lost the opportunity."</p>

<p>"Anti-Ram and anti-Krishna forces are gaining strength in the country. All these are anti-Hindutva forces," Yadav added.</p>

<p>Congress party had earlier in a statement said that Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury would not attend the Ram temple consecration ceremony, scheduled for Jan 22, calling it a "BJP/RSS event".</p>

<p>"Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya. The inauguration of the incomplete temple by the leaders of the BJP and the RSS has been obviously brought forward for electoral gain," the party said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday (Jan 11) slammed Congress over declining the invitation extended to its leaders for the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, stating that this move had demonstrated the grand old party's inherent opposition to the country's culture and Hindu religion.

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday (Jan 11) slammed Congress over declining the invitation extended to its leaders for the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, stating that this move had demonstrated the grand old party's inherent opposition to the country's culture and Hindu religion. Union minister Pralhad Joshi while talking to the reporters said that the party turned down the invitation for the "sake of appeasement." "For the sake of appeasement, the Congress party is continuously opposing Hindu beliefs. Whenever the issue of Ram Temple has been raised in the last two to four decades, they have always opposed it. They even said Lord Ram was a fictional figure and questioned the Ram Setu... The present Congress party has reached the heights of appeasement. I am not surprised by their decision..." Joshi told news agency ANI. Meanwhile, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi highlighted a pattern of boycotts by the Congress who had earlier skipped the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, and also the President's address. Watch | Ram Temple Ayodhya consecration: Congress calls temple inauguration an event for 'electoral gains' × "Congress boycotted the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, Kargil Vijay Diwas from 2004 to 2009, and even the Bharat Ratna ceremony of former President Pranab Mukherjee, who belonged to their party," Trivedi said. Questioning the Congress party's opposition to the Ram Temple the BJP spokesperson further said, "Babri's supporters are also coming to the Pran Pratisthan of Ram Lalla, but why is Congress opposing it?" "In your fight against PM Modi, you went to an extent of standing against India, but now fighting against PM Modi, you're even fighting against God," he added. Also read: Ram Temple: Giant prayer bell weighing 2400 kg made with eight metals to be installed in Ayodhya temple 'This is Nehru's Congress, not Gandhi's Congress' Trivedi, launching a scathing attack against the grand old party, invoked India's first prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru claiming, "This is Nehru's Congress, this is not Gandhi's Congress. Mahatma Gandhi used to sing 'Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram' and today Congress is not attending the "pran pratishtha" ceremony. This shows Congress is against Hindu religion and Hindutva." Karnataka BJP leader CT Ravi also cited an incident where Nehru had refused to visit Somnath Temple in Gujarat claiming that the party through the ages opposed "Hindutva". "Congress has always been against Hindutva. Somnath Temple was reconstructed by Sardar Vallabbhai Patel, Babu Rajendra Prasad, and KM Munshi. Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister during that time. He didn't visit Somanth. So how can the present leadership of Congress go to Ayodhya?," he said. "First, they were crying that they did not receive an invitation, and when they did, they refused to accept," Ravi added. BJP MP Harnath Singh Yadav further alleged that the Congress was against the Ram temple from the very beginning. "Congress opposed Ram Janmabhoomi right from the beginning. It left no stone unturned in overcoming all the obstacles that it could. They had an opportunity to atone for all their sins and crimes but they lost that opportunity. Citizens of this country are standing with Lord Ram. People whose spirits live somewhere else are against Lord Ram," the BJP MP said. "It is not just Congress alone. Akhilesh Yadav refused to even accept the invitation letter. He too had the opportunity to atone for what his father did but he too lost the opportunity." "Anti-Ram and anti-Krishna forces are gaining strength in the country. All these are anti-Hindutva forces," Yadav added. Congress party had earlier in a statement said that Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury would not attend the Ram temple consecration ceremony, scheduled for Jan 22, calling it a "BJP/RSS event". "Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya. The inauguration of the incomplete temple by the leaders of the BJP and the RSS has been obviously brought forward for electoral gain," the party said. (With inputs from agencies)

India: BJP slams Congress for turning down Ram temple consecration ceremony invitation

The BJP is setting its sights on winning 22 of the 25 Lok Sabha seats in the Northeast. In a meeting of senior party members in Guwahati - days ahead of the beginning of Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra - party president J P Nadda chalked out extensive plans for rallies and campaigns in the region.

BJP aims for 22/25 seats from the North East| Congress to launch yatra from Manipur

Ram temple inauguration is around the corner. All eyes are set on the grand ceremony in Ayodhya. Meanwhile, Ram Temple Trust has requested a few not to come. Watch this video to know more.

Ram Temple Ayodhya consecration: Congress calls temple inauguration an event for 'electoral gains'

Ram Temple Ayodhya consecration: Veteran BJP leader LK Advani to attend ceremony, Congress to skip

Some pregnant Hindu women in India's Lucknow are hankering to deliver their babies on January 22 as it coincides with the date Hindu Lord Rama's temple would be inaugurated in Ayodhya. Watch this video for all details.

Ram Mandir consecration: Why are some Indian women hankering to deliver their babies on January 22?

The Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 were amended in 2013 to allow for a printer with a drop box to be attached to the EVM. The VVPAT was used for the first time in all 21 polling stations of the Noksen Assembly constituency of Nagaland in 2013, after which the EC decided to introduce VVPATs in a phased manner. From June 2017, 100% of VVPATs began to be used in polls, and the 2019 Lok Sabha elections became the first general election to have 100% of EVMs being attached to VVPATs.

What are VVPATs | Why are they crucial for Indian Elections | The debate around them

The roadshow of Prime Minister Narendra Modi painted the Thrissur city in Kerala saffron on January 3 (Wednesday). Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) flags, saffron balloons, ribbons, festoons and banners created a sea of saffron in the city. The Prime minister was showered with bright saffron and yellow marigold petals throughout his roadshow.

PM Modi launches 2024 poll campaign in Kerala's Thrissur

PM Modi inaugurates new projects in Tamil Nadu, lays stone for new initiatives worth over ₹20,000 crore. PM Modi is the first prime Minister to address the convocation ceremony of the varsity, established in 1982

PM Modi touring Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Lakshwadeep ahead of 2024 polls

In a strategic move, the Congress party has decided to independently contest elections on approximately 290 seats in the upcoming 2024 polls. The decision comes after a consensus was reached during the two-day meeting of the Alliance Committee held on December 29 and 30, said sources.

India alliance begins seat sharing talks | Congress to contest in 290 seats: Sources

Bolstered by its success in the recent state polls, BJP is geared up to finalise its Lok Sabha candidates early amid indications that the party leadership is considering encouraging a few heavyweights who are in the Rajya Sabha to take the field. Sources said the success of the experiment of announcing its list early worked well in the state polls, helping the party get a vital headstart over its rivals, besides smoothing the ruffled sentiments of those who were not considered.

BJP may release first list of candidates as early as January

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<p>The consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh will be held on January 22. With less than a month left for the event, a political squabble has broken out between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and opposition parties. Invitations to attend the grand ceremony have been sent to religious leaders as well as politicians.</p>

<p>The war of words comes just months ahead of the general election&nbsp;in India.</p>

<h2><strong>'Attempt to politicise a religious programme'</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking to the news agency ANI on Tuesday, senior CPI (M) leader Brinda Karat said her party would skip the Jan 22 event. “Our party will not attend the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. We respect religious beliefs but they are connecting a religious programme with politics. This is the politicisation of a religious programme. This is not right,” Karat said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhya-ram-temple-massive-108-feet-long-incense-stick-being-prepared-ahead-of-ram-temple-inauguration-672139">Massive 108-feet-long incense stick being prepared ahead of Ram Temple inauguration in Ayodhya</a></strong></p>

<p>Karat added that using religion as a political weapon or for advancing a political agenda was not right.</p>

<p>CPI (M)'s General Secretary Sitaram Yechury had recently received a formal invitation from Nripendra Mishra, who is the chairperson of the temple's construction committee.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: Union Minister Meenakashi Lekhi says, "...The invitations have been sent to all. Those called by lord Ram will only reach (Ayodhya, for Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of Ram Temple) <a href="https://t.co/1YawlSfT3c">https://t.co/1YawlSfT3c</a> <a href="https://t.co/5fTgTezDgi">pic.twitter.com/5fTgTezDgi</a></p>
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<p>"What is happening in this inauguration ceremony is that it has been converted into a state-sponsored event with the Prime Minister, UP CM and others holding Constitutional positions... This is straightforward politicisation of the religious belief of the people which is not in consonance with the Constitution. Therefore, in these circumstances, I regret not being able to attend the event," Yechury told ANI.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal told the news agency on Tuesday that he would not attend the event as well. "I have Ram in my heart. I don't need to show off. What I say to you is from my heart because I do not care about all these things. If Ram is in my heart and Ram has guided me throughout my journey, it means that I have done something right."</p>

<p>Sibal, the former Congress leader and former Union minister, said that the whole temple construction issue was a show-off as the BJP's behaviour, and character was nowhere similar to Lord Ram.</p>

<h2><strong>'Only those called by Ram will come': BJP&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In a sharp retort to the opposition leaders, Union Minister and BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi said on Tuesday “Invitations were sent to all but only those called by Lord Ram will come.” Apart from the BJP, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) also criticised the CPI(M)'s refusal to attend the event.</p>

<p>Hitting out at Sitaram Yechury, VHP National Spokesperson Vinod Bansal said, "Those whose name is Sitaram will not go to Ayodhya Dham!! Political opposition is understandable, but if someone has so much hatred for his own name, he can only be a communist! Whether the hatred is towards Ram or towards one's own name, it has to be told..."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh will be held on January 22. With less than a month left for the event, a political squabble has broken out between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and opposition parties.

The consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh will be held on January 22. With less than a month left for the event, a political squabble has broken out between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and opposition parties. Invitations to attend the grand ceremony have been sent to religious leaders as well as politicians. The war of words comes just months ahead of the general election in India. 'Attempt to politicise a religious programme' Speaking to the news agency ANI on Tuesday, senior CPI (M) leader Brinda Karat said her party would skip the Jan 22 event. “Our party will not attend the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. We respect religious beliefs but they are connecting a religious programme with politics. This is the politicisation of a religious programme. This is not right,” Karat said. Also read: Massive 108-feet-long incense stick being prepared ahead of Ram Temple inauguration in Ayodhya Karat added that using religion as a political weapon or for advancing a political agenda was not right. CPI (M)'s General Secretary Sitaram Yechury had recently received a formal invitation from Nripendra Mishra, who is the chairperson of the temple's construction committee. #WATCH | Delhi: Union Minister Meenakashi Lekhi says, "...The invitations have been sent to all. Those called by lord Ram will only reach (Ayodhya, for Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of Ram Temple) https://t.co/1YawlSfT3c pic.twitter.com/5fTgTezDgi — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2023 × "What is happening in this inauguration ceremony is that it has been converted into a state-sponsored event with the Prime Minister, UP CM and others holding Constitutional positions... This is straightforward politicisation of the religious belief of the people which is not in consonance with the Constitution. Therefore, in these circumstances, I regret not being able to attend the event," Yechury told ANI. Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal told the news agency on Tuesday that he would not attend the event as well. "I have Ram in my heart. I don't need to show off. What I say to you is from my heart because I do not care about all these things. If Ram is in my heart and Ram has guided me throughout my journey, it means that I have done something right." Sibal, the former Congress leader and former Union minister, said that the whole temple construction issue was a show-off as the BJP's behaviour, and character was nowhere similar to Lord Ram. 'Only those called by Ram will come': BJP In a sharp retort to the opposition leaders, Union Minister and BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi said on Tuesday “Invitations were sent to all but only those called by Lord Ram will come.” Apart from the BJP, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) also criticised the CPI(M)'s refusal to attend the event. Hitting out at Sitaram Yechury, VHP National Spokesperson Vinod Bansal said, "Those whose name is Sitaram will not go to Ayodhya Dham!! Political opposition is understandable, but if someone has so much hatred for his own name, he can only be a communist! Whether the hatred is towards Ram or towards one's own name, it has to be told..." (With inputs from agencies)

Upcoming Ram temple event turns into a political issue between BJP, oppn

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Hema Malini has courted controversy after she said the suspension of over 140 parliamentarians from the opposition camp was due to them asking "too many questions".&nbsp;</p>

<p>As many as 143&nbsp;MPs have been suspended in recent days from both houses of the parliament. While 97 are from the Lok Sabha (lower house), 46 MPs are from the Rajya Sabha (upper house).</p>

<p>Speaking on the suspensions, Malini said: "See, they keep asking&nbsp;so many questions and display strange behaviour. So, they have been suspended. Their suspension means they did something wrong."</p>

<p>"Work should be done in accordance with parliament rules. They don't do it and they have been suspended. There is nothing wrong in it, this is correct," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Malini, who represents the Mathura constituency in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh stated that the suspended MPs wanted to cripple Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.</p>

<p>"That is their goal, somehow don't let the Parliament function and uproot the Modi government. They are working so hard for it, but they won't be successful," she said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | On suspension of more than 100 Opposition MPs for the remainder of the winter session of Parliament, BJP MP Hema Malini says, "They keep raising questions and display strange behaviour. So, they have been suspended. If they have been suspended, it means they have done… <a href="https://t.co/gbUNhrflDf">pic.twitter.com/gbUNhrflDf</a></p>
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<p>After a video of her making the statement went viral, the opposition leaders quickly pounced and targeted her as well as the BJP.</p>

<p>Telangana Congress leader Sama Ram Mohan Reddy quote-posted the video and captioned it as saying: "Finally, a BJP MP has revealed the reason for the suspension of Congress and opposition MPs."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Finally, a BJP MP has revealed the reason for the suspension of Congress and opposition MPs.<br />
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BJP MP Hema Malini:— They ask too many questions that’s why they are suspended. <a href="https://t.co/KYOH7vZPF0">pic.twitter.com/KYOH7vZPF0</a></p>
— Sama Ram Mohan Reddy (@RamMohanINC) <a href="https://twitter.com/RamMohanINC/status/1737165762425729390?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Why have the MPs been suspended?</strong></h2>

<p>The main reason for the suspension lies in the opposition's unrelenting protest for demanding&nbsp;a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the parliament security breach issue. The leaders want Shah to address the parliament and speak on the recent security breach where two intruders entered the Lok Sabha and managed to hurl two smoke canisters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has already announced plans for a nationwide protest on December 22 to call out the BJP.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/record-number-of-opposition-mps-suspended-from-indian-parliament-671417"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Record number of Opposition MPs suspended from Indian Parliament</strong></a></p>

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<p>"They want to suspend everyone and run a dictatorship by removing everyone from the house, this won't work in a democracy. This is why we will go to the people. We will continue to protest till they don't revoke suspension and make a statement in the house and initiate a discussion in the house," Kharge said.</p>

<p>According to a circular issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, the suspended MPs cannot enter the parliament chamber, lobby and galleries.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Hema Malini has courted controversy after she said the suspension of over 140 parliamentarians from the opposition camp was due to them asking "too many questions".

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Hema Malini has courted controversy after she said the suspension of over 140 parliamentarians from the opposition camp was due to them asking "too many questions". As many as 143 MPs have been suspended in recent days from both houses of the parliament. While 97 are from the Lok Sabha (lower house), 46 MPs are from the Rajya Sabha (upper house). Speaking on the suspensions, Malini said: "See, they keep asking so many questions and display strange behaviour. So, they have been suspended. Their suspension means they did something wrong." "Work should be done in accordance with parliament rules. They don't do it and they have been suspended. There is nothing wrong in it, this is correct," she added. Malini, who represents the Mathura constituency in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh stated that the suspended MPs wanted to cripple Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. "That is their goal, somehow don't let the Parliament function and uproot the Modi government. They are working so hard for it, but they won't be successful," she said. #WATCH | On suspension of more than 100 Opposition MPs for the remainder of the winter session of Parliament, BJP MP Hema Malini says, "They keep raising questions and display strange behaviour. So, they have been suspended. If they have been suspended, it means they have done… pic.twitter.com/gbUNhrflDf — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2023 × After a video of her making the statement went viral, the opposition leaders quickly pounced and targeted her as well as the BJP. Telangana Congress leader Sama Ram Mohan Reddy quote-posted the video and captioned it as saying: "Finally, a BJP MP has revealed the reason for the suspension of Congress and opposition MPs." Finally, a BJP MP has revealed the reason for the suspension of Congress and opposition MPs. BJP MP Hema Malini:— They ask too many questions that’s why they are suspended. pic.twitter.com/KYOH7vZPF0 — Sama Ram Mohan Reddy (@RamMohanINC) December 19, 2023 × Why have the MPs been suspended? The main reason for the suspension lies in the opposition's unrelenting protest for demanding a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the parliament security breach issue. The leaders want Shah to address the parliament and speak on the recent security breach where two intruders entered the Lok Sabha and managed to hurl two smoke canisters. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has already announced plans for a nationwide protest on December 22 to call out the BJP. Watch | Record number of Opposition MPs suspended from Indian Parliament × "They want to suspend everyone and run a dictatorship by removing everyone from the house, this won't work in a democracy. This is why we will go to the people. We will continue to protest till they don't revoke suspension and make a statement in the house and initiate a discussion in the house," Kharge said. According to a circular issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, the suspended MPs cannot enter the parliament chamber, lobby and galleries. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP MP Hema Malini justifies suspension of 143 MPs: ‘They ask too many questions’

Ram Mandir inauguration: Are BJP veterans Lal Krishna Advani & Murli Manohar Joshi invited?

<p>The veteran leaders of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Lal Krishna Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi were invited on Tuesday (Dec 19) to attend the consecration ceremony of Ram Temple in northern India's Ayodhya scheduled to be held on January 22, 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Advani was India's home minister (1999-2004) and deputy prime minister (2002-2004) during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1999-2004), Joshi also held crucial cabinet portfolios during Vajpayee's all three prime ministerial tenures in 1996, 1998, and between 1999 to 2004.</p>

<p>Advani, 96, is also one of the co-founders of the present-day Bharatiya Janata Party.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Invite to attend Ram Temple consecration</strong></h2>

<p>Advani and Joshi were extended the invitation a day after Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the body that manages the affairs related to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, said that the two veterans were requested "not to attend" the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple owing to their advanced age.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday (Dec 19) senior Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) leaders -- both ideological fountainheads of the BJP -- met Advani and Joshi and invited them to the event.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bjp-veterans-lk-advani-mm-joshi-requested-not-to-come-for-ram-temple-event-671185">India: BJP veterans LK Advani, MM Joshi ‘requested not to come’ for Ram Temple event</a></strong></p>

<p>Both Advani and Joshi were at the forefront of the Ram temple movement in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In December 1992,&nbsp;a sixteenth-century religious structure deemed 'disputed' by Hindus was brought down by hundreds of people. The community believed the Mughal-era religious structure was built over the birthplace of the Hindu god Ram.</p>

<p>In a statement after the meetings, Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Alok Kumar said in a post on X, "Invited Lal Krishna Advani ji and Murli Manohar Joshi ji, the pioneers of Ram Mandir movement, to attend the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024. Both the seniors said that they will make every effort to come."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Ram Mandir inauguration: How Ram Mandir is boosting Ayodhya's economy</strong></p>

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<p>In September 2019, the Supreme Court in a unanimous verdict cleared the way for the construction of a Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and directed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration to allot a 5-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board for building a mosque.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The newly built temple is scheduled to be consecrated on January 22, 2024.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The veteran leaders of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Lal Krishna Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi were invited on Tuesday (Dec 19) to attend the consecration ceremony of Ram Temple in northern India's Ayodhya scheduled to be held on January 22, 2024.

The veteran leaders of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Lal Krishna Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi were invited on Tuesday (Dec 19) to attend the consecration ceremony of Ram Temple in northern India's Ayodhya scheduled to be held on January 22, 2024. While Advani was India's home minister (1999-2004) and deputy prime minister (2002-2004) during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1999-2004), Joshi also held crucial cabinet portfolios during Vajpayee's all three prime ministerial tenures in 1996, 1998, and between 1999 to 2004. Advani, 96, is also one of the co-founders of the present-day Bharatiya Janata Party. Invite to attend Ram Temple consecration Advani and Joshi were extended the invitation a day after Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the body that manages the affairs related to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, said that the two veterans were requested "not to attend" the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple owing to their advanced age. On Tuesday (Dec 19) senior Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) leaders -- both ideological fountainheads of the BJP -- met Advani and Joshi and invited them to the event. Also read | India: BJP veterans LK Advani, MM Joshi ‘requested not to come’ for Ram Temple event Both Advani and Joshi were at the forefront of the Ram temple movement in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In December 1992, a sixteenth-century religious structure deemed 'disputed' by Hindus was brought down by hundreds of people. The community believed the Mughal-era religious structure was built over the birthplace of the Hindu god Ram. In a statement after the meetings, Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Alok Kumar said in a post on X, "Invited Lal Krishna Advani ji and Murli Manohar Joshi ji, the pioneers of Ram Mandir movement, to attend the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024. Both the seniors said that they will make every effort to come." Also watch | Ram Mandir inauguration: How Ram Mandir is boosting Ayodhya's economy × In September 2019, the Supreme Court in a unanimous verdict cleared the way for the construction of a Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and directed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration to allot a 5-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board for building a mosque. The newly built temple is scheduled to be consecrated on January 22, 2024. (With inputs from agencies)

India: BJP veterans LK Advani, MM Joshi to make 'every effort' to attend Ram Temple consecration ceremony

<p>BJP veterans LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi who were at the forefront of the agitation for the Ram temple in Ayodhya are unlikely to attend next month's consecration ceremony due to their health and age, the temple trust said in Ayodhya on Monday.</p>

<p>"Both are elders of the family and considering their age, they were requested not to come, which was accepted by both," Ram Temple Trust general secretary Champat Rai told reporters.</p>

<p>Mr Rai said preparations are in full swing for the consecration ceremony on January 22, which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;How Ram Mandir is boosting Ayodhya's economy</strong></p>

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<p>The preparations would be completed by January 15 and the puja for 'praan pratistha' will start from January 16 and will continue till January 22, he added.</p>

<p>Giving a detailed list of the invitees, Mr Rai said Mr Advani and Mr Joshi might not attend the consecration ceremony due to health and age-related reasons.</p>

<p>Mr Advani is now 96 and Mr Joshi will turn 90 next month.</p>

<p>A three-member team has been formed to visit former prime minister Deve Gowda and invite him to the ceremony, Rai said.</p>

<p>"Shankaracharyas of six darshanas (ancient schools) and around 150 saints and sages and will participate in the ceremony," Mr Rai said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-mohit-pandey-22-year-old-chosen-among-200-candidates-for-priest-of-ayodhyas-ram-temple-669315">Who is Mohit Pandey? 22-year-old chosen among 200 candidates for priest of Ayodhya's Ram Temple</a></strong></p>

<p>He added that about 4,000 saints and 2,200 other guests have been invited for the ceremony.</p>

<p>Heads of major temples like Kashi Vishwanath, Vaishno Devi, and representatives of religious and constitutional institutions have also been invited, he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Spiritual leader Dalai Lama, Mata Amritanandamayi of Kerala, yoga guru Baba Ramdev, cine stars Rajnikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, Arun Govil, film director Madhur Bhandarkar and prominent industrialists such as Mukesh Ambani, Anil Ambani, famous painter Vasudev Kamat, ISRO Director Nilesh Desai and many other eminent personalities have been invited to the function, Rai said.</p>

<p>After the consecration ceremony, 'mandal puja' will be held from January 24 for 48 days as per ritual traditions. The temple will be opened for devotees on January 23, he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pm-modi-to-install-lord-ram-idol-at-ayodhya-temple-in-historic-ceremony-on-jan-22-651242">India: PM Modi to attend installation of Lord Ram's idol at Ayodhya temple in historic ceremony on Jan 22</a></strong></p>

<p>Mr Rai said that proper arrangements have been made for the guests to stay at more than three places in Ayodhya. Apart from this, 600 rooms have been made available by various monasteries, temples and household families.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, authorities of the Ayodhya Municipal Corporation said they have begun preparing for the consecration ceremony.</p>

<p>Speaking to PTI, Municipal Commissioner Vishal Singh said that fibre toilets will be installed for devotees and changing rooms will be set up for women at designated places.</p>

<p>The 'Ram Katha Kunj' corridor will be built in the Ram Janmabhoomi complex which would showcase tableaux displaying 108 events from Lord Ram's life, he said.</p>


BJP veterans LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi who were at the forefront of the agitation for the Ram temple in Ayodhya are unlikely to attend next month's consecration ceremony due to their health and age, the temple trust said in Ayodhya on Monday.

BJP veterans LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi who were at the forefront of the agitation for the Ram temple in Ayodhya are unlikely to attend next month's consecration ceremony due to their health and age, the temple trust said in Ayodhya on Monday. "Both are elders of the family and considering their age, they were requested not to come, which was accepted by both," Ram Temple Trust general secretary Champat Rai told reporters. Mr Rai said preparations are in full swing for the consecration ceremony on January 22, which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. ALSO WATCH | How Ram Mandir is boosting Ayodhya's economy The preparations would be completed by January 15 and the puja for 'praan pratistha' will start from January 16 and will continue till January 22, he added. Giving a detailed list of the invitees, Mr Rai said Mr Advani and Mr Joshi might not attend the consecration ceremony due to health and age-related reasons. Mr Advani is now 96 and Mr Joshi will turn 90 next month. A three-member team has been formed to visit former prime minister Deve Gowda and invite him to the ceremony, Rai said. "Shankaracharyas of six darshanas (ancient schools) and around 150 saints and sages and will participate in the ceremony," Mr Rai said. ALSO READ | Who is Mohit Pandey? 22-year-old chosen among 200 candidates for priest of Ayodhya's Ram Temple He added that about 4,000 saints and 2,200 other guests have been invited for the ceremony. Heads of major temples like Kashi Vishwanath, Vaishno Devi, and representatives of religious and constitutional institutions have also been invited, he said. Spiritual leader Dalai Lama, Mata Amritanandamayi of Kerala, yoga guru Baba Ramdev, cine stars Rajnikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, Arun Govil, film director Madhur Bhandarkar and prominent industrialists such as Mukesh Ambani, Anil Ambani, famous painter Vasudev Kamat, ISRO Director Nilesh Desai and many other eminent personalities have been invited to the function, Rai said. After the consecration ceremony, 'mandal puja' will be held from January 24 for 48 days as per ritual traditions. The temple will be opened for devotees on January 23, he added. ALSO READ | India: PM Modi to attend installation of Lord Ram's idol at Ayodhya temple in historic ceremony on Jan 22 Mr Rai said that proper arrangements have been made for the guests to stay at more than three places in Ayodhya. Apart from this, 600 rooms have been made available by various monasteries, temples and household families. Meanwhile, authorities of the Ayodhya Municipal Corporation said they have begun preparing for the consecration ceremony. Speaking to PTI, Municipal Commissioner Vishal Singh said that fibre toilets will be installed for devotees and changing rooms will be set up for women at designated places. The 'Ram Katha Kunj' corridor will be built in the Ram Janmabhoomi complex which would showcase tableaux displaying 108 events from Lord Ram's life, he said.

India: BJP veterans LK Advani, MM Joshi ‘requested not to come’ for Ram Temple event

<p>On the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 attack on India's Parliament,&nbsp;chaos ensued within&nbsp;the country's supreme symbol of democracy as four individuals disrupted the ongoing Winter Session in the lower house or Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>The people who took&nbsp;coloured smoke canisters and opened them inside while the session was ongoing were chanting slogans of 'tanashahi nahin chalegi' (dictatorship will not prevail). While the entire country watched this commotion erupt inside the Indian Parliament,&nbsp;attention quickly shifted to the looming question - how did this major security breach end up happening in broad daylight on December 13?&nbsp;</p>

<p>The intrusion involved the individuals jumping into the Lok Sabha from the public gallery, releasing yellow-coloured smoke canisters and&nbsp;causing panic among MPs. A man and a woman protesting outside the Parliament building were also shortly detained.</p>

<p>The visitor passes which were utilised by two of the intruders were what allowed them entry inside the Parliament in the first place. They then managed to enter the new Parliament building and create mayhem as the MPs were busy with the day's proceedings in the current winter session.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Pratap Simha, the MP in whose name the visitor pass was issued?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The visitor pass was issued in the name of Pratap Simha. He is a Member of Parliament (MP) from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) representing Mysuru in the Indian state of Karnataka.</p>

<p>Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MP from Amroha in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Danish Ali, who was suspended by then-President Mayawati days ago, shared an image of the visitor pass under scrutiny. This is the same pass which ended up granting the intruders access to the Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-pakistan-harbours-masood-azhars-jaish-e-mohammed-22-years-since-parliament-attack-669409">How Pakistan harbours Masood Azhar's Jaish-e-Mohammed, 22 years since parliament attack</a></p>

<p>Pratap Simha, a 42-year-old MP from Mysuru, Karnataka, won the Mysuru constituency with 43.46 per cent of votes in 2014. His vote share increased to 52.27 per cent in the 2019 elections.</p>

<p>Reports suggested that Simha is a former journalist and he gained recognition for his columns. He also authored a biography of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2007.</p>

<p>Simha is the son of a farmer and he is seen expressing admiration for Indian PM Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/smriti-irani-opposes-menstruation-leave-policy-says-its-not-handicap-669398">Smriti Irani opposes menstruation leave policy, says its 'not handicap'</a></p>

<p>One of the intruders, identified as Manoranjan D, is a Mysuru-based engineer. He is known to Simha. The individual reportedly frequented Simha's office.</p>

<p>Manoranjan D also introduced his friend, another individual who entered the Indian Parliament, Sagar Sharma, to the BJP MP. They sought passes from&nbsp;Simha&nbsp;by saying that they wanted to see the new Indian Parliament building.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-delhi-high-court-allows-mother-to-travel-to-yemen-to-save-daughter-669439">Gravitas | Delhi High Court allows mother to travel to Yemen to save daughter</a></strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Three passes issued on&nbsp;Simha's authorisation</strong></h2>

<p>It was revealed by media reports that Simha's office issued three passes on Simha's authorisation. The accused Manoranjan D had been pursuing the visitor's pass for over three months.</p>

<p>After the controversy related to the visitor's pass gained attention, Simha's office defended the MP. The MP's office stated that such requests from constituents are commonly entertained by MPs.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


On the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 attack on India's Parliament, chaos ensued within the country's supreme symbol of democracy as four individuals disrupted the ongoing Winter Session in the lower house or Lok Sabha.

On the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 attack on India's Parliament, chaos ensued within the country's supreme symbol of democracy as four individuals disrupted the ongoing Winter Session in the lower house or Lok Sabha. The people who took coloured smoke canisters and opened them inside while the session was ongoing were chanting slogans of 'tanashahi nahin chalegi' (dictatorship will not prevail). While the entire country watched this commotion erupt inside the Indian Parliament, attention quickly shifted to the looming question - how did this major security breach end up happening in broad daylight on December 13? The intrusion involved the individuals jumping into the Lok Sabha from the public gallery, releasing yellow-coloured smoke canisters and causing panic among MPs. A man and a woman protesting outside the Parliament building were also shortly detained. The visitor passes which were utilised by two of the intruders were what allowed them entry inside the Parliament in the first place. They then managed to enter the new Parliament building and create mayhem as the MPs were busy with the day's proceedings in the current winter session. Who is Pratap Simha, the MP in whose name the visitor pass was issued? The visitor pass was issued in the name of Pratap Simha. He is a Member of Parliament (MP) from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) representing Mysuru in the Indian state of Karnataka. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MP from Amroha in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Danish Ali, who was suspended by then-President Mayawati days ago, shared an image of the visitor pass under scrutiny. This is the same pass which ended up granting the intruders access to the Lok Sabha. Also Read | How Pakistan harbours Masood Azhar's Jaish-e-Mohammed, 22 years since parliament attack Pratap Simha, a 42-year-old MP from Mysuru, Karnataka, won the Mysuru constituency with 43.46 per cent of votes in 2014. His vote share increased to 52.27 per cent in the 2019 elections. Reports suggested that Simha is a former journalist and he gained recognition for his columns. He also authored a biography of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2007. Simha is the son of a farmer and he is seen expressing admiration for Indian PM Modi. Also Read | Smriti Irani opposes menstruation leave policy, says its 'not handicap' One of the intruders, identified as Manoranjan D, is a Mysuru-based engineer. He is known to Simha. The individual reportedly frequented Simha's office. Manoranjan D also introduced his friend, another individual who entered the Indian Parliament, Sagar Sharma, to the BJP MP. They sought passes from Simha by saying that they wanted to see the new Indian Parliament building. Watch | Gravitas | Delhi High Court allows mother to travel to Yemen to save daughter × Three passes issued on Simha's authorisation It was revealed by media reports that Simha's office issued three passes on Simha's authorisation. The accused Manoranjan D had been pursuing the visitor's pass for over three months. After the controversy related to the visitor's pass gained attention, Simha's office defended the MP. The MP's office stated that such requests from constituents are commonly entertained by MPs. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Pratap Simha? BJP MP who issued passes to intruders who breached security at Indian Parliament

<p>A reference to the popular Netflix series Money Heist to slam alleged corruption by a Congress lawmaker.</p>

<p>Pictographs showing faces with tears of joy, and so many 'warning' emojis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These are passé if they appear on an influencer's social media feed. But the person here is Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>The tone, tenor and colourful language in the recent social media outreach deployed by Modi ahead of the 2024 parliamentary elections haven't gone unnoticed.</p>

<p>The season of elections in South Asia will conclude in New Delhi's corridors of power in the summer of 2024. Bangladesh is voting in January, Pakistan in February and India by all tentative estimates, in April and&nbsp;May. The calendar is packed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the old-school election campaigns with chest-thumping rallies are expected to dominate the news cycle in the coming weeks, much of the electoral fate of the South Asian capitals remains deeply connected to the use of social media by the leaders in power and their principal challengers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-elections-2024-pm-sheikh-hasina-led-14-party-alliance-to-head-to-polls-667359">Bangladesh elections 2024: PM Sheikh Hasina-led 14 party alliance to head to polls</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-nawaz-sharifs-pmln-faces-online-embarrassment-over-deleted-poll-656595">Pakistan elections: Nawaz Sharif's PML(N) faces online embarrassment over deleted poll</a></strong></p>

<p>Over 600 million eligible voters in India are aged between 18 to 35. The politicians are now adapting to the way youngsters — a massive voting block India — interact, and their methods of communication are partly redefining the politician-voter outreach in the world's biggest democracy.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-hails-four-state-election-results-as-victory-of-politics-of-development-665751">Indian PM Modi hails three-state election win as potential sign of third term in 2024</a></strong></p>

<p>Just within last week, the Indian Prime Minister Modi has stirred the pot on social media. First by posting a banner headline of a Hindi daily with a blend of tears of joy and 'warning emojis'.</p>

<p>"The countrymen should look at the pile of these notes and then listen to the honest 'speeches' of their leaders...," Modi wrote on X, formerly Twitter, while slamming the ₹350 Crore ($42mn) cash howl at the premises linked to opposition Congress party's&nbsp;lawmaker Dhiraj Sahu.</p>

<p>"Whatever has been looted from the public, every penny will have to be returned, this is Modi's guarantee," Modi posted on X.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">देशवासी इन नोटों के ढेर को देखें और फिर इनके नेताओं के ईमानदारी के 'भाषणों' को सुनें... 😂😂😂<br />
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जनता से जो लूटा है, उसकी पाई-पाई लौटानी पड़ेगी, यह मोदी की गारंटी है।<br />
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❌❌❌💵 💵 💵❌❌❌ <a href="https://t.co/O2pEA4QTOj">pic.twitter.com/O2pEA4QTOj</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1733040901457322300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>On December 12, Modi reposted a video published by the X handle of Bharatiya Janata Party which drew parallels between Sahu's cash howl with Spanish Netflix crime drama Money Heist. "In India, who needs 'Money Heist' fiction, when you have the Congress Party, whose heists are legendary for 70 years and counting!," Modi wrote.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In India, who needs 'Money Heist' fiction, when you have the Congress Party, whose heists are legendary for 70 years and counting! <a href="https://t.co/J70MCA5lcG">https://t.co/J70MCA5lcG</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1734477685865488725?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"He (Modi) is keeping it funny," said Adarsh Pandit, a New Delhi-based political strategist, when asked about the revamped social media outreach from Modi's account on X, formerly Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is how the people in their 20s or early 30s talk over social media. Most of our messages are just the emojis. Modi is simply bringing down his social media handles to the youth in the language they understand without being undignified."</p>

<p>Pandit, who was one of the key political strategists behind the BJP's win in the recently concluded state elections in central India's Chhattisgarh, added&nbsp;that taking on opposition through social media is not exclusively a Modi construct. "So many leaders in the West, be it Boris Johnson or Hillary Clinton use the social media to attack opposition black-and-white."</p>

<p>Pandit contends that Modi's revamped social media messaging is an attempt to ensure that the focus of national discussions ahead of 2024 polls "remains entirely on him."</p>

<p>But it's not just Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party who have deployed social media to target the younger demographics. The Opposition parties have blended viral trends and memes to attack Modi administration.</p>

<p>"Congress and Aam Aadmi Party have done quite well in their social media outreach," Pandit said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;"The BJP has frontrunner advantage," he added, noting&nbsp;that it's the distribution part of the social media outreach where the BJP has an edge over opposition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the early 2010s when the access to social media was beginning to shape up the public sphere in India, the BJP has created social media channels to distribute its messaging at "each and every polling booth".</p>

<p>"While the opposition can match the BJP on the content part. They have not been able to match against the distribution angle," Pandit said.</p>

<p>"That party structure is not there with any other party but the BJP. It is one thing to create good content but it is completely different to disseminate it to the basic of all levels. That's where the BJP wins," he added.&nbsp;</p>


A reference to the popular Netflix series Money Heist to slam alleged corruption by a Congress lawmaker. Pictographs showing faces with tears of joy, and so many 'warning' emojis.

A reference to the popular Netflix series Money Heist to slam alleged corruption by a Congress lawmaker. Pictographs showing faces with tears of joy, and so many 'warning' emojis. These are passé if they appear on an influencer's social media feed. But the person here is Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The tone, tenor and colourful language in the recent social media outreach deployed by Modi ahead of the 2024 parliamentary elections haven't gone unnoticed. The season of elections in South Asia will conclude in New Delhi's corridors of power in the summer of 2024. Bangladesh is voting in January, Pakistan in February and India by all tentative estimates, in April and May. The calendar is packed. While the old-school election campaigns with chest-thumping rallies are expected to dominate the news cycle in the coming weeks, much of the electoral fate of the South Asian capitals remains deeply connected to the use of social media by the leaders in power and their principal challengers. Also read | Bangladesh elections 2024: PM Sheikh Hasina-led 14 party alliance to head to polls Also read | Pakistan elections: Nawaz Sharif's PML(N) faces online embarrassment over deleted poll Over 600 million eligible voters in India are aged between 18 to 35. The politicians are now adapting to the way youngsters — a massive voting block India — interact, and their methods of communication are partly redefining the politician-voter outreach in the world's biggest democracy. Also read | Indian PM Modi hails three-state election win as potential sign of third term in 2024 Just within last week, the Indian Prime Minister Modi has stirred the pot on social media. First by posting a banner headline of a Hindi daily with a blend of tears of joy and 'warning emojis'. "The countrymen should look at the pile of these notes and then listen to the honest 'speeches' of their leaders...," Modi wrote on X, formerly Twitter, while slamming the ₹350 Crore ($42mn) cash howl at the premises linked to opposition Congress party's lawmaker Dhiraj Sahu. "Whatever has been looted from the public, every penny will have to be returned, this is Modi's guarantee," Modi posted on X. देशवासी इन नोटों के ढेर को देखें और फिर इनके नेताओं के ईमानदारी के 'भाषणों' को सुनें... 😂😂😂 जनता से जो लूटा है, उसकी पाई-पाई लौटानी पड़ेगी, यह मोदी की गारंटी है। ❌❌❌💵 💵 💵❌❌❌ pic.twitter.com/O2pEA4QTOj — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 8, 2023 × On December 12, Modi reposted a video published by the X handle of Bharatiya Janata Party which drew parallels between Sahu's cash howl with Spanish Netflix crime drama Money Heist. "In India, who needs 'Money Heist' fiction, when you have the Congress Party, whose heists are legendary for 70 years and counting!," Modi wrote. In India, who needs 'Money Heist' fiction, when you have the Congress Party, whose heists are legendary for 70 years and counting! https://t.co/J70MCA5lcG — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 12, 2023 × "He (Modi) is keeping it funny," said Adarsh Pandit, a New Delhi-based political strategist, when asked about the revamped social media outreach from Modi's account on X, formerly Twitter. "This is how the people in their 20s or early 30s talk over social media. Most of our messages are just the emojis. Modi is simply bringing down his social media handles to the youth in the language they understand without being undignified." Pandit, who was one of the key political strategists behind the BJP's win in the recently concluded state elections in central India's Chhattisgarh, added that taking on opposition through social media is not exclusively a Modi construct. "So many leaders in the West, be it Boris Johnson or Hillary Clinton use the social media to attack opposition black-and-white." Pandit contends that Modi's revamped social media messaging is an attempt to ensure that the focus of national discussions ahead of 2024 polls "remains entirely on him." But it's not just Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party who have deployed social media to target the younger demographics. The Opposition parties have blended viral trends and memes to attack Modi administration. "Congress and Aam Aadmi Party have done quite well in their social media outreach," Pandit said. "The BJP has frontrunner advantage," he added, noting that it's the distribution part of the social media outreach where the BJP has an edge over opposition. Since the early 2010s when the access to social media was beginning to shape up the public sphere in India, the BJP has created social media channels to distribute its messaging at "each and every polling booth". "While the opposition can match the BJP on the content part. They have not been able to match against the distribution angle," Pandit said. "That party structure is not there with any other party but the BJP. It is one thing to create good content but it is completely different to disseminate it to the basic of all levels. That's where the BJP wins," he added.

Indian PM Modi's new social media strategy: Emojis, elections, 'Money Heist'

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<p>The newly elected MLAs of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Rajasthan will meet on Tuesday to pick the state's next chief minister. BJP's central leadership will reveal their choice for Rajasthan CM in the meeting, ending days of suspense after the party won the assembly elections with 115 seats.</p>

<p>BJP MLA Jogeshwar Garg said the observers appointed for the legislative party meeting will arrive at Jaipur and hold the meeting with the MLAs on Tuesday morning. The party has appointed Rajnath Singh, Saroj Pandey and Vinod Tawade as the observers for the Rajasthan Assembly elections in 2023. After the meeting, the MLAs will choose the legislative party leader or the CM designate.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who will be the next chief minister of Rajasthan?</strong></h2>

<p>As Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot's tenure has ended, here's a list of BJP candidates who are frontrunners for the post of Rajasthan Chief Minister:</p>

<h2><strong>Vasundhara Raje</strong></h2>

<p>Vasundhara Raje, the two-time chief minister of Rajasthan, is one of the frontrunners for the post of Rajasthan CM. She&nbsp;held the Rajasthan CM post from 2003 to 2008 and then again from 2013 to 2018. In the recent Rajasthan Assembly elections,&nbsp;she won the seat from her constituency, Jhalrapatan, for the fifth time&nbsp;with 138,831 votes.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-government-corrects-reply-in-lok-sabha-on-question-concerning-designation-of-hamas-668703">Indian government 'corrects reply' in Lok Sabha on question concerning designation of Hamas</a></p>

<p>After the election results, Vasundhara Raje met BJP national president JP Nadda in Delhi on December 7. Before her Delhi visit, Raje met 25 BJP MLAs a day after the election results. The MLAs said they would support Raje if the BJP leadership chooses her for the post in the state, PTI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Yogi Balaknath</strong></h2>

<p>Yogi Balaknath's name has also been making rounds for the post of Rajasthan's next chief minister. Amid the discussions, he wrote on X, "Ignore the discussions in the media and social media after the election results came out. I would want to gain experience under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi."</p>

<p>Yogi Balaknath is the eighth mahant of Baba Mast Nath Math. He won the seat from his constituency, Tijara, by a margin of 6,173 votes, defeating the Congress candidate Imran Khan.</p>

<p>After the elections, he met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the same day Vasundhara Raje met JP Nadda.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Other Contenders</strong></h2>

<p>BJP's selection of Dr Mohan Yadav as the next chief minister of Madhya Pradesh has sparked rumours that Rajasthan might see a fresh face. Other contenders for the post of Rajasthan CM include Diya Kumari, Rajvyavardhan Singh Rathore, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Arjun Meghwal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former MP Diya Kumari won Jaipur's Vidhyadhar Nagar seat with over 70,000 votes. Moreover, former Union Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore won the Jhotwara seat on the outskirts of Jaipur. He is from the Rajput community, one of the most notable sections of the population.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The newly elected MLAs of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Rajasthan will meet on Tuesday to pick the state's next chief minister. BJP's central leadership will reveal their choice for Rajasthan CM in the meeting, ending days of suspense after the party won the assembly elections with 115 seats.

The newly elected MLAs of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Rajasthan will meet on Tuesday to pick the state's next chief minister. BJP's central leadership will reveal their choice for Rajasthan CM in the meeting, ending days of suspense after the party won the assembly elections with 115 seats. BJP MLA Jogeshwar Garg said the observers appointed for the legislative party meeting will arrive at Jaipur and hold the meeting with the MLAs on Tuesday morning. The party has appointed Rajnath Singh, Saroj Pandey and Vinod Tawade as the observers for the Rajasthan Assembly elections in 2023. After the meeting, the MLAs will choose the legislative party leader or the CM designate. Who will be the next chief minister of Rajasthan? As Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot's tenure has ended, here's a list of BJP candidates who are frontrunners for the post of Rajasthan Chief Minister: Vasundhara Raje Vasundhara Raje, the two-time chief minister of Rajasthan, is one of the frontrunners for the post of Rajasthan CM. She held the Rajasthan CM post from 2003 to 2008 and then again from 2013 to 2018. In the recent Rajasthan Assembly elections, she won the seat from her constituency, Jhalrapatan, for the fifth time with 138,831 votes. ALSO READ | Indian government 'corrects reply' in Lok Sabha on question concerning designation of Hamas After the election results, Vasundhara Raje met BJP national president JP Nadda in Delhi on December 7. Before her Delhi visit, Raje met 25 BJP MLAs a day after the election results. The MLAs said they would support Raje if the BJP leadership chooses her for the post in the state, PTI reported. Yogi Balaknath Yogi Balaknath's name has also been making rounds for the post of Rajasthan's next chief minister. Amid the discussions, he wrote on X, "Ignore the discussions in the media and social media after the election results came out. I would want to gain experience under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi." Yogi Balaknath is the eighth mahant of Baba Mast Nath Math. He won the seat from his constituency, Tijara, by a margin of 6,173 votes, defeating the Congress candidate Imran Khan. After the elections, he met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the same day Vasundhara Raje met JP Nadda. Other Contenders BJP's selection of Dr Mohan Yadav as the next chief minister of Madhya Pradesh has sparked rumours that Rajasthan might see a fresh face. Other contenders for the post of Rajasthan CM include Diya Kumari, Rajvyavardhan Singh Rathore, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Arjun Meghwal. Former MP Diya Kumari won Jaipur's Vidhyadhar Nagar seat with over 70,000 votes. Moreover, former Union Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore won the Jhotwara seat on the outskirts of Jaipur. He is from the Rajput community, one of the most notable sections of the population. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Vasundhara Raje, Yogi Balaknath or a new face? Who will be Rajasthan's next chief minister?

A tribal leader in Chhattisgarh, a politician from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) in Madhya Pradesh, and a Brahmin first-time MLA in Rajasthan - the BJP's choices for the Chief Minister's post in the three heartland states reflect the party's broader caste balance formula for 2024. The common thread that binds the three surprise names is the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the BJP's ideological parent; all three are considered close to the RSS.

BJP applies 'one plus two formula' in Rajasthan, MP, & Chhattisgarh

Bhajan Lal Sharma has been named as the new Chief Minister of the Indian state of Rajasthan by the country's ruling party BJP on Tuesday (Dec 12).

MLA Bhajanlal Sharma is Rajasthan's new Chief Minister

The planned South East Asia tour which Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was reportedly to begin from Friday has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. During the now-cancelled trip, Rahul Gandhi was scheduled to travel to Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi cancels South Asia tour after poll debacle

<p>India’s national ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has declared Vishnu Deo Sai as the new chief minister of&nbsp;Chhattisgarh, a central Indian state that recently went into polls.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP emerged victorious in the polls, winning 54 seats out of 90. The incumbent Congress party was reduced to just 35 seats while the regional party Gondwana Gantantra Party (GGP) managed to win just one seat.</p>

<h2><strong>Decision taken in Sunday meeting</strong></h2>

<p>The decision to elect Vishnu Deo Sai as the next CM was made in the BJP's legislative party meeting held on Sunday (Dec 10).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, the party had selected Union ministers Arjun Munda, Sarbananda Sonowal and BJP general secretary Dushyant Gautam as observers for the state, entrusted with the responsibility of selecting the new CM.</p>

<p>According to sources, the elected legislators jointly agreed to make Vishnu Deo Sai, a tribal leader, the state’s new chief minister.</p>

<p>All three observers, elected MLAs and former chief minister of the state Raman Singh were present in the meeting.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Vishnu Deo Sai?</strong></h2>

<p>Vishnu Deo Sai, a tribal leader, is BJP's former state chief and a former Union minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He held the position of State President of the BJP for Chhattisgarh from 2020 to 2022. He is also known to have close links with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), an Indian nationalist movement and the ideological&nbsp;fountainhead&nbsp;of BJP.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/india-news/who-will-be-chhattisgarh-cm-bjps-5-probable-candidates-1701618706905"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Who Will Be Chhattisgarh CM? BJP’s 5 Probable Candidates</strong></a></p>

<p>He was also the Minister of State (MoS) for Steel, Mines, Labour and Employment in&nbsp;the first Narendra Modi Cabinet.</p>

<p>Deo won four consecutive Lok Sabha elections from the Raigarh constituency in 1999, 2004, 2009 and 2014.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi at BJP headquarters: 'People of Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and MP have shown their love'</strong></p>

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<p>It is to be noted that BJP had contested the 2023 Chhattisgarh Assembly polls without declaring any CM face.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India’s national ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has declared Vishnu Deo Sai as the new chief minister of Chhattisgarh, a central Indian state that recently went into polls.

India’s national ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has declared Vishnu Deo Sai as the new chief minister of Chhattisgarh, a central Indian state that recently went into polls. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP emerged victorious in the polls, winning 54 seats out of 90. The incumbent Congress party was reduced to just 35 seats while the regional party Gondwana Gantantra Party (GGP) managed to win just one seat. Decision taken in Sunday meeting The decision to elect Vishnu Deo Sai as the next CM was made in the BJP's legislative party meeting held on Sunday (Dec 10). Earlier, the party had selected Union ministers Arjun Munda, Sarbananda Sonowal and BJP general secretary Dushyant Gautam as observers for the state, entrusted with the responsibility of selecting the new CM. According to sources, the elected legislators jointly agreed to make Vishnu Deo Sai, a tribal leader, the state’s new chief minister. All three observers, elected MLAs and former chief minister of the state Raman Singh were present in the meeting. Who is Vishnu Deo Sai? Vishnu Deo Sai, a tribal leader, is BJP's former state chief and a former Union minister. He held the position of State President of the BJP for Chhattisgarh from 2020 to 2022. He is also known to have close links with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), an Indian nationalist movement and the ideological fountainhead of BJP. Also read: Who Will Be Chhattisgarh CM? BJP’s 5 Probable Candidates He was also the Minister of State (MoS) for Steel, Mines, Labour and Employment in the first Narendra Modi Cabinet. Deo won four consecutive Lok Sabha elections from the Raigarh constituency in 1999, 2004, 2009 and 2014. Watch: PM Modi at BJP headquarters: 'People of Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and MP have shown their love' × It is to be noted that BJP had contested the 2023 Chhattisgarh Assembly polls without declaring any CM face. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Vishnu Deo Sai? BJP’s newly-picked chief minister for Chhattisgarh state

Indian union minister Meenakshi Lekhi says she did not approve any answer to a question in the Lok Sabha, or the lower house on India's position Hamas. Prompting the opposition to call for a probe. External affairs ministry says technical correction is being made to the name in terms of reflecting Shri V Muraleedharan's name.

India: Minister denies signing 'Hamas letter', Govt cites technical error

<p>Ten BJP MPs, including two Union ministers, who won the Assembly elections, have tendered their resignations after receiving instructions from the party's high command.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two MPs Mahant Balaknath and Renuka Singh could not reach Parliament to resign but both of them will also resign. In the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and JP Nadda, it was decided that all the MPs who won the Assembly elections should resign from their Parliament membership and work in the state assemblies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the decision of the high command, Union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar and Prahlad Singh Patel, who won the Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, have resigned from the Lok Sabha membership. Along with them, Rao Uday Pratap Singh, Rakesh Singh and Riti Pathak, who won the Assembly polls in the state, have also resigned from the Lok Sabha membership. Now these five leaders will take oath as MLAs in Madhya Pradesh. Of these, Tomar and Patel are also being considered as contenders for the post of Chief Minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the instructions of the party high command, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Diya Kumari, who won the Assembly polls in Rajasthan, have also resigned from the Lok Sabha membership. Apart from them, Kirori Lal Meena, who won the election in Rajasthan, has also resigned from the Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>State President Arun Sao and Gomati Sai, who won the Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, have also resigned from Parliament membership.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All these MPs met Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with party president JP Nadda before resigning. JP Nadda was also present when they handed over their resignations to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Narendra Singh Tomar, Prahlad Singh Patel and Renuka Singh will also meet Prime Minister Modi and submit their resignations from the post of Union Ministers.</p>


Ten BJP MPs, including two Union ministers, who won the Assembly elections, have tendered their resignations after receiving instructions from the party's high command.

Ten BJP MPs, including two Union ministers, who won the Assembly elections, have tendered their resignations after receiving instructions from the party's high command. Two MPs Mahant Balaknath and Renuka Singh could not reach Parliament to resign but both of them will also resign. In the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and JP Nadda, it was decided that all the MPs who won the Assembly elections should resign from their Parliament membership and work in the state assemblies. Following the decision of the high command, Union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar and Prahlad Singh Patel, who won the Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, have resigned from the Lok Sabha membership. Along with them, Rao Uday Pratap Singh, Rakesh Singh and Riti Pathak, who won the Assembly polls in the state, have also resigned from the Lok Sabha membership. Now these five leaders will take oath as MLAs in Madhya Pradesh. Of these, Tomar and Patel are also being considered as contenders for the post of Chief Minister. On the instructions of the party high command, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Diya Kumari, who won the Assembly polls in Rajasthan, have also resigned from the Lok Sabha membership. Apart from them, Kirori Lal Meena, who won the election in Rajasthan, has also resigned from the Rajya Sabha. State President Arun Sao and Gomati Sai, who won the Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, have also resigned from Parliament membership. All these MPs met Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with party president JP Nadda before resigning. JP Nadda was also present when they handed over their resignations to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. Narendra Singh Tomar, Prahlad Singh Patel and Renuka Singh will also meet Prime Minister Modi and submit their resignations from the post of Union Ministers.

India: 10 BJP MPs, including two Union ministers, resign after winning Assembly elections

After the Congress’s poor show in the recent Assembly Polls, the JD(U) has renewed its demand to project party supremo and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as probable prime minister face of the India Bloc, adding that the party’s brand of politics would dominate the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Earlier, TMC projected Mamata for INDIA alliance's PM candidate.

General Elections less than 5 months away, INDIA alliance has a lot to do

After the Congress’s poor show in the recent Assembly Polls, the JD(U) has renewed its demand to project party supremo and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as probable prime minister face of the India Bloc, adding that the party’s brand of politics would dominate the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Earlier, TMC projected Mamata for INDIA alliance's PM candidate

I.N.D.I.A alliance yet to decide on seat sharing

<p>The Indian National Congress&nbsp;is set to form its government in Telangana&nbsp;as it crosses the majority mark of 60&nbsp;seats, as per the Election Commission of India.</p>

<p>In Telangana's Kamareddy district, the BJP achieved a surprising double victory, as its candidate KV Ramana Reddy has defeated both the incumbent Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and the recently appointed state leader of the Congress, Revanth Reddy.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TelanganaElections2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TelanganaElections2023</a> | BJP candidate from Kamareddy, Katipally Venkata Ramana Reddy wins by a margin of 6,741, garnering a total of 66,652 votes.<br />
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He defeated incumbent CM K Chandrashekar Rao and State Congress chief Revanth Reddy from here. <a href="https://t.co/Jah7tpy9Dc">pic.twitter.com/Jah7tpy9Dc</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1731297095964070374?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Telangana's Minister and Chief Minister KCR's son, KT Rama Rao, has acknowledged the defeat of his party, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), in the state's assembly elections. Expressing a mix of resilience and disappointment, he assured that the party would bounce back despite the unexpected outcome.</p>

<h2><strong>Not sad, but disappointed,&nbsp;says KT Rama Rao</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement, KT Rama Rao said&nbsp;that while he is not sad about the election results, he is undoubtedly disappointed as they did not align with the party's expectations.</p>

<p>Despite the setback, he conveyed his congratulations to the Congress party on securing the mandate and wished them good luck.</p>

<p>"Congratulations to the Congress party on winning the mandate. Wishing you Good Luck," he posted on X, formerly Twitter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Grateful to the people of Telangana for giving <a href="https://twitter.com/BRSparty?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BRSparty</a> two consecutive terms of Government 🙏<br />
<br />
Not saddened over the result today, but surely disappointed as it was not in expected lines for us. But we will take this in our stride as a learning and will bounce back…</p>
— KTR (@KTRBRS) <a href="https://twitter.com/KTRBRS/status/1731246260412424418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>BRS's historic loss to Congress</strong></h2>

<p>For the first time since its inception in 2014, Telangana witnessed a shift in power as the Bharat Rashtra Samithi voted for the Congress.</p>

<p>The halfway mark for a majority in the Telangana assembly is 60.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">मध्य प्रदेश, छत्तीसगढ़ और राजस्थान का जनादेश हम विनम्रतापूर्वक स्वीकार करते हैं - विचारधारा की लड़ाई जारी रहेगी।<br />
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तेलंगाना के लोगों को मेरा बहुत धन्यवाद - प्रजालु तेलंगाना बनाने का वादा हम ज़रूर पूरा करेंगे।<br />
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सभी कार्यकर्ताओं को उनकी मेहनत और समर्थन के लिए दिल से शुक्रिया।</p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1731278267880186211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>With the Congress gaining ground, K Chandrashekar Rao's ambition of achieving a hattrick in the Telangana assembly elections has been shattered. The unexpected turn of events signifies a significant political shift in the state.</p>

<p>The Congress campaign in Telangana gained momentum following Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra and the party's previous victory in the assembly polls in neighboring Karnataka. This strategic approach contributed to their success in the Telangana elections.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I thank the people of Telangana for the mandate we have received from them.<br />
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I also thank all those who voted for us in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Our performance in these three states have no doubt been disappointing, but with determination, we reaffirm our…</p>
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge/status/1731259249487933839?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Elections set the tone for 2024</strong></h2>

<p>These elections have set the tone for the upcoming 2024 polls, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress engaging in intense contests in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My dear sisters and brothers of Telangana,<br />
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Thank you for your support to the <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4India</a>. Over the last few years, this support has only been increasing and this trend will continue in the times to come.<br />
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Our bond with Telangana is unbreakable and we will keep working for the…</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1731268606745604174?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>In Telangana, the electoral battleground primarily featured a direct contest between the Congress and K Chandrashekhar Rao-led Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).</p>

<p>Additionally,&nbsp;the Election Commission has directed&nbsp;the suspension of the Director General of Police in Telangana for violating the model code of conduct, according to PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian National Congress is set to form its government in Telangana as it crosses the majority mark of 60 seats, as per the Election Commission of India. In Telangana's Kamareddy district, the BJP achieved a surprising double victory, as its candidate KV Ramana Reddy has defeated both the incumbent Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and the recently appointed state leader of the Congress, Revanth Reddy.

The Indian National Congress is set to form its government in Telangana as it crosses the majority mark of 60 seats, as per the Election Commission of India. In Telangana's Kamareddy district, the BJP achieved a surprising double victory, as its candidate KV Ramana Reddy has defeated both the incumbent Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and the recently appointed state leader of the Congress, Revanth Reddy. #TelanganaElections2023 | BJP candidate from Kamareddy, Katipally Venkata Ramana Reddy wins by a margin of 6,741, garnering a total of 66,652 votes. He defeated incumbent CM K Chandrashekar Rao and State Congress chief Revanth Reddy from here. pic.twitter.com/Jah7tpy9Dc — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2023 × Telangana's Minister and Chief Minister KCR's son, KT Rama Rao, has acknowledged the defeat of his party, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), in the state's assembly elections. Expressing a mix of resilience and disappointment, he assured that the party would bounce back despite the unexpected outcome. Not sad, but disappointed, says KT Rama Rao In a statement, KT Rama Rao said that while he is not sad about the election results, he is undoubtedly disappointed as they did not align with the party's expectations. Despite the setback, he conveyed his congratulations to the Congress party on securing the mandate and wished them good luck. "Congratulations to the Congress party on winning the mandate. Wishing you Good Luck," he posted on X, formerly Twitter. Grateful to the people of Telangana for giving @BRSparty two consecutive terms of Government 🙏 Not saddened over the result today, but surely disappointed as it was not in expected lines for us. But we will take this in our stride as a learning and will bounce back… — KTR (@KTRBRS) December 3, 2023 × BRS's historic loss to Congress For the first time since its inception in 2014, Telangana witnessed a shift in power as the Bharat Rashtra Samithi voted for the Congress. The halfway mark for a majority in the Telangana assembly is 60. मध्य प्रदेश, छत्तीसगढ़ और राजस्थान का जनादेश हम विनम्रतापूर्वक स्वीकार करते हैं - विचारधारा की लड़ाई जारी रहेगी। तेलंगाना के लोगों को मेरा बहुत धन्यवाद - प्रजालु तेलंगाना बनाने का वादा हम ज़रूर पूरा करेंगे। सभी कार्यकर्ताओं को उनकी मेहनत और समर्थन के लिए दिल से शुक्रिया। — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 3, 2023 × With the Congress gaining ground, K Chandrashekar Rao's ambition of achieving a hattrick in the Telangana assembly elections has been shattered. The unexpected turn of events signifies a significant political shift in the state. The Congress campaign in Telangana gained momentum following Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra and the party's previous victory in the assembly polls in neighboring Karnataka. This strategic approach contributed to their success in the Telangana elections. I thank the people of Telangana for the mandate we have received from them. I also thank all those who voted for us in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Our performance in these three states have no doubt been disappointing, but with determination, we reaffirm our… — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) December 3, 2023 × Elections set the tone for 2024 These elections have set the tone for the upcoming 2024 polls, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress engaging in intense contests in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh. My dear sisters and brothers of Telangana, Thank you for your support to the @BJP4India. Over the last few years, this support has only been increasing and this trend will continue in the times to come. Our bond with Telangana is unbreakable and we will keep working for the… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 3, 2023 × In Telangana, the electoral battleground primarily featured a direct contest between the Congress and K Chandrashekhar Rao-led Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). Additionally, the Election Commission has directed the suspension of the Director General of Police in Telangana for violating the model code of conduct, according to PTI. (With inputs from agencies)

Telangana election results 2023:  Congress ousts BRS; solidifies position in south Indian state

<p>India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party clinched a massive victory in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly election. The results came out in favour of the BJP despite exit polls predicting a tight race.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The BJP had clinched victory or was leading in 165 seats at 8:40 pm (local time), which was more than double the number of seats with Congress – 64. The numbers have represented BJP's staggering gain of 56 seats and a massive loss of 50 seats for the Congress.<br />
<br />
Among the state elections' heavyweights, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan clinched victory from Budhni and his predecessor and leader of Congress Kamal Nath was leading from Chhindwara.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-bjp-roars-in-mp-scindia-fires-back-at-priyanka-gandhi-over-height-remark-665698">As BJP wins&nbsp;in MP, Scindia fires back at Priyanka Gandhi over 'height' remark</a></p>

<p>After it became clear&nbsp;that the BJP was winning elections, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked voters and said the results showed that the country's people have chosen "politics of good governance and development".<br />
<br />
Confirming BJP's victory in Madhya Pradesh, the Election Commission of India said that the party will be forming its government in the state as it has crossed the majority mark of 116 seats.</p>

<h2><strong>Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Jyotiraditya Scindia emerge as 'election heroes'</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier on Sunday (Dec 3), Chouhan appreciated the 'double engine' approach of the party. "The reason for this (win for the BJP) is the double-engine government and the welfare schemes. These touched the hearts of voters... we will win with a comfortable majority,” he said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Assembly elections results: BJP scores hat-trick in crucial assembly elections</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/assembly-elections-results-bjp-scores-hat-trick-in-crucial-assembly-elections-665797/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>He had earlier expressed confidence that the BJP would clinch victory and form the government for a fifth time. In the morning, Chouhan had said that the party will remain in power with a commanding majority.<br />
<br />
"I am confident that with the blessings of the people and the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP will form government again with a full majority," said Chouhan, while speaking on X.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who is being helmed as one of the major reasons behind the victory and whose mutiny in 2020 led to the fall of Kamal Nath-led Congress government, had expressed his confidence in the party's victory.<br />
<br />
"We will wait till the complete results are in. We will form government with complete majority. The people's faith in PM and the welfare schemes are the reasons for such a mandate,” he said.<br />
<br />
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the hearts of the people of Madhya Pradesh. The work done by the double-engine government, whether in the Centre or the state, such as the Ladli scheme, has helped uplift people and improved their lives. All of us have worked hard together," said Chouhan, while speaking to NDTV.</p>

<p>Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kamal Nath, accepting the defeat, said, “We will analyse the loopholes and why we were not able to make the voters understand our point. We will hold discussions with all, be it a winning or losing candidate.”</p>

<p>"We accept the decision of the voters of Madhya Pradesh in this contest of&nbsp;democracy. I congratulate BJP and hope that they will live up to the support people have given them," he said.</p>

<p><br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party clinched a massive victory in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly election. The results came out in favour of the BJP despite exit polls predicting a tight race.

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party clinched a massive victory in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly election. The results came out in favour of the BJP despite exit polls predicting a tight race. The BJP had clinched victory or was leading in 165 seats at 8:40 pm (local time), which was more than double the number of seats with Congress – 64. The numbers have represented BJP's staggering gain of 56 seats and a massive loss of 50 seats for the Congress. Among the state elections' heavyweights, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan clinched victory from Budhni and his predecessor and leader of Congress Kamal Nath was leading from Chhindwara. Also read: As BJP wins in MP, Scindia fires back at Priyanka Gandhi over 'height' remark After it became clear that the BJP was winning elections, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked voters and said the results showed that the country's people have chosen "politics of good governance and development". Confirming BJP's victory in Madhya Pradesh, the Election Commission of India said that the party will be forming its government in the state as it has crossed the majority mark of 116 seats. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Jyotiraditya Scindia emerge as 'election heroes' Earlier on Sunday (Dec 3), Chouhan appreciated the 'double engine' approach of the party. "The reason for this (win for the BJP) is the double-engine government and the welfare schemes. These touched the hearts of voters... we will win with a comfortable majority,” he said. Watch: Assembly elections results: BJP scores hat-trick in crucial assembly elections He had earlier expressed confidence that the BJP would clinch victory and form the government for a fifth time. In the morning, Chouhan had said that the party will remain in power with a commanding majority. "I am confident that with the blessings of the people and the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP will form government again with a full majority," said Chouhan, while speaking on X. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who is being helmed as one of the major reasons behind the victory and whose mutiny in 2020 led to the fall of Kamal Nath-led Congress government, had expressed his confidence in the party's victory. "We will wait till the complete results are in. We will form government with complete majority. The people's faith in PM and the welfare schemes are the reasons for such a mandate,” he said. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the hearts of the people of Madhya Pradesh. The work done by the double-engine government, whether in the Centre or the state, such as the Ladli scheme, has helped uplift people and improved their lives. All of us have worked hard together," said Chouhan, while speaking to NDTV. Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kamal Nath, accepting the defeat, said, “We will analyse the loopholes and why we were not able to make the voters understand our point. We will hold discussions with all, be it a winning or losing candidate.” "We accept the decision of the voters of Madhya Pradesh in this contest of democracy. I congratulate BJP and hope that they will live up to the support people have given them," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Madhya Pradesh elections 2023: BJP roars with staggering numbers, Congress virtually wiped out

<p>India's Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia&nbsp;fired back at Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's remark on his 'height'&nbsp;after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Madhya Pradesh had the last laugh at Congress by leading substantially is election result trends and was heading to a comfortable victory.<br />
<br />
While speaking to NDTV about the magnificent performance of the BJP in the Gwalior-Malwa region, which is perceived as his area of influence, Scindia said, "Someone had spoken about my height. The people of Gwalior-Malwa have shown how tall they are."<br />
<br />
While addressing a rally organised in Datia, Madhya Pradesh last month, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had called her friend-turned-foe "traitor" who "betrayed" the people's mandate.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-bjp-leads-in-three-states-panicked-congress-calls-sudden-india-meet-report-665683">As BJP leads in three states, panicked Congress calls sudden INDIA bloc meet: report</a></p>

<p>"All of their (the BJP's) leaders are a little weird. First our Scindia... I have worked with him in UP.&nbsp;Actually, his height is a little short but in arrogance, 'waah bhai waah' (too much),” she said.<br />
<br />
"Any worker who used to go to him, said, 'We have to call him Maharaj and if we don't say that, our issues will not get addressed'. He followed his family's tradition well. Many have betrayed, but they betrayed the public of Gwalior and Chamba... He made the government fall," the Congress leader added, while apparently making reference to the Scindia royal family taking the side of the British during the 1857 rebellion.</p>

<h2><strong>Scindia's mutiny and litmus test in elections</strong></h2>

<p>In 2020, it was a mutiny headed by Scindia that toppled the Congress government, led by Kamal Nath, in Madhya Pradesh and brought BJP back in power.<br />
<br />
Under the Narendra Modi government, the erstwhile royal scion became India's Union Minister for Civil Aviation and a Rajya Sabha member.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Union minister &amp; BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia and party leaders celebrate as the party leads in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradeshElection2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradeshElection2023</a> <a href="https://t.co/iDfxkNawph">pic.twitter.com/iDfxkNawph</a></p>
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<p>The current state elections are being seen as the litmus test for Scindia and if the influence he exerts in the Gwalior region helps the BJP in winning elections.<br />
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Scindia said he was confident of BJP winning the elections in the state. “I had said the BJP will win. I want to thank Madhya Pradesh voters who have given us this big majority. Prime Minister Modi's leadership worked and so did the guidance of (Union Home Minister) Amit Shah and (BJP president) JP Nadda," he said while speaking to NDTV.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Assembly Elections Results: Congress strong-hold in southern India</strong></p>

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<p>Speaking to news agency ANI, Scindia credited the pro-people welfare schemes launched by the incumbent Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for the victory.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | On MP election results, Union minister &amp; BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia in Bhopal says "Congress was preparing Ladoos and congratulatory posters were put up. While we were doing our work quietly...Ladli Behna scheme is a game-changer and the full credit for it goes to… <a href="https://t.co/5m8Sx55DRe">pic.twitter.com/5m8Sx55DRe</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1731207503994917345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Congress was preparing ladoos and congratulatory posters were put up. While we were doing our work quietly...Ladli Behna scheme is a game-changer and the full credit for it goes to Shivraj Singh Chouhan,” Scindia said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia fired back at Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's remark on his 'height' after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Madhya Pradesh had the last laugh at Congress by leading substantially is election result trends and was heading to a comfortable victory.

India's Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia fired back at Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's remark on his 'height' after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Madhya Pradesh had the last laugh at Congress by leading substantially is election result trends and was heading to a comfortable victory. While speaking to NDTV about the magnificent performance of the BJP in the Gwalior-Malwa region, which is perceived as his area of influence, Scindia said, "Someone had spoken about my height. The people of Gwalior-Malwa have shown how tall they are." While addressing a rally organised in Datia, Madhya Pradesh last month, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had called her friend-turned-foe "traitor" who "betrayed" the people's mandate. Also read: As BJP leads in three states, panicked Congress calls sudden INDIA bloc meet: report "All of their (the BJP's) leaders are a little weird. First our Scindia... I have worked with him in UP. Actually, his height is a little short but in arrogance, 'waah bhai waah' (too much),” she said. "Any worker who used to go to him, said, 'We have to call him Maharaj and if we don't say that, our issues will not get addressed'. He followed his family's tradition well. Many have betrayed, but they betrayed the public of Gwalior and Chamba... He made the government fall," the Congress leader added, while apparently making reference to the Scindia royal family taking the side of the British during the 1857 rebellion. Scindia's mutiny and litmus test in elections In 2020, it was a mutiny headed by Scindia that toppled the Congress government, led by Kamal Nath, in Madhya Pradesh and brought BJP back in power. Under the Narendra Modi government, the erstwhile royal scion became India's Union Minister for Civil Aviation and a Rajya Sabha member. #WATCH | Union minister & BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia and party leaders celebrate as the party leads in #MadhyaPradeshElection2023 pic.twitter.com/iDfxkNawph — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2023 × The current state elections are being seen as the litmus test for Scindia and if the influence he exerts in the Gwalior region helps the BJP in winning elections. Scindia said he was confident of BJP winning the elections in the state. “I had said the BJP will win. I want to thank Madhya Pradesh voters who have given us this big majority. Prime Minister Modi's leadership worked and so did the guidance of (Union Home Minister) Amit Shah and (BJP president) JP Nadda," he said while speaking to NDTV. Watch: Assembly Elections Results: Congress strong-hold in southern India Speaking to news agency ANI, Scindia credited the pro-people welfare schemes launched by the incumbent Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for the victory. #WATCH | On MP election results, Union minister & BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia in Bhopal says "Congress was preparing Ladoos and congratulatory posters were put up. While we were doing our work quietly...Ladli Behna scheme is a game-changer and the full credit for it goes to… pic.twitter.com/5m8Sx55DRe — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2023 × "Congress was preparing ladoos and congratulatory posters were put up. While we were doing our work quietly...Ladli Behna scheme is a game-changer and the full credit for it goes to Shivraj Singh Chouhan,” Scindia said. (With inputs from agencies)

India: As BJP wins in Madhya Pradesh, Scindia hits back at Priyanka Gandhi over 'height' barb

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