<p>The opposition on Thursday (June 27) criticised President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint session of both Houses of Parliament stating that it did not highlight major issues including inflation, poverty, and unemployment and rather focused on highlighting the Modi government's achievements.</p>

<p>Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said the President's address was filled with lies and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was trying to gain "cheap applause" via the speech.</p>

<p>"Modi Ji is trying to gain cheap applause by making the Honorable President speak lies, which the people of India have already rejected in the 2024 elections," Kharge said on his official X account.</p>

<p>He further accused the Modi government of scripting Murmu's address and called it an attempt by the prime minister to dismiss the public mandate.</p>

<p>"Listening to the President's address written by the Modi government felt like Modi Ji is trying every possible way to deny the public mandate. The mandate was against him because the people of the country rejected his slogan of "crossing 400" and kept the BJP away from the figure of 272," he added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-murmu-addresses-parliaments-joint-session-calls-18th-lok-sabha-historic-735556"><strong>Also read: President Murmu addresses Parliament's joint session, calls 18th Lok Sabha 'historic'</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>'President's address is the speech of government,' says Akhilesh Yadav</strong></h2>

<p>Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav said that Murmu's address was just a speech written by the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is the tradition and it happens every time. We listen to the President, which is actually the speech of the Government," said Yadav.</p>

<p>Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said for the past 10 years, the Presidential address has just been another address by PM Modi.</p>

<p>"This is no longer a Presidential address. This has been PM Modi address for past 10 years. Whatever Modi ji wants will come out in her speech," Raut said.</p>

<p>"It is a minority government, Modi ji has already lost the majority, but there is no mention of it...Even after 50 years, they are talking about an Emergency, there has been an Emergency in this country for 10 years, remove that...," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>'Like old wine in new bottle,' Owaisi denounces President's joint address</strong></h2>

<p>AIMIM MP Asadudddin Owaisi denounced Murmu's address, stating that there was nothing "new" in it and that it was like "old wine in a new bottle".</p>

<p>"In the entire address, there was no mention of minorities or unemployment. US State Secretary Antony Blinken said yesterday that there has been an increase in hate speech in India and religious places of minorities are getting demolished," Owaisi said.</p>

<p>"There was nothing new in the address, it was like an old wine in a new bottle...Re-NEET should have been done. There are paper leaks everywhere. They are playing with the lives of 25 lakh youth and their families..." said the AIMIM MP.</p>

<h2><strong>'No logic in mentioning Emergency in President's address today,' says Shashi Tharoor</strong></h2>

<p>Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that President Murmu should have highlighted important issues in her address than invoking the Emergency of 1975.</p>

<p>"There was no logic in talking about Emergency in the address after 49 years. She should have spoken about today's issues," Tharoor said.</p>

<p>"We did not hear anything about the NEET exam or unemployment. The word Manipur did not come from President Murmu or PM Modi. Issues like the India-China border should have been taken up in the address," he added.</p>

<p>Murmu while addressing a joint session of both Houses of Parliament on Thursday (June 27), called the Emergency of 1975 "the biggest and darkest chapter of direct attack on the Constitution".</p>

<p>"Emergency was the biggest and darkest chapter of the direct attack on the Constitution. The entire country plunged into chaos during the Emergency, but the nation was victorious against such unconstitutional powers," the president said, as ruling BJP members cheered and the Opposition held protests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Every attempt to tarnish our democracy should be condemned by all. Divisive forces are conspiring to weaken democracy, and create a chasm in society from within and outside the country," she added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The opposition on Thursday (June 27) criticised President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint session of both Houses of Parliament stating that it did not highlight major issues including inflation, poverty, and unemployment and rather focused on highlighting the Modi government's achievements.

The opposition on Thursday (June 27) criticised President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint session of both Houses of Parliament stating that it did not highlight major issues including inflation, poverty, and unemployment and rather focused on highlighting the Modi government's achievements. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said the President's address was filled with lies and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was trying to gain "cheap applause" via the speech. "Modi Ji is trying to gain cheap applause by making the Honorable President speak lies, which the people of India have already rejected in the 2024 elections," Kharge said on his official X account. He further accused the Modi government of scripting Murmu's address and called it an attempt by the prime minister to dismiss the public mandate. "Listening to the President's address written by the Modi government felt like Modi Ji is trying every possible way to deny the public mandate. The mandate was against him because the people of the country rejected his slogan of "crossing 400" and kept the BJP away from the figure of 272," he added. Also read: President Murmu addresses Parliament's joint session, calls 18th Lok Sabha 'historic' 'President's address is the speech of government,' says Akhilesh Yadav Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav said that Murmu's address was just a speech written by the government. "This is the tradition and it happens every time. We listen to the President, which is actually the speech of the Government," said Yadav. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said for the past 10 years, the Presidential address has just been another address by PM Modi. "This is no longer a Presidential address. This has been PM Modi address for past 10 years. Whatever Modi ji wants will come out in her speech," Raut said. "It is a minority government, Modi ji has already lost the majority, but there is no mention of it...Even after 50 years, they are talking about an Emergency, there has been an Emergency in this country for 10 years, remove that...," he added. 'Like old wine in new bottle,' Owaisi denounces President's joint address AIMIM MP Asadudddin Owaisi denounced Murmu's address, stating that there was nothing "new" in it and that it was like "old wine in a new bottle". "In the entire address, there was no mention of minorities or unemployment. US State Secretary Antony Blinken said yesterday that there has been an increase in hate speech in India and religious places of minorities are getting demolished," Owaisi said. "There was nothing new in the address, it was like an old wine in a new bottle...Re-NEET should have been done. There are paper leaks everywhere. They are playing with the lives of 25 lakh youth and their families..." said the AIMIM MP. 'No logic in mentioning Emergency in President's address today,' says Shashi Tharoor Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that President Murmu should have highlighted important issues in her address than invoking the Emergency of 1975. "There was no logic in talking about Emergency in the address after 49 years. She should have spoken about today's issues," Tharoor said. "We did not hear anything about the NEET exam or unemployment. The word Manipur did not come from President Murmu or PM Modi. Issues like the India-China border should have been taken up in the address," he added. Murmu while addressing a joint session of both Houses of Parliament on Thursday (June 27), called the Emergency of 1975 "the biggest and darkest chapter of direct attack on the Constitution". "Emergency was the biggest and darkest chapter of the direct attack on the Constitution. The entire country plunged into chaos during the Emergency, but the nation was victorious against such unconstitutional powers," the president said, as ruling BJP members cheered and the Opposition held protests. "Every attempt to tarnish our democracy should be condemned by all. Divisive forces are conspiring to weaken democracy, and create a chasm in society from within and outside the country," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Opposition criticises President Droupadi Murmu's address to Parliament

<p>Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the 18th Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday (June 27) met Speaker Om Birla and expressed disapproval over the chair's mention of the 1975 Emergency stating that it was "clearly political".</p>

<p>Gandhi along with other INDIA bloc leaders raised the issue in a courtesy call, said Congress general secretary K C Venugopal.</p>

<p>"It was a courtesy call. The Speaker declared Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of Opposition and after that, he along with other INDIA bloc partner leaders met the Speaker," he said.</p>

<p>Venugopal said that Gandhi voiced his displeasure over the Emergency reference and stated that it "could have been avoided" in his meeting with Birla.</p>

<p>"Rahul ji, as Leader of Opposition, informed the Speaker about this issue and said it could have been avoided from the Speaker's reference. That is clearly a political reference, it could have been avoided," the Congress leader further said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhis-sharp-message-to-om-birla-in-debut-appearance-as-lop-confident-youll-defend-constitution-735357">Also read:&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi's sharp message to Om Birla in debut appearance as LoP; 'Confident you'll defend Constitution'</a></p>

<h2><strong>Venugopal writes to Speaker expressing Congress' displeasure&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Venugopal wrote a letter to Birla voicing the Congress party's displeasure&nbsp;over the Emergency reference.</p>

<p>"I am writing this in the context of a very grave matter impacting the very credibility of the institution of Parliament. Yesterday, that is 26 June 2024, at the time of offering felicitations on your election as Speaker Lok Sabha, there was a general camaraderie in the House as such occasions generate," Venugopal said in his letter to the Speaker.</p>

<p>"However, what followed thereafter, which is a reference from the Chair after your acceptance speech, in regard to the declaration of Emergency half a century ago, is deeply shocking. Making such a political reference from the Chair is unprecedented in the annals of the history of Parliament. This coming from the Chair as one of the 'first duties' of a newly elected Speaker assumes even graver proportions," he added.</p>

<p>"I, on behalf of the Indian National Congress, express our profound concern and anguish over this travesty of Parliamentary traditions," he further said.</p>

<h2><strong>Om Birla condemns Emergency period, calls it 'black chapter' in history of India</strong></h2>

<p>Birla terming June 25, 1975, as a "black chapter" in the history of India, condemned the Congress-led government's decision to impose an Emergency stating that the move by the grand old party "attacked the Constitution".</p>

<p>The speaker, in his address to the house on Wednesday (June 26), hailed the individuals who opposed the Emergency and fought to safeguard the democracy of India.</p>

<p>"This House strongly condemns the decision to impose Emergency in 1975. Along with this, we appreciate the determination of all those people who opposed the Emergency, fought and fulfilled the responsibility of protecting the democracy of India. 25th June 1975 will always be known as a black chapter in the history of India," Birla said.</p>

<p>"On this day, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed an Emergency in the country and attacked the Constitution made by Baba Saheb Ambedkar. India is known all over the world as the mother of democracy. Democratic values and debate have always been supported in India. Democratic values have always been protected, they have always been encouraged. Dictatorship was imposed on such an India by Indira Gandhi. The democratic values of India were crushed and freedom of expression was strangled," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the 18th Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday (June 27) met Speaker Om Birla and expressed disapproval over the chair's mention of the 1975 Emergency stating that it was "clearly political".

Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the 18th Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday (June 27) met Speaker Om Birla and expressed disapproval over the chair's mention of the 1975 Emergency stating that it was "clearly political". Gandhi along with other INDIA bloc leaders raised the issue in a courtesy call, said Congress general secretary K C Venugopal. "It was a courtesy call. The Speaker declared Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of Opposition and after that, he along with other INDIA bloc partner leaders met the Speaker," he said. Venugopal said that Gandhi voiced his displeasure over the Emergency reference and stated that it "could have been avoided" in his meeting with Birla. "Rahul ji, as Leader of Opposition, informed the Speaker about this issue and said it could have been avoided from the Speaker's reference. That is clearly a political reference, it could have been avoided," the Congress leader further said. Also read: Rahul Gandhi's sharp message to Om Birla in debut appearance as LoP; 'Confident you'll defend Constitution' Venugopal writes to Speaker expressing Congress' displeasure Venugopal wrote a letter to Birla voicing the Congress party's displeasure over the Emergency reference. "I am writing this in the context of a very grave matter impacting the very credibility of the institution of Parliament. Yesterday, that is 26 June 2024, at the time of offering felicitations on your election as Speaker Lok Sabha, there was a general camaraderie in the House as such occasions generate," Venugopal said in his letter to the Speaker. "However, what followed thereafter, which is a reference from the Chair after your acceptance speech, in regard to the declaration of Emergency half a century ago, is deeply shocking. Making such a political reference from the Chair is unprecedented in the annals of the history of Parliament. This coming from the Chair as one of the 'first duties' of a newly elected Speaker assumes even graver proportions," he added. "I, on behalf of the Indian National Congress, express our profound concern and anguish over this travesty of Parliamentary traditions," he further said. Om Birla condemns Emergency period, calls it 'black chapter' in history of India Birla terming June 25, 1975, as a "black chapter" in the history of India, condemned the Congress-led government's decision to impose an Emergency stating that the move by the grand old party "attacked the Constitution". The speaker, in his address to the house on Wednesday (June 26), hailed the individuals who opposed the Emergency and fought to safeguard the democracy of India. "This House strongly condemns the decision to impose Emergency in 1975. Along with this, we appreciate the determination of all those people who opposed the Emergency, fought and fulfilled the responsibility of protecting the democracy of India. 25th June 1975 will always be known as a black chapter in the history of India," Birla said. "On this day, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed an Emergency in the country and attacked the Constitution made by Baba Saheb Ambedkar. India is known all over the world as the mother of democracy. Democratic values and debate have always been supported in India. Democratic values have always been protected, they have always been encouraged. Dictatorship was imposed on such an India by Indira Gandhi. The democratic values of India were crushed and freedom of expression was strangled," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress hits back after Speaker Om Birla calls Emergency period 'black chapter' in history of India

<p>Sam Pitroda was on Wednesday (June 26) re-appointed as the chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, just a month after he resigned over controversial remarks.</p>

<p>The All India Congress Committee (AICC) in a press release said that Pitroda was re-appointed to the position with immediate effect.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sam Pitroda re-appointed as chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress with immediate effect <a href="https://t.co/JZNb5P3PCD">pic.twitter.com/JZNb5P3PCD</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1805972058368831670?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Pitroda had stirred a political furore last month by his remarks about India's diversity.</p>

<p>While speaking to The Statesman, Pitroda said how India's people "survived 75 years in a very happy environment where people could live together leaving a few fights here and there."</p>

<p>“We could hold together a country as diverse as India — where people on the East look like Chinese, people on the West look like Arabs, people on the North look like maybe Whites and people in South India look like Africans. It doesn’t matter. We are all brothers and sisters."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We all respect different languages, different religions, customs and food. That's the India that I believe in, where everybody has a place and everybody compromises a little bit," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His comments triggered a national outrage with several BJP leaders condemning him for the remarks.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kangana-ranaut-comments-on-sam-pitrodas-remarks-he-looks-more-like-a-birdie-than-human-719463">Also read: Kangana Ranaut slams Sam Pitroda for his remark: ‘He looks more like a birdie than human’</a></p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reacted to the comments made by the senior Congress leader calling them extremely "shameful".</p>

<p>"A close aide of Congress and biggest adviser of 'Prince' (Rahul Gandhi), what he said is very shameful. Congress feels that people of Northeast look like Chinese. Can a country accept such things?" PM Modi said.</p>

<p>"Congress feels that the people of South India look like Africans. I want to ask the Congress chief ministers of Karnataka and Telangana, can they accept such opinions?" he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Pitroda's resignation</strong></h2>

<p>Following the intense backlash, Pitroda resigned from his post.</p>

<p>His decision to step down was announced by Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh via a post on social media platform X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"Mr. Sam Pitroda has decided to step down as Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress of his own accord. The Congress President has accepted his decision," says Congress leader Jairam Ramesh. <a href="https://t.co/XgAxe2dCQC">pic.twitter.com/XgAxe2dCQC</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1788200619670479164?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Sam Pitroda has decided to step down as Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress of his own accord. The Congress President has accepted his decision," the post mentioned.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Sam Pitroda was on Wednesday (June 26) re-appointed as the chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, just a month after he resigned over controversial remarks. The All India Congress Committee (AICC) in a press release said that Pitroda was re-appointed to the position with immediate effect.

Sam Pitroda was on Wednesday (June 26) re-appointed as the chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, just a month after he resigned over controversial remarks. The All India Congress Committee (AICC) in a press release said that Pitroda was re-appointed to the position with immediate effect. Sam Pitroda re-appointed as chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress with immediate effect pic.twitter.com/JZNb5P3PCD — ANI (@ANI) June 26, 2024 × Pitroda had stirred a political furore last month by his remarks about India's diversity. While speaking to The Statesman, Pitroda said how India's people "survived 75 years in a very happy environment where people could live together leaving a few fights here and there." “We could hold together a country as diverse as India — where people on the East look like Chinese, people on the West look like Arabs, people on the North look like maybe Whites and people in South India look like Africans. It doesn’t matter. We are all brothers and sisters." "We all respect different languages, different religions, customs and food. That's the India that I believe in, where everybody has a place and everybody compromises a little bit," he added. His comments triggered a national outrage with several BJP leaders condemning him for the remarks. Also read: Kangana Ranaut slams Sam Pitroda for his remark: ‘He looks more like a birdie than human’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reacted to the comments made by the senior Congress leader calling them extremely "shameful". "A close aide of Congress and biggest adviser of 'Prince' (Rahul Gandhi), what he said is very shameful. Congress feels that people of Northeast look like Chinese. Can a country accept such things?" PM Modi said. "Congress feels that the people of South India look like Africans. I want to ask the Congress chief ministers of Karnataka and Telangana, can they accept such opinions?" he added. Pitroda's resignation Following the intense backlash, Pitroda resigned from his post. His decision to step down was announced by Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh via a post on social media platform X. "Mr. Sam Pitroda has decided to step down as Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress of his own accord. The Congress President has accepted his decision," says Congress leader Jairam Ramesh. pic.twitter.com/XgAxe2dCQC — ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2024 × "Sam Pitroda has decided to step down as Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress of his own accord. The Congress President has accepted his decision," the post mentioned. (With inputs from agencies)

Sam Pitroda re-appointed as chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress month after quitting

<p>In his debut appearance as the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the 18th Lok Sabha, Congress MP from Raebareli Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (June 26) congratulated Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s Om Birla for being re-elected as the Speaker of the lower house of the Indian Parliament for his second term.</p>

<p>Clad in a white kurta pyjama, Gandhi delivered a sharp message saying that the Lok Sabha Speaker is the final arbiter of the voice of the people, and the Opposition this time represents that voice significantly more than the 17th Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>"I would like to congratulate you for your successful election that you have been elected for the second time. I would like to congratulate you on behalf of the entire Opposition and the INDIA alliance," Gandhi said.</p>

<p>"This House represents the voice of India's people and you are the final arbiter of that voice. The government has political power but the opposition also represents the voice of India's people and this time, the opposition represents significantly more voice of the Indian people than it did last time," he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I would like to congratulate the Speaker on behalf of the INDIA Alliance.<br />
<br />
This house represents the voice of India’s people and you are the final arbitrator of the voice.<br />
<br />
Of course, the government has political power but the Opposition also represents the voice of India’s youth… <a href="https://t.co/RXSdjikLXB">pic.twitter.com/RXSdjikLXB</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1805849165949272386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-to-be-the-leader-of-opposition-in-lok-sabha-735089">Also read:&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi to be the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha</a></p>

<p>He further stated that the opposition wants the House to "function well" adding that the cooperation was embedded in trust.</p>

<p>"The opposition would like to assist you in doing your work. We would like the House to function often and well. It is very important that cooperation happens based on trust. It is very important that the voice of the Opposition is allowed to be represented in this House," said Rahul Gandhi.</p>

<p>"We are confident that by allowing the Opposition to speak, by allowing us to represent the people of India, you will do your duty of defending the Constitution of India. I'd like to once again congratulate you and also all the members of the House who have won their election said the MP from Raebareli," Rahul further said.</p>

<p>Congress on Tuesday (June 25) declared Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, filling a post that was empty for almost a decade.</p>

<p>The development came after a meeting of the floor leaders of the INDIA bloc at Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence.</p>

<p>“Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson (Sonia Gandhi) wrote to Pro-tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab, informing him of the decision to appoint Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha,” senior party leader KC Venugopal told reporters after the meeting in New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In his debut appearance as the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the 18th Lok Sabha, Congress MP from Raebareli Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (June 26) congratulated Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s Om Birla for being re-elected as the Speaker of the lower house of the Indian Parliament for his second term.

In his debut appearance as the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the 18th Lok Sabha, Congress MP from Raebareli Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (June 26) congratulated Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s Om Birla for being re-elected as the Speaker of the lower house of the Indian Parliament for his second term. Clad in a white kurta pyjama, Gandhi delivered a sharp message saying that the Lok Sabha Speaker is the final arbiter of the voice of the people, and the Opposition this time represents that voice significantly more than the 17th Lok Sabha. "I would like to congratulate you for your successful election that you have been elected for the second time. I would like to congratulate you on behalf of the entire Opposition and the INDIA alliance," Gandhi said. "This House represents the voice of India's people and you are the final arbiter of that voice. The government has political power but the opposition also represents the voice of India's people and this time, the opposition represents significantly more voice of the Indian people than it did last time," he said. I would like to congratulate the Speaker on behalf of the INDIA Alliance. This house represents the voice of India’s people and you are the final arbitrator of the voice. Of course, the government has political power but the Opposition also represents the voice of India’s youth… pic.twitter.com/RXSdjikLXB — Congress (@INCIndia) June 26, 2024 × Also read: Rahul Gandhi to be the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha He further stated that the opposition wants the House to "function well" adding that the cooperation was embedded in trust. "The opposition would like to assist you in doing your work. We would like the House to function often and well. It is very important that cooperation happens based on trust. It is very important that the voice of the Opposition is allowed to be represented in this House," said Rahul Gandhi. "We are confident that by allowing the Opposition to speak, by allowing us to represent the people of India, you will do your duty of defending the Constitution of India. I'd like to once again congratulate you and also all the members of the House who have won their election said the MP from Raebareli," Rahul further said. Congress on Tuesday (June 25) declared Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, filling a post that was empty for almost a decade. The development came after a meeting of the floor leaders of the INDIA bloc at Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence. “Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson (Sonia Gandhi) wrote to Pro-tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab, informing him of the decision to appoint Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha,” senior party leader KC Venugopal told reporters after the meeting in New Delhi. (With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi's sharp message to Om Birla in debut appearance as LoP; 'Confident you'll defend Constitution'

<p>Congress’ Rahul Gandhi has been appointed leader of the opposition (LoP) in India's parliament, filling a post that had been empty for a decade.</p>

<p>For the first time since Prime Minister Narendra Modi &nbsp;entered politics in 2004, his main rival will hold a constitutional role. Gandhi will now participate in committees responsible for key appointments and serve as a counterbalance to the prime minister.</p>

<p>Notably, since 2014, no opposition party had won 10% or 55 of the 543 seats required to claim the post, but Congress took 99 seats in the recently concluded general election.</p>

<p>Although Narendra Modi remains in power for the third consecutive term with help from allies, as his party fell short of a majority.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-om-birla-reelected-as-lok-sabha-speaker-pm-modi-extends-congratulations-735209">BJP's Om Birla reelected as Lok Sabha Speaker, PM Modi extends congratulations</a></p>

<p>The Congress party said Rahul Gandhi would ensure the government was held to account at all times.</p>

<p>According to some observers his appointment indicates a positive change for India's democracy - the opposition has repetitively accused the governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of authoritarianism, a charge it denies.</p>

<p>"This is going to be a chaotic parliament and the opposition is going to take the government to task," political commentator Neerja Chowdhury said.</p>

<p>Chowdhury said the role would also test Gandhi's mettle as a leader.</p>

<p>Even though Gandhi has been in politics for more than 25 years, and an MP for five terms - he has never been a minister or won a general election for his party.</p>

<p>"He'll have to lead from the front and ensure there are no tangled feathers, within his party or the opposition bloc," Chowdhury said and added, "he will be responsible for what goes wrong and what goes right."</p>

<p>Gandhi was appointed as the leader of the opposition (LoP) on Tuesday, after a meeting with its alliance partners, who together make up the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) opposition bloc.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-to-be-the-leader-of-opposition-in-lok-sabha-735089" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-to-be-the-leader-of-opposition-in-lok-sabha-735089&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjWuOTjlvmGAxXTVmwGHTU5ADoQFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3ymO4oosRLjHrYy32uH_qq&amp;arm=e&amp;fexp=72519171,72519168" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-to-be-the-leader-of-opposition-in-lok-sabha-735089" target="_blank"><b>Rahul Gandhi</b>&nbsp;to be the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha</a></p>

<p>On Wednesday (June 26), Gandhi made his first appearance in parliament in his new role as LoP.</p>

<p>He congratulated the BJP's Om Birla, who has been appointed Speaker of the House for the second term and assured him of the opposition's support.</p>

<p>"It is important that co-operation happens on the basis of trust. It is very important that the voice of the opposition is allowed to be represented in this House," Rahul Gnadhi said in Lok Sabha.</p>

<p><strong>What posts Rahul Gandhi can decide</strong></p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi as the LoP of Lok Sabha would be a member of significant panels on key appointments of Lokpal, CBI chief, Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners, besides the selection of Central Vigilance Commission, the Central Information Commission and the NHRC chief.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prime minister heads all such panels.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress’ Rahul Gandhi has been appointed leader of the opposition (LoP) in India's parliament, filling a post that had been empty for a decade. For the first time since Prime Minister Narendra Modi entered politics in 2004, his main rival will hold a constitutional role.

Congress’ Rahul Gandhi has been appointed leader of the opposition (LoP) in India's parliament, filling a post that had been empty for a decade. For the first time since Prime Minister Narendra Modi entered politics in 2004, his main rival will hold a constitutional role. Gandhi will now participate in committees responsible for key appointments and serve as a counterbalance to the prime minister. Notably, since 2014, no opposition party had won 10% or 55 of the 543 seats required to claim the post, but Congress took 99 seats in the recently concluded general election. Although Narendra Modi remains in power for the third consecutive term with help from allies, as his party fell short of a majority. Also read: BJP's Om Birla reelected as Lok Sabha Speaker, PM Modi extends congratulations The Congress party said Rahul Gandhi would ensure the government was held to account at all times. According to some observers his appointment indicates a positive change for India's democracy - the opposition has repetitively accused the governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of authoritarianism, a charge it denies. "This is going to be a chaotic parliament and the opposition is going to take the government to task," political commentator Neerja Chowdhury said. Chowdhury said the role would also test Gandhi's mettle as a leader. Even though Gandhi has been in politics for more than 25 years, and an MP for five terms - he has never been a minister or won a general election for his party. "He'll have to lead from the front and ensure there are no tangled feathers, within his party or the opposition bloc," Chowdhury said and added, "he will be responsible for what goes wrong and what goes right." Gandhi was appointed as the leader of the opposition (LoP) on Tuesday, after a meeting with its alliance partners, who together make up the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) opposition bloc. Also read: Rahul Gandhi to be the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha On Wednesday (June 26), Gandhi made his first appearance in parliament in his new role as LoP. He congratulated the BJP's Om Birla, who has been appointed Speaker of the House for the second term and assured him of the opposition's support. "It is important that co-operation happens on the basis of trust. It is very important that the voice of the opposition is allowed to be represented in this House," Rahul Gnadhi said in Lok Sabha. What posts Rahul Gandhi can decide Rahul Gandhi as the LoP of Lok Sabha would be a member of significant panels on key appointments of Lokpal, CBI chief, Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners, besides the selection of Central Vigilance Commission, the Central Information Commission and the NHRC chief. The prime minister heads all such panels. (With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi chosen LoP in Lok Sabha, real test begins now

<p>Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor invited sharp criticism over his social media post where he took a jibe at the north-Indian state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) amid the NEET paper leak controversy.</p>

<p>Tharoor on Saturday night (June 22) shared a viral post depicting a Q&amp;A referring to UP.</p>

<p>The question read, "Uttar Pradesh kise kehte hain? (Define Uttar Pradesh)."</p>

<p>"A state where uttar (referring to answers) are known before the exam," read the answer.</p>

<p>The Congress leader captioned the post as, "shandaar" (Fabulous) and added the hashtag "Pariksha pe charcha" (Discussion on examination), taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative to interact with students during exams.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">शानदार! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#परीक्षापेचार्चा</a> <a href="https://t.co/xXK8q54FWl">pic.twitter.com/xXK8q54FWl</a></p>
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShashiTharoor/status/1804606384371310653?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-files-fir-in-connection-with-alleged-irregularities-in-neet-ug-exam-734341">CBI files FIR in connection with alleged irregularities in NEET-UG exam</a></p>

<h2><strong>Tharoor's post draws flak from BJP</strong></h2>

<p>Soon after Tharoor made the comment, the BJP leaders slammed Tharoor for stereotyping the state and insulting the people of UP.</p>

<p>Union minister Jitin Prasada, responding to the post said, "I don't see the humour in running down my state and its people by stereotyping them with such condemnable remarks. Such an insult to UP is deplorable and must be condemned in strongest words."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I don’t see the humour in running down my state and its people by stereotyping them with such condemnable remarks. Such an insult to UP is deplorable and must be condemned in strongest words.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/uttarpradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#uttarpradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/68tYuLFUFQ">https://t.co/68tYuLFUFQ</a></p>
— Jitin Prasada जितिन प्रसाद (@JitinPrasada) <a href="https://twitter.com/JitinPrasada/status/1804796238510031242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who lost the Thiruvananthapuram constituency to Tharoor in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls 2024, said, "Shameless crass politics of shaming other fellow Indians - that's the Congress way, ably demonstrated by this self-titled Global citizen. It was just a few months ago, another of Cong 'global citizens' Pitroda described Indians as Africans, Chinese, Middle Eastern, etc., Runs deep in the Cong DNA, this type of superiority complex."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shameless crass politics of shaming other fellow Indians - thats the Congress way, ably demonstrated by this self-titled Global citizen.🤬🤮<br />
<br />
It was just a few months ago, another of Cong "global citizens" Pitroda described Indians as Africans, Chinese, Middle eastern etc<br />
<br />
Runs… <a href="https://t.co/YLsZ5U1zb5">https://t.co/YLsZ5U1zb5</a></p>
— Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 (@RajeevRC_X) <a href="https://twitter.com/RajeevRC_X/status/1804815952456077315?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Calling Tharoor a "repeat offender", BJP's national spokesperson CR Kesavan said, "Earlier, Shashi Tharoor gravely insulted our North East brothers and sisters by ridiculing their traditional attire as outlandish. To belittle a serious issue, implying that the state of UP is a state of cheaters is indefensible and unpardonable. Splattering fancy English words does not necessarily make one civil and dignified."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shashi Tharoor is a repeat offender who had earlier gravely insulted our North East brothers and sisters by ridiculing their traditional attire as outlandish. To belittle a serious issue, implying that the state of UP is a state of cheaters is indefensible and unpardonable.… <a href="https://t.co/4Odbeuml0P">https://t.co/4Odbeuml0P</a></p>
— C.R.Kesavan (@crkesavan) <a href="https://twitter.com/crkesavan/status/1804808960329060830?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rajasthan Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said, "Shashi, you having to resort to frivolity!! And in doing so condemning people of an entire state? You don't see UP as yours, since you are deriding it. How I see Kerala is it's my state, it's my people. Bright, young, dynamic Keralites have served with me in the Army and rubbed shoulders with me in Team India."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shashi, you having to resort to frivolity!! And in doing so condemning people of an entire state? You don’t see UP as yours, since you are deriding it.<br />
How I see Kerala is it’s my state, it’s my people. Bright, young, dynamic Keralites have served with me in the Army and rubbed… <a href="https://t.co/i7AxfPz7cb">https://t.co/i7AxfPz7cb</a></p>
— Col Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ra_THORe/status/1804801158327972344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma responded to his post by saying, "This gentleman frequently indulges in satirising various cultures (first Northeast and now UP) with remarkably caustic words. He has succumbed to the beguiling whispers of lunacy, his mind adrift in the ethereal mists of derangement."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This gentleman frequently indulges in satirizing various cultures (first Northeast and now UP) with remarkably caustic words.<br />
<br />
He has succumbed to the beguiling whispers of lunacy, his mind adrift in the ethereal mists of derangement. <a href="https://t.co/aGuUU61bAy">https://t.co/aGuUU61bAy</a></p>
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) <a href="https://twitter.com/himantabiswa/status/1804829676579299761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor invited sharp criticism over his social media post where he took a jibe at the north-Indian state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) amid the NEET paper leak controversy.

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor invited sharp criticism over his social media post where he took a jibe at the north-Indian state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) amid the NEET paper leak controversy. Tharoor on Saturday night (June 22) shared a viral post depicting a Q&A referring to UP. The question read, "Uttar Pradesh kise kehte hain? (Define Uttar Pradesh)." "A state where uttar (referring to answers) are known before the exam," read the answer. The Congress leader captioned the post as, "shandaar" (Fabulous) and added the hashtag "Pariksha pe charcha" (Discussion on examination), taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative to interact with students during exams. शानदार! #परीक्षापेचार्चा pic.twitter.com/xXK8q54FWl — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) June 22, 2024 × Also read: CBI files FIR in connection with alleged irregularities in NEET-UG exam Tharoor's post draws flak from BJP Soon after Tharoor made the comment, the BJP leaders slammed Tharoor for stereotyping the state and insulting the people of UP. Union minister Jitin Prasada, responding to the post said, "I don't see the humour in running down my state and its people by stereotyping them with such condemnable remarks. Such an insult to UP is deplorable and must be condemned in strongest words." I don’t see the humour in running down my state and its people by stereotyping them with such condemnable remarks. Such an insult to UP is deplorable and must be condemned in strongest words.#uttarpradesh https://t.co/68tYuLFUFQ — Jitin Prasada जितिन प्रसाद (@JitinPrasada) June 23, 2024 × Former Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who lost the Thiruvananthapuram constituency to Tharoor in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls 2024, said, "Shameless crass politics of shaming other fellow Indians - that's the Congress way, ably demonstrated by this self-titled Global citizen. It was just a few months ago, another of Cong 'global citizens' Pitroda described Indians as Africans, Chinese, Middle Eastern, etc., Runs deep in the Cong DNA, this type of superiority complex." Shameless crass politics of shaming other fellow Indians - thats the Congress way, ably demonstrated by this self-titled Global citizen.🤬🤮 It was just a few months ago, another of Cong "global citizens" Pitroda described Indians as Africans, Chinese, Middle eastern etc Runs… https://t.co/YLsZ5U1zb5 — Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 (@RajeevRC_X) June 23, 2024 × Calling Tharoor a "repeat offender", BJP's national spokesperson CR Kesavan said, "Earlier, Shashi Tharoor gravely insulted our North East brothers and sisters by ridiculing their traditional attire as outlandish. To belittle a serious issue, implying that the state of UP is a state of cheaters is indefensible and unpardonable. Splattering fancy English words does not necessarily make one civil and dignified." Shashi Tharoor is a repeat offender who had earlier gravely insulted our North East brothers and sisters by ridiculing their traditional attire as outlandish. To belittle a serious issue, implying that the state of UP is a state of cheaters is indefensible and unpardonable.… https://t.co/4Odbeuml0P — C.R.Kesavan (@crkesavan) June 23, 2024 × Rajasthan Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said, "Shashi, you having to resort to frivolity!! And in doing so condemning people of an entire state? You don't see UP as yours, since you are deriding it. How I see Kerala is it's my state, it's my people. Bright, young, dynamic Keralites have served with me in the Army and rubbed shoulders with me in Team India." Shashi, you having to resort to frivolity!! And in doing so condemning people of an entire state? You don’t see UP as yours, since you are deriding it. How I see Kerala is it’s my state, it’s my people. Bright, young, dynamic Keralites have served with me in the Army and rubbed… https://t.co/i7AxfPz7cb — Col Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) June 23, 2024 × Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma responded to his post by saying, "This gentleman frequently indulges in satirising various cultures (first Northeast and now UP) with remarkably caustic words. He has succumbed to the beguiling whispers of lunacy, his mind adrift in the ethereal mists of derangement." This gentleman frequently indulges in satirizing various cultures (first Northeast and now UP) with remarkably caustic words. He has succumbed to the beguiling whispers of lunacy, his mind adrift in the ethereal mists of derangement. https://t.co/aGuUU61bAy — Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) June 23, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

India: Shashi Tharoor's viral post on UP amid NEET controversy draws flak from BJP

<p>Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday (June 24) hit out at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not speaking on issues like protests surrounding NEET, Manipur violence and the West Bengal train accident during his pre-Parliament address.</p>

<p>He sharply criticised the centre for talking about the Emergency that was brought over five decades ago questioning the government's intent on the number of times they wish to bring this up further.</p>

<p>"PM Modi will repeat this 100 times. Without declaring an emergency, you are acting this way. How long do you plan to rule by bringing this up?" Kharge said.</p>

<p>He said that PM Modi had used "customary words" more than what was necessary, rather than speaking on issues that were relevant.</p>

<p>Kharge also took to his X account to write, "He will show some sympathy towards youth regarding the paper leak in NEET and other entrance exams, but he will not take any responsibility for the rigging and corruption of his government."</p>

<p>"Modi ji also remained silent about the recent train accident in West Bengal. Manipur has been in the grip of violence for the last 13 months, but Modiji neither went there nor did he express any concern about the recent violence in his speech today," his post further read.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM Modi made a longer than usual customary address today. Clearly, even after moral and political defeat, the arrogance remains !<br />
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The nation was hoping that Modi ji would say something on many important issues.<br />
<br />
🔹He will show some sympathy towards the youth regarding the paper… <a href="https://t.co/GvdLOGCXCy">pic.twitter.com/GvdLOGCXCy</a></p>
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge/status/1805129064216219913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the post, he also made a mention of the situation of floods in Assam.</p>

<p>"There are floods in Assam and the North-East, backbreaking inflation, falling rupee, Exit Poll-Stock Market scam; The Modi government has kept the next census pending for a long time; Modi ji was completely silent on the caste census as well," Kharge highlighted.</p>

<p>Further lashing out at the Indian prime minister, Kharge said that PM Modi was reminding people of the 50-year-old Emergency but forgot the "last 10 years of Undeclared Emergency" which he said was ended by the people of the country.</p>

<p><strong>Also&nbsp;read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-calls-for-consensus-ahead-of-inaugural-session-of-18th-lok-sabha-734625">PM Modi calls for 'consensus' ahead of inaugural session of 18th Lok Sabha</a></p>

<p>"You are reminding us of the 50-year-old Emergency, but have forgotten the last 10 years of Undeclared Emergency, which was ended by the people," the Congress president said.</p>

<p>"People have given their mandate against Modi ji. Despite this, if he has become the Prime Minister, then he should work," he added.</p>

<p>"The opposition and INDIA Janbandhan want Consensus in Parliament, we will keep raising the voice of the people in the House, on the streets and before everyone," Kharge further said in his social media post.</p>

<p>The Congress president's remarks came after PM Modi took an indirect jibe at the grand old party stating, "Tomorrow is 25th June. 25th June marks 50 years of the blot that was put on the democracy of India. The new generation of India will never forget that the Constitution of India was completely rejected, every part of the Constitution was torn to pieces, the country was turned into a prison, democracy was completely suppressed."</p>

<p>"While protecting our Constitution, while protecting the democracy of India, the democratic traditions, the countrymen will take a resolution that no one will dare to do such a thing in India again which was done 50 years ago. We will take a resolution of a vibrant democracy. We will take a resolution to fulfil the dreams of the common people as per the directions of the Constitution of India," PM Modi&nbsp;added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday (June 24) hit out at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not speaking on issues like protests surrounding NEET, Manipur violence and the West Bengal train accident during his pre-Parliament address.

Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday (June 24) hit out at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not speaking on issues like protests surrounding NEET, Manipur violence and the West Bengal train accident during his pre-Parliament address. He sharply criticised the centre for talking about the Emergency that was brought over five decades ago questioning the government's intent on the number of times they wish to bring this up further. "PM Modi will repeat this 100 times. Without declaring an emergency, you are acting this way. How long do you plan to rule by bringing this up?" Kharge said. He said that PM Modi had used "customary words" more than what was necessary, rather than speaking on issues that were relevant. Kharge also took to his X account to write, "He will show some sympathy towards youth regarding the paper leak in NEET and other entrance exams, but he will not take any responsibility for the rigging and corruption of his government." "Modi ji also remained silent about the recent train accident in West Bengal. Manipur has been in the grip of violence for the last 13 months, but Modiji neither went there nor did he express any concern about the recent violence in his speech today," his post further read. PM Modi made a longer than usual customary address today. Clearly, even after moral and political defeat, the arrogance remains ! The nation was hoping that Modi ji would say something on many important issues. 🔹He will show some sympathy towards the youth regarding the paper… pic.twitter.com/GvdLOGCXCy — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) June 24, 2024 × In the post, he also made a mention of the situation of floods in Assam. "There are floods in Assam and the North-East, backbreaking inflation, falling rupee, Exit Poll-Stock Market scam; The Modi government has kept the next census pending for a long time; Modi ji was completely silent on the caste census as well," Kharge highlighted. Further lashing out at the Indian prime minister, Kharge said that PM Modi was reminding people of the 50-year-old Emergency but forgot the "last 10 years of Undeclared Emergency" which he said was ended by the people of the country. Also read: PM Modi calls for 'consensus' ahead of inaugural session of 18th Lok Sabha "You are reminding us of the 50-year-old Emergency, but have forgotten the last 10 years of Undeclared Emergency, which was ended by the people," the Congress president said. "People have given their mandate against Modi ji. Despite this, if he has become the Prime Minister, then he should work," he added. "The opposition and INDIA Janbandhan want Consensus in Parliament, we will keep raising the voice of the people in the House, on the streets and before everyone," Kharge further said in his social media post. The Congress president's remarks came after PM Modi took an indirect jibe at the grand old party stating, "Tomorrow is 25th June. 25th June marks 50 years of the blot that was put on the democracy of India. The new generation of India will never forget that the Constitution of India was completely rejected, every part of the Constitution was torn to pieces, the country was turned into a prison, democracy was completely suppressed." "While protecting our Constitution, while protecting the democracy of India, the democratic traditions, the countrymen will take a resolution that no one will dare to do such a thing in India again which was done 50 years ago. We will take a resolution of a vibrant democracy. We will take a resolution to fulfil the dreams of the common people as per the directions of the Constitution of India," PM Modi added. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Congress president Kharge hits back at PM Modi over his 'Emergency black spot on democracy' remark

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidU68AtSH5dZ5J" /></p>

<p>A day after sharing a post that made fun of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pope Francis' meeting in Italy, the Congress party unit in the south Indian state of Kerala apologised on Monday (June 17) on its X account.</p>

<p>"Finally, the Pope got a chance to meet God!," the Congress party's Kerala wing wrote on X with a photo of PM Modi and the Pope in the since-deleted post.</p>

<p>This was a reference to PM Modi's earlier statement that he believed he had been "sent by God" for a specific reason.</p>

<p>The tweet was swiftly denounced by the BJP, which claimed that the Congress had insulted both Pope and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>Kerala BJP president K Surendran wrote on X, "The @INCIndia Kerala 'X' handle, seemingly run by radical Islamists or Urban Naxals, continues to post derogatory and humiliating content against nationalistic leaders. Now, it has even stooped to mocking the respected Pope and the Christian community."</p>

<p>BJP IT Cell in-charge Amit Malviya sought an apology from Sonia Gandhi, the former president of the Congress, a Catholic, alleging that the Congress had a history of demeaning other faiths.</p>

<p>"After mocking the Hindus and deriding their faith, the Islamist-Marxist nexus in the Congress has now come down to insulting the Christians. This, when Sonia Gandhi, the longest serving Congress President, herself is a practising Catholic. She must apologise to the believers," Malviya wrote on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ml">ഒരു മതത്തെയും മതപുരോഹിതന്മാരെയും ആരാധനാമൂർത്തികളെയും അപമാനിക്കുകയും അവഹേളിക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നത് ഇന്ത്യൻ നാഷണൽ കോൺഗ്രസിന്റെ പാരമ്പര്യമല്ലെന്ന് ഈ നാട്ടിലെ ജനങ്ങൾക്ക് മുഴുവനും അറിയാം. എല്ലാ മതങ്ങളെയും വിശ്വാസങ്ങളെയും ചേർത്ത് പിടിച്ച് സൗഹാർദ്ദപരമായ അന്തരീക്ഷത്തിൽ ജനങ്ങളെ മുന്നോട്ടു… <a href="https://t.co/Jg7HBh9BMw">pic.twitter.com/Jg7HBh9BMw</a></p>
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCKerala/status/1802381978236260611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pope Francis' assertion that making jokes about God is not heresy was mentioned by Congress in retaliation.</p>

<p>"When you manage to make intelligent smiles gush from the lips of even one spectator, you make even God smile. Pope Francis said this on Friday, 14th June on the same day after he met Narendra Modi," the party posted.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greek-coastguard-threw-migrants-into-sea-after-tying-their-hands-report-732521">Greek coastguard threw migrants into sea after tying their hands: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>The Congress's Kerala unit removed the tweet and expressed an apology for causing "any emotional or psychological distress to Christians" in the face of growing criticism.</p>

<p>It made clear in a statement that it has no intention of insulting any religion or religious leaders.</p>

<p>“No Congress worker would even entertain the remotest thought of insulting the Pope, whom Christians around the world see as God-like. However, the Congress has no qualms about mocking Narendra Modi, who insults the believers of this country by calling himself God,” the Congress statement said.</p>

<p>“We also know that the Prime Minister has been keeping a studied silence on Manipur, where the minorities have been persecuted, and places of worship destroyed. Minorities faced persecution in Assam and Northeast and the PM has not uttered a word. We are calling out the hollowness of the PM towards the minority community and this camaraderie and this diplomacy [with the Pope] doesn't mean anything serious by the PM towards the Christian community,” Congress spokesperson Mathew Anthony said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A day after sharing a post that made fun of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pope Francis' meeting in Italy, the Congress party unit in the south Indian state of Kerala apologised on Monday (June 17) on its X account.

A day after sharing a post that made fun of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pope Francis' meeting in Italy, the Congress party unit in the south Indian state of Kerala apologised on Monday (June 17) on its X account. "Finally, the Pope got a chance to meet God!," the Congress party's Kerala wing wrote on X with a photo of PM Modi and the Pope in the since-deleted post. This was a reference to PM Modi's earlier statement that he believed he had been "sent by God" for a specific reason. The tweet was swiftly denounced by the BJP, which claimed that the Congress had insulted both Pope and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kerala BJP president K Surendran wrote on X, "The @INCIndia Kerala 'X' handle, seemingly run by radical Islamists or Urban Naxals, continues to post derogatory and humiliating content against nationalistic leaders. Now, it has even stooped to mocking the respected Pope and the Christian community." BJP IT Cell in-charge Amit Malviya sought an apology from Sonia Gandhi, the former president of the Congress, a Catholic, alleging that the Congress had a history of demeaning other faiths. "After mocking the Hindus and deriding their faith, the Islamist-Marxist nexus in the Congress has now come down to insulting the Christians. This, when Sonia Gandhi, the longest serving Congress President, herself is a practising Catholic. She must apologise to the believers," Malviya wrote on X. ഒരു മതത്തെയും മതപുരോഹിതന്മാരെയും ആരാധനാമൂർത്തികളെയും അപമാനിക്കുകയും അവഹേളിക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നത് ഇന്ത്യൻ നാഷണൽ കോൺഗ്രസിന്റെ പാരമ്പര്യമല്ലെന്ന് ഈ നാട്ടിലെ ജനങ്ങൾക്ക് മുഴുവനും അറിയാം. എല്ലാ മതങ്ങളെയും വിശ്വാസങ്ങളെയും ചേർത്ത് പിടിച്ച് സൗഹാർദ്ദപരമായ അന്തരീക്ഷത്തിൽ ജനങ്ങളെ മുന്നോട്ടു… pic.twitter.com/Jg7HBh9BMw — Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) June 16, 2024 × Pope Francis' assertion that making jokes about God is not heresy was mentioned by Congress in retaliation. "When you manage to make intelligent smiles gush from the lips of even one spectator, you make even God smile. Pope Francis said this on Friday, 14th June on the same day after he met Narendra Modi," the party posted. Also read: Greek coastguard threw migrants into sea after tying their hands: Report The Congress's Kerala unit removed the tweet and expressed an apology for causing "any emotional or psychological distress to Christians" in the face of growing criticism. It made clear in a statement that it has no intention of insulting any religion or religious leaders. “No Congress worker would even entertain the remotest thought of insulting the Pope, whom Christians around the world see as God-like. However, the Congress has no qualms about mocking Narendra Modi, who insults the believers of this country by calling himself God,” the Congress statement said. “We also know that the Prime Minister has been keeping a studied silence on Manipur, where the minorities have been persecuted, and places of worship destroyed. Minorities faced persecution in Assam and Northeast and the PM has not uttered a word. We are calling out the hollowness of the PM towards the minority community and this camaraderie and this diplomacy [with the Pope] doesn't mean anything serious by the PM towards the Christian community,” Congress spokesperson Mathew Anthony said. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress party unit in Kerala in hot water over Pope-Modi post; issues apology

<p>Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday (June 13) hit out at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the alleged discrepancies in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) stating that the future of 2.4 million students who appeared in the medical entrance examination was at stake due to the Modi government's actions.</p>

<p>"Grace marks were not the only problem in the NEET exam. There has been rigging, papers have been leaked, corruption has taken place. The future of 24 lakh students who appeared in the NEET exam is at stake due to the actions of the Modi government. A nexus of Exam Centre and Coaching Centre has been formed, in which the game of 'pay money, take paper' is being played," Kharge said in a post on X.</p>

<p>He further said that the "Modi government cannot escape its responsibility" and called&nbsp;for a fair investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court in the matter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">NEET परीक्षा में केवल Grace Marks की समस्या नहीं थी।<br />
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धाँधली हुई है, पेपर लीक हुए हैं, भ्रष्टाचार हुआ है।<br />
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NEET परीक्षा में बैठे 24 लाख़ छात्र-छात्राओं का भविष्य मोदी सरकार के कारनामों से दाँव पर लग गया है।<br />
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Exam Centre और Coaching Centre का एक Nexus बन चुका है, जिसमें 'पैसे…</p>
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge/status/1801186020244721743?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Modi government cannot escape its responsibility by putting the responsibility of its actions on the shoulders of NTA. The Congress party demands a fair investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court in the entire NEET scam. After the investigation, the culprits should be given the harshest punishment and lakhs of students should be compensated to save their year from being wasted," he said in the post.</p>

<p>"In the last 10 years, the Modi government has ruined the future of crores of youth through paper leak and rigging," he added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-hits-out-at-modi-government-for-destroying-future-of-students-amid-neet-ug-exam-row-730171"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;NEET-UG exam row: Rahul Gandhi hits out at Modi government for 'destroying future of students'</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Centre tells SC grace marks to 1,563 candidates cancelled</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the Supreme Court was informed by the Centre that they will be cancelling the scorecards of 1,563 NEET-UG 2024 candidates and conduct&nbsp;the test again of those who were earlier given grace marks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The development came after several aspirants complained about inflated&nbsp;marks.</p>

<p>The Centre announced that the 1,563 students will be given the option to take a re-test, which will ensure fairness and integrity in the examination process. The Centre further detailed the steps taken to address the issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The declaration of NEET results on Wednesday (June 5) witnessed 67 candidates bagging the top rank, out of which six were from the same exam centre in the northern state of Haryana.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday (June 13) hit out at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the alleged discrepancies in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) stating that the future of 2.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday (June 13) hit out at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the alleged discrepancies in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) stating that the future of 2.4 million students who appeared in the medical entrance examination was at stake due to the Modi government's actions. "Grace marks were not the only problem in the NEET exam. There has been rigging, papers have been leaked, corruption has taken place. The future of 24 lakh students who appeared in the NEET exam is at stake due to the actions of the Modi government. A nexus of Exam Centre and Coaching Centre has been formed, in which the game of 'pay money, take paper' is being played," Kharge said in a post on X. He further said that the "Modi government cannot escape its responsibility" and called for a fair investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court in the matter. NEET परीक्षा में केवल Grace Marks की समस्या नहीं थी। धाँधली हुई है, पेपर लीक हुए हैं, भ्रष्टाचार हुआ है। NEET परीक्षा में बैठे 24 लाख़ छात्र-छात्राओं का भविष्य मोदी सरकार के कारनामों से दाँव पर लग गया है। Exam Centre और Coaching Centre का एक Nexus बन चुका है, जिसमें 'पैसे… — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) June 13, 2024 × "The Modi government cannot escape its responsibility by putting the responsibility of its actions on the shoulders of NTA. The Congress party demands a fair investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court in the entire NEET scam. After the investigation, the culprits should be given the harshest punishment and lakhs of students should be compensated to save their year from being wasted," he said in the post. "In the last 10 years, the Modi government has ruined the future of crores of youth through paper leak and rigging," he added. Also read: NEET-UG exam row: Rahul Gandhi hits out at Modi government for 'destroying future of students' Centre tells SC grace marks to 1,563 candidates cancelled Meanwhile, the Supreme Court was informed by the Centre that they will be cancelling the scorecards of 1,563 NEET-UG 2024 candidates and conduct the test again of those who were earlier given grace marks. The development came after several aspirants complained about inflated marks. The Centre announced that the 1,563 students will be given the option to take a re-test, which will ensure fairness and integrity in the examination process. The Centre further detailed the steps taken to address the issue. The declaration of NEET results on Wednesday (June 5) witnessed 67 candidates bagging the top rank, out of which six were from the same exam centre in the northern state of Haryana. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress President Kharge hits out at PM Modi over NEET-UG exam, says 'future of students at stake'

<p>Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday (June 11) exuded confidence that had his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contested the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 from Narendra Modi's Varanasi seat, she would have defeated the Indian prime minister by over "two-three lakh votes".</p>

<p>Gandhi's remarks came while addressing a public rally in Uttar Pradesh's Raebareli, where he secured a win by a massive margin in the general elections.</p>

<p>"The BJP lost the Ayodhya seat... Not only in Ayodhya, Varanasi mein jaan bacha ke nikle hain pradhan mantri [In Varanasi, the PM just about saved his life]. If my sister (Priyanka Gandhi) had contested from Varanasi, the Prime Minister of India would have lost the Varanasi election by 2-3 lakh votes," Gandhi said.</p>

<p>"I am not saying this with arrogance, but the people of the country have given a message to the Prime Minister that they are against their way of politics."</p>

<p>Varanasi is the Bharatiya Janata Party's bastion and PM Modi's stronghold as he won the seat for the third consecutive time defeating Congress' Ajay Rai, but by a massively reduced margin of 152,513 votes.</p>

<p>Gandhi further said, "I want to thank all the leaders and the members of the Congress party and the people of Amethi and Raebarelli for making us win. This time, the Congress party fought unitedly in Amethi, Raebarelli, Uttar Pradesh and across the country. I want to tell the Samajwadi Party that your leaders fought unitedly with Congress leaders this time."</p>

<p>"Be it Manipur, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh, we fought unitedly. When I contemplate why it happened, I realise that the soul of the country sensed that Narendra Modi ji and Amit Shah ji were trying to play with the Constitution, which is the very foundation of our country," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-secured-indias-key-ministries-home-foreign-defence-and-finance-730554">Modi 3.0: Who secured India's key ministries: Home, foreign, defence and finance?</a></p>

<h2><strong>'People of India made PM Modi bow down to the Constitution,' says Gandhi</strong></h2>

<p>The Congress MP further said that the people of Uttar Pradesh declared their verdict against "hatred", "violence" and "arrogance" in the polls.</p>

<p>"Secondly, in 2024, the political landscape of the country witnessed a change. For the first time, we saw that the prime minister was doing politics of religion and violence, which is against the culture of the country. The right path was shown by Amethi, Raebareli and Uttar Pradesh. The people of Uttar Pradesh voted against hatred, violence and arrogance", he said.</p>

<p>He then said that the people of the country made PM Modi bow down to the Constitution.</p>

<p>"You have made Kishori Lal Sharmaji win in Amethi, me in Rae Bareli, and the MPs of the INDIA bloc in Uttar Pradesh... You have changed the politics of the entire country... The public has sent a message to the prime minister of the country that if he touches the Constitution, then see what people will do to him. You have made him bow down in front of the Constitution", he said.</p>

<p>Congress put out on display an outstanding growth in over a decade in this year's Lok Sabha polls, defying all that the exit polls and BJP had predicted.</p>

<p>The grand old party won 99 seats, showing a jump in its tally of 52 registered during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and 44 in 2014.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gandhi triumphed in the Wayanad parliamentary constituency in Kerala as he polled 647,445 votes and won by a margin of 364,422.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday (June 11) exuded confidence that had his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contested the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 from Narendra Modi's Varanasi seat, she would have defeated the Indian prime minister by over "two-three lakh votes".

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday (June 11) exuded confidence that had his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contested the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 from Narendra Modi's Varanasi seat, she would have defeated the Indian prime minister by over "two-three lakh votes". Gandhi's remarks came while addressing a public rally in Uttar Pradesh's Raebareli, where he secured a win by a massive margin in the general elections. "The BJP lost the Ayodhya seat... Not only in Ayodhya, Varanasi mein jaan bacha ke nikle hain pradhan mantri [In Varanasi, the PM just about saved his life]. If my sister (Priyanka Gandhi) had contested from Varanasi, the Prime Minister of India would have lost the Varanasi election by 2-3 lakh votes," Gandhi said. "I am not saying this with arrogance, but the people of the country have given a message to the Prime Minister that they are against their way of politics." Varanasi is the Bharatiya Janata Party's bastion and PM Modi's stronghold as he won the seat for the third consecutive time defeating Congress' Ajay Rai, but by a massively reduced margin of 152,513 votes. Gandhi further said, "I want to thank all the leaders and the members of the Congress party and the people of Amethi and Raebarelli for making us win. This time, the Congress party fought unitedly in Amethi, Raebarelli, Uttar Pradesh and across the country. I want to tell the Samajwadi Party that your leaders fought unitedly with Congress leaders this time." "Be it Manipur, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh, we fought unitedly. When I contemplate why it happened, I realise that the soul of the country sensed that Narendra Modi ji and Amit Shah ji were trying to play with the Constitution, which is the very foundation of our country," he added. Also read: Modi 3.0: Who secured India's key ministries: Home, foreign, defence and finance? 'People of India made PM Modi bow down to the Constitution,' says Gandhi The Congress MP further said that the people of Uttar Pradesh declared their verdict against "hatred", "violence" and "arrogance" in the polls. "Secondly, in 2024, the political landscape of the country witnessed a change. For the first time, we saw that the prime minister was doing politics of religion and violence, which is against the culture of the country. The right path was shown by Amethi, Raebareli and Uttar Pradesh. The people of Uttar Pradesh voted against hatred, violence and arrogance", he said. He then said that the people of the country made PM Modi bow down to the Constitution. "You have made Kishori Lal Sharmaji win in Amethi, me in Rae Bareli, and the MPs of the INDIA bloc in Uttar Pradesh... You have changed the politics of the entire country... The public has sent a message to the prime minister of the country that if he touches the Constitution, then see what people will do to him. You have made him bow down in front of the Constitution", he said. Congress put out on display an outstanding growth in over a decade in this year's Lok Sabha polls, defying all that the exit polls and BJP had predicted. The grand old party won 99 seats, showing a jump in its tally of 52 registered during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and 44 in 2014. Gandhi triumphed in the Wayanad parliamentary constituency in Kerala as he polled 647,445 votes and won by a margin of 364,422. (With inputs from agencies)

'Had Priyanka contested...': Rahul Gandhi makes bold claim about Modi's stronghold Varanasi

<p>Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is set to attend PM-designate Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony on Sunday (June 9) evening at Rashtrapati Bhawan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kharge was extended the event invite, which he has accepted following a meeting with his allies and the party, reported news agency ANI citing sources.</p>

<p>The invite to Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha was extended by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Prahlad Joshi on Saturday (June 8).</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Congress leader and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Pramod Tiwari said that he was yet to receive the invite for the ceremony.</p>

<p>"I am the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha. I haven't received any invitation for the swearing-in ceremony of PM-designate Narendra Modi nor have the INDIA alliance partners. To turn the ceremony into an international event, Narendra Modi is more interested in inviting foreign guests," Tiwari said.</p>

<p>This comes after Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh had alleged that only the international leaders were invited to the ceremony and that the INDIA bloc will think about attending the event if and when the invitation is received.</p>

<p>"Only international leaders have been invited for the swearing-in ceremony. Our leaders have not received the invitation yet. When our INDIA alliance leaders receive the invitation, we will think about it," Jairam Ramesh said.</p>

<h2><strong>'Have neither received invitation nor will I go,': Mamata Banerjee</strong></h2>

<p>West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is also an ally of the INDIA bloc said that she would not attend PM-designate Modi's swearing-in ceremony irrespective of the invite.</p>

<p>"I have neither received (the invitation) nor will I go. I have already said that I wish well for the people in the country for not voting for him (PM Modi)," Banerjee said when asked by reporters if she would attend the swearing-in ceremony of PM-designate Narendra Modi on Sunday.</p>

<p>"I am sorry, but I cannot wish well to an unconstitutional, illegal party for forming the government. My best wishes will be for the country," the chief minister added.</p>

<p>BJP leader Narendra Modi is set to take the oath as India's prime minister for the historic third time, equalling Jawaharlal Nehru's record after completing two full terms.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is set to attend PM-designate Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony on Sunday (June 9) evening at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Kharge was extended the event invite, which he has accepted following a meeting with his allies and the party, reported news agency ANI citing sources.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is set to attend PM-designate Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony on Sunday (June 9) evening at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Kharge was extended the event invite, which he has accepted following a meeting with his allies and the party, reported news agency ANI citing sources. The invite to Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha was extended by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Prahlad Joshi on Saturday (June 8). Meanwhile, Congress leader and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Pramod Tiwari said that he was yet to receive the invite for the ceremony. "I am the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha. I haven't received any invitation for the swearing-in ceremony of PM-designate Narendra Modi nor have the INDIA alliance partners. To turn the ceremony into an international event, Narendra Modi is more interested in inviting foreign guests," Tiwari said. This comes after Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh had alleged that only the international leaders were invited to the ceremony and that the INDIA bloc will think about attending the event if and when the invitation is received. "Only international leaders have been invited for the swearing-in ceremony. Our leaders have not received the invitation yet. When our INDIA alliance leaders receive the invitation, we will think about it," Jairam Ramesh said. 'Have neither received invitation nor will I go,': Mamata Banerjee West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is also an ally of the INDIA bloc said that she would not attend PM-designate Modi's swearing-in ceremony irrespective of the invite. "I have neither received (the invitation) nor will I go. I have already said that I wish well for the people in the country for not voting for him (PM Modi)," Banerjee said when asked by reporters if she would attend the swearing-in ceremony of PM-designate Narendra Modi on Sunday. "I am sorry, but I cannot wish well to an unconstitutional, illegal party for forming the government. My best wishes will be for the country," the chief minister added. BJP leader Narendra Modi is set to take the oath as India's prime minister for the historic third time, equalling Jawaharlal Nehru's record after completing two full terms. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to attend PM-designate Modi's swearing-in ceremony

<p>Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked PM-designate Narendra Modi amid the ongoing NEET-UG medical entrance controversy stating that the alleged discrepancies in the examination had "devastated more than 24 lakh students and their families".</p>

<p>The grand old party's MP-elect then assured that he would become their voice in the parliament, further vowing to strongly raise concerns related to the betterment of their future.</p>

<p>"Narendra Modi has not even taken oath yet and the scam in NEET exam has devastated more than 24 lakh students and their families. 6 students from the same exam centre top the exam with maximum marks, many get such marks which are technically not possible, but the government is continuously denying the possibility of paper leak," Gandhi said in a post on X.</p>

<p>Further reiterating the poll promise to formulate a law that would deal with the paper leak issues, Gandhi said that the grand old party has come up with a "robust plan".</p>

<p>"Congress had made a robust plan to deal with this 'paper leak industry' which is being run in collusion with the education mafia and the government machinery. In our manifesto, we had pledged to free the students from paper leak by making a law," he said.</p>

<p>"Today, I assure all the students of the country that I will become your voice in Parliament and strongly raise the issues related to your future. The youth have expressed confidence in INDIA - INDIA will not allow their voice to be suppressed," Gandhi added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">नरेंद्र मोदी ने अभी शपथ भी नहीं ली है और NEET परीक्षा में हुई धांधली ने 24 लाख से अधिक स्टूडेंट्स और उनके परिवारों को तोड़ दिया है।<br />
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एक ही एग्जाम सेंटर से 6 छात्र मैक्सिमम मार्क्स के साथ टॉप कर जाते हैं, कितनों को ऐसे मार्क्स मिलते हैं जो टेक्निकली संभव ही नहीं है, लेकिन सरकार…</p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1799679113478934556?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>'BJP govt has destroyed future of medial aspirants,' says KC Venugopal&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, Congress general secretary (organisations) KC Venugopal had hit out at the BJP government over "destroying the future of medical aspirants" and&nbsp;urged&nbsp;the Ministry of Education to conduct a proper investigation into the matter.</p>

<p>In a post on X, KC Venugopal said, "The BJP government has totally botched the NEET examinations and destroyed the future of our medical aspirants."</p>

<p>"First, it persisted with the exam despite huge opposition from many states, especially Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Now, it is clearly unable to administer it effectively and we are now seeing the paper leak at the national level. This, coupled with multiple irregularities raises alarm about how the exam is being conducted," he added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-aspirants-allege-inflation-of-marks-nta-denies-discrepancies-729765">Also read:&nbsp;India's NEET test-takers allege discrepancy in results, testing agency rejects claims</a></p>

<h2><strong>India's NEET test-takers allege discrepancy in results</strong></h2>

<p>One of India's most sought-after exams, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) which is the gateway for admission to medical colleges, found itself surrounded by controversy this week after several aspirants complained about inflation of marks.</p>

<p>The declaration of NEET results on Wednesday (Jun 5) witnessed an unprecedented 67 candidates bagging the top rank, out of which six were from the same exam centre in the northern state of Haryana.</p>

<p>The National Testing Agency (NTA), however, dismissed the claims regarding discrepancies and irregularities in the result.</p>

<p>It cited changes made to the NCERT textbooks and 'grace marks' given to students for losing time at the examination centres as the reasons behind students scoring higher marks.</p>

<p>"Such cases and representations were considered by NTA and the normalisation formula, which has been devised and adopted by Supreme Court, vide its Judgment dated 13.06.2018, was implemented to address the loss of time faced by the candidates of NEET (UG) 2024," it said in a statement.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
"The loss of examination time was ascertained and such candidates were compensated with grace marks. So, there marks can be 718 or 719 also," the statement further read.</p>

<p>However, on Saturday, the NTA set up a committee to review the grace marks awarded to NEET UG 2024 candidates.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked PM-designate Narendra Modi amid the ongoing NEET-UG medical entrance controversy stating that the alleged discrepancies in the examination had "devastated more than 24 lakh students and their families".

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked PM-designate Narendra Modi amid the ongoing NEET-UG medical entrance controversy stating that the alleged discrepancies in the examination had "devastated more than 24 lakh students and their families". The grand old party's MP-elect then assured that he would become their voice in the parliament, further vowing to strongly raise concerns related to the betterment of their future. "Narendra Modi has not even taken oath yet and the scam in NEET exam has devastated more than 24 lakh students and their families. 6 students from the same exam centre top the exam with maximum marks, many get such marks which are technically not possible, but the government is continuously denying the possibility of paper leak," Gandhi said in a post on X. Further reiterating the poll promise to formulate a law that would deal with the paper leak issues, Gandhi said that the grand old party has come up with a "robust plan". "Congress had made a robust plan to deal with this 'paper leak industry' which is being run in collusion with the education mafia and the government machinery. In our manifesto, we had pledged to free the students from paper leak by making a law," he said. "Today, I assure all the students of the country that I will become your voice in Parliament and strongly raise the issues related to your future. The youth have expressed confidence in INDIA - INDIA will not allow their voice to be suppressed," Gandhi added. नरेंद्र मोदी ने अभी शपथ भी नहीं ली है और NEET परीक्षा में हुई धांधली ने 24 लाख से अधिक स्टूडेंट्स और उनके परिवारों को तोड़ दिया है। एक ही एग्जाम सेंटर से 6 छात्र मैक्सिमम मार्क्स के साथ टॉप कर जाते हैं, कितनों को ऐसे मार्क्स मिलते हैं जो टेक्निकली संभव ही नहीं है, लेकिन सरकार… — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 9, 2024 × 'BJP govt has destroyed future of medial aspirants,' says KC Venugopal Earlier, Congress general secretary (organisations) KC Venugopal had hit out at the BJP government over "destroying the future of medical aspirants" and urged the Ministry of Education to conduct a proper investigation into the matter. In a post on X, KC Venugopal said, "The BJP government has totally botched the NEET examinations and destroyed the future of our medical aspirants." "First, it persisted with the exam despite huge opposition from many states, especially Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Now, it is clearly unable to administer it effectively and we are now seeing the paper leak at the national level. This, coupled with multiple irregularities raises alarm about how the exam is being conducted," he added. Also read: India's NEET test-takers allege discrepancy in results, testing agency rejects claims India's NEET test-takers allege discrepancy in results One of India's most sought-after exams, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) which is the gateway for admission to medical colleges, found itself surrounded by controversy this week after several aspirants complained about inflation of marks. The declaration of NEET results on Wednesday (Jun 5) witnessed an unprecedented 67 candidates bagging the top rank, out of which six were from the same exam centre in the northern state of Haryana. The National Testing Agency (NTA), however, dismissed the claims regarding discrepancies and irregularities in the result. It cited changes made to the NCERT textbooks and 'grace marks' given to students for losing time at the examination centres as the reasons behind students scoring higher marks. "Such cases and representations were considered by NTA and the normalisation formula, which has been devised and adopted by Supreme Court, vide its Judgment dated 13.06.2018, was implemented to address the loss of time faced by the candidates of NEET (UG) 2024," it said in a statement. "The loss of examination time was ascertained and such candidates were compensated with grace marks. So, there marks can be 718 or 719 also," the statement further read. However, on Saturday, the NTA set up a committee to review the grace marks awarded to NEET UG 2024 candidates. (With inputs from agencies)

NEET-UG exam row: Rahul Gandhi hits out at Modi government for 'destroying future of students'

<p>Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was granted bail on Friday (June 7) by a Bengaluru court in connection with a case filed by the BJP's Karnataka unit for issuing “defamatory" advertisements in mainstream newspapers.</p>

<p>The advertisement preceding the Assembly polls last year accused the former BJP government in the state of engaging in widespread corruption during its tenure from 2019 to 2023.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-elections-2024-rahul-gandhi-to-appear-before-court-in-connection-to-bjp-defamation-case-729535">Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Modi to take oath as Prime Minister on June 9</a></p>

<p>The court had on June 1 granted bail to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, after they appeared before it in connection with the defamation case.</p>

<p>Judge K N Shivakumar had earlier directed Rahul Gandhi to appear before the court on Friday (June 7) without fail.</p>

<p>It may be recalled here, in February, the Congress leader attended court proceedings related to the defamation case and was granted bail.</p>

<p>BJP leader Vijay Mishra had lodged the complaint against Rahul Gandhi. Last December, a warrant was issued against Gandhi, prompting him to postpone his ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ in Amethi and appear in court on February 20, where he got bail.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-shah-gave-investment-advice-during-lok-sabha-polls-campaign-alleges-rahul-gandhi-demands-probe-729409">Stock market scam: Modi, Shah gave investment advice during Lok Sabha polls, alleges Rahul; BJP reacts</a></p>

<p>The complaint arose from statements made by Gandhi during a press conference in Bengaluru in May 2018, amidst the Karnataka elections. Gandhi's remarks addressed the BJP's assertion of maintaining integrity in politics despite having a party president (Amit Shah) who faced accusations in a murder case.</p>

<p>Four years before Gandhi's remarks, Amit Shah was acquitted by a special CBI court in Mumbai in connection with a 2005 fake encounter case during his tenure as Minister of State for Home in Gujarat.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was granted bail on Friday (June 7) by a Bengaluru court in connection with a case filed by the BJP's Karnataka unit for issuing “defamatory" advertisements in mainstream newspapers.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was granted bail on Friday (June 7) by a Bengaluru court in connection with a case filed by the BJP's Karnataka unit for issuing “defamatory" advertisements in mainstream newspapers. The advertisement preceding the Assembly polls last year accused the former BJP government in the state of engaging in widespread corruption during its tenure from 2019 to 2023. Also read: Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Modi to take oath as Prime Minister on June 9 The court had on June 1 granted bail to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, after they appeared before it in connection with the defamation case. Judge K N Shivakumar had earlier directed Rahul Gandhi to appear before the court on Friday (June 7) without fail. It may be recalled here, in February, the Congress leader attended court proceedings related to the defamation case and was granted bail. BJP leader Vijay Mishra had lodged the complaint against Rahul Gandhi. Last December, a warrant was issued against Gandhi, prompting him to postpone his ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ in Amethi and appear in court on February 20, where he got bail. Also read: Stock market scam: Modi, Shah gave investment advice during Lok Sabha polls, alleges Rahul; BJP reacts The complaint arose from statements made by Gandhi during a press conference in Bengaluru in May 2018, amidst the Karnataka elections. Gandhi's remarks addressed the BJP's assertion of maintaining integrity in politics despite having a party president (Amit Shah) who faced accusations in a murder case. Four years before Gandhi's remarks, Amit Shah was acquitted by a special CBI court in Mumbai in connection with a 2005 fake encounter case during his tenure as Minister of State for Home in Gujarat. (With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi gets bail in defamation case filed by BJP

<p>Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)'s Delhi state convener Gopal Rai on Thursday (Jun 6) clarified that his party's alliance with Congress was only for the Lok Sabha elections 2024 and that it will contest the Delhi assembly polls alone.</p>

<p>"This is clear from the very first day that the INDIA alliance was formed for Lok Sabha elections. As far as Vidhan Sabha is concerned, no alliance has been formed. AAP will fight elections with its full strength," Rai said.</p>

<p>He further said that the opposition parties had come together as the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the general elections and that there was no alliance for assembly polls that are scheduled to take place early next year.</p>

<p>“It is clear from the beginning that the INDIA alliance was formed for the Lok Sabha elections. We fought Lok Sabha elections together but in the Delhi Vidhan Sabha elections, there is no alliance. We will fight the Vidhan Sabha elections together with the people of Delhi,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/excise-case-delhi-court-extends-arvind-kejriwals-judicial-custody-till-jun-19-729048">Excise Case: Delhi Court extends Arvind Kejriwal's judicial custody till Jun 19</a></p>

<h2><strong>AAP and Congress' alliance in Lok Sabha polls</strong></h2>

<p>The Aam Aadmi Party, which found itself in hot waters in the past few months after supremo Kejriwal was arrested in an excise policy case, allied with Congress as part of the INDIA bloc to contest the 18th Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>While AAP fielded candidates for four constituencies out of seven, Congress contested from&nbsp;the remaining three seats.</p>

<p>Both parties drew a blank in the national capital as BJP emerged victorious in all the seven Lok Sabha constituencies.</p>

<p>Despite agreeing on a collaboration for Lok Sabha polls in Delhi, Punjab, and Gujarat, Congress and AAP did not form an alliance in Punjab and both parties went solo.</p>

<p>Congress secured seven out of 13 seats in the north Indian state while AAP despite being the ruling party only managed to get three.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)'s Delhi state convener Gopal Rai on Thursday (Jun 6) clarified that his party's alliance with Congress was only for the Lok Sabha elections 2024 and that it will contest the Delhi assembly polls alone.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)'s Delhi state convener Gopal Rai on Thursday (Jun 6) clarified that his party's alliance with Congress was only for the Lok Sabha elections 2024 and that it will contest the Delhi assembly polls alone. "This is clear from the very first day that the INDIA alliance was formed for Lok Sabha elections. As far as Vidhan Sabha is concerned, no alliance has been formed. AAP will fight elections with its full strength," Rai said. He further said that the opposition parties had come together as the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the general elections and that there was no alliance for assembly polls that are scheduled to take place early next year. “It is clear from the beginning that the INDIA alliance was formed for the Lok Sabha elections. We fought Lok Sabha elections together but in the Delhi Vidhan Sabha elections, there is no alliance. We will fight the Vidhan Sabha elections together with the people of Delhi,” he said. #WATCH | On being asked about fighting Vidhan Sabha elections with the INDIA alliance, Delhi Minister Gopal Rai says, "It is clear from the beginning that the INDIA alliance was formed for the Lok Sabha Elections. We fought Lok Sabha elections together but in Delhi Vidhan Sabha… pic.twitter.com/FwgfvonUJ0 — ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2024 × Also read: Excise Case: Delhi Court extends Arvind Kejriwal's judicial custody till Jun 19 AAP and Congress' alliance in Lok Sabha polls The Aam Aadmi Party, which found itself in hot waters in the past few months after supremo Kejriwal was arrested in an excise policy case, allied with Congress as part of the INDIA bloc to contest the 18th Lok Sabha polls. While AAP fielded candidates for four constituencies out of seven, Congress contested from the remaining three seats. Both parties drew a blank in the national capital as BJP emerged victorious in all the seven Lok Sabha constituencies. Despite agreeing on a collaboration for Lok Sabha polls in Delhi, Punjab, and Gujarat, Congress and AAP did not form an alliance in Punjab and both parties went solo. Congress secured seven out of 13 seats in the north Indian state while AAP despite being the ruling party only managed to get three. (With inputs from agencies)

'AAP to contest Delhi Assembly Elections alone, no alliance with Congress,' clarifies Gopal Rai

<p><strong>Chandigarh Lok Sabha Election Results&nbsp;2024: </strong>In Chandigarh, the Indian National Congress's (INC) Manish Tewari won the race for the lone seat with a margin of&nbsp;2,504 votes. He polled&nbsp;21,6657 votes in the elections.</p>

<p>The Union Territory of Chandigarh&nbsp;voted in the last phase of India's Lok Sabha elections on June 1. Chandigarh&nbsp;voted in one phase for its lone seat. The&nbsp;City Beautiful registered a&nbsp;67.90 per cent voter turnout till 10pm on election day&nbsp;— down from&nbsp;70.61 per cent in the 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Chandigarh Lok Sabha Elections Results 2024: Full List of Candidates</strong></h2>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td><strong>Candidate</strong></td>
			<td><strong>Party</strong></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Manish Tewari</td>
			<td>Indian National Congress</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ritu Singh</td>
			<td>Bahujan Samaj Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sanjay Tandon</td>
			<td>Bharatiya Janata Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Deepanshu Sharma</td>
			<td>Akhil Bhartiya Parivar Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Raj Prince Singh&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Super Power India Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rajinder Kaur</td>
			<td>Sainik Samaj Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sunil Thaman</td>
			<td>Jansena Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Kishor Kumar alias Banti Bhaiya</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Kuldip Rai alias Happy Sood Morind</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pushpinder Singh alias Lovely Attawa</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Partap Singh Rana&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Piar Chand Alias Koundal</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Baljeet Singh Alias Laddi</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ex-Assistant Commandant Ranpreet Singh</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mahant Ravi Kant Muni</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Lakhvir Singh Alias Kotla</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vinod Kumar</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vivek Sharma</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sunilkumar</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<h2><strong>Chandigarh Lok Sabha Election Results 2024:&nbsp;</strong>Constituency Wise<strong> Party-wise Winner List&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td><strong>Lok Sabha Constituency&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</strong></td>
			<td><strong>Winner</strong></td>
			<td><strong>Party</strong></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Chandigarh</td>
			<td>Manish Tewari</td>
			<td>
			<p>Indian National Congress</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Chandigarh Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: In Chandigarh, the Indian National Congress's (INC) Manish Tewari won the race for the lone seat with a margin of 2,504 votes.

Chandigarh Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: In Chandigarh, the Indian National Congress's (INC) Manish Tewari won the race for the lone seat with a margin of 2,504 votes. He polled 21,6657 votes in the elections. The Union Territory of Chandigarh voted in the last phase of India's Lok Sabha elections on June 1. Chandigarh voted in one phase for its lone seat. The City Beautiful registered a 67.90 per cent voter turnout till 10pm on election day — down from 70.61 per cent in the 2019. Chandigarh Lok Sabha Elections Results 2024: Full List of Candidates Candidate Party Manish Tewari Indian National Congress Ritu Singh Bahujan Samaj Party Sanjay Tandon Bharatiya Janata Party Deepanshu Sharma Akhil Bhartiya Parivar Party Raj Prince Singh Super Power India Party Rajinder Kaur Sainik Samaj Party Sunil Thaman Jansena Party Kishor Kumar alias Banti Bhaiya Independent Kuldip Rai alias Happy Sood Morind Independent Pushpinder Singh alias Lovely Attawa Independent Partap Singh Rana Independent Piar Chand Alias Koundal Independent Baljeet Singh Alias Laddi Independent Ex-Assistant Commandant Ranpreet Singh Independent Mahant Ravi Kant Muni Independent Lakhvir Singh Alias Kotla Independent Vinod Kumar Independent Vivek Sharma Independent Sunilkumar Independent Chandigarh Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Constituency Wise Party-wise Winner List Lok Sabha Constituency Winner Party Chandigarh Manish Tewari Indian National Congress (With inputs from agencies)

Chandigarh Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 Full Winner List: Congress' Manish Tewari wins lone seat

<p>Dismissing rumours of switching allegiance to the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) said that it will continue to support the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).</p>

<p>The speculations surfaced as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) witnessed unexpected Lok Sabha election results on Tuesday (Jun 4) where the saffron party did not receive a full majority.</p>

<p>"Our pre-poll pact with BJP and Janasena in Andhra Pradesh isn't just political arithmetic; it's a matter of credibility," TDP's senior leader Kanakamedala Ravindrakumar told news agency PTI.</p>

<p>"We will remain part of the NDA. There is absolutely no question of supporting the India Bloc," he said.</p>

<p>This comes after the TDP registered a landslide victory in both Assembly and Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p><strong>Also read</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-jailed-khalistani-separatist-amritpal-singh-leads-from-khadoor-sahib-seat-728545">Radical preacher Amritpal Singh wins Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat</a></p>

<h2><strong>BJP-led NDA poised to win 291 seats, while INDIA bloc gets 234</strong></h2>

<p>The BJP-led NDA is slated to win 291 seats and the INDIA opposition bloc is poised to grab 234. Other political parties are poised to win 18 seats.</p>

<p>With what the ECI data has shown, NDA will approximately have 17 more seats than the majority mark of 272 in the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the results came out, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the people of the country for their unwavering faith in India's Constitution stating that the BJP-led NDA will form its third successive government.</p>

<p>"The people of the country have expressed their trust in the NDA for the third consecutive time. This is an unprecedented moment in the history of India. I thank my family for their love and blessings. I assure the countrymen that to fulfil their aspirations, we will move forward with new energy, new enthusiasm, and new resolves," PM Modi earlier said on X.</p>

<p>"I express my heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to all the workers for the dedication and tireless hard work they have done," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Dismissing rumours of switching allegiance to the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) said that it will continue to support the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Dismissing rumours of switching allegiance to the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) said that it will continue to support the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The speculations surfaced as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) witnessed unexpected Lok Sabha election results on Tuesday (Jun 4) where the saffron party did not receive a full majority. "Our pre-poll pact with BJP and Janasena in Andhra Pradesh isn't just political arithmetic; it's a matter of credibility," TDP's senior leader Kanakamedala Ravindrakumar told news agency PTI. "We will remain part of the NDA. There is absolutely no question of supporting the India Bloc," he said. This comes after the TDP registered a landslide victory in both Assembly and Lok Sabha polls. Also read: Radical preacher Amritpal Singh wins Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat BJP-led NDA poised to win 291 seats, while INDIA bloc gets 234 The BJP-led NDA is slated to win 291 seats and the INDIA opposition bloc is poised to grab 234. Other political parties are poised to win 18 seats. With what the ECI data has shown, NDA will approximately have 17 more seats than the majority mark of 272 in the Lok Sabha. After the results came out, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the people of the country for their unwavering faith in India's Constitution stating that the BJP-led NDA will form its third successive government. "The people of the country have expressed their trust in the NDA for the third consecutive time. This is an unprecedented moment in the history of India. I thank my family for their love and blessings. I assure the countrymen that to fulfil their aspirations, we will move forward with new energy, new enthusiasm, and new resolves," PM Modi earlier said on X. "I express my heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to all the workers for the dedication and tireless hard work they have done," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: TDP dismisses rumours of switching allegiance to INDIA, says will support NDA

<p>With more than 640 million votes counted, India has wrapped up its 2024 general elections making the end of the world’s largest democratic exercise which took place between April 19 to June 1. The vote counting began on June 4, and the Election Commission of India (ECI) declared results for all 543 parliamentary constituencies on&nbsp;Wednesday (Jun 5) morning.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Lok Sabha Election 2024 Final Results</strong></h2>

<p>While the Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian parliament) has 543 seats, the counting was held for 542 as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Surat, Gujarat was elected unopposed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;India Elections 2024: Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu emerge as kingmakers</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-elections-2024-nitish-kumar-chandrababu-naidu-emerge-as-kingmakers-728859/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is poised to form the next government as the ruling party and its allies garnered a total of 292 votes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP failed to cross the 272 majority mark and will need the support of allies to form the government. The ruling party had won 303 and 282 seats in the general elections in 2019 and 2014, respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the main opposition INDIA bloc, led by the Indian National Congress (INC), put up a tough fight and won 234 seats.</p>

<p>INC managed to get 99 seats compared to 52 it won in 2019. It was also the highest number of seats that the grand old party bagged&nbsp;since 2014.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-thanks-supporters-as-nda-on-its-way-to-form-government-for-yet-another-term-728718">PM Modi thanks supporters as NDA on its way to form government for third consecutive term</a></strong></p>

<p>The Samajwadi Party (SP), a part of the INDIA bloc, won 37 seats, the third-highest overall after BJP and Congress.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The party, led by Akhilesh Yadav, also emerged as the single-largest party in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh which has 80 parliamentary constituencies, the highest in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Lok Sabha Election 2024 Final Results: Full List</strong></h2>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 553px;">
	<thead>
		<tr>
			<th scope="col">No.</th>
			<th scope="col" style="width: 394px;">Party</th>
			<th scope="col" style="width: 118px;">Seats Won</th>
		</tr>
	</thead>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>1</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">240</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Indian National Congress (INC)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">99</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Samajwadi Party (SP)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">37</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">All India Trinamool Congress (AITC)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">29</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">22</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>6</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Telugu Desam Party (TDP)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">16</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>7</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Janata Dal (United) (JD(U))</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">12</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>8</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackrey) (Shiv Sena (UBT))</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">9</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>9</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Nationalist Congress Party-Sharad Chandra Pawar&nbsp;(NCP (SCP))</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">8</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>10</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Shiv Sena</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">7</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>11</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Lok Janshakti Party&nbsp;(Ram Vilas) (LJPRV)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">5</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>12</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">4</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>13</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">4</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>14</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M))</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">4</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>15</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Indian Union Muslim League (IUML)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">3</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>16</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">3</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>17</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">3</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>18</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Jana Sena Party (JSP)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">2</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>19</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (Liberation) (CPI(ML)(L))</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">2</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>20</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S))</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">2</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>21</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">2</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>22</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Communist Party of India (CPI)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">2</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>23</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">2</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>24</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKN)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">2</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>25</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">United People’s Party, Liberal (UPPL)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>26</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Asom Gana Parishad (AGP)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>27</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular)&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>28</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Kerala Congress (KEC)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>29</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>30</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>31</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Voice of the People Party (VOTPP)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>32</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>33</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>34</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLTP)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>35</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Bharat Adivasi Party&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>36</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>37</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>38</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram)&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>39</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Apna Dal (Soneylal)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>40</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSUP)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>41</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>42</td>
			<td style="width: 394px;">Independent (IND)</td>
			<td style="width: 118px;">7</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


With more than 640 million votes counted, India has wrapped up its 2024 general elections making the end of the world’s largest democratic exercise which took place between April 19 to June 1.

With more than 640 million votes counted, India has wrapped up its 2024 general elections making the end of the world’s largest democratic exercise which took place between April 19 to June 1. The vote counting began on June 4, and the Election Commission of India (ECI) declared results for all 543 parliamentary constituencies on Wednesday (Jun 5) morning. Lok Sabha Election 2024 Final Results While the Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian parliament) has 543 seats, the counting was held for 542 as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Surat, Gujarat was elected unopposed. WATCH | India Elections 2024: Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu emerge as kingmakers The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is poised to form the next government as the ruling party and its allies garnered a total of 292 votes. However, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP failed to cross the 272 majority mark and will need the support of allies to form the government. The ruling party had won 303 and 282 seats in the general elections in 2019 and 2014, respectively. Meanwhile, the main opposition INDIA bloc, led by the Indian National Congress (INC), put up a tough fight and won 234 seats. INC managed to get 99 seats compared to 52 it won in 2019. It was also the highest number of seats that the grand old party bagged since 2014. Also Read | PM Modi thanks supporters as NDA on its way to form government for third consecutive term The Samajwadi Party (SP), a part of the INDIA bloc, won 37 seats, the third-highest overall after BJP and Congress. The party, led by Akhilesh Yadav, also emerged as the single-largest party in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh which has 80 parliamentary constituencies, the highest in the country. Lok Sabha Election 2024 Final Results: Full List No. Party Seats Won 1 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 240 2 Indian National Congress (INC) 99 3 Samajwadi Party (SP) 37 4 All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) 29 5 Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) 22 6 Telugu Desam Party (TDP) 16 7 Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) 12 8 Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackrey) (Shiv Sena (UBT)) 9 9 Nationalist Congress Party-Sharad Chandra Pawar (NCP (SCP)) 8 10 Shiv Sena 7 11 Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) (LJPRV) 5 12 Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) 4 13 Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) 4 14 Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) 4 15 Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) 3 16 Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) 3 17 Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) 3 18 Jana Sena Party (JSP) 2 19 Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (Liberation) (CPI(ML)(L)) 2 20 Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)) 2 21 Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) 2 22 Communist Party of India (CPI) 2 23 Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) 2 24 Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKN) 2 25 United People’s Party, Liberal (UPPL) 1 26 Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) 1 27 Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) 1 28 Kerala Congress (KEC) 1 29 Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) 1 30 Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) 1 31 Voice of the People Party (VOTPP) 1 32 Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) 1 33 Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) 1 34 Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLTP) 1 35 Bharat Adivasi Party 1 36 Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) 1 37 Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) 1 38 Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) 1 39 Apna Dal (Soneylal) 1 40 All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSUP) 1 41 All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) 1 42 Independent (IND) 7 (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Final Results: BJP wins 240 seats, Congress bags 99. Check full list

<p>Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday (June 5) penned an emotional note for brother Rahul after he won both Lok Sabha seats,&nbsp;Rae Bareli and&nbsp;Wayanad.</p>

<p>Taking to her official X handle, she heaped&nbsp;praises on Rahul for fighting the electoral contest with "love, truth and kindness" despite his conviction being doubted.</p>

<p>"You kept standing, no matter what they said and did to you...you never backed down whatever the odds, never stopped believing however much they doubted your conviction, you never stopped fighting for the truth despite the overwhelming propaganda of lies they spread, and you never allowed anger and hatred to overcome you, even when they gifted it to you every day," Priyanka wrote in a post on X.</p>

<p>"You fought with love, truth and kindness in your heart. Those who could not see you, see you now, but some of us have always seen and known you to be the bravest of all. Bhai Rahul Gandhi, I am proud to be your sister," she added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You kept standing, no matter what they said and did to you…you never backed down whatever the odds, never stopped believing however much they doubted your conviction, you never stopped fighting for the truth despite the overwhelming propaganda of lies they spread, and you never… <a href="https://t.co/t8mnyjWnCh">pic.twitter.com/t8mnyjWnCh</a></p>
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/priyankagandhi/status/1798236583352557855?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-hits-out-at-bjp-accuses-pm-modi-of-capturing-cbi-and-ed-728744">Also read:&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi hits out at BJP, accuses PM Modi of capturing CBI and ED</a></p>

<h2><strong>Congress puts out stellar show in Lok Sabha polls 2024</strong></h2>

<p>Congress put out on display an outstanding growth in over a decade in this year's Lok Sabha polls, defying all that the exit polls and BJP had predicted.</p>

<p>The grand old party won 99 seats, showing a jump in its tally of 52 registered during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and 44 in 2014.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gandhi triumphed in the Wayanad parliamentary constituency in Kerala as he polled 647,445 votes and won by a margin of 364,422.</p>

<p>His closest rival Annie Raja of the Communist Party of India (CPI) garnered&nbsp;283,023 votes. BJP candidate K Surendran came in third with 141,045 votes, trailing Gandhi by 506,400 votes.</p>

<p>This was in addition to Gandhi's impressive win in Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli where he currently holds&nbsp;the highest winning margin in the state. According to Election Commission data, Gandhi defeated BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh by 390,030 votes.</p>

<h2><strong>Gandhi says 'haven't decided yet' on which seat to retain</strong></h2>

<p>The Congress leader in a press briefing after winning both seats said that he is yet to finalise his decision on which constituency to retain.</p>

<p>"I have won from Rae Bareli and Wayanad and I thank the voters. I need to decide which seat I will retain. I haven't decided yet," Gandhi said.</p>

<p>"The people of UP understood the politics of the country and the danger to the Constitution, and they safeguarded the Constitution. I want to thank all the states but I would especially thank Uttar Pradesh. I thank them for supporting the Congress party and the INDIA alliance," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday (June 5) penned an emotional note for brother Rahul after he won both Lok Sabha seats, Rae Bareli and Wayanad.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday (June 5) penned an emotional note for brother Rahul after he won both Lok Sabha seats, Rae Bareli and Wayanad. Taking to her official X handle, she heaped praises on Rahul for fighting the electoral contest with "love, truth and kindness" despite his conviction being doubted. "You kept standing, no matter what they said and did to you...you never backed down whatever the odds, never stopped believing however much they doubted your conviction, you never stopped fighting for the truth despite the overwhelming propaganda of lies they spread, and you never allowed anger and hatred to overcome you, even when they gifted it to you every day," Priyanka wrote in a post on X. "You fought with love, truth and kindness in your heart. Those who could not see you, see you now, but some of us have always seen and known you to be the bravest of all. Bhai Rahul Gandhi, I am proud to be your sister," she added. You kept standing, no matter what they said and did to you…you never backed down whatever the odds, never stopped believing however much they doubted your conviction, you never stopped fighting for the truth despite the overwhelming propaganda of lies they spread, and you never… pic.twitter.com/t8mnyjWnCh — Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) June 5, 2024 × Also read: Rahul Gandhi hits out at BJP, accuses PM Modi of capturing CBI and ED Congress puts out stellar show in Lok Sabha polls 2024 Congress put out on display an outstanding growth in over a decade in this year's Lok Sabha polls, defying all that the exit polls and BJP had predicted. The grand old party won 99 seats, showing a jump in its tally of 52 registered during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and 44 in 2014. Gandhi triumphed in the Wayanad parliamentary constituency in Kerala as he polled 647,445 votes and won by a margin of 364,422. His closest rival Annie Raja of the Communist Party of India (CPI) garnered 283,023 votes. BJP candidate K Surendran came in third with 141,045 votes, trailing Gandhi by 506,400 votes. This was in addition to Gandhi's impressive win in Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli where he currently holds the highest winning margin in the state. According to Election Commission data, Gandhi defeated BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh by 390,030 votes. Gandhi says 'haven't decided yet' on which seat to retain The Congress leader in a press briefing after winning both seats said that he is yet to finalise his decision on which constituency to retain. "I have won from Rae Bareli and Wayanad and I thank the voters. I need to decide which seat I will retain. I haven't decided yet," Gandhi said. "The people of UP understood the politics of the country and the danger to the Constitution, and they safeguarded the Constitution. I want to thank all the states but I would especially thank Uttar Pradesh. I thank them for supporting the Congress party and the INDIA alliance," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Priyanka Gandhi pens emotional note for brother Rahul as he wins two Lok Sabha seats; 'You fought with love'

<p>As the Lok Sabha elections demonstrated unexpected results for the BJP, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hit out at the saffron party stating that the people of India were not impressed by how Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah ran the country and that the mandate had gone against the Indian PM.</p>

<p>He further accused the Indian prime minister of capturing central probe agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).</p>

<p>"We fought this election not just against BJP but also the institutions, the governance structure of the country, the intelligence agencies CBI &amp; ED, judiciary because all these institutions were captured by Amit Shah &amp; Narendra Modi ji," Gandhi said while addressing a press conference on Tuesday (June 4).</p>

<p>Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge claimed that PM Modi would attack the Constitution and democracy in his term.</p>

<p>"People realised that if PM Modi gets another term, the next attack will be on the Constitution and democracy of the country. It is fortunate that the BJP won't succeed in their purpose now," Kharge said.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-results-2024-rahul-gandhis-resounding-victory-in-wayanad-defies-modis-predictions-728688">Also read:&nbsp;Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Rahul Gandhi’s resounding victory in Wayanad defies BJP’s predictions</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Gandhi says 'haven't decided yet' on which seat to retain</strong></h2>

<p>As Rahul Gandhi emerged victorious in both Rae Bareli as well as Wayanad Lok Sabha seats, the Congress leader said that he had not yet decided as to which constituency he would retain.</p>

<p>"I have won from Rae Bareli and Wayanad and I thank the voters. I need to decide which seat I will retain. I haven't decided yet," Gandhi said.</p>

<p>"The people of UP understood the politics of the country and the danger to the Constitution, and they safeguarded the Constitution. I want to thank all the states but I would especially thank Uttar Pradesh. I thank them for supporting the Congress party and the INDIA alliance," he added.</p>

<p>Gandhi defeated BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh by 3,90,030 votes in Rae Bareli.</p>

<p>In Wayanad, he won by 3,64,422 votes against rival Communist Party of India-Marxist candidate Annie Raja.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the Lok Sabha elections demonstrated unexpected results for the BJP, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hit out at the saffron party stating that the people of India were not impressed by how Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah ran the country and that the mandate had gone against the Indian PM.

As the Lok Sabha elections demonstrated unexpected results for the BJP, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hit out at the saffron party stating that the people of India were not impressed by how Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah ran the country and that the mandate had gone against the Indian PM. He further accused the Indian prime minister of capturing central probe agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). "We fought this election not just against BJP but also the institutions, the governance structure of the country, the intelligence agencies CBI & ED, judiciary because all these institutions were captured by Amit Shah & Narendra Modi ji," Gandhi said while addressing a press conference on Tuesday (June 4). Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge claimed that PM Modi would attack the Constitution and democracy in his term. "People realised that if PM Modi gets another term, the next attack will be on the Constitution and democracy of the country. It is fortunate that the BJP won't succeed in their purpose now," Kharge said. Also read: Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Rahul Gandhi’s resounding victory in Wayanad defies BJP’s predictions Gandhi says 'haven't decided yet' on which seat to retain As Rahul Gandhi emerged victorious in both Rae Bareli as well as Wayanad Lok Sabha seats, the Congress leader said that he had not yet decided as to which constituency he would retain. "I have won from Rae Bareli and Wayanad and I thank the voters. I need to decide which seat I will retain. I haven't decided yet," Gandhi said. "The people of UP understood the politics of the country and the danger to the Constitution, and they safeguarded the Constitution. I want to thank all the states but I would especially thank Uttar Pradesh. I thank them for supporting the Congress party and the INDIA alliance," he added. Gandhi defeated BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh by 3,90,030 votes in Rae Bareli. In Wayanad, he won by 3,64,422 votes against rival Communist Party of India-Marxist candidate Annie Raja. (With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi hits out at BJP, accuses PM Modi of capturing CBI and ED

<p>The Lok Sabha elections 2024 exhibited a resurgence for the Congress in Punjab, where the grand old party won&nbsp;seven constituencies,&nbsp;surpassing the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).</p>

<p><strong>Lok Sabha seats where Congress won:</strong></p>

<p>- Amritsar<br />
- Jalandhar<br />
- Fatehgarh Sahib<br />
- Ferozepur<br />
- Gurdaspur<br />
- Anandpur Sahib<br />
- Ludhiana&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ruling AAP won in Hoshiarpur, Sangrur and Anandpur Sahib.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-jailed-khalistani-separatist-amritpal-singh-leads-from-khadoor-sahib-seat-728545">Lok Sabha elections 2024: Jailed Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh leads from Khadoor Sahib seat</a></p>

<p><strong>Top Points:</strong></p>

<p>- Congress' Sukhjinder Randhawa won the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat by a margin of 82861 votes. He was pitted against BJP’s Dinesh Singh Babbu.</p>

<p>- In Amritsar, Congress candidate Gurjeet Singh Aujla won by a margin of&nbsp;40301 votes against AAP's Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal.</p>

<p>- In Fatehgarh Sahib, Congress candidate Amar Singh won as he polled 332591&nbsp;votes. He was pitted against AAP’s Gurpreet Singh GP.</p>

<p>- The grand old party's Sher Singh Ghubaya won the Ferozepur seat as he got 266626 votes. He defeated&nbsp;AAP’s Jagdeep Singh Kaka Brar.</p>

<p>- The former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi won the Jalandhar constituency by a margin of&nbsp;175993 votes. He defeated BJP's Sushil Kumar Rinku.</p>

<p>- &nbsp;Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Amrinder Singh Raja Warring won the&nbsp;Ludhiana constituency and defeated BJP’s Ravneet Singh Bittu.</p>

<p>- Congress nominee Dharamvira Gandhi won Punjab's Patiala Lok Sabha seat and defeated&nbsp;BJP candidate Preneet Kaur.</p>

<p>- Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)'s Harsimrat Kaur Badal won&nbsp;in Bathinda.</p>

<p>- AAP’s Raj Kumar Chabbewal won in Hoshiarpur against Congress’s Yamini Gomar.</p>

<p>- AAP’s Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer won in Sangrur against SAD (Amritsar) Simranjit Singh Mann. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The polling was held in the state of Punjab in the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections, which was on June 1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the Election Commission's data, the state's voter turnout was 62.80 per cent. During the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the state had recorded a voter turnout of 65.96 per cent.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Lok Sabha elections 2024 exhibited a resurgence for the Congress in Punjab, where the grand old party won seven constituencies, surpassing the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

The Lok Sabha elections 2024 exhibited a resurgence for the Congress in Punjab, where the grand old party won seven constituencies, surpassing the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Lok Sabha seats where Congress won: - Amritsar - Jalandhar - Fatehgarh Sahib - Ferozepur - Gurdaspur - Anandpur Sahib - Ludhiana The ruling AAP won in Hoshiarpur, Sangrur and Anandpur Sahib. Also read: Lok Sabha elections 2024: Jailed Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh leads from Khadoor Sahib seat Top Points: - Congress' Sukhjinder Randhawa won the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat by a margin of 82861 votes. He was pitted against BJP’s Dinesh Singh Babbu. - In Amritsar, Congress candidate Gurjeet Singh Aujla won by a margin of 40301 votes against AAP's Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal. - In Fatehgarh Sahib, Congress candidate Amar Singh won as he polled 332591 votes. He was pitted against AAP’s Gurpreet Singh GP. - The grand old party's Sher Singh Ghubaya won the Ferozepur seat as he got 266626 votes. He defeated AAP’s Jagdeep Singh Kaka Brar. - The former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi won the Jalandhar constituency by a margin of 175993 votes. He defeated BJP's Sushil Kumar Rinku. - Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Amrinder Singh Raja Warring won the Ludhiana constituency and defeated BJP’s Ravneet Singh Bittu. - Congress nominee Dharamvira Gandhi won Punjab's Patiala Lok Sabha seat and defeated BJP candidate Preneet Kaur. - Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)'s Harsimrat Kaur Badal won in Bathinda. - AAP’s Raj Kumar Chabbewal won in Hoshiarpur against Congress’s Yamini Gomar. - AAP’s Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer won in Sangrur against SAD (Amritsar) Simranjit Singh Mann. The polling was held in the state of Punjab in the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections, which was on June 1. As per the Election Commission's data, the state's voter turnout was 62.80 per cent. During the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the state had recorded a voter turnout of 65.96 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Congress wins seven seats in Punjab

<p><strong>Chandigarh Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Schedule and Date:</strong>&nbsp;The Union Territory of Chandigarh is voting in the final phase of India's Lok Sabha elections on Saturday (June 1).<br />
<br />
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on March 16 announced the election schedule of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections for 28 states and eight union territories.</p>

<p>Rajiv Kumar, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) announced that polling will start in the country on April 19, lasting till June 1. The results will be announced on June 4.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here are the important dates and facts about this year's Lok Sabha elections to be held in the Indian Union Territory of Chandigarh:</p>

<h2><strong>When is Chandigarh Lok Sabha Elections 2024?</strong></h2>

<p>The Union Territory of Chandigarh is holding elections in the final phase, on June 1.</p>

<h2><strong>How many phases Chandigarh will have?</strong></h2>

<p>Chandigarh, which is also known as the City Beautiful, will only vote in one phase.</p>

<h2><strong>How many Lok Sabha constituencies Chandigarh has?</strong></h2>

<p>Chandigarh itself is a Lok Sabha parliamentary constituency and covers the entire Union Territory.</p>

<h2><strong>Complete list of candidates for the Chandigarh Lok Sabha Elections 2024:</strong></h2>

<p>For the Union Territory of Chandigarh, the last date of filing nominations, as per the Election Commission announcement, was May 14. This year,&nbsp;BJP has decided to replace the incumbent MP Kirron Kher with Sanjay Tandon, who&nbsp;served as a Municipal Councillor in Punjab for 14 years and also won six assembly elections in Punjab.</p>

<p>Here are the candidate nominations for the Chandigarh Lok Sabha Elections 2024.</p>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Candidate</td>
			<td>Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Manish Tewari</td>
			<td>Indian National Congress</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ritu Singh</td>
			<td>Bahujan Samaj Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sanjay Tandon</td>
			<td>Bharatiya Janata Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Deepanshu Sharma</td>
			<td>Akhil Bhartiya Parivar Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Raj Prince Singh&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Super Power India Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rajinder Kaur</td>
			<td>Sainik Samaj Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sunil Thaman</td>
			<td>Jansena Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Kishor Kumar alias Banti Bhaiya</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Kuldip Rai alias Happy Sood Morind</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pushpinder Singh alias Lovely Attawa</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Partap Singh Rana&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Piar Chand Alias Koundal</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Baljeet Singh Alias Laddi</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ex-Assistant Commandant Ranpreet Singh</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mahant Ravi Kant Muni</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Lakhvir Singh Alias Kotla</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vinod Kumar</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vivek Sharma</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sunilkumar</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/national-commission-for-women-demands-action-against-congress-leaders-for-derogatory-remarks-on-kangana-ranaut-704301">National Commission for Women demands action against congress leaders for derogatory remarks on Kangana Ranaut</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Chandigarh Lok Sabha Elections 2019 - A Recap</strong></h2>

<p>In the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, Chandigarh witnessed a 74.2 per cent voter turnout, with BJP's Kirron Kher securing victory over former Congress Minister Pawan Bansal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This victory mirrored Kher's win in 2014 when the Bollywood actress garnered 231,188 votes compared to Bansal's 184,218.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prior to Kher's tenure, Pawan Bansal, a Congress leader, had represented Chandigarh for three consecutive terms — 1999, 2004, and 2009.</p>

<h2><strong>Complete list of elected candidates in the Chandigarh Lok Sabha elections 2019:</strong></h2>

<p>In 2019, actress Kirron Kher, a Bharatiya Janta Party candidate, won the Chandigarh Lok Sabha constituency with a margin of 46,970 votes over major contender Pawan Kumar Bansal.</p>

<h2><strong>Facts About Chandigarh Lok Sabha Elections 2024</strong></h2>

<p>Chandigarh holds the unique distinction of being the capital of two Indian states: Punjab and Haryana.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/haryana-lok-sabha-elections-2024-schedule-phase-seats-candidates-all-you-need-to-know-703494">Haryana Lok Sabha elections 2024: Schedule, phase, seats, candidates - All you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>According to new data, Chandigarh currently has 647,000 registered voters, comprising 335,000 males, 312,000 females, and 33 third-gender voters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among these, 15,006 are first-time voters aged 18-19, while 4,799 are voters over 85 years old.</p>

<p>The largest group falls in the 30-39 age bracket, with 162,000 voters, followed by the 40-49 and 20-29 age groups with 138,000 and 125,000&nbsp;voters, respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chandigarh has a total of 614 polling booths, up from 597 in the last general election of 2019.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Chandigarh Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Schedule and Date: The Union Territory of Chandigarh is voting in the final phase of India's Lok Sabha elections on Saturday (June 1).

Chandigarh Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Schedule and Date: The Union Territory of Chandigarh is voting in the final phase of India's Lok Sabha elections on Saturday (June 1). The Election Commission of India (ECI) on March 16 announced the election schedule of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections for 28 states and eight union territories. Rajiv Kumar, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) announced that polling will start in the country on April 19, lasting till June 1. The results will be announced on June 4. Here are the important dates and facts about this year's Lok Sabha elections to be held in the Indian Union Territory of Chandigarh: When is Chandigarh Lok Sabha Elections 2024? The Union Territory of Chandigarh is holding elections in the final phase, on June 1. How many phases Chandigarh will have? Chandigarh, which is also known as the City Beautiful, will only vote in one phase. How many Lok Sabha constituencies Chandigarh has? Chandigarh itself is a Lok Sabha parliamentary constituency and covers the entire Union Territory. Complete list of candidates for the Chandigarh Lok Sabha Elections 2024: For the Union Territory of Chandigarh, the last date of filing nominations, as per the Election Commission announcement, was May 14. This year, BJP has decided to replace the incumbent MP Kirron Kher with Sanjay Tandon, who served as a Municipal Councillor in Punjab for 14 years and also won six assembly elections in Punjab. Here are the candidate nominations for the Chandigarh Lok Sabha Elections 2024. Candidate Party Manish Tewari Indian National Congress Ritu Singh Bahujan Samaj Party Sanjay Tandon Bharatiya Janata Party Deepanshu Sharma Akhil Bhartiya Parivar Party Raj Prince Singh Super Power India Party Rajinder Kaur Sainik Samaj Party Sunil Thaman Jansena Party Kishor Kumar alias Banti Bhaiya Independent Kuldip Rai alias Happy Sood Morind Independent Pushpinder Singh alias Lovely Attawa Independent Partap Singh Rana Independent Piar Chand Alias Koundal Independent Baljeet Singh Alias Laddi Independent Ex-Assistant Commandant Ranpreet Singh Independent Mahant Ravi Kant Muni Independent Lakhvir Singh Alias Kotla Independent Vinod Kumar Independent Vivek Sharma Independent Sunilkumar Independent Also read | National Commission for Women demands action against congress leaders for derogatory remarks on Kangana Ranaut Chandigarh Lok Sabha Elections 2019 - A Recap In the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, Chandigarh witnessed a 74.2 per cent voter turnout, with BJP's Kirron Kher securing victory over former Congress Minister Pawan Bansal. This victory mirrored Kher's win in 2014 when the Bollywood actress garnered 231,188 votes compared to Bansal's 184,218. Prior to Kher's tenure, Pawan Bansal, a Congress leader, had represented Chandigarh for three consecutive terms — 1999, 2004, and 2009. Complete list of elected candidates in the Chandigarh Lok Sabha elections 2019: In 2019, actress Kirron Kher, a Bharatiya Janta Party candidate, won the Chandigarh Lok Sabha constituency with a margin of 46,970 votes over major contender Pawan Kumar Bansal. Facts About Chandigarh Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Chandigarh holds the unique distinction of being the capital of two Indian states: Punjab and Haryana. Also read | Haryana Lok Sabha elections 2024: Schedule, phase, seats, candidates - All you need to know According to new data, Chandigarh currently has 647,000 registered voters, comprising 335,000 males, 312,000 females, and 33 third-gender voters. Among these, 15,006 are first-time voters aged 18-19, while 4,799 are voters over 85 years old. The largest group falls in the 30-39 age bracket, with 162,000 voters, followed by the 40-49 and 20-29 age groups with 138,000 and 125,000 voters, respectively. Chandigarh has a total of 614 polling booths, up from 597 in the last general election of 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

Chandigarh Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, date, phase, seat, candidates, all you need to know

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin&nbsp;Netanyahu's office on Tuesday denied American media reports that he will address the US Congress on June 13, amid mounting pressure to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas.</p>

<p>Netanyahu's office told Israeli media the date of his speech to Congress had "not been finalised", but it would not be on June 13 because it interferes with a Jewish holiday. The date had been reported by Punchbowl News and Politico.</p>

<p>Speculation about the visit comes with&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;facing intense criticism over the civilian death toll in the war in Gaza, which has ratcheted tension with President Joe Biden's administration.</p>

<p>Biden on Friday presented what he labelled an Israeli three-phase plan that would end the conflict, free all hostages and lead to the reconstruction of the devastated Palestinian territory without Hamas in power.</p>

<p>Netanyahu's office stressed that the war sparked by the October 7 attack would continue until all of Israel's "goals are achieved," including the destruction of Hamas's military and governing capabilities.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/northern-israel-battles-fires-sparked-by-hezbollah-attacks-728508">Northern Israel battles fires sparked by Hezbollah attacks</a></p>

<p>The four party leaders in the House and Senate asked&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;last week to speak before a&nbsp;joint meeting of Congress in a letter voicing solidarity with Israel "in your struggle against terror, especially as Hamas continues to hold American and Israeli citizens captive."</p>

<p>Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called in March for Israel to hold new elections in a rare example of strident criticism from a senior American official of the country's handling of the war in Gaza.</p>

<p>The rebuke from Schumer, the highest-ranking elected Jewish American in history, came amid expressions of dismay from the White House over the death toll in the conflict, sparked by the October 7 attacks by Hamas militants.</p>

<p>Progressives including Vermont senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who votes with the Democrats, have condemned&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;over his handling of the military response and vowed to snub any speech in the United States by the right-wing leader.</p>

<p>"It is a very sad day for our country that Prime Minister Benjamin&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;has been invited - by leaders from both parties - to address a joint meeting of the United States Congress," Sanders said in a weekend statement.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel war: Hezbollah launched rockets on Israel from Lebanon</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-war-hezbollah-launched-rockets-on-israel-from-lebanon-728567/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"Israel, of course, had the right to defend itself against the horrific Hamas terrorist attack of&nbsp;October 7, but it did not, and does not, have the right to go to war against the entire Palestinian people," he added, calling&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;a "war criminal".</p>

<p>The war broke out when Hamas militants attacked Israel, resulting in 1,194 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP count based on official figures.</p>

<p>More than 36,470 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the war broke out, according to data provided by the&nbsp;health&nbsp;ministry of&nbsp;Hamas-run Gaza.</p>

<p>According to the Israeli military, 294 soldiers have been killed in the military campaign since the start of the ground offensive on October 27. House Speaker Mike Johnson's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</p>


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Tuesday denied American media reports that he will address the US Congress on June 13, amid mounting pressure to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Tuesday denied American media reports that he will address the US Congress on June 13, amid mounting pressure to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas. Netanyahu's office told Israeli media the date of his speech to Congress had "not been finalised", but it would not be on June 13 because it interferes with a Jewish holiday. The date had been reported by Punchbowl News and Politico. Speculation about the visit comes with Netanyahu facing intense criticism over the civilian death toll in the war in Gaza, which has ratcheted tension with President Joe Biden's administration. Biden on Friday presented what he labelled an Israeli three-phase plan that would end the conflict, free all hostages and lead to the reconstruction of the devastated Palestinian territory without Hamas in power. Netanyahu's office stressed that the war sparked by the October 7 attack would continue until all of Israel's "goals are achieved," including the destruction of Hamas's military and governing capabilities. Also Read: Northern Israel battles fires sparked by Hezbollah attacks The four party leaders in the House and Senate asked Netanyahu last week to speak before a joint meeting of Congress in a letter voicing solidarity with Israel "in your struggle against terror, especially as Hamas continues to hold American and Israeli citizens captive." Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called in March for Israel to hold new elections in a rare example of strident criticism from a senior American official of the country's handling of the war in Gaza. The rebuke from Schumer, the highest-ranking elected Jewish American in history, came amid expressions of dismay from the White House over the death toll in the conflict, sparked by the October 7 attacks by Hamas militants. Progressives including Vermont senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who votes with the Democrats, have condemned Netanyahu over his handling of the military response and vowed to snub any speech in the United States by the right-wing leader. "It is a very sad day for our country that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been invited - by leaders from both parties - to address a joint meeting of the United States Congress," Sanders said in a weekend statement. Watch: Israel war: Hezbollah launched rockets on Israel from Lebanon "Israel, of course, had the right to defend itself against the horrific Hamas terrorist attack of October 7, but it did not, and does not, have the right to go to war against the entire Palestinian people," he added, calling Netanyahu a "war criminal". The war broke out when Hamas militants attacked Israel, resulting in 1,194 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP count based on official figures. More than 36,470 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the war broke out, according to data provided by the health ministry of Hamas-run Gaza. According to the Israeli military, 294 soldiers have been killed in the military campaign since the start of the ground offensive on October 27. House Speaker Mike Johnson's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Israel denies Netanyahu to address US Congress over Jewish holiday

<p>As the Exit Polls predicted a sure shot win for the BJ-led NDA soon after the polling for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections concluded on Saturday (June&nbsp;1), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader&nbsp;Somnath Bharti vowed to shave off his head if Narendra Modi retained the position of India's prime minister.</p>

<p>Bharti took to his official X handle and in posting said that all the exit poll projections will be proven wrong on June 4 when results will be declared.</p>

<p>The Exit Poll projections on Saturday (June 1) showed Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP&nbsp;returning to power for the third term in a row.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I will shave off my head if Mr Modi becomes PM for the third time. Mark my words! All exit polls will be proven wrong on 4th June and Modi ji will not become prime minister for the third time,” Bharti said.</p>

<p>“In Delhi, all seven seats will go to India ALLIANCE. Fear of Mr Modi does not allow exit polls to show him loose (lose). Hence we all need to wait for actual results scheduled to be delivered on June 4th. People have voted very heavily against BJP,” he added.</p>

<p>Bharti is the AAP candidate from the New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exit-poll-2024-how-accurate-were-the-predictions-in-2014-and-2019-lok-sabha-polls-727847">Exit Poll 2024: How accurate were the predictions in 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections</a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I will shave off my head if Mr Modi becomes PM for the third time.<br />
<br />
Mark my word!<br />
<br />
All exit polls will be proven wrong on 4th June and Modi ji will not become prime minister for the third time.<br />
<br />
In Delhi, all seven seats will go to India ALLIANCE.<br />
<br />
Fear of Mr Modi does not allow…</p>
— Adv. Somnath Bharti: इंसानियत से बड़ा कुछ नहीं! (@attorneybharti) <a href="https://twitter.com/attorneybharti/status/1796906053587873817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bloc-leaders-to-participate-in-exit-poll-debates-on-tv-kharge-says-alliance-will-win-at-least-295-seats-727779">In U-turn, INDIA leaders to participate in exit poll debates; Kharge claims bloc will win 295+ seats</a></p>

<h2><strong>'INDIA bloc will win more than 295 seats,' says Kejriwal</strong></h2>

<p>Delhi Chief Minister and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, following a meeting with senior leaders of the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence, exuded confidence stating that the bloc would win more than 295 seats in the Lok Sabha polls.</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> | INDIA alliance leaders meet in Delhi. They have decided that all the INDIA parties will participate in the exit poll debates on television today evening. <a href="https://t.co/D51KqHWyke">pic.twitter.com/D51KqHWyke</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1796868042615623689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>“INDIA bloc is headed towards forming a strong and stable government,” he asserted.</p>

<p>Kharge also said that the INDIA alliance would emerge victorious on at least 295 seats.</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: After the INDIA alliance leaders meet, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge says, "... INDIA Alliance will win at least 295 seats." <a href="https://t.co/ROy2n1EnOa">pic.twitter.com/ROy2n1EnOa</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1796870690949193807?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>“INDIA bloc will win at least 295 seats. This is not based on our survey. This is what people have told us," Kharge said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the Exit Polls predicted a sure shot win for the BJ-led NDA soon after the polling for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections concluded on Saturday (June 1), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Somnath Bharti vowed to shave off his head if Narendra Modi retained the position of India's prime minister.

As the Exit Polls predicted a sure shot win for the BJ-led NDA soon after the polling for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections concluded on Saturday (June 1), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Somnath Bharti vowed to shave off his head if Narendra Modi retained the position of India's prime minister. Bharti took to his official X handle and in posting said that all the exit poll projections will be proven wrong on June 4 when results will be declared. The Exit Poll projections on Saturday (June 1) showed Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP returning to power for the third term in a row. “I will shave off my head if Mr Modi becomes PM for the third time. Mark my words! All exit polls will be proven wrong on 4th June and Modi ji will not become prime minister for the third time,” Bharti said. “In Delhi, all seven seats will go to India ALLIANCE. Fear of Mr Modi does not allow exit polls to show him loose (lose). Hence we all need to wait for actual results scheduled to be delivered on June 4th. People have voted very heavily against BJP,” he added. Bharti is the AAP candidate from the New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency. Also read: Exit Poll 2024: How accurate were the predictions in 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections I will shave off my head if Mr Modi becomes PM for the third time. Mark my word! All exit polls will be proven wrong on 4th June and Modi ji will not become prime minister for the third time. In Delhi, all seven seats will go to India ALLIANCE. Fear of Mr Modi does not allow… — Adv. Somnath Bharti: इंसानियत से बड़ा कुछ नहीं! (@attorneybharti) June 1, 2024 × Also read: In U-turn, INDIA leaders to participate in exit poll debates; Kharge claims bloc will win 295+ seats 'INDIA bloc will win more than 295 seats,' says Kejriwal Delhi Chief Minister and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, following a meeting with senior leaders of the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence, exuded confidence stating that the bloc would win more than 295 seats in the Lok Sabha polls. #WATCH | INDIA alliance leaders meet in Delhi. They have decided that all the INDIA parties will participate in the exit poll debates on television today evening. pic.twitter.com/D51KqHWyke — ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024 × “INDIA bloc is headed towards forming a strong and stable government,” he asserted. Kharge also said that the INDIA alliance would emerge victorious on at least 295 seats. #WATCH | Delhi: After the INDIA alliance leaders meet, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge says, "... INDIA Alliance will win at least 295 seats." pic.twitter.com/ROy2n1EnOa — ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024 × “INDIA bloc will win at least 295 seats. This is not based on our survey. This is what people have told us," Kharge said. (With inputs from agencies)

'Will shave off head if Modi becomes PM for third time', says AAP's Somnath Bharti dismissing exit polls

<p>The fervour surrounding the 2024 Lok Sabha elections has intensified as exit poll results hint at a resounding victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), paving the way for Narendra Modi's return as Prime Minister for a historic third term.</p>

<p>However, opposition leaders have cast doubt on the credibility of these projections and dismissed them as unreliable and potentially manipulated.</p>

<p><em><strong>Here's what the opposition leaders, including that from Congress, the principal opposition party, voiced in its skepticism regarding the exit poll findings:&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p>Congress leader Rashid Alvi lambasted the reliability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and&nbsp;advocated for a return to paper ballots to ensure electoral transparency. "Exit polls are all different, but all the exit polls are showing formation of NDA government. On ground, the reality we saw... exit polls are exactly opposite to that," Alvi said over the exit polls that showed a victory for the ruling saffron party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fellow Congress members, including Shashi Tharoor said the exit polls are "deeply unscientific."</p>

<p>“We are very happy to wait and see what the votes actually tell us. Exit polls are deeply unscientific and we all know this. Last year, the majority of exit polls got the results wrong in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress' Jairam Ramesh also exuded victory for the INDIA bloc that put up a joint fight against PM Modi-led BJP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The man whose exit is certain on June 4th has had these exit polls orchestrated. The INDIA Janbandhan will definitely get a minimum of 295 seats, which is a clear and decisive majority. The outgoing Prime Minister can remain smug for three days in the meanwhile. These are all psychological games he is masterminding but the ACTUAL results will be very different."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, leaders from other opposition parties, such as Binoy Biswam of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Somnath Bharti of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), also expressed confidence in their win.</p>

<p>Biswam raised concerns about the supposed corporate bias in exit polls favouring the BJP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Exit polls are run by corporate houses, who have a political affinity for the BJP at its core. These are pre-decided survey results. Studying the prospects of the INDIA alliance partners, we are confident that we are going to win," Biswam said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bharti even went as far as to make a bold wager by vowing to shave his head if Modi secures a third term as Prime Minister.</p>

<p>"I will shave off my head if Mr Modi becomes PM for the third time. Mark my word! All exit polls will be proven wrong on 4th June and Modi ji will not become prime minister for the third time. In Delhi, all seven seats will go to India ALLIANCE. Fear of Mr Modi does not allow exit polls to show him lose. Hence we all need to wait for actual results scheduled to be delivered on June 4th. People have voted very heavily against BJP," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Manoj Jha from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Harish Singh Rawat from Congress&nbsp; also dismissed the exit polls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>CPI(M) leader Hannan Mollah accused pro-BJP factions of orchestrating a "calculated conspiracy" through exit polls to undermine the opposition's morale.</p>

<p>“Positive results are coming from different parts of the country against the Narendra Modi government. From today onwards, supporters of Modi will form a group and continue to campaign in the name of exit polls to dishearten the other camp. It is a calculated conspiracy," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, BJP leaders remain buoyant and look at the exit poll results as a result of Modi's leadership.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The fervour surrounding the 2024 Lok Sabha elections has intensified as exit poll results hint at a resounding victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), paving the way for Narendra Modi's return as Prime Minister for a historic third term.

The fervour surrounding the 2024 Lok Sabha elections has intensified as exit poll results hint at a resounding victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), paving the way for Narendra Modi's return as Prime Minister for a historic third term. However, opposition leaders have cast doubt on the credibility of these projections and dismissed them as unreliable and potentially manipulated. Here's what the opposition leaders, including that from Congress, the principal opposition party, voiced in its skepticism regarding the exit poll findings: Congress leader Rashid Alvi lambasted the reliability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and advocated for a return to paper ballots to ensure electoral transparency. "Exit polls are all different, but all the exit polls are showing formation of NDA government. On ground, the reality we saw... exit polls are exactly opposite to that," Alvi said over the exit polls that showed a victory for the ruling saffron party. Fellow Congress members, including Shashi Tharoor said the exit polls are "deeply unscientific." “We are very happy to wait and see what the votes actually tell us. Exit polls are deeply unscientific and we all know this. Last year, the majority of exit polls got the results wrong in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan," he said. Congress' Jairam Ramesh also exuded victory for the INDIA bloc that put up a joint fight against PM Modi-led BJP. "The man whose exit is certain on June 4th has had these exit polls orchestrated. The INDIA Janbandhan will definitely get a minimum of 295 seats, which is a clear and decisive majority. The outgoing Prime Minister can remain smug for three days in the meanwhile. These are all psychological games he is masterminding but the ACTUAL results will be very different." Moreover, leaders from other opposition parties, such as Binoy Biswam of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Somnath Bharti of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), also expressed confidence in their win. Biswam raised concerns about the supposed corporate bias in exit polls favouring the BJP. “Exit polls are run by corporate houses, who have a political affinity for the BJP at its core. These are pre-decided survey results. Studying the prospects of the INDIA alliance partners, we are confident that we are going to win," Biswam said. Bharti even went as far as to make a bold wager by vowing to shave his head if Modi secures a third term as Prime Minister. "I will shave off my head if Mr Modi becomes PM for the third time. Mark my word! All exit polls will be proven wrong on 4th June and Modi ji will not become prime minister for the third time. In Delhi, all seven seats will go to India ALLIANCE. Fear of Mr Modi does not allow exit polls to show him lose. Hence we all need to wait for actual results scheduled to be delivered on June 4th. People have voted very heavily against BJP," he said. Manoj Jha from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Harish Singh Rawat from Congress also dismissed the exit polls. CPI(M) leader Hannan Mollah accused pro-BJP factions of orchestrating a "calculated conspiracy" through exit polls to undermine the opposition's morale. “Positive results are coming from different parts of the country against the Narendra Modi government. From today onwards, supporters of Modi will form a group and continue to campaign in the name of exit polls to dishearten the other camp. It is a calculated conspiracy," he said. However, BJP leaders remain buoyant and look at the exit poll results as a result of Modi's leadership. (With inputs from agencies)

Opposition rejects exit polls predicting BJP's victory in 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. Here's who said what

<p>As the seventh and final phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections concluded on Saturday (June 1), the exit polls took centre stage indicating what the people of the world's biggest democracy chose while exercising their franchise.</p>

<p>The exit poll projections are a post-election survey that predicts the anticipated winners and their victory margin. The predictions are based on voter feedback collected by survey agencies after the polling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The actual result of the elections held in all 543 parliamentary seats will be declared on June 4 by the Election Commission of India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the exit polls predict what's in store for the country's future in the coming years, let's find out if these projections could figure out who would emerge victorious in the previous elections.</p>

<h2><strong>What did the exit poll projections say in 2014?</strong></h2>

<p>In the Lok Sabha Elections 2014, the BJP-led NDA was estimated to win around 257-340 seats. The NDA won 336 seats.</p>

<h2><strong>Exit poll projections for NDA</strong></h2>

<p>- Exit polls predicted 272 seats for the NDA</p>

<p>- News 24-Chanakya predicted 340 seats</p>

<p>- CNN-IBN-CSDS predicted 280 seats&nbsp;</p>

<p>- Times Now ORG predicted 249 seats&nbsp;</p>

<p>- ABP News-Nielsen predicted 274 seats&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bloc-leaders-to-participate-in-exit-poll-debates-on-tv-kharge-says-alliance-will-win-at-least-295-seats-727779">In U-turn, INDIA leaders to participate in exit poll debates; Kharge claims bloc will win 295+ seats</a></p>

<h2><strong>UPA</strong></h2>

<p>- &nbsp;India Today-Cicero predicted 115 seats for the UPA</p>

<p>- News 24-Chanakya predicted 101 seats</p>

<p>- CNN-IBN-CSDS predicted 97 seats&nbsp;</p>

<p>- Times Now ORG predicted 148 seats</p>

<p>- ABP News-Nielsen predicted 97 seats</p>

<h2><strong>Exit poll projections in 2019</strong></h2>

<p>In the Lok Sabha Elections 2019, pollsters had predicted around 285 seats for the NDA. However, the BJP-led alliance won a landslide victory by winning 353 seats, with the BJP alone securing 303 seats. The Congress won 52 seats, and its United Progressive Alliance won 91 seats.</p>

<h2><strong>NDA</strong></h2>

<p>- India Today-Axis predicted 339-365 seats</p>

<p>- News 24-Today's Chanakya predicted 350 seats&nbsp;</p>

<p>- News18-IPSOS predicted 336 seats&nbsp;</p>

<p>- Times Now VMR predicted 306 seats</p>

<p>- India TV-CNX predicted 300 seats</p>

<p>- Sudarshan News predicted 305 seats&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>UPA</strong></h2>

<p>- India Today-Axis predicted 77-108 seats</p>

<p>- News 24-Today's Chanakya predicted 95 seats&nbsp;</p>

<p>- News18-IPSOS predicted 82 seats&nbsp;</p>

<p>- Times Now VMR predicted 132 seats&nbsp;</p>

<p>- India TV-CNX predicted 120 seats&nbsp;</p>

<p>- Sudarshan News predicted 124 seats&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What do the predictions say for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls?</strong></h2>

<h2><strong>NDA</strong></h2>

<p>- Jan Ki Baat predicts 362-392 seats</p>

<p>- D-Dynamics: 371</p>

<p>- News Nation: 342-378</p>

<p>- Dainik Bhaskar: 281-350</p>

<h2><strong>INDIA</strong></h2>

<p>- Jan Ki Baat: 141-161</p>

<p>- D-Dynamics: 125</p>

<p>- News Nation: 153-169</p>

<p>- Dainik Bhaskar: 145-201</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the seventh and final phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections concluded on Saturday (June 1), the exit polls took centre stage indicating what the people of the world's biggest democracy chose while exercising their franchise.

As the seventh and final phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections concluded on Saturday (June 1), the exit polls took centre stage indicating what the people of the world's biggest democracy chose while exercising their franchise. The exit poll projections are a post-election survey that predicts the anticipated winners and their victory margin. The predictions are based on voter feedback collected by survey agencies after the polling. The actual result of the elections held in all 543 parliamentary seats will be declared on June 4 by the Election Commission of India. As the exit polls predict what's in store for the country's future in the coming years, let's find out if these projections could figure out who would emerge victorious in the previous elections. What did the exit poll projections say in 2014? In the Lok Sabha Elections 2014, the BJP-led NDA was estimated to win around 257-340 seats. The NDA won 336 seats. Exit poll projections for NDA - Exit polls predicted 272 seats for the NDA - News 24-Chanakya predicted 340 seats - CNN-IBN-CSDS predicted 280 seats - Times Now ORG predicted 249 seats - ABP News-Nielsen predicted 274 seats Also read: In U-turn, INDIA leaders to participate in exit poll debates; Kharge claims bloc will win 295+ seats UPA - India Today-Cicero predicted 115 seats for the UPA - News 24-Chanakya predicted 101 seats - CNN-IBN-CSDS predicted 97 seats - Times Now ORG predicted 148 seats - ABP News-Nielsen predicted 97 seats Exit poll projections in 2019 In the Lok Sabha Elections 2019, pollsters had predicted around 285 seats for the NDA. However, the BJP-led alliance won a landslide victory by winning 353 seats, with the BJP alone securing 303 seats. The Congress won 52 seats, and its United Progressive Alliance won 91 seats. NDA - India Today-Axis predicted 339-365 seats - News 24-Today's Chanakya predicted 350 seats - News18-IPSOS predicted 336 seats - Times Now VMR predicted 306 seats - India TV-CNX predicted 300 seats - Sudarshan News predicted 305 seats UPA - India Today-Axis predicted 77-108 seats - News 24-Today's Chanakya predicted 95 seats - News18-IPSOS predicted 82 seats - Times Now VMR predicted 132 seats - India TV-CNX predicted 120 seats - Sudarshan News predicted 124 seats What do the predictions say for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls? NDA - Jan Ki Baat predicts 362-392 seats - D-Dynamics: 371 - News Nation: 342-378 - Dainik Bhaskar: 281-350 INDIA - Jan Ki Baat: 141-161 - D-Dynamics: 125 - News Nation: 153-169 - Dainik Bhaskar: 145-201 (With inputs from agencies)

Exit Poll 2024: How accurate were the predictions in 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections

<p>Just hours after saying they would stay away from exit poll debates of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, senior leaders of the opposition INDIA bloc&nbsp;decided to participate in them on television on Saturday (June 1). The U-turn from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance or INDIA came after its supporters gathered in a massive show of strength at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's residence in Delhi as the seventh and final phase of polling drew to a close.</p>

<p>Congress leader Pawan Khera took to his official X handle and wrote, "INDIA parties met and decided to expose the BJP and its ecosystem on the prefixed exit polls. After considering factors for and against participating in the exit polls, it has been decided by consensus that all the INDIA parties will participate in the exit poll debates on television this evening."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">INDIA parties met and decided to expose the bjp and its ecosystem on the prefixed exit polls.<br />
After considering factors for and against participating in the exit polls, it has been decided by consensus that all the INDIA parties will participate in the exit poll debates on…</p>
— Pawan Khera 🇮🇳 (@Pawankhera) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pawankhera/status/1796862823894589943?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier, the grand old party had released a statement saying that it will not take part in the exit poll debates calling it a "slugfest for TRP."</p>

<p>"Our statement on the reason for not participating in #ExitPolls Voters have cast their votes and their verdict has been secured. The results will be out on 4th June. Prior to that, we do not see any reason to indulge in speculation and slugfest for TRP. The Indian National Congress will not participate in the debates on #ExitPolls. The purpose of any debate should be to inform the people. We will happily partake in debates from 4th June onwards," Khera had written earlier&nbsp;on social media.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our statement on the reason for not participating in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ExitPolls?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ExitPolls</a><br />
<br />
Voters have cast their votes and their verdict has been secured.<br />
<br />
The results will be out on 4th June. Prior to that, we do not see any reason to indulge in speculation and slugfest for TRP.<br />
<br />
The Indian National…</p>
— Pawan Khera 🇮🇳 (@Pawankhera) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pawankhera/status/1796520624396910955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Leaders from Congress, Samajwadi Party, CPI-M, CPI, DMK, JMM, AAP, RJD, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (Sharad Pawar) took part in the discussions at Kharge's residence.</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> | INDIA alliance leaders meet in Delhi. They have decided that all the INDIA parties will participate in the exit poll debates on television today evening. <a href="https://t.co/D51KqHWyke">pic.twitter.com/D51KqHWyke</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1796868042615623689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Kharge predicts 295 seats for INDIA alliance</strong></h2>

<p>After the meeting, the Congress president exuded confidence stating that the INDIA alliance will win at least 295 seats.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-appeals-to-voters-to-exercise-franchise-to-end-dictatorship-727717">Lok Sabha elections 2024: Arvind Kejriwal urges voters to exercise franchise to end 'dictatorship'</a></p>

<p>“INDIA bloc will win at least 295 seats. This is not based on our survey. This is what people have told us," Kharge 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> | Delhi: After the INDIA alliance leaders meet, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge says, "... INDIA Alliance will win at least 295 seats." <a href="https://t.co/ROy2n1EnOa">pic.twitter.com/ROy2n1EnOa</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1796870690949193807?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A host of issues were discussed during the Opposition alliance's meeting that lasted for nearly two and a half hours. We have also discussed with all the parties about what strategy we should adopt on the day of the counting of votes," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>TMC and PDP skip meeting</strong></h2>

<p>INDIA constituent Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had previously released a statement saying that she would skip the meeting as the polling in her state for the last phase of elections was underway.</p>

<p>PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said that she did not attend the meeting due to some personal reasons.</p>

<p>"I may not go as my mom has undergone an eye surgery," she had told news agency PTI.</p>

<p>The leaders who took part in the discussions included Sharad Pawar, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, Anil Desai, Sitaram Yechury, Arvind Kejriwal, Bhagwat Mann, Sanjay Singh and Raghav Chadha, Champai Soren, Kalpana Soren, T R Baalu, Farooq Abdullah, D Raja and Mukesh Sahani.</p>

<p>Apart from Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and K C Venugopal were also present at the meeting.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Just hours after saying they would stay away from exit poll debates of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, senior leaders of the opposition INDIA bloc decided to participate in them on television on Saturday (June 1).

Just hours after saying they would stay away from exit poll debates of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, senior leaders of the opposition INDIA bloc decided to participate in them on television on Saturday (June 1). The U-turn from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance or INDIA came after its supporters gathered in a massive show of strength at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's residence in Delhi as the seventh and final phase of polling drew to a close. Congress leader Pawan Khera took to his official X handle and wrote, "INDIA parties met and decided to expose the BJP and its ecosystem on the prefixed exit polls. After considering factors for and against participating in the exit polls, it has been decided by consensus that all the INDIA parties will participate in the exit poll debates on television this evening." INDIA parties met and decided to expose the bjp and its ecosystem on the prefixed exit polls. After considering factors for and against participating in the exit polls, it has been decided by consensus that all the INDIA parties will participate in the exit poll debates on… — Pawan Khera 🇮🇳 (@Pawankhera) June 1, 2024 × Earlier, the grand old party had released a statement saying that it will not take part in the exit poll debates calling it a "slugfest for TRP." "Our statement on the reason for not participating in #ExitPolls Voters have cast their votes and their verdict has been secured. The results will be out on 4th June. Prior to that, we do not see any reason to indulge in speculation and slugfest for TRP. The Indian National Congress will not participate in the debates on #ExitPolls. The purpose of any debate should be to inform the people. We will happily partake in debates from 4th June onwards," Khera had written earlier on social media. Our statement on the reason for not participating in #ExitPolls Voters have cast their votes and their verdict has been secured. The results will be out on 4th June. Prior to that, we do not see any reason to indulge in speculation and slugfest for TRP. The Indian National… — Pawan Khera 🇮🇳 (@Pawankhera) May 31, 2024 × Leaders from Congress, Samajwadi Party, CPI-M, CPI, DMK, JMM, AAP, RJD, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (Sharad Pawar) took part in the discussions at Kharge's residence. #WATCH | INDIA alliance leaders meet in Delhi. They have decided that all the INDIA parties will participate in the exit poll debates on television today evening. pic.twitter.com/D51KqHWyke — ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024 × Kharge predicts 295 seats for INDIA alliance After the meeting, the Congress president exuded confidence stating that the INDIA alliance will win at least 295 seats. Also read: Lok Sabha elections 2024: Arvind Kejriwal urges voters to exercise franchise to end 'dictatorship' “INDIA bloc will win at least 295 seats. This is not based on our survey. This is what people have told us," Kharge said. #WATCH | Delhi: After the INDIA alliance leaders meet, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge says, "... INDIA Alliance will win at least 295 seats." pic.twitter.com/ROy2n1EnOa — ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024 × "A host of issues were discussed during the Opposition alliance's meeting that lasted for nearly two and a half hours. We have also discussed with all the parties about what strategy we should adopt on the day of the counting of votes," he added. TMC and PDP skip meeting INDIA constituent Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had previously released a statement saying that she would skip the meeting as the polling in her state for the last phase of elections was underway. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said that she did not attend the meeting due to some personal reasons. "I may not go as my mom has undergone an eye surgery," she had told news agency PTI. The leaders who took part in the discussions included Sharad Pawar, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, Anil Desai, Sitaram Yechury, Arvind Kejriwal, Bhagwat Mann, Sanjay Singh and Raghav Chadha, Champai Soren, Kalpana Soren, T R Baalu, Farooq Abdullah, D Raja and Mukesh Sahani. Apart from Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and K C Venugopal were also present at the meeting. (With inputs from agencies)

In U-turn, INDIA leaders to participate in exit poll debates; Kharge claims bloc will win 295+ seats

<p>Amit Shah, India's home minister from the ruling Bhartiya Janta Party&nbsp;(BJP), criticised Congress for distancing themselves from&nbsp;Exit Poll debates ahead of the Lok Sabha 2024 election results.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP is confident of clinching a historic third term under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the elections.</p>

<p>After senior Congress leader Pawan Khera made the announcement about avoiding exit poll debates, Amit Shah and BJP chief JP Nadda said it appears the Opposition has already conceded defeat.</p>

<p>Shah, in a post on X, said, "Congress has come to know about its huge defeat, so with what face will it face the media and the public now? Therefore, Congress is running away from the exit polls. I want to tell the Congress party not to run away, face the defeat and introspect".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">कांग्रेस को अपनी प्रचंड हार का पता चल गया है, तो अब किस मुँह से मीडिया और जनता को फेस करे? इसलिए, कांग्रेस एग्जिट पोल से भाग रही है।<br />
<br />
मैं कांग्रेस पार्टी से कहना चाहता हूँ कि भागो नहीं, हार का सामना करके आत्मचिंतन करो। <a href="https://t.co/pxeT3Qw8wA">pic.twitter.com/pxeT3Qw8wA</a></p>
— Amit Shah (Modi Ka Parivar) (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1796569996036100488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-phase-7-mob-loots-reserve-evms-throws-vvpat-machines-in-pond-in-west-bengal-727669">Lok Sabha polls phase 7: Mob loots reserve EVMs, throws VVPAT machines in Pond in West Bengal</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Nadda raised objection to the decision taken by Congress and said, "It doesn't behove India's Grand Old Party to behave like a child, whose toy has been taken away. One expects a certain level of maturity from the largest political party in the Opposition".</p>

<p>He added that Congress "opts out" when it is not expecting that the results will turn out in their favour. However, he added that the party always shows up if it is expecting even the slightest chance of a positive result.</p>

<p>"Their hypocrisy is not lost on anyone. Let no one in Phase 7 waste their votes on them," Nadda said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that the Congress, by boycotting Exit Polls, has questioned the rigorous exercise which is being carried out by several professional agencies who are working tirelessly to compile the figures.</p>

<h2><strong>Here's what Congress said regarding Exit Polls</strong></h2>

<p>Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera earlier said that once the voting ends, the parties won't gain anything from speculation.</p>

<p>"The results will be out on 4th June. Prior to that, we do not see any reason to indulge in speculation and slugfest for TRP," Khera said in a statement, posted on X.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India General Elections Phase 7: Final phase of voting begins, 57 constituencies go to polls</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-general-elections-phase-7-final-phase-of-voting-begins-57-constituencies-go-to-polls-727587/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"The Indian National Congress will not participate in the debates on Exit Polls. The purpose of any debate should be to inform the people. We will happily partake in debates 4th June onwards," he added.</p>

<p>The voting is being held on 57 seats across seven states and one Union Territory in the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024. The counting of votes will be held on Tuesday (June 4).</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Amit Shah, India's home minister from the ruling Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP), criticised Congress for distancing themselves from Exit Poll debates ahead of the Lok Sabha 2024 election results.

Amit Shah, India's home minister from the ruling Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP), criticised Congress for distancing themselves from Exit Poll debates ahead of the Lok Sabha 2024 election results. The BJP is confident of clinching a historic third term under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the elections. After senior Congress leader Pawan Khera made the announcement about avoiding exit poll debates, Amit Shah and BJP chief JP Nadda said it appears the Opposition has already conceded defeat. Shah, in a post on X, said, "Congress has come to know about its huge defeat, so with what face will it face the media and the public now? Therefore, Congress is running away from the exit polls. I want to tell the Congress party not to run away, face the defeat and introspect". कांग्रेस को अपनी प्रचंड हार का पता चल गया है, तो अब किस मुँह से मीडिया और जनता को फेस करे? इसलिए, कांग्रेस एग्जिट पोल से भाग रही है। मैं कांग्रेस पार्टी से कहना चाहता हूँ कि भागो नहीं, हार का सामना करके आत्मचिंतन करो। pic.twitter.com/pxeT3Qw8wA — Amit Shah (Modi Ka Parivar) (@AmitShah) May 31, 2024 × Also Read: Lok Sabha polls phase 7: Mob loots reserve EVMs, throws VVPAT machines in Pond in West Bengal Meanwhile, Nadda raised objection to the decision taken by Congress and said, "It doesn't behove India's Grand Old Party to behave like a child, whose toy has been taken away. One expects a certain level of maturity from the largest political party in the Opposition". He added that Congress "opts out" when it is not expecting that the results will turn out in their favour. However, he added that the party always shows up if it is expecting even the slightest chance of a positive result. "Their hypocrisy is not lost on anyone. Let no one in Phase 7 waste their votes on them," Nadda said. He added that the Congress, by boycotting Exit Polls, has questioned the rigorous exercise which is being carried out by several professional agencies who are working tirelessly to compile the figures. Here's what Congress said regarding Exit Polls Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera earlier said that once the voting ends, the parties won't gain anything from speculation. "The results will be out on 4th June. Prior to that, we do not see any reason to indulge in speculation and slugfest for TRP," Khera said in a statement, posted on X. Watch: India General Elections Phase 7: Final phase of voting begins, 57 constituencies go to polls "The Indian National Congress will not participate in the debates on Exit Polls. The purpose of any debate should be to inform the people. We will happily partake in debates 4th June onwards," he added. The voting is being held on 57 seats across seven states and one Union Territory in the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024. The counting of votes will be held on Tuesday (June 4). (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls 2024: Amit Shah slams Congress for boycotting exit polls, asks them not to 'run away'

<p>To create awareness among the voters, a man arrived on a horse at a polling station to cast his vote in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh on Saturday (June 1).</p>

<p>While talking to the media persons, he said, "In the 2012, 2017 &amp; 2022 assembly elections and 2014 &amp; 2019 Lok Sabha polls, I had arrived on horse to cast my vote."</p>

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<br />
He says, "In the 2012, 2017 &amp; 2022 Assembly elections and 2014 &amp; 2019 Lok Sabha polls also I had arrived on horse to cast my vote." <a href="https://t.co/Qw2vlivoM1">pic.twitter.com/Qw2vlivoM1</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1796804716183298291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile in West Bengal, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in West Bengal informed that a mob looted reserve Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and threw two VVPAT machines inside a pond.</p>

<p>&nbsp;The incident was reported in the South 24 Parganas district.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-phase-7-voters-head-to-polls-in-final-phase-of-elections-amid-heatwave-727648">Lok Sabha Elections Phase 7: Voters head to polls in final phase of elections</a></p>

<p>FIR has been lodged by the Sector Officer and necessary action has been initiated. The poll process in all six booths under the Sector is running uninterrupted. Fresh EVM and papers have been provided to the Sector Officer, the police informed.</p>

<p>Voting is underway in seven states Uttar Pradesh (UP), Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand and the UT of Chandigarh. The results of this general election will be announced on Tuesday (Jun 4).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-slams-congress-for-boycotting-exit-polls-asks-them-not-to-run-away-727679">Amit Shah slams Congress for boycotting exit polls, asks them not to 'run away'</a></p>

<p>Notably, voters in 57 Lok Sabha constituencies across seven states and one Union Territory&nbsp;are casting their votes in the seventh and final phase of the world’s largest election, on Saturday (Jun 1).</p>

<p>Till 1 pm, 40 per cent&nbsp;voter turnout was recorded across seven states and one Union Territory. Bihar recorded the lowest voter turnout of over 35% while Himachal Pradesh recorded the highest at 48.6%.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


To create awareness among the voters, a man arrived on a horse at a polling station to cast his vote in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh on Saturday (June 1). While talking to the media persons, he said, "In the 2012, 2017 & 2022 assembly elections and 2014 & 2019 Lok Sabha polls, I had arrived on horse to cast my vote.

To create awareness among the voters, a man arrived on a horse at a polling station to cast his vote in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh on Saturday (June 1). While talking to the media persons, he said, "In the 2012, 2017 & 2022 assembly elections and 2014 & 2019 Lok Sabha polls, I had arrived on horse to cast my vote." #WATCH | To create voter awareness, a man arrives on a horse at a polling station to cast his vote in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh He says, "In the 2012, 2017 & 2022 Assembly elections and 2014 & 2019 Lok Sabha polls also I had arrived on horse to cast my vote." pic.twitter.com/Qw2vlivoM1 — ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024 × Meanwhile in West Bengal, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in West Bengal informed that a mob looted reserve Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and threw two VVPAT machines inside a pond. The incident was reported in the South 24 Parganas district. Also read: Lok Sabha Elections Phase 7: Voters head to polls in final phase of elections FIR has been lodged by the Sector Officer and necessary action has been initiated. The poll process in all six booths under the Sector is running uninterrupted. Fresh EVM and papers have been provided to the Sector Officer, the police informed. Voting is underway in seven states Uttar Pradesh (UP), Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand and the UT of Chandigarh. The results of this general election will be announced on Tuesday (Jun 4). Also read: Amit Shah slams Congress for boycotting exit polls, asks them not to 'run away' Notably, voters in 57 Lok Sabha constituencies across seven states and one Union Territory are casting their votes in the seventh and final phase of the world’s largest election, on Saturday (Jun 1). Till 1 pm, 40 per cent voter turnout was recorded across seven states and one Union Territory. Bihar recorded the lowest voter turnout of over 35% while Himachal Pradesh recorded the highest at 48.6%. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Elections Phase 7: UP man shows up on horse to cast vote

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidPY1lDbJEvgRN" /></p>

<p>On Monday, a part of the stage put up for the INDIA bloc's election campaign in Bihar crashed down, almost missing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The event happened when Rahul Gandhi and other leaders of the INDIA bloc took the stage to address the crowd of people who had come to the opposition alliance's gathering.</p>

<p>Social media users shared a video of Gandhi and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) politician Misa Bharti holding hands when the stage collapsed.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/swati-maliwal-breaks-down-into-tears-in-court-claims-threat-to-life-if-bibhav-kumar-gets-bail-725963" target="_blank">Delhi court denies bail to Arvind Kejriwal’s aide Bibhav Kumar in Swati Maliwal assault case</a></strong></p>

<p>Thereafter, a security guard appeared to assist Rahul Gandhi. Gandhi assured him that he was alright and resumed waving to his supporters. Although the leaders lost their composure when the situation occurred, no one was hurt.</p>

<p>Monday's rally featured speeches by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Rahul Gandhi, and other leaders. Gandhi repeated the promises made by the party in its 2024 Lok Sabha election manifesto.</p>

<p>“Under the Mahalaxmi scheme, women from poor families will get ₹1 lakh annually. Every educated youth's first job will be permanent, in which he will get ₹1 lakh annually. Farmers will get&nbsp;legal&nbsp;guarantee of MSP, their loans will be waived&nbsp;off. Workers will get daily wages of ₹400 under the MNREGA scheme…" Gandhi said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-accuses-india-bloc-of-receiving-support-from-pakistan-and-jihadis-725639" target="_blank">PM Modi accuses INDIA bloc of getting support from Pakistan and jihadis</a></strong></p>

<p>Gandhi took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming that the latter is to blame for the nation's rising unemployment rate. "Narendra Modi has turned Indian soldiers into&nbsp;labourers&nbsp;in the army," he stated.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


On Monday, a part of the stage put up for the INDIA bloc's election campaign in Bihar crashed down, almost missing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The event happened when Rahul Gandhi and other leaders of the INDIA bloc took the stage to address the crowd of people who had come to the opposition alliance's gathering.

On Monday, a part of the stage put up for the INDIA bloc's election campaign in Bihar crashed down, almost missing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The event happened when Rahul Gandhi and other leaders of the INDIA bloc took the stage to address the crowd of people who had come to the opposition alliance's gathering. Social media users shared a video of Gandhi and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) politician Misa Bharti holding hands when the stage collapsed. #WATCH | Bihar: A portion of the stage partially caves in during Rahul Gandhi's rally in Paliganj pic.twitter.com/wQ2mZnWgCH — ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2024 × Also read: Delhi court denies bail to Arvind Kejriwal’s aide Bibhav Kumar in Swati Maliwal assault case Thereafter, a security guard appeared to assist Rahul Gandhi. Gandhi assured him that he was alright and resumed waving to his supporters. Although the leaders lost their composure when the situation occurred, no one was hurt. Monday's rally featured speeches by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Rahul Gandhi, and other leaders. Gandhi repeated the promises made by the party in its 2024 Lok Sabha election manifesto. “Under the Mahalaxmi scheme, women from poor families will get ₹1 lakh annually. Every educated youth's first job will be permanent, in which he will get ₹1 lakh annually. Farmers will get legal guarantee of MSP, their loans will be waived off. Workers will get daily wages of ₹400 under the MNREGA scheme…" Gandhi said. Also read: PM Modi accuses INDIA bloc of getting support from Pakistan and jihadis Gandhi took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming that the latter is to blame for the nation's rising unemployment rate. "Narendra Modi has turned Indian soldiers into labourers in the army," he stated. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Stage collapses partially at INDIA Bloc rally in Bihar, Rahul Gandhi escapes injury

<p><strong>Goa Lok Sabha Elections 2024:</strong> The Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian parliament) elections in the Indian state of Goa are taking&nbsp;place during the third phase,&nbsp;which is on May 7.</p>

<p>Goa has two Lok Sabha seats – North Goa and South Goa – and given the small number of seats, elections will be held in a single phase in the state. The results, like the rest of the country, will be announced on June 4.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-lok-sabha-elections-2024-schedule-phase-seats-candidates-and-all-you-need-to-know-704721">Delhi Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, phase, seats, candidates and all you need to know</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>When is the Goa Lok Sabha Election 2024?</strong></h2>

<p>The Lok Sabha elections in Goa will take place on May 7, during Phase 3 of the general elections.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Lok Sabha constituencies in Goa</strong></h2>

<p>Goa holds two Lok Sabha seats for North Goa and South Goa. Over the years, the state has seen competition between the two prominent national parties – the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC).&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2014, the ruling BJP won both the seats in the state. However, in 2019, it won only one, while the other was taken over by the INC candidate.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arunachal-pradesh-lok-sabha-elections-2024-schedule-phase-seats-candidates-all-you-need-to-know-704464">Arunachal Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, phase, seats, candidates | All you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>North Goa is currently being led by BJP’s Shripad Naik and South Goa by Francisco Sardinha (INC). In 2019, BJP’s Pramod Sawant became the chief minister of the state.</p>

<p>Notably, the state has also witnessed a rise in the popularity of regional parties like the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), the Goa Forward Party (GFP), and the Revolutionary Goans Party (RPG).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Goa Lok Sabha Elections 2024: List of Candidates and Constituencies</strong></h2>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td><strong>No.&nbsp;</strong></td>
			<td><strong>Constituency</strong></td>
			<td><strong>Candidate Name</strong></td>
			<td><strong>Party</strong></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>North Goa</strong></td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Tukaram Bharat Parab</td>
			<td>Goans Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Milan R. Vaingankar</td>
			<td>Bahujan Samaj Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Ramakant Khalap</td>
			<td>Indian National Congress</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Shripad Yesso Naik</td>
			<td>Bharatiya Janata Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Sakharam Naik&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Akhil Bhartiya Parivar Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>6</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Adv. Vishal Naik</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>7</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Shakeel Jamal Shaikh</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>8</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Thomas Augustine Fernandes</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>South Goa</strong></td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Pallavi Shrinivas Dempo</td>
			<td>Bharatiya Janata Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Rubert Pereira</td>
			<td>Revolutionary Goans Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Captain Viriato Fernandes</td>
			<td>Indian National<br />
			Congress</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Dr. Sweta Gaonkar</td>
			<td>Bahujan Samaj<br />
			Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Harishchandra Sudhakar&nbsp;Naik</td>
			<td>Corruption&nbsp;Abolition Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>6</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Alexy Fernandes</td>
			<td>Independent&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>7</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Dr. Kalidas Vaingankar</td>
			<td>Independent&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>8</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Deepkumar D. Mapari</td>
			<td>Independent&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Goa Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian parliament) elections in the Indian state of Goa are taking place during the third phase, which is on May 7.

Goa Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian parliament) elections in the Indian state of Goa are taking place during the third phase, which is on May 7. Goa has two Lok Sabha seats – North Goa and South Goa – and given the small number of seats, elections will be held in a single phase in the state. The results, like the rest of the country, will be announced on June 4. Also Read | Delhi Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, phase, seats, candidates and all you need to know When is the Goa Lok Sabha Election 2024? The Lok Sabha elections in Goa will take place on May 7, during Phase 3 of the general elections. Lok Sabha constituencies in Goa Goa holds two Lok Sabha seats for North Goa and South Goa. Over the years, the state has seen competition between the two prominent national parties – the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC). In 2014, the ruling BJP won both the seats in the state. However, in 2019, it won only one, while the other was taken over by the INC candidate. Also Read | Arunachal Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, phase, seats, candidates | All you need to know North Goa is currently being led by BJP’s Shripad Naik and South Goa by Francisco Sardinha (INC). In 2019, BJP’s Pramod Sawant became the chief minister of the state. Notably, the state has also witnessed a rise in the popularity of regional parties like the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), the Goa Forward Party (GFP), and the Revolutionary Goans Party (RPG). Goa Lok Sabha Elections 2024: List of Candidates and Constituencies No. Constituency Candidate Name Party North Goa 1 Tukaram Bharat Parab Goans Party 2 Milan R. Vaingankar Bahujan Samaj Party 3 Ramakant Khalap Indian National Congress 4 Shripad Yesso Naik Bharatiya Janata Party 5 Sakharam Naik Akhil Bhartiya Parivar Party 6 Adv. Vishal Naik Independent 7 Shakeel Jamal Shaikh Independent 8 Thomas Augustine Fernandes Independent South Goa 1 Pallavi Shrinivas Dempo Bharatiya Janata Party 2 Rubert Pereira Revolutionary Goans Party 3 Captain Viriato Fernandes Indian National Congress 4 Dr. Sweta Gaonkar Bahujan Samaj Party 5 Harishchandra Sudhakar Naik Corruption Abolition Party 6 Alexy Fernandes Independent 7 Dr. Kalidas Vaingankar Independent 8 Deepkumar D. Mapari Independent (With inputs from agencies)

Goa Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, phase, seats. All you need to know

<p>Congress president Malliakarjun Kharge on Saturday (May 18) lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing him of "provoking" people and called on the Election Commission to take stern action.</p>

<p>He also alleged that PM Modi was supporting the "illegal" Mahayuti government in the Indian state of Maharashtra.</p>

<p>"We have not used bulldozers to date... The Election Commission should take action against those who make instigating speeches. The Prime Minister himself is doing it. He is provoking people. After our government comes, everything will be protected as per our Constitution, we will follow the Constitution," Kharge said during a media briefing in Mumbai.</p>

<p>He then claimed that the INDI alliance will win 46 out of the 48 seats in the state of Maharashtra and will defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).</p>

<p>"INDIA bloc will win 46 out of 48 seats in Maharashtra. People are saying this themselves. Our alliance will win maximum seats and defeat BJP...," Kharge claimed.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhis-emotional-appeal-to-people-of-raebareli-i-am-handing-over-my-son-to-you-722576">Sonia Gandhi's emotional appeal to people of Raebareli; 'I am handing over my son to you'</a></p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi hits out at Congress-SP combine</strong></h2>

<p>Kharge's remarks came after PM Modi, during his rally in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki, said that Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) would run bulldozer over Ayodhya's Ram Temple if they get elected in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>"If the Congress, SP and their INDIA partners come to power, our Ram Lalla would have to return to the tent again as they would run a bulldozer over the Ram Mandir. They should take lessons from Yogi-ji (Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath) on where to run bulldozers and where not to," PM Modi said on Friday (May 17).</p>

<p>"The Congress and the Samajwadi Party have become slaves to appeasement politics. And, when Modi uncovers the truth before the people, they accuse me of creating a Hindu-Muslim divide," he further said.</p>

<p>The Indian prime minister then exuded confidence that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was all set to register its third consecutive win and return to power again.</p>

<p>"June 4 (counting day) is not too far away now. All doubts will be cleared and the entire country and the world will know when we score a hat-trick of wins and return for a third term at the Centre."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Congress president Malliakarjun Kharge on Saturday (May 18) lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing him of "provoking" people and called on the Election Commission to take stern action.

Congress president Malliakarjun Kharge on Saturday (May 18) lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing him of "provoking" people and called on the Election Commission to take stern action. He also alleged that PM Modi was supporting the "illegal" Mahayuti government in the Indian state of Maharashtra. "We have not used bulldozers to date... The Election Commission should take action against those who make instigating speeches. The Prime Minister himself is doing it. He is provoking people. After our government comes, everything will be protected as per our Constitution, we will follow the Constitution," Kharge said during a media briefing in Mumbai. He then claimed that the INDI alliance will win 46 out of the 48 seats in the state of Maharashtra and will defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "INDIA bloc will win 46 out of 48 seats in Maharashtra. People are saying this themselves. Our alliance will win maximum seats and defeat BJP...," Kharge claimed. Also read: Sonia Gandhi's emotional appeal to people of Raebareli; 'I am handing over my son to you' PM Modi hits out at Congress-SP combine Kharge's remarks came after PM Modi, during his rally in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki, said that Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) would run bulldozer over Ayodhya's Ram Temple if they get elected in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. "If the Congress, SP and their INDIA partners come to power, our Ram Lalla would have to return to the tent again as they would run a bulldozer over the Ram Mandir. They should take lessons from Yogi-ji (Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath) on where to run bulldozers and where not to," PM Modi said on Friday (May 17). "The Congress and the Samajwadi Party have become slaves to appeasement politics. And, when Modi uncovers the truth before the people, they accuse me of creating a Hindu-Muslim divide," he further said. The Indian prime minister then exuded confidence that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was all set to register its third consecutive win and return to power again. "June 4 (counting day) is not too far away now. All doubts will be cleared and the entire country and the world will know when we score a hat-trick of wins and return for a third term at the Centre." (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls: Kharge accuses PM Modi of ‘provoking’ people, calls on ED to take action

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