The BJP and its ally Apna Dal(S) have won 63&nbsp;of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats, demolishing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-up-numbers-show-mahagathbandhan-a-failed-experiment-221047">challenge posed by the SP-BSP alliance</a>, which has managed to get 15&nbsp;seats between them.

The counting of votes is still underway in the state, which sends the highest number of MPs in the Lower House, and the Election Commission has declared results of 77 seats as of 6:20 AM Friday.

Of these, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-modi-wave-sweeps-india-again-nda-poised-to-win-lok-sabha-elections-221034">BJP</a> has won 60 seats and its NDA ally Apna Dal (S) two. The BJP is also leading on two seats.

The party's most remarkable victory came in Amethi where Union minister Smriti Irani unseated Congress president Rahul Gandhi from his party's bastion.

The NDA tally was just 11 short of the 73, the number of seats the two parties won in the Hindi heartland state in 2014. This gap is set to come down to nine.

The opposition SP-BSP alliance bagged 14 seats, with nine going to Mayawati's BSP.

The party is also leading in one seat.

The Congress just managed to open its account in the state as UPA chairperson and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi won the Rae Bareli seat.

Also read: 'There is no place for dynasty rulers, corrupt leaders in this nation' says Yogi Adityanath

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The BJP and its ally Apna Dal(S) have won 63 of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats, demolishing the challenge posed by the SP-BSP alliance, which has managed to get 15 seats between them.

The BJP and its ally Apna Dal(S) have won 63 of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats, demolishing the challenge posed by the SP-BSP alliance, which has managed to get 15 seats between them. The counting of votes is still underway in the state, which sends the highest number of MPs in the Lower House, and the Election Commission has declared results of 77 seats as of 6:20 AM Friday. Of these, the BJP has won 60 seats and its NDA ally Apna Dal (S) two. The BJP is also leading on two seats. The party's most remarkable victory came in Amethi where Union minister Smriti Irani unseated Congress president Rahul Gandhi from his party's bastion. The NDA tally was just 11 short of the 73, the number of seats the two parties won in the Hindi heartland state in 2014. This gap is set to come down to nine. The opposition SP-BSP alliance bagged 14 seats, with nine going to Mayawati's BSP. The party is also leading in one seat. The Congress just managed to open its account in the state as UPA chairperson and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi won the Rae Bareli seat. Also read: 'There is no place for dynasty rulers, corrupt leaders in this nation' says Yogi Adityanath ×

In UP, BJP+ gets 63 and counting, SP-BSP struggles to touch 15

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

India says no to entitlement politics; Choose development ideology

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-elections-2019-rash-of-resignations-in-congress-after-election-result-disaster-221242">Congress</a> has drawn a blank in 18 states and Union Territories -- an indicator of its decimation in the Lok Sabha polls.

This is the Congress' second straight rout in Lok Sabha elections after it was decimated in the 2014 polls when the party ended up with a tally of 44 seats.

The Congress has been completely routed in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Dadar and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Delhi, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura and Uttarakhand.

Training his guns on the Congress, BJP chief Amit Shah on Thursday said the grand old party had drawn a "big zero" in 17 states and Union Territories, while the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/after-nehru-and-indira-modi-becomes-third-prime-minister-to-return-to-power-with-huge-mandate-221300">saffron party</a> got more than 50 per cent votes in 17 states.

Murmurs have already started within the party over taking responsibility for its poor performance across the country, with some of its leaders already sending in their resignation.

Watch: Did Congress misread the polls?

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Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar and Odisha Congress president Niranjan Patnaik announced their resignation in the wake of the party's electoral debacle in their respective states.&nbsp;

According to sources, the party has convened a meeting of the Congress Working Committee, its highest decision-making body, at 11 am on Saturday. 
Rahul Gandhi is likely to offer his resignation at the meet, party sources said.

The top Congress leadership will deliberate on the reasons for the loss and assess them. It bagged only 52 seats in this election.&nbsp;

The Congress has drawn a blank in 18 states and Union Territories -- an indicator of its decimation in the Lok Sabha polls. This is the Congress' second straight rout in Lok Sabha elections after it was decimated in the 2014 polls when the party ended up with a tally of 44 seats.

The Congress has drawn a blank in 18 states and Union Territories -- an indicator of its decimation in the Lok Sabha polls. This is the Congress' second straight rout in Lok Sabha elections after it was decimated in the 2014 polls when the party ended up with a tally of 44 seats. The Congress has been completely routed in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Dadar and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Delhi, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura and Uttarakhand. Training his guns on the Congress, BJP chief Amit Shah on Thursday said the grand old party had drawn a "big zero" in 17 states and Union Territories, while the saffron party got more than 50 per cent votes in 17 states. Murmurs have already started within the party over taking responsibility for its poor performance across the country, with some of its leaders already sending in their resignation. Watch: Did Congress misread the polls? × Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar and Odisha Congress president Niranjan Patnaik announced their resignation in the wake of the party's electoral debacle in their respective states. According to sources, the party has convened a meeting of the Congress Working Committee, its highest decision-making body, at 11 am on Saturday. Rahul Gandhi is likely to offer his resignation at the meet, party sources said. The top Congress leadership will deliberate on the reasons for the loss and assess them. It bagged only 52 seats in this election.

Congress draws a blank in 18 states and Union Territories

Since beginning of the Lok Sabha polls the nation is witnessing a question that 'If not Modi, then who?'; The way to PM is always led from Uttar Pradesh as it consists 80 seats. The cold war between SP-BSP that fragmented the dalits and muslims voters in UP came together when the chiefs of both party announces an alliance in UP, and too is considered as a turning point in this election. Results shows nothing but a reoil in Uttar Pradesh.

What went wrong for SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh these polls?

The dysnasty rule fails too from the Royal seat of Amethi. BJP's candidate Smriti Irani mangages to do so. Rahul Gandhi ain't saw that coming that turned every single vote in favour of Mrs. Irani. All those campaings of Mrs. Irani in Amethi makes people to trust her more rather choosing the 'Missing prince'.

BJP's Smriti Irani manages to let Rahul's bastions down

The 2019 Lok Sabha election is the worst possible memory oppostion will ever remember. It broked dreams of many MP's to become Prime MInister but one thing more what these results broked are the records. The Modi-wave this time maybe inaudible but hits harder than 2014 elections.

PM Modi led BJP breaks 2014 election records; Silent wave turns crisis for oppostion this time

Counting for 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar concluded on Thursday with the BJP-led NDA winning 39 out of 40 seats at stake in the stake. It was a disastrous show from Congress and its allies RJD, RLSP, HAM and VIP as they managed to win just one seat. Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi's women-centric schemes the secret ?

India recorded a stupendous victory by NDA in the Lok Sabha elections 2019, powering the BJP to over 300 seats in the 543-member lower house of Parliament. Watch this video to know how global media reacted to Indian elections.

India Votes: Global media reacts to Indian elections

The Congress party is at the crossroads of its 134-year-old existence. Despite a rousing electoral campaign, aided by liberal photo-ops and larger-than-life sound-bytes, it is abundantly clear that Rahul Gandhi is not a saleable commodity.

Had there been anyone else in Rahul’s place, minus a Congress lineage as distinguished as his, he would have long been shown the door and pushed into political oblivion.&nbsp;

However, fact is that Rahul has continued merrily since March 2004 when he first announced his entry into politics. Fifteen years down the line, this is his time of denouement. Where does Congress go from here? Indeed, where does Rahul go from here?

Rahul’s ‘chowkidar chor hai’ slogan is going to come haunt him and surely will go down as one of the most ill-conceived pieces of poll-time sloganeering — one that may well have signed the epitaph of India’s oldest political party.

The larger question is whether in an aspirational India, entitlement itself is under the hammer as suddenly, even the lowest of the low is feeling the pangs of empowerment. After all, for over six decades, India has invested in democracy and it has to show somewhere. Birth may no longer be enough to win public office, even though there are political scions who have won elections this time as well.

Since his debut in 2004, Rahul has been held out as the great Congress hope to pull the party’s chestnuts out of the fire. It has not played out that way. The party was vanquished out of India’s most politically crucial state, Uttar Pradesh, in 1989, and it has not come back to the Congress. Thereafter, despite being repeatedly projected as the Congress’ prime ministerial aspirant, Rahul has come a cropper, including in a couple of Assembly elections in UP, where the party has been all but marginalised.

A few years ago, there was hope. From winning 10 Lok Sabha seats in 2004 in UP to 21 out of 80 seats in 2009, there seemed promise, but since then, the Modi tsunami has simply swept aside whatever was left of the fight.&nbsp;

In 2019, it has been no different. This time, the Congress pulled out another supposed ace — Priyanka Gandhi — from its pack of cards to make a dent into proceedings. However, Priyanka’s foray into UP politics in poll 2019 is another classic example of what has gone wrong with Congress politics. First, came the coy announcement — not so much an announcement as a mealy-mouthed hint — that she may contest from Varanasi. It energised a demoralised Congress cadre, lying dormant for decades in the state. But only temporarily. Within days came a less-than-upfront denial that she had no such plans. Potentially, a Modi-Priyanka standoff was a mouth-watering contest, which would have compelled the prime minister to stay put in his constituency, without travelling too much. But the prospect of defeat is simply too much to stomach for the Gandhi family and Priyanka backed out at the last minute.

Congress’s first family is obviously out of touch. Rahul, who had the opportunity of acquiring experience under the Manmohan Singh dispensation as a minister, simply let go of the opportunity — apparently he was made for better things like being prime minister, which has not come to be till now. It would have been a chance of a lifetime to work in a government and see how things function from inside the system. He does not know how a government works, while arch rival Narendra Modi does, having served three terms as Gujarat chief minister.&nbsp;

Likewise, Priyanka backed out from a straight fight against the PM in Varanasi. In the worst case scenario, she would have lost, but the mileage gained would have been worth its weight in gold. For the Gandhi family, no public offices are now given — they will have to fight for it tooth and nail.

Rahul’s rise in the party organisation has been steady. In a reshuffle, he was appointed general secretary of the All India Congress Committee in September 2007. In 2013, he was elevated to the position of party vice-president. But tragically, Congress under his leadership slumped to its lowest-ever tally of 43 Lok Sabha seats. In 2019, it is only an incremental improvement. Rahul’s tally of fancy party designations has led to a corresponding decline in the fortunes of his party.&nbsp; 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-gandhi-family-s-hold-takes-congress-down-the-drain-2753025">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Congress party is at the crossroads of its 134-year-old existence. Despite a rousing electoral campaign, aided by liberal photo-ops and larger-than-life sound-bytes, it is abundantly clear that Rahul Gandhi is not a saleable commodity.

The Congress party is at the crossroads of its 134-year-old existence. Despite a rousing electoral campaign, aided by liberal photo-ops and larger-than-life sound-bytes, it is abundantly clear that Rahul Gandhi is not a saleable commodity. Had there been anyone else in Rahul’s place, minus a Congress lineage as distinguished as his, he would have long been shown the door and pushed into political oblivion. However, fact is that Rahul has continued merrily since March 2004 when he first announced his entry into politics. Fifteen years down the line, this is his time of denouement. Where does Congress go from here? Indeed, where does Rahul go from here? Rahul’s ‘chowkidar chor hai’ slogan is going to come haunt him and surely will go down as one of the most ill-conceived pieces of poll-time sloganeering — one that may well have signed the epitaph of India’s oldest political party. The larger question is whether in an aspirational India, entitlement itself is under the hammer as suddenly, even the lowest of the low is feeling the pangs of empowerment. After all, for over six decades, India has invested in democracy and it has to show somewhere. Birth may no longer be enough to win public office, even though there are political scions who have won elections this time as well. Since his debut in 2004, Rahul has been held out as the great Congress hope to pull the party’s chestnuts out of the fire. It has not played out that way. The party was vanquished out of India’s most politically crucial state, Uttar Pradesh, in 1989, and it has not come back to the Congress. Thereafter, despite being repeatedly projected as the Congress’ prime ministerial aspirant, Rahul has come a cropper, including in a couple of Assembly elections in UP, where the party has been all but marginalised. A few years ago, there was hope. From winning 10 Lok Sabha seats in 2004 in UP to 21 out of 80 seats in 2009, there seemed promise, but since then, the Modi tsunami has simply swept aside whatever was left of the fight. In 2019, it has been no different. This time, the Congress pulled out another supposed ace — Priyanka Gandhi — from its pack of cards to make a dent into proceedings. However, Priyanka’s foray into UP politics in poll 2019 is another classic example of what has gone wrong with Congress politics. First, came the coy announcement — not so much an announcement as a mealy-mouthed hint — that she may contest from Varanasi. It energised a demoralised Congress cadre, lying dormant for decades in the state. But only temporarily. Within days came a less-than-upfront denial that she had no such plans. Potentially, a Modi-Priyanka standoff was a mouth-watering contest, which would have compelled the prime minister to stay put in his constituency, without travelling too much. But the prospect of defeat is simply too much to stomach for the Gandhi family and Priyanka backed out at the last minute. Congress’s first family is obviously out of touch. Rahul, who had the opportunity of acquiring experience under the Manmohan Singh dispensation as a minister, simply let go of the opportunity — apparently he was made for better things like being prime minister, which has not come to be till now. It would have been a chance of a lifetime to work in a government and see how things function from inside the system. He does not know how a government works, while arch rival Narendra Modi does, having served three terms as Gujarat chief minister. Likewise, Priyanka backed out from a straight fight against the PM in Varanasi. In the worst case scenario, she would have lost, but the mileage gained would have been worth its weight in gold. For the Gandhi family, no public offices are now given — they will have to fight for it tooth and nail. Rahul’s rise in the party organisation has been steady. In a reshuffle, he was appointed general secretary of the All India Congress Committee in September 2007. In 2013, he was elevated to the position of party vice-president. But tragically, Congress under his leadership slumped to its lowest-ever tally of 43 Lok Sabha seats. In 2019, it is only an incremental improvement. Rahul’s tally of fancy party designations has led to a corresponding decline in the fortunes of his party. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Lok Sabha election result 2019: Gandhi family’s hold takes Congress down the drain

Counting for 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar concluded on May 23 with the BJP-led NDA winning 39 out of 40 seats at stake in the stake. It was a disastrous show from Congress and its allies RJD, RLSP, HAM and VIP as they managed to win just one seat. Watch this video to know more.

India Votes: Did Congress misread the polls?

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. In conversation with Brijesh Kalappa | Lok Sabha Election Results 2019 | Counting Day

WION Exclusive | In conversation with Brijesh Kalappa | Lok Sabha Election Results 2019 | Counting Day

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-surges-ahead-with-319-seats-in-early-trends-congress-trails-far-behind-with-105-220814">BJP is leading the trends </a>in all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, with the Congress trailing in five constituencies and the AAP in two seats, poll officials said.

Debutant Gautam Gambhir, Union minister Harsh Vardhan and sitting lawmaker Manoj Tiwari of the Bharatiya Janata Party were among early gainers.

Congress veteran Sheila Dikshit was on second spot behind Tiwari, by a margin of 29,797 votes in North East Delhi while former MP J P Agarwal, pitted against Vardhan in Chandni Chowk constituency, was trailing by 8,764 votes.

Get LIVE updates here.

Agarwal has alleged that strongrooms were opened in "absence" of his counting agents.

Sitting BJP MP Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma was leading against his Congress rival Mahabal Mishra by 37,387 votes in the West Delhi Lok Sabha seat, they said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-live-updates-220687">Watch:&nbsp;WION Exclusive | In conversation with Dr. Harshvardhan | Lok Sabha Election Results 2019 | Counting Day</a>

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BJP candidates were also leading in New Delhi, South Delhi and North West Delhi parliamentary constituencies.

Cricketer-turned-BJP leader Gambhir was leading in East Delhi against Congress' Arvinder Singh Lovely by a margin 18,632 votes.

Sitting MP Ramesh Bidhuri was leading against his AAP rival Raghav Chadha by 30,755 votes in the South Delhi Lok Sabha seat, officials said.

Sitting New Delhi MP Meenakshi Lekhi was ahead of Congress' Ajay Maken by a margin of 10,486 votes.

In North West Delhi, saffron party's Hans Raj Hans was ahead of AAP's Gagan Singh by 46,379 votes, they said.

AAP North East Delhi candidate Dilip Pandey told reporters that people to not make any judgement on the basis of initial trends, as "it will not be apt".

Counting is underway for all seven parliamentary constituencies in Delhi to decide the fate of 164 candidates, who contested the Lok Sabha elections here on May 12.

Over 1.43 crore people were eligible to vote in the polls in Delhi, out of which 60.21 per cent had exercised their franchise.

The elections for the seven parliamentary seats were largely a triangular contest among the incumbent BJP, a spirited Congress and the AAP - the ruling party in Delhi.

Prominent names who were in the fray include former Delhi chief minister Dikshit, Union Minister Vardhan and cricketer-turned-politician Gambhir.

Olympian boxer Vijender Singh (South Delhi), who made his electoral debut, and AAP's Atishi are also among the candidates in Delhi.

While the BJP, which had won all seven seats in the 2014 polls, is keen to regain the turf, the Congress, that ended up at the third spot in the last Lok Sabha elections, is looking to bounce back.&nbsp;

The BJP is leading the trends in all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, with the Congress trailing in five constituencies and the AAP in two seats, poll officials said.

The BJP is leading the trends in all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, with the Congress trailing in five constituencies and the AAP in two seats, poll officials said. Debutant Gautam Gambhir, Union minister Harsh Vardhan and sitting lawmaker Manoj Tiwari of the Bharatiya Janata Party were among early gainers. Congress veteran Sheila Dikshit was on second spot behind Tiwari, by a margin of 29,797 votes in North East Delhi while former MP J P Agarwal, pitted against Vardhan in Chandni Chowk constituency, was trailing by 8,764 votes. Get LIVE updates here. Agarwal has alleged that strongrooms were opened in "absence" of his counting agents. Sitting BJP MP Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma was leading against his Congress rival Mahabal Mishra by 37,387 votes in the West Delhi Lok Sabha seat, they said. Watch: WION Exclusive | In conversation with Dr. Harshvardhan | Lok Sabha Election Results 2019 | Counting Day BJP candidates were also leading in New Delhi, South Delhi and North West Delhi parliamentary constituencies. Cricketer-turned-BJP leader Gambhir was leading in East Delhi against Congress' Arvinder Singh Lovely by a margin 18,632 votes. Sitting MP Ramesh Bidhuri was leading against his AAP rival Raghav Chadha by 30,755 votes in the South Delhi Lok Sabha seat, officials said. Sitting New Delhi MP Meenakshi Lekhi was ahead of Congress' Ajay Maken by a margin of 10,486 votes. In North West Delhi, saffron party's Hans Raj Hans was ahead of AAP's Gagan Singh by 46,379 votes, they said. AAP North East Delhi candidate Dilip Pandey told reporters that people to not make any judgement on the basis of initial trends, as "it will not be apt". Counting is underway for all seven parliamentary constituencies in Delhi to decide the fate of 164 candidates, who contested the Lok Sabha elections here on May 12. Over 1.43 crore people were eligible to vote in the polls in Delhi, out of which 60.21 per cent had exercised their franchise. The elections for the seven parliamentary seats were largely a triangular contest among the incumbent BJP, a spirited Congress and the AAP - the ruling party in Delhi. Prominent names who were in the fray include former Delhi chief minister Dikshit, Union Minister Vardhan and cricketer-turned-politician Gambhir. Olympian boxer Vijender Singh (South Delhi), who made his electoral debut, and AAP's Atishi are also among the candidates in Delhi. While the BJP, which had won all seven seats in the 2014 polls, is keen to regain the turf, the Congress, that ended up at the third spot in the last Lok Sabha elections, is looking to bounce back.

Lok Sabha election result 2019: BJP leads in all seven seats in Delhi

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. BJP+ leading in first trends with 59 seats over Congress+ with 21 initially. Watch this video to know more.

WION Exclusive | In conversation with Amit Malviya | Lok Sabha Elections Results 2019 | Counting Day 2019

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. Congress+ in trouble as BJP+ is leading the counts up-up and higher

Lok Sabha 2019 Results: Congress+ in trouble as BJP+ is leading the counts up-up and higher

The BJP is leading in four of the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat, including Gandhinagar where party president Amit Shah is contesting, while the Congress is ahead in one seat, as per initial trends.

Shah is ahead by over 19,000 votes against his nearest rival and Congress candidate C J Chavda, after counting of the first round, election officials said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-live-updates-220687">Tap for live updates here.</a>

In Bhavnagar, BJP candidate Bhartiben Siyal is leading against Congress candidate Manharbhai Patel.

In Chotta Udaipur seat, BJP's Gitaben Rathva is leading against Congress' Ranjitsinh Rathva.

Watch:&nbsp;Analysis: Impact of early trends on the big battles

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In Rajkot, BJP's Mohan Kundariya is leading against Congress' Lalit Kagathara.

Besides, Congress candidate Sherkhan Pathan is leading against BJP's Mansukh Vasava in Bharuch.&nbsp;

The BJP is leading in four of the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat, including Gandhinagar where party president Amit Shah is contesting, while the Congress is ahead in one seat, as per initial trends.

The BJP is leading in four of the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat, including Gandhinagar where party president Amit Shah is contesting, while the Congress is ahead in one seat, as per initial trends. Shah is ahead by over 19,000 votes against his nearest rival and Congress candidate C J Chavda, after counting of the first round, election officials said. Tap for live updates here. In Bhavnagar, BJP candidate Bhartiben Siyal is leading against Congress candidate Manharbhai Patel. In Chotta Udaipur seat, BJP's Gitaben Rathva is leading against Congress' Ranjitsinh Rathva. Watch: Analysis: Impact of early trends on the big battles In Rajkot, BJP's Mohan Kundariya is leading against Congress' Lalit Kagathara. Besides, Congress candidate Sherkhan Pathan is leading against BJP's Mansukh Vasava in Bharuch.

Lok Sabha election results 2019: BJP leading in four seats in Gujarat, Congress ahead in one

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. BJP+ leading in first trends with 59 seats over Congress+ with 21 initially

Lok Sabha 2019 Results: BJP+ leading in first trends with 59 seats over Congress+ with 21 initially

Congress President Rahul Gandhi is leading in Wayanad but trailing in Amethi as counting of votes polled for 17th Lok Sabha elections is underway.

Rahul Gandhi is leading in Wayanad by 10,910 votes against CPI's P&nbsp;P Suneer, according to the Election Commission.

Rahul Gandhi is contesting from Amethi against Bharatiya Janata Party's Smriti Irani that has been a stronghold of the Congress.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-live-updates-220687">Tap for live updates here.</a>

Rahul Gandhi decided to contest from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala besides his traditional stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh.

Watch:&nbsp;Congress President Rahul Gandhi leading from Wayanad

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The Wayanad Lok Sabha Constituency of Kerala state is currently held by M I Shanavas of Indian National Congress. In the 2014 Lok Sabha Elections, M I Shanavas beat Sathyan Mokeri of CPI by receiving 41.20 per cent of the votes cast in this constituency.

The key candidates in the Wayanad constituency for Lok Sabha Elections 2019 are Rahul Gandhi of Congress and P P Suneer of Communist Party of India.

Exit polls predicted&nbsp;that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA is coming back to power at the Centre with close to 300 seats.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi is leading in Wayanad but trailing in Amethi as counting of votes polled for 17th Lok Sabha elections is underway. Rahul Gandhi is leading in Wayanad by 10,910 votes against CPI's P P Suneer, according to the Election Commission.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi is leading in Wayanad but trailing in Amethi as counting of votes polled for 17th Lok Sabha elections is underway. Rahul Gandhi is leading in Wayanad by 10,910 votes against CPI's P P Suneer, according to the Election Commission. Rahul Gandhi is contesting from Amethi against Bharatiya Janata Party's Smriti Irani that has been a stronghold of the Congress. Tap for live updates here. Rahul Gandhi decided to contest from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala besides his traditional stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh. Watch: Congress President Rahul Gandhi leading from Wayanad The Wayanad Lok Sabha Constituency of Kerala state is currently held by M I Shanavas of Indian National Congress. In the 2014 Lok Sabha Elections, M I Shanavas beat Sathyan Mokeri of CPI by receiving 41.20 per cent of the votes cast in this constituency. The key candidates in the Wayanad constituency for Lok Sabha Elections 2019 are Rahul Gandhi of Congress and P P Suneer of Communist Party of India. Exit polls predicted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA is coming back to power at the Centre with close to 300 seats.

Lok Sabha Election Result 2019: Congress president Rahul Gandhi leading in Wayanad, trailing in Amethi in early trends

Jyotiraditya Scindia has lost from Guna, Madhya Pradesh which called Scindia family baston since years. Scinidia was winning this baston since last 3 terms.

Jyotiraditya Scindia loses family baston Guna, Madhya Pradesh

In a big blow to the opposition parties, the Election Commission has rejected their demand regarding VVPAT slips saying that the counting will take place as planned. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: Election commission rejects VVPAT demand

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country.

Lok Sabha 2019 Results: BJP's Sadhvi Pragya leading from Bhopal over Congress Digvijay Singh

Finally, the Lok Sabha Elections 2019 process draws to a close with counting of votes for 542 Lok Sabha seats to begin shortly. Watch this video to know more.

Polls predicts end of Congress era; Shows a Saffron sweep

Congress candidate from New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency, Ajay Maken said that&nbsp;election results will&nbsp;"definitely be in favour" of the party as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-election-commission-to-start-counting-of-votes-for-parliamentary-polls-in-542-seats-at-8-am-220717">counting of&nbsp;votes polled for 17th Lok Sabha elections</a>&nbsp;to take place today.

"The results will be definitely in favour of Congress. We're expecting that Congress will win and form a government and Rahul Gandhi will be the PM," Maken said.

"The fight in Delhi is between BJP and Congress," he added.

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Ajay Maken, Congress candidate from New Delhi LS seat, contesting against BJP MP Meenakashi Lekhi: The results will be definitely in favour of Congress. We're expecting that Congress will win &amp;form govt. Rahul Gandhi will be the PM. The fight in Delhi is between BJP and Congress. <a href="https://t.co/zhqUvqDIbH">pic.twitter.com/zhqUvqDIbH</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1131377075716206592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Ajay Maken is contesting against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/buoyed-by-exit-poll-projections-bjp-leaders-order-ladoos-motichoor-cakes-to-celebrate-win-220708">Bharatiya Janata Party</a>'s Meenakshi Lekhi and Aam Aadmi Party's Brajesh Goel.

In the 2014 elections, the BJP has registered a win on all seven seats in the national capital.&nbsp;

On Sunday's exit polls as well, pollsters predicted a landslide win for the BJP.

As per Today's Chanakya, the BJP is predicted to keep all seven seats in the national capital with other major parties scoring nil.&nbsp;

Polster exit polls suggested AAP washed out in Delhi and the BJP to get all 7 seats. India TV also predicted that the BJP will bag all 7 seats out in the national capital.&nbsp;

All seven Lok Sabha constituencies in the national capital - Chandni Chowk, East Delhi, New Delhi, North East Delhi, North West Delhi, South Delhi and West Delhi - went to polls in the sixth leg of Lok Sabha polls on May 12.&nbsp;

India Election Watch: UPA reaches out to regional parties

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&nbsp;

Congress candidate from New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency, Ajay Maken said that election results will "definitely be in favour" of the party as counting of votes polled for 17th Lok Sabha elections to take place today.

Congress candidate from New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency, Ajay Maken said that election results will "definitely be in favour" of the party as counting of votes polled for 17th Lok Sabha elections to take place today. "The results will be definitely in favour of Congress. We're expecting that Congress will win and form a government and Rahul Gandhi will be the PM," Maken said. "The fight in Delhi is between BJP and Congress," he added. Ajay Maken, Congress candidate from New Delhi LS seat, contesting against BJP MP Meenakashi Lekhi: The results will be definitely in favour of Congress. We're expecting that Congress will win &form govt. Rahul Gandhi will be the PM. The fight in Delhi is between BJP and Congress. pic.twitter.com/zhqUvqDIbH — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2019 × Ajay Maken is contesting against Bharatiya Janata Party's Meenakshi Lekhi and Aam Aadmi Party's Brajesh Goel. In the 2014 elections, the BJP has registered a win on all seven seats in the national capital. On Sunday's exit polls as well, pollsters predicted a landslide win for the BJP. As per Today's Chanakya, the BJP is predicted to keep all seven seats in the national capital with other major parties scoring nil. Polster exit polls suggested AAP washed out in Delhi and the BJP to get all 7 seats. India TV also predicted that the BJP will bag all 7 seats out in the national capital. All seven Lok Sabha constituencies in the national capital - Chandni Chowk, East Delhi, New Delhi, North East Delhi, North West Delhi, South Delhi and West Delhi - went to polls in the sixth leg of Lok Sabha polls on May 12. India Election Watch: UPA reaches out to regional parties ×

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election results will 'definitely be in favour' of Congress, says Ajay Maken

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. Congress wishes PM Modi & BJP by posting a tweet.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Congress wishes PM Modi & BJP by posting a tweet

Winner takes it all and so is the case with the 2019 Lok Sabha elections where Narendra Modi tsunami dismantled the entire Opposition barring a couple of states where regional satraps still rule the roost.

The mandate was not only for Prime Minister but also a referendum on Rahul Gandhi's leadership and acceptance as a leader who can replace Modi.&nbsp;

The mandate shows that people not only rejected Rahul Gandhi but also top brass of the Congress. BJP, on the other hand, barring Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab and Tamil Nadu, has performed impressively. It has swept both rural and urban areas. It deprived, Congress of the advantage, it garnered during assembly elections in three Hindi heartland states. So, the issue is whether Rahul Gandhi can continue as the president of the Congress party? Has Gandhi become a liability for the grand old party?&nbsp;

With this degree of performance, can Rahul Gandhi continue to successfully function as the leader of the biggest opposition party? Should he quit and make way for some other deserving candidate? Congress will also have to grapple with these issues intensely if it wants to remain relevant in the political process.

Congress will also have to grapple with BJP's gains in West Bengal, North East and Odisha where Congress has come third and BJP has occupied the space of the opposition party. Congress has lost states consistently since the 1960s and BJP, on the other hand, expanded into non-traditional areas like South and East India. Today BJP stands neck to neck with Mamta Banerjee in West Bengal which could not have been imagined when BJP's vote share increased in 2014 elections. Today Mamta is staring at an electoral rout in assembly elections. BJP also defeated the caste matrix in UP by defeating Mahagathbandhan, demonstrating that opportunistic alliances do not work.

There are many reasons why Congress failed. It looks like, Rafale, 'NYAY' and 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' campaign did not work at all. More than that, Congres in comparison with BJP-RSS combine lacked a clear ideological core. After 2009, BJP switched back to the idea of undivided Hindu vote. Congress, on the other hand, shifted from one issue to another.&nbsp;

It also under-estimated the power of positive feeling associated with the spirit of nationalism. But, is it fair to say that Congress is a dead party? I would say no.&nbsp;Congress still has a future but would definitely require a different leadership model. Maybe a different leader? But at present, Congress cannot function as it has in past if it wants to survive.

This election has drawn a difference between Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;If people invested faith in Modi they also chose to reject Rahul as the Prime Ministerial candidate. He was not taken seriously by the electorate. It should worry Congress as indifference in any relationship kills and this is politics. The election has punctured the myth of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's political acumen as well.

The defeat has also put the government of Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh in danger. These are the developments of tomorrow but one can say for sure that Congress under Rahul Gandhi has failed once again.&nbsp;

Losing to Smriti Irani in Amethi has dealt a major blow to the credibility of Rahul Gandhi. For long he would be considered a non-performing MP. His massive lead in Wayanad would never ever compensate for the loss in Amethi. 
 
To put it neatly, Narendra Modi has defeated Rahul Gandhi with a resounding mandate both in India and in their family bastion.

The victory has proven that BJP's support base is both urban and rural. It has become truly a pan Indian party, removing Congress from its hegemonic position. This change will have a profound impact on Indian politics. For the millennials, it would represent a departure from Congress dominated India to BJP dominated India.

In this election, Congress has failed to touch triple digit which shows that revamp programme was an utter failure.

This mandate allows Modi, a great playing field in diplomacy and economy. A lot of reforms were expected after 2014 but they did not happen. One can only hope that this time he reforms the system so that the animal spirit of the economy can be unleashed. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Winner takes it all and so is the case with the 2019 Lok Sabha elections where Narendra Modi tsunami dismantled the entire Opposition barring a couple of states where regional satraps still rule the roost.

Winner takes it all and so is the case with the 2019 Lok Sabha elections where Narendra Modi tsunami dismantled the entire Opposition barring a couple of states where regional satraps still rule the roost. The mandate was not only for Prime Minister but also a referendum on Rahul Gandhi's leadership and acceptance as a leader who can replace Modi. The mandate shows that people not only rejected Rahul Gandhi but also top brass of the Congress. BJP, on the other hand, barring Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab and Tamil Nadu, has performed impressively. It has swept both rural and urban areas. It deprived, Congress of the advantage, it garnered during assembly elections in three Hindi heartland states. So, the issue is whether Rahul Gandhi can continue as the president of the Congress party? Has Gandhi become a liability for the grand old party? With this degree of performance, can Rahul Gandhi continue to successfully function as the leader of the biggest opposition party? Should he quit and make way for some other deserving candidate? Congress will also have to grapple with these issues intensely if it wants to remain relevant in the political process. Congress will also have to grapple with BJP's gains in West Bengal, North East and Odisha where Congress has come third and BJP has occupied the space of the opposition party. Congress has lost states consistently since the 1960s and BJP, on the other hand, expanded into non-traditional areas like South and East India. Today BJP stands neck to neck with Mamta Banerjee in West Bengal which could not have been imagined when BJP's vote share increased in 2014 elections. Today Mamta is staring at an electoral rout in assembly elections. BJP also defeated the caste matrix in UP by defeating Mahagathbandhan, demonstrating that opportunistic alliances do not work. There are many reasons why Congress failed. It looks like, Rafale, 'NYAY' and 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' campaign did not work at all. More than that, Congres in comparison with BJP-RSS combine lacked a clear ideological core. After 2009, BJP switched back to the idea of undivided Hindu vote. Congress, on the other hand, shifted from one issue to another. It also under-estimated the power of positive feeling associated with the spirit of nationalism. But, is it fair to say that Congress is a dead party? I would say no. Congress still has a future but would definitely require a different leadership model. Maybe a different leader? But at present, Congress cannot function as it has in past if it wants to survive. This election has drawn a difference between Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi. If people invested faith in Modi they also chose to reject Rahul as the Prime Ministerial candidate. He was not taken seriously by the electorate. It should worry Congress as indifference in any relationship kills and this is politics. The election has punctured the myth of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's political acumen as well. The defeat has also put the government of Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh in danger. These are the developments of tomorrow but one can say for sure that Congress under Rahul Gandhi has failed once again. Losing to Smriti Irani in Amethi has dealt a major blow to the credibility of Rahul Gandhi. For long he would be considered a non-performing MP. His massive lead in Wayanad would never ever compensate for the loss in Amethi. To put it neatly, Narendra Modi has defeated Rahul Gandhi with a resounding mandate both in India and in their family bastion. The victory has proven that BJP's support base is both urban and rural. It has become truly a pan Indian party, removing Congress from its hegemonic position. This change will have a profound impact on Indian politics. For the millennials, it would represent a departure from Congress dominated India to BJP dominated India. In this election, Congress has failed to touch triple digit which shows that revamp programme was an utter failure. This mandate allows Modi, a great playing field in diplomacy and economy. A lot of reforms were expected after 2014 but they did not happen. One can only hope that this time he reforms the system so that the animal spirit of the economy can be unleashed. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Has Rahul Gandhi become a liability for Congress?

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. Congress accepts defeat in Lok Sabha Election

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Congress accepts defeat in Lok Sabha Election

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. Saffron covers whole nation; But what went wrong with Congress?

Lok Sabha Election 2019: What went wrong with Congress this LS polls?

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. BJP+ achieves massive mandate hits Congress+ more than of 2014

Lok Sabha Election 2019: BJP+ achieves massive mandate; Hits Congress+ more than of 2014

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. In conversation with Jaya Jaitley | Lok Sabha Election Results 2019

WION Exclusive | In conversation with Jaya Jaitley | Lok Sabha Election Results 2019

US President Donald Trump on Monday told former White House counsel Don McGahn to defy a subpoena to testify before Congress about the Russia investigation, deepening his fight with Democratic lawmakers.

McGahn would "respect the President's instruction" and not testify, his lawyer said later, in a letter sent to the head of the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee.

The committee is investigating whether Trump illegally obstructed the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. It wants to quiz McGahn after he figured prominently in a report by Special Counsel Robert Mueller about the Russia probe and whether Trump committed obstruction of justice.

But in a letter to the committee, White House Counsel Pat Cipollone said McGahn should not appear due to both "constitutional immunity" and "in order to protect the prerogatives of the Office of the Presidency."

The committee's Democratic chairman, Jerrold Nadler, responded by saying Trump was trying to block damaging testimony about his obstruction of justice.

"The President acted again and again - perhaps criminally - to protect himself from federal law enforcement. Don McGahn personally witnessed the most egregious of these acts. President Trump knows this. He clearly does not want the American people to hear firsthand about his alleged misconduct," Nadler said in a statement.

He said his committee would meet on Tuesday morning and expected McGahn to show up and testify.

Another Democrat on the committee, David Cicilline, warned that if McGahn stays away on Tuesday, lawmakers might need to push ahead with an impeachment inquiry against Trump in order to compel his administration to produce witnesses and documents.

"There are a number of colleagues who have suggested that if Mr McGahn doesn't appear tomorrow and answer questions that it's an appropriate time to open an impeachment inquiry," Cicilline told reporters.

He said an inquiry would begin the process to determine whether or not articles of impeachment should be voted on.

In his report, Mueller cited McGahn as saying that Trump called him several times in June 2017 to tell him to direct the Justice Department to remove Mueller because of conflicts of interest.

McGahn did not carry out Trump's order. Later, when news articles about the incident surfaced, McGahn told Mueller's investigators that Trump tried to get him to dispute the accuracy of the reports. McGahn again refused.

Obstruction?

Many Democratic lawmakers, as well as many former prosecutors not involved in the investigation, have said the alleged order by the president to fire Mueller and attempt to coerce McGahn to lie about it could amount to committing the crime of obstruction.

Trump has denied any wrongdoing and said he did not ask McGahn to have Mueller removed.

Mueller's report described numerous links between Trump's 2016 campaign and various Russians but did not find sufficient evidence to establish there was a criminal conspiracy with Moscow.

Mueller also described numerous attempts by Trump to impede the investigation, but stopped short of declaring the president had committed a crime.

Attorney General William Barr determined after reviewing Mueller's findings that there was insufficient evidence to bring criminal obstruction charges against the president.

Nadler's committee has been locked in multiple battles with the Trump administration over access to information contained in the Mueller report.

Trump said following the release of the report in March that it showed he was exonerated of colluding with Russia and obstruction of justice.

He has hardened his administration's position of defying the legal demands of Democrats in Congress, who want more information on the Russia investigation and Trump's taxes and business dealings.

Earlier this month, the committee voted to hold Barr in contempt after he defied a subpoena seeking an unredacted copy of the Mueller report and its underlying investigative materials.

Nadler also issued a subpoena last month compelling McGahn to testify on Tuesday, and he has previously said he would hold the attorney in contempt if he did not show up.

The Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel issued an opinion on Monday that gave legal cover to the decision to block McGahn from testifying.

"Congress may not constitutionally compel the President's senior advisers to testify about their official duties," Justice Department Assistant Attorney General Steven Engel wrote.

US President Donald Trump on Monday told former White House counsel Don McGahn to defy a subpoena to testify before Congress about the Russia investigation, deepening his fight with Democratic lawmakers.

US President Donald Trump on Monday told former White House counsel Don McGahn to defy a subpoena to testify before Congress about the Russia investigation, deepening his fight with Democratic lawmakers. McGahn would "respect the President's instruction" and not testify, his lawyer said later, in a letter sent to the head of the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee. The committee is investigating whether Trump illegally obstructed the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. It wants to quiz McGahn after he figured prominently in a report by Special Counsel Robert Mueller about the Russia probe and whether Trump committed obstruction of justice. But in a letter to the committee, White House Counsel Pat Cipollone said McGahn should not appear due to both "constitutional immunity" and "in order to protect the prerogatives of the Office of the Presidency." The committee's Democratic chairman, Jerrold Nadler, responded by saying Trump was trying to block damaging testimony about his obstruction of justice. "The President acted again and again - perhaps criminally - to protect himself from federal law enforcement. Don McGahn personally witnessed the most egregious of these acts. President Trump knows this. He clearly does not want the American people to hear firsthand about his alleged misconduct," Nadler said in a statement. He said his committee would meet on Tuesday morning and expected McGahn to show up and testify. Another Democrat on the committee, David Cicilline, warned that if McGahn stays away on Tuesday, lawmakers might need to push ahead with an impeachment inquiry against Trump in order to compel his administration to produce witnesses and documents. "There are a number of colleagues who have suggested that if Mr McGahn doesn't appear tomorrow and answer questions that it's an appropriate time to open an impeachment inquiry," Cicilline told reporters. He said an inquiry would begin the process to determine whether or not articles of impeachment should be voted on. In his report, Mueller cited McGahn as saying that Trump called him several times in June 2017 to tell him to direct the Justice Department to remove Mueller because of conflicts of interest. McGahn did not carry out Trump's order. Later, when news articles about the incident surfaced, McGahn told Mueller's investigators that Trump tried to get him to dispute the accuracy of the reports. McGahn again refused. Obstruction? Many Democratic lawmakers, as well as many former prosecutors not involved in the investigation, have said the alleged order by the president to fire Mueller and attempt to coerce McGahn to lie about it could amount to committing the crime of obstruction. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and said he did not ask McGahn to have Mueller removed. Mueller's report described numerous links between Trump's 2016 campaign and various Russians but did not find sufficient evidence to establish there was a criminal conspiracy with Moscow. Mueller also described numerous attempts by Trump to impede the investigation, but stopped short of declaring the president had committed a crime. Attorney General William Barr determined after reviewing Mueller's findings that there was insufficient evidence to bring criminal obstruction charges against the president. Nadler's committee has been locked in multiple battles with the Trump administration over access to information contained in the Mueller report. Trump said following the release of the report in March that it showed he was exonerated of colluding with Russia and obstruction of justice. He has hardened his administration's position of defying the legal demands of Democrats in Congress, who want more information on the Russia investigation and Trump's taxes and business dealings. Earlier this month, the committee voted to hold Barr in contempt after he defied a subpoena seeking an unredacted copy of the Mueller report and its underlying investigative materials. Nadler also issued a subpoena last month compelling McGahn to testify on Tuesday, and he has previously said he would hold the attorney in contempt if he did not show up. The Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel issued an opinion on Monday that gave legal cover to the decision to block McGahn from testifying. "Congress may not constitutionally compel the President's senior advisers to testify about their official duties," Justice Department Assistant Attorney General Steven Engel wrote.

Trump tells ex-White House counsel McGahn not to appear before Congress

U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Joseph Dunford briefed Congress on Iran. U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said that while threats from Iran in the Middle East remained high, deterrence measures taken by the Pentagon had deterred attacks on Americans. Watch this video to know more.

Donald Trump officials brief a divided Congress

Watch this video of India Election Watch: State Govt. in Tamil Nadu, MP, are nervous. Bypolls in Goa could alter the Govt. Govt. change could also happen in Goa & Manipur too. #LokSabhaElection2019 #GeneralElections2019 #PMModi

India Election Watch: May 23- Judgement Day For Many Seats

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