Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisami has said that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will sweep the polls in the state. His reaction came a day after exit polls predicted poor performance for the NDA in Tamil Nadu, saying the BJP-led alliance's tally will be in single digit.

"Ahead of the 2016 assembly poll results, the media had said that the we will lose and and get only three seats that fall under the Salem segment. But we ended up winning 10 seats. This is the nature of exit polls," Palanisami told reporters at Salem airport. Palanisami's AIADMK party is a part of the NDA.

Palaniswami said these numbers were being <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/time-and-again-exit-polls-have-failed-to-catch-the-peoples-pulse-chandrababu-naidu-220003">forced upon the people</a>. He also expressed confidence about the AIADMK and its allies sweeping the state's 38 parliamentary constituencies and the lone seat in Puducherry, while also winning all the 22 bypolls to the vacant assembly seats.

When asked about the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/exit-polls-2019-pm-modi-returning-to-power-with-300-plus-seats-say-pollsters-219927">projection of the exit polls</a> at the national level, he said, "I know only about the situation in Tamil Nadu and I'm saying this as the leader of a regional party."

AIADMK's political opponent DMK, meanwhile, said it does not take into consideration the exit poll projections, irrespective of whether they were in favour or against the DMK. "In three days, the people's verdict will be out and that's what we are eagerly waiting for," DMK chief MK Stalin said.

Watch: Exit polls predicts DMK's comeback in Tamil Nadu

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He said that Andhra Chief Minister and TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu had spoken to him many times and had also expressed support to the DMK.

Rubbishing questions on the Opposition parties meeting in New Delhi on May 23, Stalin said, "Who told you that the meeting is on 23rd? You yourselves are putting out that news. Only after the results on 23rd evening can we take a call on those meetings and that's when it would be useful."

The DMK, along with its allies the Congress and the Left parties, hopes to make big gains in Tamil Nadu as the AIADMK faces anti-incumbency after wins in the 2011 Assembly polls and 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisami has said that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will sweep the polls in the state. His reaction came a day after exit polls predicted poor performance for the NDA in Tamil Nadu, saying the BJP-led alliance's tally will be in single digit.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisami has said that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will sweep the polls in the state. His reaction came a day after exit polls predicted poor performance for the NDA in Tamil Nadu, saying the BJP-led alliance's tally will be in single digit. "Ahead of the 2016 assembly poll results, the media had said that the we will lose and and get only three seats that fall under the Salem segment. But we ended up winning 10 seats. This is the nature of exit polls," Palanisami told reporters at Salem airport. Palanisami's AIADMK party is a part of the NDA. Palaniswami said these numbers were being forced upon the people. He also expressed confidence about the AIADMK and its allies sweeping the state's 38 parliamentary constituencies and the lone seat in Puducherry, while also winning all the 22 bypolls to the vacant assembly seats. When asked about the projection of the exit polls at the national level, he said, "I know only about the situation in Tamil Nadu and I'm saying this as the leader of a regional party." AIADMK's political opponent DMK, meanwhile, said it does not take into consideration the exit poll projections, irrespective of whether they were in favour or against the DMK. "In three days, the people's verdict will be out and that's what we are eagerly waiting for," DMK chief MK Stalin said. Watch: Exit polls predicts DMK's comeback in Tamil Nadu He said that Andhra Chief Minister and TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu had spoken to him many times and had also expressed support to the DMK. Rubbishing questions on the Opposition parties meeting in New Delhi on May 23, Stalin said, "Who told you that the meeting is on 23rd? You yourselves are putting out that news. Only after the results on 23rd evening can we take a call on those meetings and that's when it would be useful." The DMK, along with its allies the Congress and the Left parties, hopes to make big gains in Tamil Nadu as the AIADMK faces anti-incumbency after wins in the 2011 Assembly polls and 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

Buzz from Tamil Nadu on exit poll predictions: Will sweep, says AIADMK; wait for results says DMK

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday asserted that Sabarimala issue did not affect polls in Kerala.

He, in a veiled attack on the BJP, said that it was the latter party which created trouble in the state.

Addressing media persons, he said, "We are going to win big. Sabarimala issue did not affect polls in Kerala. All of us know who created troubles there."

Asserting that those who created trouble during Sabarimala row are facing in-fighting now, Vijayan said, "Now there is in-fight within those people. Some among them have said that a group of people intervened with the intention of creating trouble there."

The Sabarimala temple and surrounding areas witnessed a string of protests since October last year over the Supreme Court`s decision to quash restrictions on the entry of women between 10 and 50 years.

Nearly four months after the apex court permitted women of all ages to enter the temple on September 28 last year, two women aged below 50 years entered the Lord Ayyappa temple to offer prayers.

Violent protests broke out all across the state, while a purification process took place in the temple following the entry of these two women - Bindu Ammini and Kanaka Durga.

In March, this year BJP's Kozhikode Lok Sabha candidate Prakash Babu was also remanded to judicial custody on Thursday for 14 days in a case related to violence at Sabarimala.&nbsp;

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday asserted that Sabarimala issue did not affect polls in Kerala. He, in a veiled attack on the BJP, said that it was the latter party which created trouble in the state.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday asserted that Sabarimala issue did not affect polls in Kerala. He, in a veiled attack on the BJP, said that it was the latter party which created trouble in the state. Addressing media persons, he said, "We are going to win big. Sabarimala issue did not affect polls in Kerala. All of us know who created troubles there." Asserting that those who created trouble during Sabarimala row are facing in-fighting now, Vijayan said, "Now there is in-fight within those people. Some among them have said that a group of people intervened with the intention of creating trouble there." The Sabarimala temple and surrounding areas witnessed a string of protests since October last year over the Supreme Court`s decision to quash restrictions on the entry of women between 10 and 50 years. Nearly four months after the apex court permitted women of all ages to enter the temple on September 28 last year, two women aged below 50 years entered the Lord Ayyappa temple to offer prayers. Violent protests broke out all across the state, while a purification process took place in the temple following the entry of these two women - Bindu Ammini and Kanaka Durga. In March, this year BJP's Kozhikode Lok Sabha candidate Prakash Babu was also remanded to judicial custody on Thursday for 14 days in a case related to violence at Sabarimala.

Sabarimala issue didn't affect polls in Kerala: Pinarayi Vijayan

A BJP delegation led by Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Railway minister Piyush Goyal approached the Election Commission (EC) and urged it to conduct repoll in the constituencies where violence had taken place during all the phases of the Lok Sabha polls in some states.

Speaking to media, he said, "We have met the Election Commissioners and informed them about the violence that had taken place in all the seven phases of the Lok Sabha polls and requested for repolling in all the violence-affected constituencies."

"We have also demanded that the EC withdraw the false cases made against BJP leaders in West Bengal," Goyal added.

The Union minister further said, "We have informed the EC about West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee`s threat to people of the state that she will deal with them after the polls."

"We feel that there is a chance of violence in West Bengal now and even after the counting is over. Therefore, we request the poll watch body to ensure that the Central forces will continue to be stationed in the state till the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is over," added the Union minister.

Expressing concern to ensure that the counting process remains free and fair, Goyal further said, "We requested EC to ensure that in all EVM strongroom, the Central forces should be stationed."

To make sure the counting process remains free and fair, "We have requested the EC observers and special observers to be present in the counting booths in the states of Odisha, West Bengal, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh."

"There should be strict checking in the EVM strongroom. CCTV cameras should be installed in counting rooms in all these states and there should be no entry of any unauthorized person inside the EVM strongroom," he added.

Large scale violence was reported from different parliamentary constituencies across West Bengal on the seventh phase of the general elections with Trinamool and BJP blaming each other for the violence. While vehicles of few leaders were vandalised in poll-related violence, BJP has also accused TMC of beating its office-bearers.

West Bengal that went for polls in all the phases of the Lok Sabha elections witnessed violence in every phase. The counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

A BJP delegation led by Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Railway minister Piyush Goyal approached the Election Commission (EC) and urged it to conduct repoll in the constituencies where violence had taken place during all the phases of the Lok Sabha polls in some states.

A BJP delegation led by Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Railway minister Piyush Goyal approached the Election Commission (EC) and urged it to conduct repoll in the constituencies where violence had taken place during all the phases of the Lok Sabha polls in some states. Speaking to media, he said, "We have met the Election Commissioners and informed them about the violence that had taken place in all the seven phases of the Lok Sabha polls and requested for repolling in all the violence-affected constituencies." "We have also demanded that the EC withdraw the false cases made against BJP leaders in West Bengal," Goyal added. The Union minister further said, "We have informed the EC about West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee`s threat to people of the state that she will deal with them after the polls." "We feel that there is a chance of violence in West Bengal now and even after the counting is over. Therefore, we request the poll watch body to ensure that the Central forces will continue to be stationed in the state till the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is over," added the Union minister. Expressing concern to ensure that the counting process remains free and fair, Goyal further said, "We requested EC to ensure that in all EVM strongroom, the Central forces should be stationed." To make sure the counting process remains free and fair, "We have requested the EC observers and special observers to be present in the counting booths in the states of Odisha, West Bengal, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh." "There should be strict checking in the EVM strongroom. CCTV cameras should be installed in counting rooms in all these states and there should be no entry of any unauthorized person inside the EVM strongroom," he added. Large scale violence was reported from different parliamentary constituencies across West Bengal on the seventh phase of the general elections with Trinamool and BJP blaming each other for the violence. While vehicles of few leaders were vandalised in poll-related violence, BJP has also accused TMC of beating its office-bearers. West Bengal that went for polls in all the phases of the Lok Sabha elections witnessed violence in every phase. The counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls will take place on May 23.

BJP requests Election Commission to conduct re-polling in booths affected by violence in Lok Sabha polls

Indian domestic stock markets cheered on Monday after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/exit-polls-2019-pm-modi-returning-to-power-with-300-plus-seats-say-pollsters-219927">exit poll results</a> showed that the BJP-led NDA is likely to win the Lok Sabha polls 2019.

BSE Sensex surged over 1000 points during the trade hours, and the rupee appreciated 79 paise against the US dollar. Domestic benchmark indices continued to extend their rally later in the day with the BSE Sensex climbing 1,300 points, Nifty touched 11,800 mark.

The 30-share index was trading 1,341 points or 3.54 per cent, higher at 39,271.77 points.

In similar movement, the broader NSE Nifty soared 393.95 points, or 3.45 per cent, to 11,801.10.&nbsp;

Top gainers in the Sensex pack include Maruti, L&amp;T, SBI, ICICI Bank, RIL, M&amp;M, IndusInd Bank, Axis Bank, Yes Bank and Vedanta, rising up to 4 per cent.

On the other hand, Bajaj Auto, Infosys and HCL Tech slipped up to 2 per cent.

Most exit polls Sunday forecast another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with some of them projecting that BJP-led NDA will get more than 300 seats to comfortably cross the majority mark of 272 in the Lok Sabha.

The results of the seven-phase polls will come out Thursday.

"The exit polls have been better than market expectations, with the ruling party getting a comfortable majority. The market is likely to rally further, but the rally may not be significant as there are challenges of not so encouraging earnings growth, lower liquidity, slowing economy and global challenges," said Naveen Kulkarni, Head of Research, Reliance Securities.

There could be a sector-specific rally. Infrastructure and banking stocks could do well, he added.

Meanwhile, market regulator Sebi and stock exchanges have beefed up their surveillance mechanism to check any manipulative activities in the market this week in view of the high-octane election-related events lined up.

Foreign institutional investors sold equity worth Rs 1,057.82 crore on Friday, while domestic institutional investors purchased shares to the tune of Rs 1,809.76 crore, provisional data available with stock exchanges showed.

Elsewhere in Asia, bourses in China, Japan and Korea were trading on a mixed note in their respective early sessions.

On the currency front, the rupee appreciated by 79 paise to 69.44 against the US dollar in opening trade Monday.

Brent crude, the global benchmark, was trading at 73.28 per barrel, higher by 1.48 per cent. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Indian domestic stock markets cheered on Monday after exit poll results showed that the BJP-led NDA is likely to win the Lok Sabha polls 2019. BSE Sensex surged over 1000 points during the trade hours, and the rupee appreciated 79 paise against the US dollar.

Indian domestic stock markets cheered on Monday after exit poll results showed that the BJP-led NDA is likely to win the Lok Sabha polls 2019. BSE Sensex surged over 1000 points during the trade hours, and the rupee appreciated 79 paise against the US dollar. Domestic benchmark indices continued to extend their rally later in the day with the BSE Sensex climbing 1,300 points, Nifty touched 11,800 mark. The 30-share index was trading 1,341 points or 3.54 per cent, higher at 39,271.77 points. In similar movement, the broader NSE Nifty soared 393.95 points, or 3.45 per cent, to 11,801.10. Top gainers in the Sensex pack include Maruti, L&T, SBI, ICICI Bank, RIL, M&M, IndusInd Bank, Axis Bank, Yes Bank and Vedanta, rising up to 4 per cent. On the other hand, Bajaj Auto, Infosys and HCL Tech slipped up to 2 per cent. Most exit polls Sunday forecast another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with some of them projecting that BJP-led NDA will get more than 300 seats to comfortably cross the majority mark of 272 in the Lok Sabha. The results of the seven-phase polls will come out Thursday. "The exit polls have been better than market expectations, with the ruling party getting a comfortable majority. The market is likely to rally further, but the rally may not be significant as there are challenges of not so encouraging earnings growth, lower liquidity, slowing economy and global challenges," said Naveen Kulkarni, Head of Research, Reliance Securities. There could be a sector-specific rally. Infrastructure and banking stocks could do well, he added. Meanwhile, market regulator Sebi and stock exchanges have beefed up their surveillance mechanism to check any manipulative activities in the market this week in view of the high-octane election-related events lined up. Foreign institutional investors sold equity worth Rs 1,057.82 crore on Friday, while domestic institutional investors purchased shares to the tune of Rs 1,809.76 crore, provisional data available with stock exchanges showed. Elsewhere in Asia, bourses in China, Japan and Korea were trading on a mixed note in their respective early sessions. On the currency front, the rupee appreciated by 79 paise to 69.44 against the US dollar in opening trade Monday. Brent crude, the global benchmark, was trading at 73.28 per barrel, higher by 1.48 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

As exit polls predict NDA win, Sensex surges over 1,300 points; inches up to touch 39,271

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/mayawati-likely-to-meet-sonia-gandhi-ahead-of-lok-sabha-poll-result-219973">BSP supremo Mayawati</a> and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met here on Monday after exit poll projections that the NDA is all set to form the government again at the Centre.

Yadav, who had formed a coalition with the BSP and the RLD to take on the BJP, drove to the residence of Mayawati.

Details of what transpired between the two top leaders were not known immediately.

BSP supremo Mayawati and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met here on Monday after exit poll projections that the NDA is all set to form the government again at the Centre.

BSP supremo Mayawati and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met here on Monday after exit poll projections that the NDA is all set to form the government again at the Centre. Yadav, who had formed a coalition with the BSP and the RLD to take on the BJP, drove to the residence of Mayawati. Details of what transpired between the two top leaders were not known immediately.

Mayawati meets Akhilesh Yadav after exit polls projections

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Monday termed the exit polls as a trick by the RSS-backed institutions and asked all his supporters to reject it, a day after these polls gave NDA a comfortable majority to return to power at the Centre and not-so-good prospects for the opposition alliance in Bihar.

"Before the exit, the market`s own compulsions are sold in the name of Exit Polls. With the help of Sangh (RSS)-supported institutions and resources, playing with the psychology of the disadvantaged is their old weapon. Dismiss it. We are winning. Keep a close watch on the strong room. The tricks of people expert in playing the dirty games cannot be successful," Yadav`s said in a tweet.

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah had a different take on the exit polls."Every single exit poll can`t be wrong! Time to switch off the TV, log out of social media &amp; wait to see if the world is still spinning on its axis on the 23rd," tweeted National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/hope-naidus-excitement-last-till-may-23-shiv-sena-mocks-andhra-cm-220025">TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu </a>on Sunday said that Exit Polls have failed to catch the people`s pulse."Time and again Exit Polls have failed to catch the people`s pulse. Exit polls have proved to be incorrect and far from ground reality in many instances. While undoubtedly TDP government will be formed in AP, we are confident that non-BJP parties will form a non-BJP government at the Centre," tweeted Naidu.

Exit polls on television channels on Sunday projected the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to retain power at the Centre with most of the pollsters giving Prime Minister Modi a clear majority again in the 543-member Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Monday termed the exit polls as a trick by the RSS-backed institutions and asked all his supporters to reject it, a day after these polls gave NDA a comfortable majority to return to power at the Centre and not-so-good prospects for the opposition alliance in Bihar.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Monday termed the exit polls as a trick by the RSS-backed institutions and asked all his supporters to reject it, a day after these polls gave NDA a comfortable majority to return to power at the Centre and not-so-good prospects for the opposition alliance in Bihar. "Before the exit, the market`s own compulsions are sold in the name of Exit Polls. With the help of Sangh (RSS)-supported institutions and resources, playing with the psychology of the disadvantaged is their old weapon. Dismiss it. We are winning. Keep a close watch on the strong room. The tricks of people expert in playing the dirty games cannot be successful," Yadav`s said in a tweet. National Conference leader Omar Abdullah had a different take on the exit polls."Every single exit poll can`t be wrong! Time to switch off the TV, log out of social media & wait to see if the world is still spinning on its axis on the 23rd," tweeted National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday said that Exit Polls have failed to catch the people`s pulse."Time and again Exit Polls have failed to catch the people`s pulse. Exit polls have proved to be incorrect and far from ground reality in many instances. While undoubtedly TDP government will be formed in AP, we are confident that non-BJP parties will form a non-BJP government at the Centre," tweeted Naidu. Exit polls on television channels on Sunday projected the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to retain power at the Centre with most of the pollsters giving Prime Minister Modi a clear majority again in the 543-member Lok Sabha.

Exit poll results are wrong, the opposition is winning: Tejashwi Yadav

In what comes a major relief to actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan, the Madurai bench of the Madras High court has granted him Anticipatory bail on Monday, after the Police booked him for his controversial remarks on Nathuram Godse. Kamal made the remarks while campaigning for his party Makkal Needhi Maiam’s Aravakurichi candidate.&nbsp;

It was at a public meeting on May 12&nbsp;that Haasan said that Independent India’s first terrorist was a Hindu, referring to Nathuram Godse who had assassinated Mahatma Gandhi.&nbsp;

This statement had generated political reactions from the BJP and the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu, which is part of the BJP-led NDA alliance. Hassan was accused of minority appeasement and the BJP had also complained to the Election Commission that his ‘remarks were made deliberately in the presence of a Muslim majority crowd for electoral gains’.

The FIR against his comments were filed in Aravakurichi based on the complaint filed by members of Hindu fringe groups. A case was registered under sections 153A and 295A.&nbsp;

The High Court’s Madurai bench had reserved its order last week.&nbsp;

After completing his last leg of campaigning, Kamal Haasan had clarified that “If a historical truth is spoken and it wounds people, we should heal that wound. That’s why we are here, being together and co-existing is the way ahead.”

Elaborating that his comments were on co-existence over tolerance, Haasan said other religions should not be tolerated but should be wholly accepted.

There were also attempts of violence against the actor for his comments, as miscreants had hurled slippers, eggs and stones at rallies of the actor. However, they fell in the midst of the crowd and the actor was escorted to safety.&nbsp;

Haasan’s party Makkal Needhi Maiam is making its debut in the Parliamentary polls and the by-polls to Tamil Nadu’s Assembly seats.

In what comes a major relief to actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan, the Madurai bench of the Madras High court has granted him Anticipatory bail on Monday, after the Police booked him for his controversial remarks on Nathuram Godse.

In what comes a major relief to actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan, the Madurai bench of the Madras High court has granted him Anticipatory bail on Monday, after the Police booked him for his controversial remarks on Nathuram Godse. Kamal made the remarks while campaigning for his party Makkal Needhi Maiam’s Aravakurichi candidate. It was at a public meeting on May 12 that Haasan said that Independent India’s first terrorist was a Hindu, referring to Nathuram Godse who had assassinated Mahatma Gandhi. This statement had generated political reactions from the BJP and the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu, which is part of the BJP-led NDA alliance. Hassan was accused of minority appeasement and the BJP had also complained to the Election Commission that his ‘remarks were made deliberately in the presence of a Muslim majority crowd for electoral gains’. The FIR against his comments were filed in Aravakurichi based on the complaint filed by members of Hindu fringe groups. A case was registered under sections 153A and 295A. The High Court’s Madurai bench had reserved its order last week. After completing his last leg of campaigning, Kamal Haasan had clarified that “If a historical truth is spoken and it wounds people, we should heal that wound. That’s why we are here, being together and co-existing is the way ahead.” Elaborating that his comments were on co-existence over tolerance, Haasan said other religions should not be tolerated but should be wholly accepted. There were also attempts of violence against the actor for his comments, as miscreants had hurled slippers, eggs and stones at rallies of the actor. However, they fell in the midst of the crowd and the actor was escorted to safety. Haasan’s party Makkal Needhi Maiam is making its debut in the Parliamentary polls and the by-polls to Tamil Nadu’s Assembly seats.

Nathuram Godse remark: Madras High Court grants anticipatory bail to Kamal Haasan

Congress leader Sheila Dikshit and BJP's Sudesh Verma speak exclusively to WION on exit poll results which predict huge victory for BJP in the Lok Sabha polls.

BJP, Congress react to exit poll predictions

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday expressed confidence that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will be able to secure victory in the Lok Sabha elections and also cast his vote in the ongoing seventh phase of the elections.

"I cast my vote just now, the public is with us (BJP). The mood of Patna Sahib is the same as that of the rest of the country, people want to make Modi Ji the Prime Minister again," Prasad told reporters outside his polling booth after casting his vote.

Prior to casting his vote Prasad, who was accompanied by his 88-year old mother, expressed the confidence that he will win.

"I am going to cast my vote, which is my democratic right. The country will achieve new levels of growth in the coming days. I am confident of my victory as always," Prasad told reporters at the time of leaving his house.

The BJP fielded Prasad against Congress leader and sitting MP from Patna Sahib Shatrughan Sinha. Sinha, a two time MP from the same seat is seeking re-election for the third time from the seat.

Bihar is seeing polling on 8 seats in the seventh and the final phase of the Lok Sabha polls. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday expressed confidence that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will be able to secure victory in the Lok Sabha elections and also cast his vote in the ongoing seventh phase of the elections.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday expressed confidence that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will be able to secure victory in the Lok Sabha elections and also cast his vote in the ongoing seventh phase of the elections. "I cast my vote just now, the public is with us (BJP). The mood of Patna Sahib is the same as that of the rest of the country, people want to make Modi Ji the Prime Minister again," Prasad told reporters outside his polling booth after casting his vote. Prior to casting his vote Prasad, who was accompanied by his 88-year old mother, expressed the confidence that he will win. "I am going to cast my vote, which is my democratic right. The country will achieve new levels of growth in the coming days. I am confident of my victory as always," Prasad told reporters at the time of leaving his house. The BJP fielded Prasad against Congress leader and sitting MP from Patna Sahib Shatrughan Sinha. Sinha, a two time MP from the same seat is seeking re-election for the third time from the seat. Bihar is seeing polling on 8 seats in the seventh and the final phase of the Lok Sabha polls. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Confident of my victory; people want to make 'Modi ji' PM again: Ravi Shankar Prasad

RJD leader Rabri Devi sought Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's resignation after the latter condemned Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur's comment on Nathuram Godse.

Rabri told ANI that if Kumar was miffed over Thakur's remark then he should have separated from the BJP. "Nitish Kumar should have resigned if he is hurt over Pragya Thakur's comment. He should have separated from BJP over this comment," she said speaking to ANI.&nbsp;

"We are getting 40 out of 40 seats. The Mahagathbandhan is relaxed. On May 23, everything will be clear," she added.

Pragya Thakur on May 16, stoked a huge controversy and left the BJP red-faced with her comment that Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse was a 'true patriot', a statement her party condemned and asked her to apologise for it immediately.

The Opposition parties tore into Pragya, saying what she said reflected the mindset of the people nurtured in RSS ideology.

Thakur, an accused in the Malegaon blast case, is not new to courting controversies. After being fielded by the BJP in Bhopal, she had said Hemant Karkare, who was killed during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, died because she had cursed him. The statement had attracted all-round criticism including from the BJP which disowned it.

RJD leader Rabri Devi sought Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's resignation after the latter condemned Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur's comment on Nathuram Godse. Rabri told ANI that if Kumar was miffed over Thakur's remark then he should have separated from the BJP.

RJD leader Rabri Devi sought Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's resignation after the latter condemned Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur's comment on Nathuram Godse. Rabri told ANI that if Kumar was miffed over Thakur's remark then he should have separated from the BJP. "Nitish Kumar should have resigned if he is hurt over Pragya Thakur's comment. He should have separated from BJP over this comment," she said speaking to ANI. "We are getting 40 out of 40 seats. The Mahagathbandhan is relaxed. On May 23, everything will be clear," she added. Pragya Thakur on May 16, stoked a huge controversy and left the BJP red-faced with her comment that Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse was a 'true patriot', a statement her party condemned and asked her to apologise for it immediately. The Opposition parties tore into Pragya, saying what she said reflected the mindset of the people nurtured in RSS ideology. Thakur, an accused in the Malegaon blast case, is not new to courting controversies. After being fielded by the BJP in Bhopal, she had said Hemant Karkare, who was killed during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, died because she had cursed him. The statement had attracted all-round criticism including from the BJP which disowned it.

'Nitish should resign if he's hurt over Pragya Thakur's Godse remark': Rabri Devi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid obeisance and performed puja at Badrinath temple on the second day of his two-day visit to Uttarakhand, reported news agency PTI.&nbsp;

The prime minister reached Badrinath after spending around 20 hours in the Himalayan shrine of Kedarnath.

Modi offered prayers at innermost sanctum in Badrinath, another temple in Uttarakhand's 'char dham' religious circuit, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid obeisance and performed puja at Badrinath temple on the second day of his two-day visit to Uttarakhand, reported news agency PTI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid obeisance and performed puja at Badrinath temple on the second day of his two-day visit to Uttarakhand, reported news agency PTI. The prime minister reached Badrinath after spending around 20 hours in the Himalayan shrine of Kedarnath. Modi offered prayers at innermost sanctum in Badrinath, another temple in Uttarakhand's 'char dham' religious circuit, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi performs puja at Badrinath temple

Exit polls 2019 predict a big victory for PM Modi-led NDA

As the polling booths closed on Sunday marking an end to the seven-phased general elections, exit polls predicted Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/exit-polls-2019-pm-modi-returning-to-power-with-300-plus-seats-say-pollsters-219927">Narendra Modi-led NDA is coming back to power with a landslide victory</a>.

While the Times Now-VMR exit poll said the BJP-led NDA will win 306 of the 542 seats and the UPA will settle at 132, Republic C-Voter said the NDA will win 287 seats and UPA 128. Others, which include regional parties, will get 120 seats according to Times Now-VMR and 87 according to Republic C-Voter survey.

Global media, which closely followed the mega electoral battle, was abuzz with the pollsters' prediction of PM Narendra Modi getting a second term.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The New York Times, in a piece, stated that "the first batch of exit polls predicted that Narendra Modi, the prime minister, would return to power," adding that "many Indians credit him with programs that have helped the poor and cut through red tape and corruption".&nbsp;

"The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lions-share-of-uttar-pradeshs-seats-going-to-bjp-predict-exit-polls-219936">BJP would maintain its strong grip on Uttar Pradesh</a>, the most valuable state with 80 seats on offer, an average of seven polls showed," The Guardian stated in its report.

"The BJP has been trying to make inroads in the eastern state to counteract expected losses in Uttar Pradesh and other parts of north India’s 'Hindi heartland' that the party swept in 2014," the report added.

UK-based BBC reported said, "A number of exit polls are suggesting that Narendra Modi... is on course to win the general election. The BJP dominated the campaign but analysts warn that exit polls have often been wrong in the past," the BBC stated.&nbsp;

News agency Reuters reported citing analysts, "a clear win would mean Modi can carry out reforms investors expect to make India an easier place for doing business".

The exit poll is an exercise where psephologists follow a systematic and scientific manner in putting out a possible number of seats that a political party or alliance could muster up at the end of voting.

Exit polls have been used for years to provide the pulse of India's political climate once voting is over. They try to give a sense of how voters may have exercised their franchise and which political party or alliance of parties stand the best chance of forming the next government.

The counting of votes will take place on May 23, final results of the mega electoral exercise will be announced the same day.&nbsp;

Watch: Know ten big take-aways emerged from 'exit polls 2019'

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&nbsp;

As the polling booths closed on Sunday marking an end to the seven-phased general elections, exit polls predicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA is coming back to power with a landslide victory.

As the polling booths closed on Sunday marking an end to the seven-phased general elections, exit polls predicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA is coming back to power with a landslide victory. While the Times Now-VMR exit poll said the BJP-led NDA will win 306 of the 542 seats and the UPA will settle at 132, Republic C-Voter said the NDA will win 287 seats and UPA 128. Others, which include regional parties, will get 120 seats according to Times Now-VMR and 87 according to Republic C-Voter survey. Global media, which closely followed the mega electoral battle, was abuzz with the pollsters' prediction of PM Narendra Modi getting a second term. The New York Times, in a piece, stated that "the first batch of exit polls predicted that Narendra Modi, the prime minister, would return to power," adding that "many Indians credit him with programs that have helped the poor and cut through red tape and corruption". "The BJP would maintain its strong grip on Uttar Pradesh, the most valuable state with 80 seats on offer, an average of seven polls showed," The Guardian stated in its report. "The BJP has been trying to make inroads in the eastern state to counteract expected losses in Uttar Pradesh and other parts of north India’s 'Hindi heartland' that the party swept in 2014," the report added. UK-based BBC reported said, "A number of exit polls are suggesting that Narendra Modi... is on course to win the general election. The BJP dominated the campaign but analysts warn that exit polls have often been wrong in the past," the BBC stated. News agency Reuters reported citing analysts, "a clear win would mean Modi can carry out reforms investors expect to make India an easier place for doing business". The exit poll is an exercise where psephologists follow a systematic and scientific manner in putting out a possible number of seats that a political party or alliance could muster up at the end of voting. Exit polls have been used for years to provide the pulse of India's political climate once voting is over. They try to give a sense of how voters may have exercised their franchise and which political party or alliance of parties stand the best chance of forming the next government. The counting of votes will take place on May 23, final results of the mega electoral exercise will be announced the same day. Watch: Know ten big take-aways emerged from 'exit polls 2019' ×

Foreign media on exit polls predicting second term for BJP

In an exclusive conversation with Senior journalist Arun Anand, WION gets an insight of how PM Modi's Hindutva agenda journey has been so far. Watch full video to know more. #GeneralElection2019 #IndiaVotes #SeventhPhasePolling

'Hindutva has been PM Modi's core strength', says Senior journalist Arun Anand

The exit polls have predicted a huge win for BJP-led NDA in the Lok Sabha elections 2019.

Exit polls 2019: 10 big takeaways

In this video, watch Senior Journalist Sumanth C. Raman speaking to WION on Indian General Election and gining an insight about the same. Watch full video to know more.

Senior Journalist Sumanth C. Raman speaks to WION on Indian General Election

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/exit-polls-2019-pm-modi-returning-to-power-with-300-plus-seats-say-pollsters-219927">Going by the exit polls</a>, Mamata Banerjee-led All India Trinamool Congress will retain her hold in West Bengal but at the cost of loss of seat share. The BJP, on the other hand, is predicted to make significant inroads into the state bagging seats in double-digits.&nbsp;

While 'Poll of polls'&nbsp;predicted 15 seats for the NDA and 25 for the TMC, Times Now-VMR showed 11 seats going to the NDA and 28 to the TMC.&nbsp;

ABP Neilsen survey said that the TMC will keep 24 Lok Sabha seats in the state while 16 will go to the BJP. Of the total 42 seats in West Bengal, the NDA is likely to win 11 and TMC would settle with 29 seats, Republic C-Voter predicted.

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The predictions pronounce a significant shift in voting trend in West Bengal as the TMC is shown to bear a loss of as many as 10 seats this Lok Sabha polls while the NDA is likely to benefit on around 14 seats.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
It must be remembered that during the last Lok Sabha polls, Banerjee's TMC registered&nbsp;a massive victory on over 34 seats. The Congress kept 4 seats while the CPI(M) and the BJP settled with two seats each. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This year's Lok Sabha polls witnessed a dramatic political play in West Bengal with many incidents of violence and unrest reported in almost phases of the seven-phased general elections. West Bengal also topped the turnout tally in almost all phases of the general elections. TMC and BJP workers sparred at many incidents and time and again the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged Centre's interference in the state.&nbsp;

The Modi-wave however, seemed to have a significant drive in the state. The exit polls predict that BJP's strengthened image and Modi's increased popularity may affect the electoral outcome in the state.&nbsp;

While the exit polls predict the electoral battle in West Bengal to result in a dramatic swing of seats from TMC's kitty to BJP's bag, final results are awaited and will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

Watch: Exit Polls show BJP emerges as second largest party in West Bengal

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Meanwhile, Banerjee has dubbed exit polls as "gossip" and has said that she doesn't trust such surveys as the "game plan" is to use them for "manipulation" of EVMs.

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I don’t trust Exit Poll gossip. The game plan is to manipulate or replace thousands of EVMs through this gossip. I appeal to all Opposition parties to be united, strong and bold. We will fight this battle together
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/1130112216202526720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I don't trust Exit Poll gossip. The game plan is to manipulate or replace thousands of EVMs through this gossip. I appeal to all Opposition parties to be united, strong and bold. We will fight this battle together," Banerjee said in a tweet.

 
&nbsp;

Going by the exit polls, Mamata Banerjee-led All India Trinamool Congress will retain her hold in West Bengal but at the cost of loss of seat share. The BJP, on the other hand, is predicted to make significant inroads into the state bagging seats in double-digits.

Going by the exit polls, Mamata Banerjee-led All India Trinamool Congress will retain her hold in West Bengal but at the cost of loss of seat share. The BJP, on the other hand, is predicted to make significant inroads into the state bagging seats in double-digits. While 'Poll of polls' predicted 15 seats for the NDA and 25 for the TMC, Times Now-VMR showed 11 seats going to the NDA and 28 to the TMC. ABP Neilsen survey said that the TMC will keep 24 Lok Sabha seats in the state while 16 will go to the BJP. Of the total 42 seats in West Bengal, the NDA is likely to win 11 and TMC would settle with 29 seats, Republic C-Voter predicted. The predictions pronounce a significant shift in voting trend in West Bengal as the TMC is shown to bear a loss of as many as 10 seats this Lok Sabha polls while the NDA is likely to benefit on around 14 seats. It must be remembered that during the last Lok Sabha polls, Banerjee's TMC registered a massive victory on over 34 seats. The Congress kept 4 seats while the CPI(M) and the BJP settled with two seats each. This year's Lok Sabha polls witnessed a dramatic political play in West Bengal with many incidents of violence and unrest reported in almost phases of the seven-phased general elections. West Bengal also topped the turnout tally in almost all phases of the general elections. TMC and BJP workers sparred at many incidents and time and again the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged Centre's interference in the state. The Modi-wave however, seemed to have a significant drive in the state. The exit polls predict that BJP's strengthened image and Modi's increased popularity may affect the electoral outcome in the state. While the exit polls predict the electoral battle in West Bengal to result in a dramatic swing of seats from TMC's kitty to BJP's bag, final results are awaited and will be announced on May 23. Watch: Exit Polls show BJP emerges as second largest party in West Bengal × Meanwhile, Banerjee has dubbed exit polls as "gossip" and has said that she doesn't trust such surveys as the "game plan" is to use them for "manipulation" of EVMs. I don’t trust Exit Poll gossip. The game plan is to manipulate or replace thousands of EVMs through this gossip. I appeal to all Opposition parties to be united, strong and bold. We will fight this battle together — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) May 19, 2019 × "I don't trust Exit Poll gossip. The game plan is to manipulate or replace thousands of EVMs through this gossip. I appeal to all Opposition parties to be united, strong and bold. We will fight this battle together," Banerjee said in a tweet.

In West Bengal, pollsters predict considerable loss to Mamata; NDA to make significant inroads

As the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/exit-polls-2019-pm-modi-returning-to-power-with-300-plus-seats-say-pollsters-219927">exit polls predictions</a> came out projecting the return&nbsp;of Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/exit-polls-2019-pollsters-predict-bjp-to-make-a-clean-sweep-in-delhi-on-all-7-seats-219933">Narendra Modi-led NDA&nbsp;at the Centre</a> with close to 300 seats, politicians took to Twitter to express their opinion over the predictions.

Expressing disappointment over the exit poll, National Conference leader and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah said, "Time to switch off the TV, log out of social media".

“Every single exit poll can’t be wrong! Time to switch off the TV, log out of social media &amp; wait to see if the world is still spinning on its axis on the 23rd, " the leader tweeted.

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien showed little reliance over the exit poll predictions and said he would wait for the&nbsp;verdict on&nbsp;the result day.

"Have 'Delhi media’ who masquerade as ‘national media’ lost their credentials and credibility? So-called Exit Polls will only confuse. We await the verdict of the people. Modi ji had called the number 300+ even before Phase 7. Are these numbers to match that? EVM manipulation?, " he tweeted.

Dubbing exit polls as "gossip", West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee said she doesn't trust such surveys, as the "game plan" is to use them for "manipulation" of EVMs.

"I don't trust Exit Poll gossip. The game plan is to manipulate or replace thousands of EVMs through this gossip. I appeal to all Opposition parties to be united, strong and bold. We will fight this battle together," Banerjee said in a tweet.

Speaking on the exit polls, Captain Amarinder Singh said, "I have been watching exit polls from over 50 years now and I don't believe them to be correct. My guess is that we are going to do very well. &nbsp;It's not possible to be accurate about the results".

"I have had so much experience, but I, myself cannot guess how many seats are coming in our favour. In Punjab too, we are going to do much well as compared to what the exit polls are estimating".

Watch: TMC reacts to Exit Poll Predictions

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BJP leader&nbsp;Shahnawaz Hussain targetted the Congress president Rahul Gandhi saying he was looking for excuses even before the results were announced.

"Even before the #ExitPoll2019 is out, Rahul Gandhi has started attacking the #ElectionCommission . He knows that Congress is going to give a dismal performance in #LokSabhaElections2019 , just like 2014 &amp; is desperately looking for excuses, ".

The marathon seven-phased Lok Sabha polls concluded on Sunday, and shortly after that, exit polls are predicting that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lions-share-of-uttar-pradeshs-seats-going-to-bjp-predict-exit-polls-219936">Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA</a> is coming back to power at the Centre with close to 300 seats.

While the Times Now-VMR exit poll says the BJP-led NDA will win 306 of the 542 seats and the UPA will settle at 132, Republic C-Voter says the NDA will win 287 seats and UPA 128. Others, which include regional parties, will get 120 seats according to Times Now-VMR and 87 according to Republic C-Voter survey.

The News18-IPSOS survey predicts Prime Minister Narendra Modi's return with 300 plus seats for NDA.

Times Now-VMR survey predicted that the BJP would emerge as the single largest party winning 262 seats, after the end of mammoth seven-phase polling for the 542 of the 543 parliamentary constituencies. The BJP, on its own, may fall short of majority by nine seats.

&nbsp;Watch: TRS reacts to Exit Poll Predictions

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The results will be announced on May 23 and the new government will be formed next week.

As the exit polls predictions came out projecting the return of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA at the Centre with close to 300 seats, politicians took to Twitter to express their opinion over the predictions.

As the exit polls predictions came out projecting the return of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA at the Centre with close to 300 seats, politicians took to Twitter to express their opinion over the predictions. Expressing disappointment over the exit poll, National Conference leader and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah said, "Time to switch off the TV, log out of social media". “Every single exit poll can’t be wrong! Time to switch off the TV, log out of social media & wait to see if the world is still spinning on its axis on the 23rd, " the leader tweeted. Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien showed little reliance over the exit poll predictions and said he would wait for the verdict on the result day. "Have 'Delhi media’ who masquerade as ‘national media’ lost their credentials and credibility? So-called Exit Polls will only confuse. We await the verdict of the people. Modi ji had called the number 300+ even before Phase 7. Are these numbers to match that? EVM manipulation?, " he tweeted. Dubbing exit polls as "gossip", West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee said she doesn't trust such surveys, as the "game plan" is to use them for "manipulation" of EVMs. "I don't trust Exit Poll gossip. The game plan is to manipulate or replace thousands of EVMs through this gossip. I appeal to all Opposition parties to be united, strong and bold. We will fight this battle together," Banerjee said in a tweet. Speaking on the exit polls, Captain Amarinder Singh said, "I have been watching exit polls from over 50 years now and I don't believe them to be correct. My guess is that we are going to do very well. It's not possible to be accurate about the results". "I have had so much experience, but I, myself cannot guess how many seats are coming in our favour. In Punjab too, we are going to do much well as compared to what the exit polls are estimating". Watch: TMC reacts to Exit Poll Predictions × BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain targetted the Congress president Rahul Gandhi saying he was looking for excuses even before the results were announced. "Even before the #ExitPoll2019 is out, Rahul Gandhi has started attacking the #ElectionCommission . He knows that Congress is going to give a dismal performance in #LokSabhaElections2019 , just like 2014 & is desperately looking for excuses, ". The marathon seven-phased Lok Sabha polls concluded on Sunday, and shortly after that, exit polls are predicting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA is coming back to power at the Centre with close to 300 seats. While the Times Now-VMR exit poll says the BJP-led NDA will win 306 of the 542 seats and the UPA will settle at 132, Republic C-Voter says the NDA will win 287 seats and UPA 128. Others, which include regional parties, will get 120 seats according to Times Now-VMR and 87 according to Republic C-Voter survey. The News18-IPSOS survey predicts Prime Minister Narendra Modi's return with 300 plus seats for NDA. Times Now-VMR survey predicted that the BJP would emerge as the single largest party winning 262 seats, after the end of mammoth seven-phase polling for the 542 of the 543 parliamentary constituencies. The BJP, on its own, may fall short of majority by nine seats. Watch: TRS reacts to Exit Poll Predictions × The results will be announced on May 23 and the new government will be formed next week.

'Time to switch off TV': How politicians reacted to exit polls 2019

Continuing his efforts to unite opposition parties against the BJP ahead of Lok Sabha results, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday met Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-nationalist-congress-party-supremo-sharad-pawar-meets-n-chandrababu-naidu-in-delhi-219863">Sharad Pawar</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-sitaram-yechury-meets-rahul-naidu-discusses-post-poll-scenario-219899">Sitaram Yechury</a>, among other leaders.

He had on Saturday also held talks with several opposition leaders, including Loktantrik Janata Dal leader Sharad Yadav in the national capital and with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and BSP supremo Mayawati in Lucknow.&nbsp;

Naidu met Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Nationalist Congress Party chief Pawar for the second consecutive day on Sunday morning, followed by a meeting with Sonia Gandhi in the evening.

He also held a separate meeting with CPI(M) general secretary Yechury and discussed the possibility of all opposition parties getting together.

The TDP chief's efforts are being seen as part of the opposition strategy to bring all the non-NDA parties together and form an alliance to keep the BJP out of power.

Naidu's meeting with Sonia Gandhi assumes significance as the latter held an internal meeting with top Congress leaders Saturday evening to assess the party's process and strategy to stake claim for government formation incase of a hung verdict on May 23 when the results are announced.

The Telugu Desam Party president has held several rounds of discussion with various opposition leaders, including TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal and CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury.

Naidu's TDP was part of the NDA, but quit the alliance a few months ago.

The Congress and other opposition parties have exuded confidence of forming the next government.&nbsp;

Continuing his efforts to unite opposition parties against the BJP ahead of Lok Sabha results, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday met Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar and Sitaram Yechury, among other leaders.

Continuing his efforts to unite opposition parties against the BJP ahead of Lok Sabha results, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday met Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar and Sitaram Yechury, among other leaders. He had on Saturday also held talks with several opposition leaders, including Loktantrik Janata Dal leader Sharad Yadav in the national capital and with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and BSP supremo Mayawati in Lucknow. Naidu met Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Nationalist Congress Party chief Pawar for the second consecutive day on Sunday morning, followed by a meeting with Sonia Gandhi in the evening. He also held a separate meeting with CPI(M) general secretary Yechury and discussed the possibility of all opposition parties getting together. The TDP chief's efforts are being seen as part of the opposition strategy to bring all the non-NDA parties together and form an alliance to keep the BJP out of power. Naidu's meeting with Sonia Gandhi assumes significance as the latter held an internal meeting with top Congress leaders Saturday evening to assess the party's process and strategy to stake claim for government formation incase of a hung verdict on May 23 when the results are announced. The Telugu Desam Party president has held several rounds of discussion with various opposition leaders, including TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal and CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury. Naidu's TDP was part of the NDA, but quit the alliance a few months ago. The Congress and other opposition parties have exuded confidence of forming the next government.

Chandrababu Naidu holds second round of talks with Rahul, Sonia, Pawar and Yechury

Equity markets will track election trends this week as the exit polls showed that the ruling NDA is likely to come back to power.

The results of the seven-phase polls will come out Thursday and experts opined that markets have partly discounted exit poll outcome in the last few days.

Most exit polls Sunday forecast another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with some of them projecting that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/exit-polls-2019-pm-modi-returning-to-power-with-300-plus-seats-say-pollsters-219927">BJP-led NDA will get more than 300 seats</a> to comfortably cross the majority mark of 272 in the Lok Sabha.

Regulator Sebi and stock exchanges have beefed up their surveillance mechanism to check any manipulative activities in the market this week in view of the high-octane election-related events lined up.

"Most exit polls have predicted NDA to win the Lok Sabha elections with a good margin. This was partly discounted in the markets over the last few days. The street would like it even more if the BJP on its own gets a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lions-share-of-uttar-pradeshs-seats-going-to-bjp-predict-exit-polls-219936">majority in the Lok Sabha</a>.

"However, going by the way the exit polls in the last two elections were off the mark from the actual numbers, the markets would get excited but not super excited," said Deepak Jasani, Head, Retail Research.

Investors should also brace for bouts of volatility in view of the high-octane election-related events, the analysts said.

Experts are of the opinion that bourses may be indecisive till the final election outcome is known.

"This week there is an event that is able to produce long-term trends in the market and is the factor that sets the tone for wealth creation. The political events like election results usually produce trends that last for years. Hence, it becomes very important for the economy and investors," said Mustafa Nadeem, CEO, Epic Research.

There can be sharp movement in the markets but the exit polls bring some decisiveness on the table as well, he added.

"This week is going to be the most happening of the year wherein all eyes would be glued to not 'stock quotes' but 'vote quotes'," said Jimeet Modi, Founder and CEO, SAMCO Securities &amp; StockNote.

Quarterly earnings would also impact trading as some major companies are scheduled to announce their financial report card this week, including Tata Motors, Canara Bank and Cipla.

Besides, the US-China trade-related issues, crude oil prices, rupee movement and foreign funds trend would influence trading sentiment, they added. 
During the last week, the BSE Sensex gained 467.78 points or 1.24 per cent.

On Friday, the 30-share benchmark closed 537.29 points or 1.44 per cent, higher at 37,930.77. Similarly, the broader Nifty rose 150.05 points, or 1.33 per cent, to settle at 11,407.15.

"Indian markets have shown tremendous strength before the long-awaited exit polls, despite the ongoing ambiguity in US-China trade talks," said Jagannadham Thunuguntla, Senior VP and Head of Research (Wealth), Centrum Broking Limited.&nbsp;

Equity markets will track election trends this week as the exit polls showed that the ruling NDA is likely to come back to power. The results of the seven-phase polls will come out Thursday and experts opined that markets have partly discounted exit poll outcome in the last few days.

Equity markets will track election trends this week as the exit polls showed that the ruling NDA is likely to come back to power. The results of the seven-phase polls will come out Thursday and experts opined that markets have partly discounted exit poll outcome in the last few days. Most exit polls Sunday forecast another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with some of them projecting that BJP-led NDA will get more than 300 seats to comfortably cross the majority mark of 272 in the Lok Sabha. Regulator Sebi and stock exchanges have beefed up their surveillance mechanism to check any manipulative activities in the market this week in view of the high-octane election-related events lined up. "Most exit polls have predicted NDA to win the Lok Sabha elections with a good margin. This was partly discounted in the markets over the last few days. The street would like it even more if the BJP on its own gets a majority in the Lok Sabha. "However, going by the way the exit polls in the last two elections were off the mark from the actual numbers, the markets would get excited but not super excited," said Deepak Jasani, Head, Retail Research. Investors should also brace for bouts of volatility in view of the high-octane election-related events, the analysts said. Experts are of the opinion that bourses may be indecisive till the final election outcome is known. "This week there is an event that is able to produce long-term trends in the market and is the factor that sets the tone for wealth creation. The political events like election results usually produce trends that last for years. Hence, it becomes very important for the economy and investors," said Mustafa Nadeem, CEO, Epic Research. There can be sharp movement in the markets but the exit polls bring some decisiveness on the table as well, he added. "This week is going to be the most happening of the year wherein all eyes would be glued to not 'stock quotes' but 'vote quotes'," said Jimeet Modi, Founder and CEO, SAMCO Securities & StockNote. Quarterly earnings would also impact trading as some major companies are scheduled to announce their financial report card this week, including Tata Motors, Canara Bank and Cipla. Besides, the US-China trade-related issues, crude oil prices, rupee movement and foreign funds trend would influence trading sentiment, they added. During the last week, the BSE Sensex gained 467.78 points or 1.24 per cent. On Friday, the 30-share benchmark closed 537.29 points or 1.44 per cent, higher at 37,930.77. Similarly, the broader Nifty rose 150.05 points, or 1.33 per cent, to settle at 11,407.15. "Indian markets have shown tremendous strength before the long-awaited exit polls, despite the ongoing ambiguity in US-China trade talks," said Jagannadham Thunuguntla, Senior VP and Head of Research (Wealth), Centrum Broking Limited.

Exit polls, election outcome to set tone for markets

In this video, we brings to you ground report from Kolkata where the fate of the federal front is at stake. Watch full video to know more.

General Election 2019: A Look at the Key Battles in West Bengal

While Opposition leaders are rallying together in efforts to form an anti-NDA front, BSP chief Mayawati is likely to meet UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi here, ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha election result on May 23.

This comes in the wake of Andhra Pradesh chief minister and TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu meeting with Sonia Gandhi today as he continued his attempts to cobble a front to keep BJP out of power in case it falls of majority in the elections.

Naidu had also met Mayawati on Saturday in Lucknow.

According to sources, Congress is working hard to get all alliance partners on board before the general elections are announced.

According to sources, Congress managers are attempting to fix a meeting between Sonia Gandhi and Mayawati.

Congress is hopeful that Mayawati will support any government other than BJP, even though the BSP supremo had lashed out at Congress throughout her campaigning.

However, she had said that votes of the grand alliance in Uttar Pradesh would go to the Congress, which contested on two seats -Rae Barelli and Amethi- fought by Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

Nothing was disclosed about the Naidu-Sonia meeting here and what was discussed but it is understood that the two leaders went over the options before non-BJP parties in the post-poll scenario.

On Saturday Naidu had undertaken a hectic round of discussions with parties opposed to BJP when he met leaders including Congress president Rahul Gandhi and the mahagathbandhan leaders -- Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati in Lucknow.

Naidu also met NCP chief Sharad Pawar, CPI leader Sudhakar Reddy and Loktantrik Janata Dal leader Sharad Yadav in Delhi.

Meanwhile Sonia Gandhi has also invited leaders of the UPA and sounded some others including Odisha and Telangana chief ministers Naveen Pattnaik and K Chandrasekhar Rao respectively as well as YSR Congress party chief Jaganmohan Reddy for a meeting on May 23, when the results will be out.She has also convened a meeting of party leaders on May 22, for preparations for the Thursday meeting.&nbsp;

While Opposition leaders are rallying together in efforts to form an anti-NDA front, BSP chief Mayawati is likely to meet UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi here, ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha election result on May 23.

While Opposition leaders are rallying together in efforts to form an anti-NDA front, BSP chief Mayawati is likely to meet UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi here, ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha election result on May 23. This comes in the wake of Andhra Pradesh chief minister and TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu meeting with Sonia Gandhi today as he continued his attempts to cobble a front to keep BJP out of power in case it falls of majority in the elections. Naidu had also met Mayawati on Saturday in Lucknow. According to sources, Congress is working hard to get all alliance partners on board before the general elections are announced. According to sources, Congress managers are attempting to fix a meeting between Sonia Gandhi and Mayawati. Congress is hopeful that Mayawati will support any government other than BJP, even though the BSP supremo had lashed out at Congress throughout her campaigning. However, she had said that votes of the grand alliance in Uttar Pradesh would go to the Congress, which contested on two seats -Rae Barelli and Amethi- fought by Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Nothing was disclosed about the Naidu-Sonia meeting here and what was discussed but it is understood that the two leaders went over the options before non-BJP parties in the post-poll scenario. On Saturday Naidu had undertaken a hectic round of discussions with parties opposed to BJP when he met leaders including Congress president Rahul Gandhi and the mahagathbandhan leaders -- Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati in Lucknow. Naidu also met NCP chief Sharad Pawar, CPI leader Sudhakar Reddy and Loktantrik Janata Dal leader Sharad Yadav in Delhi. Meanwhile Sonia Gandhi has also invited leaders of the UPA and sounded some others including Odisha and Telangana chief ministers Naveen Pattnaik and K Chandrasekhar Rao respectively as well as YSR Congress party chief Jaganmohan Reddy for a meeting on May 23, when the results will be out.She has also convened a meeting of party leaders on May 22, for preparations for the Thursday meeting.

Mayawati likely to meet Sonia Gandhi, ahead of Lok Sabha poll result

Senior Journalist Arun Anand speaks to WION on Indian General elections in which the final phase of voting is underway. Watch full video to know more.#GeneralElection2019 #IndiaVotes #SeventhPhasePolling

'PM Modi has done more than enough to be re-elected', says Senior journalist Arun Anand

The final phase of voting in the Lok Sabha Election 2019 is set to take place today, on Sunday, 19 May, in 59 constituencies across seven states and one Union Territory. Watch full video to know more.

General Election 2019: Phase 7 voting on 59 seats today to decide fate of 918 candidates

The seven-phase long Lok Sabha elections, one of the most bitterly fought in recent memory, will come to an end today.&nbsp;

As the one and a half month-long dance of democracy ends today, former Bihar CM Nitish Kumar said that there was a long gap between each phase of voting.&nbsp;

At booth number 326 in Raj Bhawan, after casting his vote Patna Nitish Kumar said that elections should not be held over such a long duration, there was a long gap between each phase of voting. I will write to leaders of all parties to build a consensus on this.&nbsp;

The battle for a total of 543 seats had started with elections in 91 constituencies across 20 states on April 11 in the first phase. The final vote count will be done May 23 and seal the fate of Indian politics when it will be finally decided if the incumbent BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi secure another term in the office or the anti-incumbency factor swings the tide.

Nearly 90 crore voters were eligible to vote for 543 Lok Sabha constituencies across the country.&nbsp;

This year Election Commission established approximately 10 lakh polling stations in 2019, compared to 9 lakh in 2014.

The seven-phase long Lok Sabha elections, one of the most bitterly fought in recent memory, will come to an end today. As the one and a half month-long dance of democracy ends today, former Bihar CM Nitish Kumar said that there was a long gap between each phase of voting.

The seven-phase long Lok Sabha elections, one of the most bitterly fought in recent memory, will come to an end today. As the one and a half month-long dance of democracy ends today, former Bihar CM Nitish Kumar said that there was a long gap between each phase of voting. At booth number 326 in Raj Bhawan, after casting his vote Patna Nitish Kumar said that elections should not be held over such a long duration, there was a long gap between each phase of voting. I will write to leaders of all parties to build a consensus on this. The battle for a total of 543 seats had started with elections in 91 constituencies across 20 states on April 11 in the first phase. The final vote count will be done May 23 and seal the fate of Indian politics when it will be finally decided if the incumbent BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi secure another term in the office or the anti-incumbency factor swings the tide. Nearly 90 crore voters were eligible to vote for 543 Lok Sabha constituencies across the country. This year Election Commission established approximately 10 lakh polling stations in 2019, compared to 9 lakh in 2014.

Polls shouldn't be held over such a long duration, says Nitish Kumar

In this video, we brings to you statistical report of 2014 performance of political parties in 7 constituencies that go to polls today. Watch full video to know more.

India Votes: 2014 performance of political parties in 7 constituencies that go to polls today

Nine Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal to go to polls in seventh phase today. Will BJP make inroads in West Bengal? Watch full video to know more.

General Election 2019: Nine Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal to go to polls today

In this segment of WION, we ask that after a thumping victory in 2014 general elections, Will Narendra Modi's magic work in 2019? Watch full video to know more.

General Election 2019: Will Narendra Modi's magic work in 2019?

With the last of leg of the seven-phased Lok Sabha polls coming to an end on Sunday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/exit-polls-2019-pm-modi-returning-to-power-with-300-plus-seats-say-pollsters-219927">exit polls&nbsp;predicted a massive win</a> for the PM Narendra Modi-led BJP in the 2019 general elections.&nbsp;

One of the biggest and the most interesting predictions was for the national capital wherein polls predicted all seven seats to go to the Bharatiya Janata Party.&nbsp;

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;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TCPoll?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TCPoll</a> 
Delhi LS Seat Projection 
BJP 7 ± 2 Seats 
AAP 0 ± 1 Seats 
Congress 0 ± 1 Seats 
Others NIL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/News24TodaysChanakya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#News24TodaysChanakya</a>
— Today's Chanakya (@TodaysChanakya) <a href="https://twitter.com/TodaysChanakya/status/1130099103415689218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Polstrat 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;

In the 2014 elections, the BJP has registered a win on all seven seats in the national capital.&nbsp;

Pollsters predicted a massive win for the BJP this Lok Sabha polls. C-Voter predicted NDA's win on 287 seats while Times Now-VMR showed a massive win for the party with 306 seats. Congress is likely to bag between 128 to 132 seats as per the two pollsters.&nbsp;

Others, which include regional parties, will get 120 seats according to Times Now-VMR and 87 according to Republic C-Voter survey.

Watch: Congress&nbsp;leader&nbsp;Sheila Dixit&nbsp;and BJP's&nbsp;Sudesh Verma react to the exit poll predictions:

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All seven Lok Sabha constituencies in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-nationalist-congress-party-supremo-sharad-pawar-meets-n-chandrababu-naidu-in-delhi-219863">national capital</a> - 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;

Counting of votes will be held on May 23 and the results will be announced on the same day. &nbsp;

With the last of leg of the seven-phased Lok Sabha polls coming to an end on Sunday, exit polls predicted a massive win for the PM Narendra Modi-led BJP in the 2019 general elections.

With the last of leg of the seven-phased Lok Sabha polls coming to an end on Sunday, exit polls predicted a massive win for the PM Narendra Modi-led BJP in the 2019 general elections. One of the biggest and the most interesting predictions was for the national capital wherein polls predicted all seven seats to go to the Bharatiya Janata Party. As per Today's Chanakya, the BJP is predicted to keep all seven seats in the national capital with other major parties scoring nil. #TCPoll Delhi LS Seat Projection BJP 7 ± 2 Seats AAP 0 ± 1 Seats Congress 0 ± 1 Seats Others NIL#News24TodaysChanakya — Today's Chanakya (@TodaysChanakya) May 19, 2019 × Polstrat 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. In the 2014 elections, the BJP has registered a win on all seven seats in the national capital. Pollsters predicted a massive win for the BJP this Lok Sabha polls. C-Voter predicted NDA's win on 287 seats while Times Now-VMR showed a massive win for the party with 306 seats. Congress is likely to bag between 128 to 132 seats as per the two pollsters. Others, which include regional parties, will get 120 seats according to Times Now-VMR and 87 according to Republic C-Voter survey. Watch: Congress leader Sheila Dixit and BJP's Sudesh Verma react to the exit poll predictions: × 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. Counting of votes will be held on May 23 and the results will be announced on the same day.

Exit polls 2019: Pollsters predict BJP to make a clean sweep in Delhi on all 7 seats

The exit polls have predicted that the BJP-led NDA will again get the lion's share of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats. While Times Now-VMR says NDA will get 58 seats in UP, C-Voter is a little conservative predicting 38 seats for it. The poll of polls, a collection of various exit polls, predicts 43 seats for NDA.

These predictions are significant considering the fact that the party won 71 seats out of 80 in the last general election in 2014, propelling it to form the government at the Centre. The exit polls this time too predict that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/exit-polls-2019-pm-modi-returning-to-power-with-300-plus-seats-say-pollsters-219927">NDA is going to form the government</a> at Centre.

The pollsters paint a gloomy picture for the Congress in Uttar Pradesh, which recently inducted Priyanka Gandhi as its general secretary and made her in-charge of eastern UP. Both Times Now-VMR and and C-Voter say the Congress will get just two seats in Uttar Pradesh.

The alliance of Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party too is suffering, according to exit polls. Times Now-VMR and Jan Ki Baat exit polls say Others, which includes SP and BSP, will get around 20 seats in Uttar Pradesh. C-Voter, however, takes a conservative approach and predicted 40 seats for Others in Uttar Pradesh.

Samajwadi Party, led by Akhilesh Yadav, and Mayawati's BSP had surprised many when they joined hands in January "to keep the BJP out of power at the Centre".

Today, the exit polls show that the Narendra Modi-led BJP won't be impacted by the coming together of these two regional power houses.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP cornered a lion's share of the UP's 80 Lok Sabha seats. It got 42.63 per cent of vote share and 71 seats, which contributed massively in BJP's victory.

Along with its NDA constituents, it won 336 out of 543 seats and formed the government at the Centre. It was for the first time in about three decades that a party won such a huge number of seats.

The exit polls have predicted that the BJP-led NDA will again get the lion's share of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats. While Times Now-VMR says NDA will get 58 seats in UP, C-Voter is a little conservative predicting 38 seats for it.

The exit polls have predicted that the BJP-led NDA will again get the lion's share of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats. While Times Now-VMR says NDA will get 58 seats in UP, C-Voter is a little conservative predicting 38 seats for it. The poll of polls, a collection of various exit polls, predicts 43 seats for NDA. These predictions are significant considering the fact that the party won 71 seats out of 80 in the last general election in 2014, propelling it to form the government at the Centre. The exit polls this time too predict that the NDA is going to form the government at Centre. The pollsters paint a gloomy picture for the Congress in Uttar Pradesh, which recently inducted Priyanka Gandhi as its general secretary and made her in-charge of eastern UP. Both Times Now-VMR and and C-Voter say the Congress will get just two seats in Uttar Pradesh. The alliance of Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party too is suffering, according to exit polls. Times Now-VMR and Jan Ki Baat exit polls say Others, which includes SP and BSP, will get around 20 seats in Uttar Pradesh. C-Voter, however, takes a conservative approach and predicted 40 seats for Others in Uttar Pradesh. Samajwadi Party, led by Akhilesh Yadav, and Mayawati's BSP had surprised many when they joined hands in January "to keep the BJP out of power at the Centre". Today, the exit polls show that the Narendra Modi-led BJP won't be impacted by the coming together of these two regional power houses. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP cornered a lion's share of the UP's 80 Lok Sabha seats. It got 42.63 per cent of vote share and 71 seats, which contributed massively in BJP's victory. Along with its NDA constituents, it won 336 out of 543 seats and formed the government at the Centre. It was for the first time in about three decades that a party won such a huge number of seats.

Lion's share of Uttar Pradesh's seats going to BJP, predict exit polls

Amidst sniping of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/weve-come-to-power-only-with-blessing-of-rahul-gandhi-kumaraswamy-141024">coalition partners JD(S) by Congress </a>leaders in Karnataka, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Sunday told the state unit that such behaviour will not be tolerated.

This was conveyed by Gandhi to a delegation of party leaders who met him in Delhi&nbsp;according to working president of the Karnataka Congress unit, Dinesh Gundu Rao.

"The meeting with Rahul Gandhi is a bid to work in a more cohesive, strong and united manner. Some statements have been made against the coalition government by a few of our party members, which are not acceptable at all. Because of Lok Sabha election, we did not take any strict action but in the future, the party high command has said such things will be not tolerated and firm action will be taken. We need to have more discipline in Congress party," said Rao.

The delegation included former chief minister Siddaramaiah and Karnataka minister DK Shivakumar.

The state unit president also said that very soon a co-ordination committee meeting will be convened.

"We are expecting very good results on May 23, there will be a new government in Delhi. There has been misrule in the country because of five years of Narendra Modi government and people are going to send him out," Rao added.

Lately there were statements from Siddaramaiah`s supporters against chief minister H D Kumaraswamy with the statements suggesting that there could be trouble for him after the results are out.

Kumaraswamy himself took a dig at Siddaramaiah, a former JD(S) leader, saying Congress veteran Mallikarjun Kharge missed the bus for chief ministership in the party.

Siddaramaiah hit back saying even Kumaraswamy`s brother H D Revanna would be a better candidate for the top post.Polling began on Sunday in 59 seats spread across seven states and one Union Territory in the seventh and last phase of Lok Sabha elections. The counting of votes will begin on May 23. (ANI)&nbsp;

Amidst sniping of coalition partners JD(S) by Congress leaders in Karnataka, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Sunday told the state unit that such behaviour will not be tolerated.

Amidst sniping of coalition partners JD(S) by Congress leaders in Karnataka, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Sunday told the state unit that such behaviour will not be tolerated. This was conveyed by Gandhi to a delegation of party leaders who met him in Delhi according to working president of the Karnataka Congress unit, Dinesh Gundu Rao. "The meeting with Rahul Gandhi is a bid to work in a more cohesive, strong and united manner. Some statements have been made against the coalition government by a few of our party members, which are not acceptable at all. Because of Lok Sabha election, we did not take any strict action but in the future, the party high command has said such things will be not tolerated and firm action will be taken. We need to have more discipline in Congress party," said Rao. The delegation included former chief minister Siddaramaiah and Karnataka minister DK Shivakumar. The state unit president also said that very soon a co-ordination committee meeting will be convened. "We are expecting very good results on May 23, there will be a new government in Delhi. There has been misrule in the country because of five years of Narendra Modi government and people are going to send him out," Rao added. Lately there were statements from Siddaramaiah`s supporters against chief minister H D Kumaraswamy with the statements suggesting that there could be trouble for him after the results are out. Kumaraswamy himself took a dig at Siddaramaiah, a former JD(S) leader, saying Congress veteran Mallikarjun Kharge missed the bus for chief ministership in the party. Siddaramaiah hit back saying even Kumaraswamy`s brother H D Revanna would be a better candidate for the top post.Polling began on Sunday in 59 seats spread across seven states and one Union Territory in the seventh and last phase of Lok Sabha elections. The counting of votes will begin on May 23. (ANI)

Rahul Gandhi tells Karnataka leaders to behave, avoid coalition troubles

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