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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ravi Kishan meets Yogi Adityanath after winning Gorakhpur Lok Sabha seat

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

After her historic victory in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi constituency in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, former Union Minister Smriti Irani spoke to WION's Editor in Chief Sudhir Chaudhary discussing her five-year plan that made inroads for the BJP in the Congress bastion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BJP retains 2014 tally in Maharashtra under chief minister Fadnavis

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

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

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

What happened at the CWC meeting: The inside story

Congress on Saturday dismissed reports that party president Rahul Gandhi has offered to resign from his post following the party`s debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

"Reports of Congress president offering resignation are incorrect," party chief spokesperson Rajdeep Singh Surjewala said even as the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting was underway to discuss the Lok Sabha election defeat.

Earlier reports suggested that Gandhi had offered to step down and it was rejected by the CWC.

Several senior leaders, including UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, former PM Manmohan Singh, Motilal Vora, former union ministers RPN Singh, PL Punia and P Chidambaram, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Opposition leader in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, were present at the meeting.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, was also present in the huddle.&nbsp;

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah are also present at the meeting.&nbsp;

The CWC, sources said, is taking stock of the party`s loss in Uttar Pradesh, the state which sends 80 members to the Lok Sabha.

Congress, despite extensive campaigning by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, was decimated to a single seat - Raebareli, represented by Sonia Gandhi - in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi, who was the MP from Amethi since 2004, lost to Union Minister Smriti Irani.

The party put up a poor show in states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh where it had won the Assembly elections just five months ago.

In the 2014 general election, the Congress had won 44 seats, the lowest score in its history. It has improved its tally marginally by 8 to reach 52 seats in the 2019 polls.

Meanwhile, the chiefs of party units in states like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha have offered to resign from their post accepting responsibility for Congress` poor performance.&nbsp;

Congress on Saturday dismissed reports that party president Rahul Gandhi has offered to resign from his post following the party`s debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

Congress on Saturday dismissed reports that party president Rahul Gandhi has offered to resign from his post following the party`s debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. "Reports of Congress president offering resignation are incorrect," party chief spokesperson Rajdeep Singh Surjewala said even as the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting was underway to discuss the Lok Sabha election defeat. Earlier reports suggested that Gandhi had offered to step down and it was rejected by the CWC. Several senior leaders, including UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, former PM Manmohan Singh, Motilal Vora, former union ministers RPN Singh, PL Punia and P Chidambaram, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Opposition leader in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, were present at the meeting. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, was also present in the huddle. Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah are also present at the meeting. The CWC, sources said, is taking stock of the party`s loss in Uttar Pradesh, the state which sends 80 members to the Lok Sabha. Congress, despite extensive campaigning by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, was decimated to a single seat - Raebareli, represented by Sonia Gandhi - in Uttar Pradesh. Rahul Gandhi, who was the MP from Amethi since 2004, lost to Union Minister Smriti Irani. The party put up a poor show in states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh where it had won the Assembly elections just five months ago. In the 2014 general election, the Congress had won 44 seats, the lowest score in its history. It has improved its tally marginally by 8 to reach 52 seats in the 2019 polls. Meanwhile, the chiefs of party units in states like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha have offered to resign from their post accepting responsibility for Congress` poor performance.

Congress dismisses talk of Rahul Gandhi's resignation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congress'&nbsp;Randeep Singh Surjewala on Saturday rubbished reports of&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi stepping down as party chief, adding that the Working Committee meeting is underway, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

It was reported that Gandhi offered his resignation during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-elections-2019-congress-may-introspect-poll-debacle-in-cwc-meeting-today-221445">Working Committee (CWC) meeting</a>&nbsp;earlier today and that the resignation was rejected by the top brass.&nbsp;

Rumours of the Congress chief stepping down started doing the rounds soon after the party tasted a bitter defeat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

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Sources: Congress President Rahul Gandhi offers his resignation at CWC, but it has not been accepted by the Committee. <a href="https://t.co/Imw1m4ypbQ">pic.twitter.com/Imw1m4ypbQ</a>
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The Congress Working Committee (CWC) met today to discuss the reason for the party's debacle.

The CWC is also expected to take stock of the party's loss in Uttar Pradesh.

Meanwhile, it was reported that Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath was not present at the crucial CWC meeting in New Delhi today.

The meeting saw Congress bigwigs in attendance including UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, AICC general secretary for Eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra among other notable and veteran leaders.&nbsp;

Congress, despite extensive campaigning by its president Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, was decimated to a single seat in Uttar Pradesh - Sonia Gandhi's Raebareli Lok Sabha seat. Rahul Gandhi, who represented the Amethi seat since 2004, lost to BJP's Smriti Irani.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/focus-is-now-on-the-next-five-years-team-will-deliver-better-pm-modi-221500">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>-led Bharatiya Janata Party registered a landslide win in the general elections bagging over 300 seats.

The Congress party, on the other hand, drew a blank in 18 states, including some of the prominent regions in the Hindi heartland of the country.&nbsp;

Congress' Randeep Singh Surjewala on Saturday rubbished reports of Rahul Gandhi stepping down as party chief, adding that the Working Committee meeting is underway, news agency ANI reported.

Congress' Randeep Singh Surjewala on Saturday rubbished reports of Rahul Gandhi stepping down as party chief, adding that the Working Committee meeting is underway, news agency ANI reported. It was reported that Gandhi offered his resignation during the Working Committee (CWC) meeting earlier today and that the resignation was rejected by the top brass. Rumours of the Congress chief stepping down started doing the rounds soon after the party tasted a bitter defeat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls. Sources: Congress President Rahul Gandhi offers his resignation at CWC, but it has not been accepted by the Committee. pic.twitter.com/Imw1m4ypbQ — ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2019 × The Congress Working Committee (CWC) met today to discuss the reason for the party's debacle. The CWC is also expected to take stock of the party's loss in Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, it was reported that Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath was not present at the crucial CWC meeting in New Delhi today. The meeting saw Congress bigwigs in attendance including UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, AICC general secretary for Eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra among other notable and veteran leaders. Congress, despite extensive campaigning by its president Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, was decimated to a single seat in Uttar Pradesh - Sonia Gandhi's Raebareli Lok Sabha seat. Rahul Gandhi, who represented the Amethi seat since 2004, lost to BJP's Smriti Irani. Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party registered a landslide win in the general elections bagging over 300 seats. The Congress party, on the other hand, drew a blank in 18 states, including some of the prominent regions in the Hindi heartland of the country.

Congress rubbishes reports of Rahul Gandhi's resignation as party chief

The results for 2019 Lok Sabha elections are out. BJP is back with a thumping majority and Modi wave 2.0 has gripped the country.&nbsp;

Results have panned out as per the exit polls. What Rajiv Gandhi, Narasimha Rao and Atal Bihari Vajpayee could not achieve, has been accomplished by Narendra Modi. In 2014, development had trumped caste and BJP swept the Hindi heartland.

Similarly, caste-based opportunistic alliances in 2019 have failed to pin down the BJP and the Narendra Modi-Amit Shah duo. &nbsp;The development agenda, Modi’s persona and Shah’s organisational skills have beat caste again. As of early evening, the BJP has crossed the halfway mark on a standalone basis, leading in 298 seats. The Congress is struggling to score a half-century again, leading in just 51 seats.

The Modi-Shah duo scripted this victory well in advance. Minor losses in UP (-14) were made up with gains in Bengal (+17) and Odisha (+5).&nbsp;

After winning largely on the support of the middle and rich class, the duo made serious inroads into the poor and lower classes through schemes like Jan Dhan, PMAY, Ujjwala, Ayushman and Swachch Bharat, among others. &nbsp;

The duo knew that the Mahagathbandhan would pose a threat in UP. Hence, they further broadened NDA’s social base in UP by bringing in the Nishad Party. To compensate for losses in UP, the party drew a comprehensive strategy to win seats in Bengal and Odisha.&nbsp;

In Bengal, they saw an opening due to the minority appeasement politics of Mamata. In Odisha, the 19-year anti-incumbency of Naveen Patnaik was targeted. Modi and Shah’s rallies were also planned accordingly. About 40 per cent of Modi’s rallies and roadshows were planned in UP, Bengal and Odisha.&nbsp;

Disgruntled leaders from BJD (Jay Panda) and TMC (Mukul Roy) were brought on board.&nbsp;

Modi continues to be the trump card for NDA. As per CSDS survey, the preference for Modi over Rahul has increased to 46 per cent as compared to 45 per cent in 2014. This, despite the much-vaunted, so-called increase in Rahul Gandhi’s appeal.&nbsp;

The Modi factor has increased from 27 per cent to 32 per cent in 2019, as per this survey. Nearly 32 per cent of BJP voters would not have backed the party if Modi was not their PM candidate. That is why BJP centered the campaign around him #ModiHaiToMumkinHai (it is possible if there is Modi) and #PhirEkBaarModiSarkar (another time, Modi government).

The two states that were key to BJP’s fortunes — Maharashtra and Bihar — where NDA won 73 out of 88 seats in 2014, were also tackled by Shah with maturity. BJP was facing the ire of disgruntled allies and trouble in seat-sharing with Nitish and Uddhav. For Shah, it is only about winning — at any cost.

He showed amazing accommodation skills, giving equal seats to these partners and keeping their egos in good humour. Result: NDA has swept Maharashtra and Bihar. (78,+5).

It’s not only about Modi and Shah. Party workers, 10 crore at last count, are the eyes and ears of the organisation. They provide feedback on government schemes, probable candidates as well as play a key role in reaching out to the voters with achievements of the government.&nbsp;

Added to this is the RSS workforce, which works relentlessly for the party due to ideological leanings. The party devised a strategy for the Hindi heartland, which it had swept in 2014.

In UP in 2014, Mahagathbandhan had 43 per cent vote share as against NDA’s 43.6 per cent. NDA had won 73 out of 80 seats in 2014. Mahagathbandhan partners could not seamlessly transfer votes to each other.&nbsp;

Congress, too, played the role of spoiler. BJP managed to bring into its fold the Nishad party. Early evening indications suggest that NDA is leading in 59 and Mahagathbandhan in 20 seats.&nbsp;

The biggest news is the upset of Rahul Gandhi, who conceded defeat in Amethi to Smriti Irani.

In Bihar, the Mahagathbandhan consisting of RJD, Congress, Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP), Jitan Manjhi’s Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM), Mukesh Sahni’s Vikassheel Insan Party (VIP), CPI-ML and Sharad Yadav’s party have been routed.&nbsp;

People voted for Modi as well as Nitish Kumar or the Sushashan babu. Until last reports, NDA was leading in 37 and the Mahagathbandhan in three seats. In Madhya Pradesh, as evident from state election results of 2018, SC-STs moved away from the party to the Congress.&nbsp;

The BJP also had to bear the brunt of upper caste anger against amendment to SC-ST Atrocities Act. Through 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker sections (EWS), BJP managed to assuage the feelings of the upper castes. As per last reports, BJP was leading in 28 and the Congress in just one seat.

In Rajasthan, BJP got a boost with Beniwal, a prominent Jat leader joining the party ahead of the polls. This consolidated Jats and Rajputs vote in favour of the BJP and the party swept all 25 seats again.&nbsp;

In Jharkhand, too, the Magathbandhan failed to make a dent in the NDA’s vote bank despite a good social base of minorities and tribal. BJP was leading in 12 and Mahagathbandhan in two seats, the same as last time in 2014.&nbsp;

The surprise pack is Chhattisgarh, when everybody had written off BJP. It is likely to repeat its performance, sweeping 10 out of 11 seats. It is leading in all ST reserved seats, except Bastar. The OBCs have returned back to the party-fold.

To sum up, BJP’s development agenda trumped caste again! Modi magic, coupled with better management of contradictions in vote bank politics, and stress on nationalism has helped the NDA to return to power comprehensively.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-the-narendra-modi-amit-shah-victory-script-2753020">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 results for 2019 Lok Sabha elections are out. BJP is back with a thumping majority and Modi wave 2.0 has gripped the country. Results have panned out as per the exit polls.

The results for 2019 Lok Sabha elections are out. BJP is back with a thumping majority and Modi wave 2.0 has gripped the country. Results have panned out as per the exit polls. What Rajiv Gandhi, Narasimha Rao and Atal Bihari Vajpayee could not achieve, has been accomplished by Narendra Modi. In 2014, development had trumped caste and BJP swept the Hindi heartland. Similarly, caste-based opportunistic alliances in 2019 have failed to pin down the BJP and the Narendra Modi-Amit Shah duo. The development agenda, Modi’s persona and Shah’s organisational skills have beat caste again. As of early evening, the BJP has crossed the halfway mark on a standalone basis, leading in 298 seats. The Congress is struggling to score a half-century again, leading in just 51 seats. The Modi-Shah duo scripted this victory well in advance. Minor losses in UP (-14) were made up with gains in Bengal (+17) and Odisha (+5). After winning largely on the support of the middle and rich class, the duo made serious inroads into the poor and lower classes through schemes like Jan Dhan, PMAY, Ujjwala, Ayushman and Swachch Bharat, among others. The duo knew that the Mahagathbandhan would pose a threat in UP. Hence, they further broadened NDA’s social base in UP by bringing in the Nishad Party. To compensate for losses in UP, the party drew a comprehensive strategy to win seats in Bengal and Odisha. In Bengal, they saw an opening due to the minority appeasement politics of Mamata. In Odisha, the 19-year anti-incumbency of Naveen Patnaik was targeted. Modi and Shah’s rallies were also planned accordingly. About 40 per cent of Modi’s rallies and roadshows were planned in UP, Bengal and Odisha. Disgruntled leaders from BJD (Jay Panda) and TMC (Mukul Roy) were brought on board. Modi continues to be the trump card for NDA. As per CSDS survey, the preference for Modi over Rahul has increased to 46 per cent as compared to 45 per cent in 2014. This, despite the much-vaunted, so-called increase in Rahul Gandhi’s appeal. The Modi factor has increased from 27 per cent to 32 per cent in 2019, as per this survey. Nearly 32 per cent of BJP voters would not have backed the party if Modi was not their PM candidate. That is why BJP centered the campaign around him #ModiHaiToMumkinHai (it is possible if there is Modi) and #PhirEkBaarModiSarkar (another time, Modi government). The two states that were key to BJP’s fortunes — Maharashtra and Bihar — where NDA won 73 out of 88 seats in 2014, were also tackled by Shah with maturity. BJP was facing the ire of disgruntled allies and trouble in seat-sharing with Nitish and Uddhav. For Shah, it is only about winning — at any cost. He showed amazing accommodation skills, giving equal seats to these partners and keeping their egos in good humour. Result: NDA has swept Maharashtra and Bihar. (78,+5). It’s not only about Modi and Shah. Party workers, 10 crore at last count, are the eyes and ears of the organisation. They provide feedback on government schemes, probable candidates as well as play a key role in reaching out to the voters with achievements of the government. Added to this is the RSS workforce, which works relentlessly for the party due to ideological leanings. The party devised a strategy for the Hindi heartland, which it had swept in 2014. In UP in 2014, Mahagathbandhan had 43 per cent vote share as against NDA’s 43.6 per cent. NDA had won 73 out of 80 seats in 2014. Mahagathbandhan partners could not seamlessly transfer votes to each other. Congress, too, played the role of spoiler. BJP managed to bring into its fold the Nishad party. Early evening indications suggest that NDA is leading in 59 and Mahagathbandhan in 20 seats. The biggest news is the upset of Rahul Gandhi, who conceded defeat in Amethi to Smriti Irani. In Bihar, the Mahagathbandhan consisting of RJD, Congress, Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP), Jitan Manjhi’s Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM), Mukesh Sahni’s Vikassheel Insan Party (VIP), CPI-ML and Sharad Yadav’s party have been routed. People voted for Modi as well as Nitish Kumar or the Sushashan babu. Until last reports, NDA was leading in 37 and the Mahagathbandhan in three seats. In Madhya Pradesh, as evident from state election results of 2018, SC-STs moved away from the party to the Congress. The BJP also had to bear the brunt of upper caste anger against amendment to SC-ST Atrocities Act. Through 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker sections (EWS), BJP managed to assuage the feelings of the upper castes. As per last reports, BJP was leading in 28 and the Congress in just one seat. In Rajasthan, BJP got a boost with Beniwal, a prominent Jat leader joining the party ahead of the polls. This consolidated Jats and Rajputs vote in favour of the BJP and the party swept all 25 seats again. In Jharkhand, too, the Magathbandhan failed to make a dent in the NDA’s vote bank despite a good social base of minorities and tribal. BJP was leading in 12 and Mahagathbandhan in two seats, the same as last time in 2014. The surprise pack is Chhattisgarh, when everybody had written off BJP. It is likely to repeat its performance, sweeping 10 out of 11 seats. It is leading in all ST reserved seats, except Bastar. The OBCs have returned back to the party-fold. To sum up, BJP’s development agenda trumped caste again! Modi magic, coupled with better management of contradictions in vote bank politics, and stress on nationalism has helped the NDA to return to power comprehensively. (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 results 2019: Better management of vote bank contradictions and development were BJP’s keys

After <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/elections-in-india-an-inspiration-around-the-world-us-221140">making a comeback with a massive majority</a>&nbsp;in Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-proves-sceptics-wrong-with-stunning-performance-in-hindi-heartland-221136">Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)</a> president Amit Shah visited veteran leaders LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi on Friday morning to seek blessings.

''Called on respected Advani Ji. The BJP’s successes today are possible because greats like him spent decades building the party and providing a fresh ideological narrative to the people,'' Modi tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Called on respected Advani Ji. The BJP’s successes today are possible because greats like him spent decades building the party and providing a fresh ideological narrative to the people. <a href="https://t.co/liXK8cfsrI">pic.twitter.com/liXK8cfsrI</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1131791055295307776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In another tweet Modi wrote, ''Dr Murli Manohar Joshi is a scholar and intellectual par excellence. His contribution towards improving Indian education is remarkable. He has always worked to strengthen the BJP and mentor several Karyakartas, including me. Met him this morning and sought his blessings.''

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi is a scholar and intellectual par excellence. His contribution towards improving Indian education is remarkable. He has always worked to strengthen the BJP and mentor several Karyakartas, including me. 
 
Met him this morning and sought his blessings. <a href="https://t.co/gppfDt7KiB">pic.twitter.com/gppfDt7KiB</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1131795566495772672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Both Advani and Joshi congratulated Modi for his remarkable victory.

''Heartiest congratulations to Narendrabhai Modi for steering the BJP towards this unprecedented victory in the elections," Advani said in a statement.

Advani also praised Amit Shah and the party workers. "Amitbhai Shah as the BJP President and all the dedicated workers of the party have put in enormous effort in making sure that the message of BJP reaches every voter of the country," he said.

The BJP has won 299 seats and leading on four others while the Congress has won 52 seats, as per latest Election trends.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi, Amit Shah visits senior BJP leaders

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-votes-pm-modi-amit-shah-visits-senior-bjp-leaders-221205/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">Modi on Thursday gave his first address after the party seemed poised to register a landslide win.</div>

The prime minister promised to devote "every moment" of his life and "every fibre" of his being for the people of India.&nbsp;

"This is a mandate to form new India," PM Modi said in his victory speech.

After making a comeback with a massive majority in Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah visited veteran leaders LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi on Friday morning to seek blessings.

After making a comeback with a massive majority in Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah visited veteran leaders LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi on Friday morning to seek blessings. ''Called on respected Advani Ji. The BJP’s successes today are possible because greats like him spent decades building the party and providing a fresh ideological narrative to the people,'' Modi tweeted. Called on respected Advani Ji. The BJP’s successes today are possible because greats like him spent decades building the party and providing a fresh ideological narrative to the people. pic.twitter.com/liXK8cfsrI — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 24, 2019 × In another tweet Modi wrote, ''Dr Murli Manohar Joshi is a scholar and intellectual par excellence. His contribution towards improving Indian education is remarkable. He has always worked to strengthen the BJP and mentor several Karyakartas, including me. Met him this morning and sought his blessings.'' Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi is a scholar and intellectual par excellence. His contribution towards improving Indian education is remarkable. He has always worked to strengthen the BJP and mentor several Karyakartas, including me. Met him this morning and sought his blessings. pic.twitter.com/gppfDt7KiB — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 24, 2019 × Both Advani and Joshi congratulated Modi for his remarkable victory. ''Heartiest congratulations to Narendrabhai Modi for steering the BJP towards this unprecedented victory in the elections," Advani said in a statement. Advani also praised Amit Shah and the party workers. "Amitbhai Shah as the BJP President and all the dedicated workers of the party have put in enormous effort in making sure that the message of BJP reaches every voter of the country," he said. The BJP has won 299 seats and leading on four others while the Congress has won 52 seats, as per latest Election trends. Watch: PM Modi, Amit Shah visits senior BJP leaders Modi on Thursday gave his first address after the party seemed poised to register a landslide win. The prime minister promised to devote "every moment" of his life and "every fibre" of his being for the people of India. "This is a mandate to form new India," PM Modi said in his victory speech.

Lok Sabha election 2019: PM Modi, Amit Shah visit LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi after landslide victory

The results for Lok Sabha elections are out &nbsp;and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/elections-in-india-an-inspiration-around-the-world-us-221140">PM Narendra Modi</a>-led BJP broke its own record for an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/lok-sabha-elections-2019-better-management-of-vote-bank-contradictions-nationalism-and-development-were-bjps-keys-221176">election performance</a> in 2019, bettering the results from the last general elections in 2014

The Indian voters have decided that who will administer the country for the next five years.

Foreign media outlets are also showing a keen interest in the results of the world's biggest democracy's Parliamentary elections. This is how international media covered the result day of Lok Sabha elections, 2019.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-votes-swot-analysis-for-the-prime-minister-of-india-221161/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Reporting the victory of PM Narendra Modi, American News company CNN wrote: "Voters backed Modi, despite the issues. As we wait for analysts to slice and dice the numbers and tell us more about what just happened, one thing seems clear: Modi appears to have played in and won a parliamentary contest—where voters elect individual MPs, responding, in theory, to local issues—by turning it into a referendum with just one question on the ballot: do you support Modi?"

Pointing on a historical fact Al Jazeera, a Qatari pay television news channel, in its coverage, noted that 'Modi is the first non-Congress prime minister in India to return to power after a full five-year term'.&nbsp;

An article in BBC world made remarks about BJP's huge win and wrote: Governing BJP of Narendra Modi has swept back to victory with a resounding majority of well over 300 seats. The result is a major blow for Rahul Gandhi's Congress, which once dominated Indian politics.

With over 50% vote share in 300+ seats, Narendra Modi becomes first PM since Nehru to return to power with a bigger mandate.

The results for Lok Sabha elections are out and PM Narendra Modi-led BJP broke its own record for an election performance in 2019, bettering the results from the last general elections in 2014 The Indian voters have decided that who will administer the country for the next five years.

The results for Lok Sabha elections are out and PM Narendra Modi-led BJP broke its own record for an election performance in 2019, bettering the results from the last general elections in 2014 The Indian voters have decided that who will administer the country for the next five years. Foreign media outlets are also showing a keen interest in the results of the world's biggest democracy's Parliamentary elections. This is how international media covered the result day of Lok Sabha elections, 2019. Reporting the victory of PM Narendra Modi, American News company CNN wrote: "Voters backed Modi, despite the issues. As we wait for analysts to slice and dice the numbers and tell us more about what just happened, one thing seems clear: Modi appears to have played in and won a parliamentary contest—where voters elect individual MPs, responding, in theory, to local issues—by turning it into a referendum with just one question on the ballot: do you support Modi?" Pointing on a historical fact Al Jazeera, a Qatari pay television news channel, in its coverage, noted that 'Modi is the first non-Congress prime minister in India to return to power after a full five-year term'. An article in BBC world made remarks about BJP's huge win and wrote: Governing BJP of Narendra Modi has swept back to victory with a resounding majority of well over 300 seats. The result is a major blow for Rahul Gandhi's Congress, which once dominated Indian politics. With over 50% vote share in 300+ seats, Narendra Modi becomes first PM since Nehru to return to power with a bigger mandate.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: PM Modi made the election a referendum on his leadership and it paid off, says foreign media

Putting an end to Amethi's decades-long-relationship with Congress, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/in-a-neck-and-neck-battle-smriti-irani-defeats-rahul-gandhi-in-amethi-221025">Smriti Irani has emerged as the star of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections</a> by giving Rahul Gandhi a run for his money in a constituency which was considered a bastion of the Gandhi family for decades.

Irani was leading by 468514 votes to register a win in the political hotbed of Amethi.

Soon after Congress President Rahul Gandhi conceded defeat and congratulated her, Irani tweeted a line out of Hindi poet Dushyant Kumar. "Kaun kehta hai aasmaan mein suraakh nahin ho sakata", she tweeted. It translates to mean "Nothing is impossible."

From featuring in one of the most watched soap operas in Indian history, to tirelessly campaigning through the streets of Amethi, it was a long journey for the actor-turned-politician. Needless to say, she has owned every bit of the success she has tasted.

The 43-year-old made a mark in the world of entertainment by playing the pivotal role in Ekta Kapoor's show 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahi Thi', one of the most watched soap operas in Indian history.

By the time she announced her decision to step into Indian politics and joined BJP back in 2003, her acting career had already made Smriti a household name.

While she was respected by many for her acting skills, Smriti as a politician had a rough time proving herself. The fact that she couldn't manage to win even a single election in her career, including losing to Kapil Sibal in Chandni Chowk in 2004 to losing Amethi to Rahul Gandhi in 2014, did not work in her favour.

Adding another hurdle to her already unsteady political career, Smriti also came under the scanner for provided contradictory information about her educational qualifications in the affidavits she filed for elections in 2004, 2011 and 2014.

During her journey as a politician, Smriti has also faced her share of sexist remarks in the world of politics dominated by male leaders. From snide comments about her former years in the show business to some extremely distastefully personal remarks, she endured it all.

Sanjay Nirumpam, former President of the Mumbai Regional Congress Committee, had once, during a TV debate, said to Irani, "Aap to TV pe thumke lagati thi, aaj chunavi visleshak ban gayi!" (You once danced for TV, and now you have become a psephologist?).

Earlier in April, Congress ally and PRP leader Jaydeep Kawade said that the size of the Smriti's bindi denotes the number of husbands she has.

In spite of all the hurdles, Smriti kept on moving forward. In the 2014 Lok Sabha Elections, Smriti locked horns with Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi in Amethi.

While she ended up losing in the constituency, BJP emerged victoriously and formed the government in the centre. Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India and Smriti was appointed as the Minister of HR Development in the cabinet.

However, in 2016, following the controversy about her education qualification, the HRD Ministry was taken away from Irani, and she was given the Ministry of Textiles instead.

Watch:&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi Loses Cong Baston Amethi

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-rahul-gandhi-loses-cong-baston-amethi-221123/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This change in the title did not keep her from working hard. In 2017, when M Venkaiah Naidu resigned as the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Smriti was given the charge of the ministry.

In spite of all the drama in her life as a politician, Smriti is one of the few Indian politicians who appreciated for their witty and funny Social media updates. From sharing memes about trending issues, to giving a hilarious twist to her own life updates, Smriti's Instagram feed has posts that common people relate to.

As BJP started gearing up for 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Smriti's eyes were sent on Amethi. Determined to defeat Rahul this time, she tirelessly campaigned throughout the constituency urging and convincing people to vote for BJP.

Up until today, Amethi had always been a nightmare for a non-congress politician who dared to contest from the constituency.

The Gandhi family established a bond with the people of Amethi back in 1977, when Sanjay Gandhi first came to contest for the parliamentary election from here. Since then, Amethi became a bastion of the Gandhi family, a relationship that lasted for decades.

Amethi did not fall into Smriti's hands overnight. The victory is a result of countless rallies, road shows and speeches, during which she exhausted her lungs listing all the reasons why people of Amethi should not vote for Congress, like they do every time, and give her a chance

While Rahul did give her a tough competition, the voters of Amethi have made a choice and for the first time in decades, it is not Congress.

Putting an end to Amethi's decades-long-relationship with Congress, Smriti Irani has emerged as the star of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections by giving Rahul Gandhi a run for his money in a constituency which was considered a bastion of the Gandhi family for decades.

Putting an end to Amethi's decades-long-relationship with Congress, Smriti Irani has emerged as the star of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections by giving Rahul Gandhi a run for his money in a constituency which was considered a bastion of the Gandhi family for decades. Irani was leading by 468514 votes to register a win in the political hotbed of Amethi. Soon after Congress President Rahul Gandhi conceded defeat and congratulated her, Irani tweeted a line out of Hindi poet Dushyant Kumar. "Kaun kehta hai aasmaan mein suraakh nahin ho sakata", she tweeted. It translates to mean "Nothing is impossible." From featuring in one of the most watched soap operas in Indian history, to tirelessly campaigning through the streets of Amethi, it was a long journey for the actor-turned-politician. Needless to say, she has owned every bit of the success she has tasted. The 43-year-old made a mark in the world of entertainment by playing the pivotal role in Ekta Kapoor's show 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahi Thi', one of the most watched soap operas in Indian history. By the time she announced her decision to step into Indian politics and joined BJP back in 2003, her acting career had already made Smriti a household name. While she was respected by many for her acting skills, Smriti as a politician had a rough time proving herself. The fact that she couldn't manage to win even a single election in her career, including losing to Kapil Sibal in Chandni Chowk in 2004 to losing Amethi to Rahul Gandhi in 2014, did not work in her favour. Adding another hurdle to her already unsteady political career, Smriti also came under the scanner for provided contradictory information about her educational qualifications in the affidavits she filed for elections in 2004, 2011 and 2014. During her journey as a politician, Smriti has also faced her share of sexist remarks in the world of politics dominated by male leaders. From snide comments about her former years in the show business to some extremely distastefully personal remarks, she endured it all. Sanjay Nirumpam, former President of the Mumbai Regional Congress Committee, had once, during a TV debate, said to Irani, "Aap to TV pe thumke lagati thi, aaj chunavi visleshak ban gayi!" (You once danced for TV, and now you have become a psephologist?). Earlier in April, Congress ally and PRP leader Jaydeep Kawade said that the size of the Smriti's bindi denotes the number of husbands she has. In spite of all the hurdles, Smriti kept on moving forward. In the 2014 Lok Sabha Elections, Smriti locked horns with Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi in Amethi. While she ended up losing in the constituency, BJP emerged victoriously and formed the government in the centre. Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India and Smriti was appointed as the Minister of HR Development in the cabinet. However, in 2016, following the controversy about her education qualification, the HRD Ministry was taken away from Irani, and she was given the Ministry of Textiles instead. Watch: Rahul Gandhi Loses Cong Baston Amethi This change in the title did not keep her from working hard. In 2017, when M Venkaiah Naidu resigned as the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Smriti was given the charge of the ministry. In spite of all the drama in her life as a politician, Smriti is one of the few Indian politicians who appreciated for their witty and funny Social media updates. From sharing memes about trending issues, to giving a hilarious twist to her own life updates, Smriti's Instagram feed has posts that common people relate to. As BJP started gearing up for 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Smriti's eyes were sent on Amethi. Determined to defeat Rahul this time, she tirelessly campaigned throughout the constituency urging and convincing people to vote for BJP. Up until today, Amethi had always been a nightmare for a non-congress politician who dared to contest from the constituency. The Gandhi family established a bond with the people of Amethi back in 1977, when Sanjay Gandhi first came to contest for the parliamentary election from here. Since then, Amethi became a bastion of the Gandhi family, a relationship that lasted for decades. Amethi did not fall into Smriti's hands overnight. The victory is a result of countless rallies, road shows and speeches, during which she exhausted her lungs listing all the reasons why people of Amethi should not vote for Congress, like they do every time, and give her a chance While Rahul did give her a tough competition, the voters of Amethi have made a choice and for the first time in decades, it is not Congress.

Nothing is impossible: 'Giant slayer' Smriti Irani topples Rahul Gandhi in Amethi

Congratulating Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-result-2019-foreign-media-reacts-as-vote-count-shows-an-outright-majority-for-bjp-220859">Narendra Modi on his re-election</a>, the United States has said that the just-concluded elections in India, the largest democratic exercise in human history, is an inspiration for people around the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday led his<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/world-leaders-congratulate-pm-modi-on-re-election-221092"> Bharatiya Janata Party</a> to a super-sized victory for a second term in office, winning an absolute majority and on course to touch the 300-seat mark in the 543-member Lok Sabha.

"Congrats to an American ally and friend Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/this-is-a-mandate-to-form-new-india-pm-modi-delivers-first-address-after-lok-sabha-polls-result-221070">Narendra Modi on his party's win in India's parliamentary election</a>," Vice President Mike Pence tweeted.

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Congrats to an American ally &amp; friend PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>, on his party’s win in India’s parliamentary election. This was a strong display of the Indian people’s commitment to democracy! We look forward to continuing to work with India for a freer, safer, &amp; more prosperous region.
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1131628487347986433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"This was a strong display of the Indian people's commitment to democracy! We look forward to continuing to work with India for a freer, safer, and more prosperous region," he said.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo too took to Twitter to congratulate the prime minister.

"Congratulations to @narendramodi and the NDA for their victory in India's election, and to the Indian people for casting their votes in such historic numbers. As the world's largest exercise in democracy, #India's election is an inspiration around the world," he said.

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Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and the NDA for their victory in India’s election, and to the Indian people for casting their votes in such historic numbers. As the world’s largest exercise in democracy, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>’s election is an inspiration around the world. <a href="https://t.co/S7qAuX8lcq">pic.twitter.com/S7qAuX8lcq</a>
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1131632308983947271?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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During an off-camera gaggle with reporters, State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said India's elections are the world's largest exercise in democracy, a marvel of logistics and planning with 900 million people an eighth of the world's population eligible to vote.

"We applaud the high turnout, estimated at around 66 per cent or roughly 600 million people, and the government of India for their excellent execution of this incredible event," Ortagus said.

India, she said, is a crucial partner for the US in many areas, especially counterterrorism. "We are certainly underscoring today a historic democratic movement of at least 600 million people voting. I think it is pretty amazing," Ortagus added.

Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said it was truly an inspiration to see so many Indians exercise their democratic rights. "I look forward to working with PM Modi and the Indian government to strengthen the US-India partnership," he said.

One lesson from Modi's win is that dynastic, establishment candidates are weak, another Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna said.

"Democrats need to make sure that our candidate against Trump can connect with people's frustration and offer a positive vision for change," Khanna said.

Several top American lawmakers too congratulated Modi and vowed to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

"I look forward to strengthening the important US-India partnership," House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer tweeted.

"I look forward to working together to strengthen and expand the strong relationship between our two nations," Congressman George Holding, Co-Chair of the House India Caucus, said.

Senator Kevin Thomas congratulated Modi and said, "India and the US share a great relationship and looking forward to continuing cooperation going forward."

"Congratulations @narendramodi on your historic victory. Looking forward to seeing you soon," Senator John Cornyn tweeted. Congressman Pete Olson said he looks forward to continuing to work with him on issues critical to Houston, the US and India.

"The world's largest democracy and one of our strongest partners in the Indo-Pacific has chosen their leadership in free and fair elections," Congressman Ted Yoho said as he congratulated the BJP and Modi on the historic re-election.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, in a congratulatory message, invited Modi to his city in Texas. "I would like to assure you of my commitment to continue strengthening relations between Houston and India, creating more business and trade opportunities, and improving the quality of life for all that call Houston home," Turner said.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, in a handwritten message to Indian Ambassador to the US Harsh Vardhan Shringla, said that he viewed Modi's election as very important to the future of India.

"Texas looks forward to continuing working with you as we advance the economics of India and Texas," Abbott said.

Congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his re-election, the United States has said that the just-concluded elections in India, the largest democratic exercise in human history, is an inspiration for people around the world.

Congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his re-election, the United States has said that the just-concluded elections in India, the largest democratic exercise in human history, is an inspiration for people around the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday led his Bharatiya Janata Party to a super-sized victory for a second term in office, winning an absolute majority and on course to touch the 300-seat mark in the 543-member Lok Sabha. "Congrats to an American ally and friend Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his party's win in India's parliamentary election," Vice President Mike Pence tweeted. Congrats to an American ally & friend PM @narendramodi, on his party’s win in India’s parliamentary election. This was a strong display of the Indian people’s commitment to democracy! We look forward to continuing to work with India for a freer, safer, & more prosperous region. — Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) May 23, 2019 × "This was a strong display of the Indian people's commitment to democracy! We look forward to continuing to work with India for a freer, safer, and more prosperous region," he said. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo too took to Twitter to congratulate the prime minister. "Congratulations to @narendramodi and the NDA for their victory in India's election, and to the Indian people for casting their votes in such historic numbers. As the world's largest exercise in democracy, #India's election is an inspiration around the world," he said. Congratulations to @narendramodi and the NDA for their victory in India’s election, and to the Indian people for casting their votes in such historic numbers. As the world’s largest exercise in democracy, #India’s election is an inspiration around the world. pic.twitter.com/S7qAuX8lcq — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) May 23, 2019 × During an off-camera gaggle with reporters, State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said India's elections are the world's largest exercise in democracy, a marvel of logistics and planning with 900 million people an eighth of the world's population eligible to vote. "We applaud the high turnout, estimated at around 66 per cent or roughly 600 million people, and the government of India for their excellent execution of this incredible event," Ortagus said. India, she said, is a crucial partner for the US in many areas, especially counterterrorism. "We are certainly underscoring today a historic democratic movement of at least 600 million people voting. I think it is pretty amazing," Ortagus added. Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said it was truly an inspiration to see so many Indians exercise their democratic rights. "I look forward to working with PM Modi and the Indian government to strengthen the US-India partnership," he said. One lesson from Modi's win is that dynastic, establishment candidates are weak, another Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna said. "Democrats need to make sure that our candidate against Trump can connect with people's frustration and offer a positive vision for change," Khanna said. Several top American lawmakers too congratulated Modi and vowed to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. "I look forward to strengthening the important US-India partnership," House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer tweeted. "I look forward to working together to strengthen and expand the strong relationship between our two nations," Congressman George Holding, Co-Chair of the House India Caucus, said. Senator Kevin Thomas congratulated Modi and said, "India and the US share a great relationship and looking forward to continuing cooperation going forward." "Congratulations @narendramodi on your historic victory. Looking forward to seeing you soon," Senator John Cornyn tweeted. Congressman Pete Olson said he looks forward to continuing to work with him on issues critical to Houston, the US and India. "The world's largest democracy and one of our strongest partners in the Indo-Pacific has chosen their leadership in free and fair elections," Congressman Ted Yoho said as he congratulated the BJP and Modi on the historic re-election. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, in a congratulatory message, invited Modi to his city in Texas. "I would like to assure you of my commitment to continue strengthening relations between Houston and India, creating more business and trade opportunities, and improving the quality of life for all that call Houston home," Turner said. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, in a handwritten message to Indian Ambassador to the US Harsh Vardhan Shringla, said that he viewed Modi's election as very important to the future of India. "Texas looks forward to continuing working with you as we advance the economics of India and Texas," Abbott said.

Elections in India an inspiration around the world: US

The DMK will be the third largest party in the new Lok Sabha, while the Trinamool Congress and the YSR Congress will be fourth in terms of strength in the lower house of Parliament.&nbsp;

As many as 397 MPs were elected from national parties, think-tank PRS Legislative said.&nbsp;

"Of these 303 MPs were from the BJP, 52 from the Congress, and 22 from the TMC. Among the state parties DMK (23) and YSRCP (22) won the most seats," it said.

The nearly nine-year-old YSR Congress party swept Andhra Pradesh by bagging 22 out of 25 seats in the state.&nbsp;

The BJP won 303 seats while its nearest rival, Congress bagged 52 seats in the Lok Sabha results.&nbsp;

In the last general election, the J Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK was the third largest while the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC was the fourth largest party.

The DMK will be the third largest party in the new Lok Sabha, while the Trinamool Congress and the YSR Congress will be fourth in terms of strength in the lower house of Parliament.

The DMK will be the third largest party in the new Lok Sabha, while the Trinamool Congress and the YSR Congress will be fourth in terms of strength in the lower house of Parliament. As many as 397 MPs were elected from national parties, think-tank PRS Legislative said. "Of these 303 MPs were from the BJP, 52 from the Congress, and 22 from the TMC. Among the state parties DMK (23) and YSRCP (22) won the most seats," it said. The nearly nine-year-old YSR Congress party swept Andhra Pradesh by bagging 22 out of 25 seats in the state. The BJP won 303 seats while its nearest rival, Congress bagged 52 seats in the Lok Sabha results. In the last general election, the J Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK was the third largest while the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC was the fourth largest party.

DMK to be third largest party in Lok Sabha; Trinamool Congress, YSR fourth

Gautam Gambhir's successful debut in political innings

After it <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/will-work-with-pm-modi-for-betterment-of-people-of-delhi-arvind-kejriwal-after-losing-on-all-7-seats-221149">won all seven Lok Sabha seats</a> in the national capital by huge margins, the BJP Thursday expressed confidence that it would wrest power in the city from the AAP in next year's assembly elections.

The BJP has been out of power in the city for more than 25 years. Its last victory in assembly elections in Delhi came in 1993.

People of Delhi are determined to form a strong government led by the BJP for development of the city, city BJP president Manoj Tiwari said after the victory of the party in the Lok Sabha polls.

"The AAP has been pushed to a distant third in Delhi in the Lok Sabha polls. Delhi people have rejected politics of lies," Tiwari said.

People have made up their mind to replace the AAP dispensation with a strong government under the BJP in 2020, he claimed.

"The negative politics practised by negative-minded leaders of Delhi has been rejected by the people and they are determined to form a strong government after Assembly elections," he said.

Tiwari attributed BJP's victory in Delhi to the works of the Modi government.

The victory margins were massive this time. BJP's West Delhi candidate Parvesh Singh Verma won by a margin 5,78,486 votes, breaking his own victory margin record of 2014.

He was followed by North West Delhi candidate Hans Raj Hans who defeated his AAP rival Gugan Singh by a margin of 5,53,897 votes.

Former cricketer Gautam Gambhir defeated Congress' Arvinder Singh Lovely by a margin of 3,91,222 votes.

Watch: PM Modi addresses BJP workers at BJP HQ, New Delhi

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After it won all seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital by huge margins, the BJP Thursday expressed confidence that it would wrest power in the city from the AAP in next year's assembly elections.

After it won all seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital by huge margins, the BJP Thursday expressed confidence that it would wrest power in the city from the AAP in next year's assembly elections. The BJP has been out of power in the city for more than 25 years. Its last victory in assembly elections in Delhi came in 1993. People of Delhi are determined to form a strong government led by the BJP for development of the city, city BJP president Manoj Tiwari said after the victory of the party in the Lok Sabha polls. "The AAP has been pushed to a distant third in Delhi in the Lok Sabha polls. Delhi people have rejected politics of lies," Tiwari said. People have made up their mind to replace the AAP dispensation with a strong government under the BJP in 2020, he claimed. "The negative politics practised by negative-minded leaders of Delhi has been rejected by the people and they are determined to form a strong government after Assembly elections," he said. Tiwari attributed BJP's victory in Delhi to the works of the Modi government. The victory margins were massive this time. BJP's West Delhi candidate Parvesh Singh Verma won by a margin 5,78,486 votes, breaking his own victory margin record of 2014. He was followed by North West Delhi candidate Hans Raj Hans who defeated his AAP rival Gugan Singh by a margin of 5,53,897 votes. Former cricketer Gautam Gambhir defeated Congress' Arvinder Singh Lovely by a margin of 3,91,222 votes. Watch: PM Modi addresses BJP workers at BJP HQ, New Delhi ×

Lok Sabha election result 2019: High in confidence after winning all 7 seats in Delhi, BJP sets eye on assembly polls

The benchmark BSE Sensex rallied nearly 400 points early trade on Friday after a historic mandate won by the PM Narendra Modi government Lok Sabha polls 2019.

Election commission data showed Modi’s National Democratic Alliance has secured 350 seats, with BJP alone winning 303 seats in the 2019 general elections.&nbsp;

In 2014, the party won 282 seats, the NDA had won 336. It was the first time in more than three decades that a single party won the majority on its own.

At 9:20 am, the Sensex was up 285 points at 39,096, and the Nifty50 was trading 73 points higher at 11,731.

Yesterday, BSE Sensex surged over 1,000 points to touch the 40,000-mark for the first time ever following the BJP's thumping electoral show, but could not sustain the euphoria as investors chose to cash in on the gains.

In similar movement, the broader NSE Nifty ad crossed the historic 12,000-level after early trends gave the BJP a comfortable majority in the Lok Sabha, but succumbed to profit booking towards the fag-end of the session.

Foreign institutional investors to believe that a stable government will lead to decisive governance and continuing reforms in the world`s fastest-growing economy.

Meanwhile, Asian stocks traded in the red as investor concerns grew over the escalating US-China trade tensions. Shares fell in the negative territory in Sydney, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Seoul.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The benchmark BSE Sensex rallied nearly 400 points early trade on Friday after a historic mandate won by the PM Narendra Modi government Lok Sabha polls 2019. Election commission data showed Modi’s National Democratic Alliance has secured 350 seats, with BJP alone winning 303 seats in the 2019 general elections.

The benchmark BSE Sensex rallied nearly 400 points early trade on Friday after a historic mandate won by the PM Narendra Modi government Lok Sabha polls 2019. Election commission data showed Modi’s National Democratic Alliance has secured 350 seats, with BJP alone winning 303 seats in the 2019 general elections. In 2014, the party won 282 seats, the NDA had won 336. It was the first time in more than three decades that a single party won the majority on its own. At 9:20 am, the Sensex was up 285 points at 39,096, and the Nifty50 was trading 73 points higher at 11,731. Yesterday, BSE Sensex surged over 1,000 points to touch the 40,000-mark for the first time ever following the BJP's thumping electoral show, but could not sustain the euphoria as investors chose to cash in on the gains. In similar movement, the broader NSE Nifty ad crossed the historic 12,000-level after early trends gave the BJP a comfortable majority in the Lok Sabha, but succumbed to profit booking towards the fag-end of the session. Foreign institutional investors to believe that a stable government will lead to decisive governance and continuing reforms in the world`s fastest-growing economy. Meanwhile, Asian stocks traded in the red as investor concerns grew over the escalating US-China trade tensions. Shares fell in the negative territory in Sydney, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Seoul. (With inputs from agencies)

Sensex opens 300 points higher as India gives NDA a bigger mandate than 2014

Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav won Mainpuri and Azamgarh Lok Sabha Parliamentary seats, respectively.

The winning margin of Mulayam Singh Yadav, however, plummeted to 94,389 from 3,64,666 in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Akhilesh Yadav won by a margin of 2,59,874 seats.

The father-son duo polled 5,24,926 and 6,21,578 in their constituencies, respectively.

While Mulayam was pitted against Prem Singh Shakya of the BJP, Akhilesh contested against Dinesh Nirahua of the ruling party at the Centre.

Last time, Mulayam Singh had won from his son's constituency--Azamgarh, with a margin of 63,204 votes.

The counting of votes for the 542 Lok Sabha seats is currently underway.

Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav won Mainpuri and Azamgarh Lok Sabha Parliamentary seats, respectively. The winning margin of Mulayam Singh Yadav, however, plummeted to 94,389 from 3,64,666 in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav won Mainpuri and Azamgarh Lok Sabha Parliamentary seats, respectively. The winning margin of Mulayam Singh Yadav, however, plummeted to 94,389 from 3,64,666 in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Akhilesh Yadav won by a margin of 2,59,874 seats. The father-son duo polled 5,24,926 and 6,21,578 in their constituencies, respectively. While Mulayam was pitted against Prem Singh Shakya of the BJP, Akhilesh contested against Dinesh Nirahua of the ruling party at the Centre. Last time, Mulayam Singh had won from his son's constituency--Azamgarh, with a margin of 63,204 votes. The counting of votes for the 542 Lok Sabha seats is currently underway.

Lok Sabha election result 2019: Samajwadi Party leaders Mulayam Singh, Akhilesh Yadav register victory

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-up-bjp-gets-60-and-counting-sp-bsp-struggles-to-touch-15-221133">BJP has won seven seats</a> and is leading in two others, while the Congress bagged three and the AIUDF one of Assam's 14 Lok Sabha constituencies as the counting of votes continued well past midnight.

The saffron party retained the Jorhat and Dibrugarh constituencies while wresting the Silchar and Karimganj seats from the Congress and the AIUDF respectively.

Dibrugarh's sitting BJP MP Rameswar Teli won by the highest margin of 3,64,566 votes in the state over former Union minister and Congress candidate Paban Singh Ghatowar.

Gaurav Gogoi, the sitting Congress MP in Kaliabor constituency and son of former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi, won by a huge margin of 2,09,994 votes against Moni Madhab Mahanta of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), an ally of the ruling BJP.

In Jorhat, state Power Minister Topon Kumar Gogoi defeated former Congress MLA Sushanta Borgohain by 82,653 votes.

The BJP snatched both the Silchar and the Karimganj seats in the linguistically and demographically sensitive Barak valley.

Watch:&nbsp;Wishes pour in for PM Modi

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All India Mahila Congress president and sitting MP from Silchar, Sushmita Dev faced defeat in the hands of BJP's first-timer Rajdeep Roy, who won by 81,596 votes.

AIUDF's sitting MP Radheshyam Biswas lost to Assam Assembly Deputy Speaker Kripanath Mallah by 38,389 votes in the Karimganj seat in the Barak valley.

BJP candidate Pallab Lochan Das won the Tezpur seat, beating M G V K Bhanu of the Congress by 2,42,841 votes.

In the Gauhati Lok Sabha constituency, Queen Oja of the BJP beat Bobbeeta Sharma of the Congress by 3,45,606 votes.

The BJP's Horen Sing Bey defeated Biren Singh Engti of the Congress in the Autonomous District by 2,39,626 votes.

The AIUDF won the Dhubri seat, with party candidate Badruddin Ajmal beating Congress' Abu Taher Bepari by a margin of 226258 votes.

Congress' Abdul Khaleque beat Kumar Deepak Das of the Asom Gana Parishad by a margin of 1,40,307 votes in the Barpeta Lok Sabha seat.

In the Nowgong parliamentary constituency, Congress candidate Pradyut Bordoloi won by a margin of 16,752 votes, defeating Rupak Sharma of the BJP.

The BJP is leading in Lakhimpur and Mangaldoi seats, while sitting Independent MP Naba Kumar Sarania is ahead in the Kokrajhar parliamentary constituency.&nbsp;

The BJP has won seven seats and is leading in two others, while the Congress bagged three and the AIUDF one of Assam's 14 Lok Sabha constituencies as the counting of votes continued well past midnight.

The BJP has won seven seats and is leading in two others, while the Congress bagged three and the AIUDF one of Assam's 14 Lok Sabha constituencies as the counting of votes continued well past midnight. The saffron party retained the Jorhat and Dibrugarh constituencies while wresting the Silchar and Karimganj seats from the Congress and the AIUDF respectively. Dibrugarh's sitting BJP MP Rameswar Teli won by the highest margin of 3,64,566 votes in the state over former Union minister and Congress candidate Paban Singh Ghatowar. Gaurav Gogoi, the sitting Congress MP in Kaliabor constituency and son of former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi, won by a huge margin of 2,09,994 votes against Moni Madhab Mahanta of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), an ally of the ruling BJP. In Jorhat, state Power Minister Topon Kumar Gogoi defeated former Congress MLA Sushanta Borgohain by 82,653 votes. The BJP snatched both the Silchar and the Karimganj seats in the linguistically and demographically sensitive Barak valley. Watch: Wishes pour in for PM Modi All India Mahila Congress president and sitting MP from Silchar, Sushmita Dev faced defeat in the hands of BJP's first-timer Rajdeep Roy, who won by 81,596 votes. AIUDF's sitting MP Radheshyam Biswas lost to Assam Assembly Deputy Speaker Kripanath Mallah by 38,389 votes in the Karimganj seat in the Barak valley. BJP candidate Pallab Lochan Das won the Tezpur seat, beating M G V K Bhanu of the Congress by 2,42,841 votes. In the Gauhati Lok Sabha constituency, Queen Oja of the BJP beat Bobbeeta Sharma of the Congress by 3,45,606 votes. The BJP's Horen Sing Bey defeated Biren Singh Engti of the Congress in the Autonomous District by 2,39,626 votes. The AIUDF won the Dhubri seat, with party candidate Badruddin Ajmal beating Congress' Abu Taher Bepari by a margin of 226258 votes. Congress' Abdul Khaleque beat Kumar Deepak Das of the Asom Gana Parishad by a margin of 1,40,307 votes in the Barpeta Lok Sabha seat. In the Nowgong parliamentary constituency, Congress candidate Pradyut Bordoloi won by a margin of 16,752 votes, defeating Rupak Sharma of the BJP. The BJP is leading in Lakhimpur and Mangaldoi seats, while sitting Independent MP Naba Kumar Sarania is ahead in the Kokrajhar parliamentary constituency.

Lok Sabha election result 2019: BJP bags seven seats in Assam, Congress wins three

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Thursday said he intended to change the portfolio of cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu for his "inept" handling of local bodies department.

Singh said he would approach the Congress high command over Sidhu's remarks on the sacrilege issue during sacrilege. A day before polling, Sidhu had raised questions on the probe into the desecration of religious texts in 2015.

Singh claimed that the remarks "might have affected the party's performance in Bathinda".

He said the urban vote bank had been the backbone of the party in the state but Sidhu's failure to do any development work had impacted the Congress, which had performed well this time in rural areas.

"I intend to change Sidhu's portfolio for the inept handling of his department," the chief minister said in a statement here.

Singh said it was wrong on his part to make the controversial remarks and the minister evidently did not understand that a special investigation team (SIT) had been set up to probe the sacrilege issue.

Asked if the party high command would agree to change Sidhu's portfolio, Singh said he had raised the issue with them some months ago and it was agreed that any decision in the matter would be taken after the Lok Sabha elections.

The chief minister said he was confident that not just party president Rahul Gandhi but even Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was believed to have a soft corner for Sidhu, would agree in the interest of the state and for strengthening the party.

Singh said Sidhu, who was the minister for local government, had not been able to handle his department and the Congress had performed poorly in urban areas in Punjab.

The chief minister said he intended to take up the issue with the party high command once things settled down, after the election results.&nbsp;

The chief minister said Sidhu's "yari and jhappi" (friendship and hugs) with the Pakistani army chief would not be tolerated, especially by Army personnel, who were being killed by the ISI-backed terrorists.

He also said the performance of the state ministers would be reviewed in the backdrop of the Lok Sabha results.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Thursday said he intended to change the portfolio of cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu for his "inept" handling of local bodies department.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Thursday said he intended to change the portfolio of cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu for his "inept" handling of local bodies department. Singh said he would approach the Congress high command over Sidhu's remarks on the sacrilege issue during sacrilege. A day before polling, Sidhu had raised questions on the probe into the desecration of religious texts in 2015. Singh claimed that the remarks "might have affected the party's performance in Bathinda". He said the urban vote bank had been the backbone of the party in the state but Sidhu's failure to do any development work had impacted the Congress, which had performed well this time in rural areas. "I intend to change Sidhu's portfolio for the inept handling of his department," the chief minister said in a statement here. Singh said it was wrong on his part to make the controversial remarks and the minister evidently did not understand that a special investigation team (SIT) had been set up to probe the sacrilege issue. Asked if the party high command would agree to change Sidhu's portfolio, Singh said he had raised the issue with them some months ago and it was agreed that any decision in the matter would be taken after the Lok Sabha elections. The chief minister said he was confident that not just party president Rahul Gandhi but even Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was believed to have a soft corner for Sidhu, would agree in the interest of the state and for strengthening the party. Singh said Sidhu, who was the minister for local government, had not been able to handle his department and the Congress had performed poorly in urban areas in Punjab. The chief minister said he intended to take up the issue with the party high command once things settled down, after the election results. The chief minister said Sidhu's "yari and jhappi" (friendship and hugs) with the Pakistani army chief would not be tolerated, especially by Army personnel, who were being killed by the ISI-backed terrorists. He also said the performance of the state ministers would be reviewed in the backdrop of the Lok Sabha results.

Punjab CM Amarinder Singh intends to change Sidhu's portfolio

In a first, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/flop-show-for-congress-rjd-in-bihar-says-pollsters-nda-to-win-big-219966">Rashtriya Janata Dal</a> (RJD) could not manage to win even a single seat in the 17th Lok Sabha elections which concluded on May 19.

The RJD, led by Lalu Prasad Yadav's son Tejashwi Yadav, fought the election in alliance with the Congress and others. The party, which contested on 20 seats, didn't manage to win even a single seat this election and nose-dived from 27 in 2014 to nil in 2019.

Constituted in 1997, the RJD received the status of the recognised national-level party in 2008. In its first election in 1998, it had won 17 seats in Bihar.

Meanwhile, Congress, which is the part of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-up-numbers-show-mahagathbandhan-a-failed-experiment-221047"> RJD-led mahagathbandhan</a>, only managed to win one seat in Bihar.

The grand old party had fielded contestant on nine seats.

Besides, Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) and the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), which contested on five and three seats respectively, also failed to open its account.

The ruling BJP-JDU-LJP alliance in Bihar achieved a resounding victory in the Lok Sabha elections with BJP winning 17 seats, while its allies Janata Dal-United (JDU) getting 16 seats and Ram Vilas Paswan`s Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) winning six seats. In all, the alliance won 37 seats.

Watch:&nbsp;Nitish kumar secures all 17 LS seats in Bihar&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

In a first, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) could not manage to win even a single seat in the 17th Lok Sabha elections which concluded on May 19. The RJD, led by Lalu Prasad Yadav's son Tejashwi Yadav, fought the election in alliance with the Congress and others.

In a first, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) could not manage to win even a single seat in the 17th Lok Sabha elections which concluded on May 19. The RJD, led by Lalu Prasad Yadav's son Tejashwi Yadav, fought the election in alliance with the Congress and others. The party, which contested on 20 seats, didn't manage to win even a single seat this election and nose-dived from 27 in 2014 to nil in 2019. Constituted in 1997, the RJD received the status of the recognised national-level party in 2008. In its first election in 1998, it had won 17 seats in Bihar. Meanwhile, Congress, which is the part of the RJD-led mahagathbandhan, only managed to win one seat in Bihar. The grand old party had fielded contestant on nine seats. Besides, Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) and the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), which contested on five and three seats respectively, also failed to open its account. The ruling BJP-JDU-LJP alliance in Bihar achieved a resounding victory in the Lok Sabha elections with BJP winning 17 seats, while its allies Janata Dal-United (JDU) getting 16 seats and Ram Vilas Paswan`s Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) winning six seats. In all, the alliance won 37 seats. Watch: Nitish kumar secures all 17 LS seats in Bihar ×

Lok Sabha election result 2019: In a first, Lalu Prasad Yadav led-RJD draw a blank in Bihar

Delhi chief minister and AAP president Arvind Kejriwal Thursday said he accepted the people's mandate, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-bjp-certain-of-a-clean-sweep-in-delhi-two-candidates-leading-by-huge-margin-220973">after his party lost on all seven seats</a> in the national capital and came third in most of the constituencies.

He also congratulated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/this-is-a-mandate-to-form-new-india-pm-modi-delivers-first-address-after-lok-sabha-polls-result-221070">Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the "historic" win</a> of the NDA in the Lok Sabha election.

Except for North West and South Delhi seats, where the AAP is in the second spot, the ruling party in Delhi came at the third position in all the other five constituencies.

The AAP had fielded seven candidates in Delhi - Brijesh Goyal from New Delhi, Pankaj Gupta from Chandni Chowk, Raghav Chadha from South Delhi, Atishi from East Delhi, Dilip Pandey from North East Delhi, Gugan Singh from North West Delhi and Balbir Singh Jakhad from West Delhi.

In New Delhi, Goyal lost by over four lakh votes to BJP candidate Meenakshi Lekhi, Gupta lost by over three lakh votes to BJP candidate Harsh Vardhan, Chadha lost by over three lakh votes to BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri and Atishi lost by over four lakh votes to BJP candidate Gautam Gambhir.

On the other hand, Dilip Pandey lost by over five lakh votes to BJP candidate Manoj Tiwari, Singh lost by over six lakh to BJP candidate Hans Raj Hans and Jakhar lost by over six lakh votes to BJP candidate Parvesh Singh Verma.

The star performer of AAP, Atishi who is credited with revolutionising the education system of government schools, has come in third, after Gambhir and Congress candidate Arvinder Singh Lovely.

Kejriwal congratulated Modi for the BJP's victory.

"I congratulate Shri Narendra Modi for this historic win and look forward to working together for the betterment of the people of Delhi," Kejriwal tweeted.

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I congratulate Sh Narendra Modi for this historic win and look forward to working together for the betterment of the people of Delhi.
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1131552294669938688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"We accept the mandate of the people. We fielded very good candidates and our party workers worked very hard during campaigning," he said in another tweet.

He also congratulated Bhagwant Mann, who won from Sangrur seat in Punjab, and the people of the constituency, saying Mann will continue to raise people's issues in Parliament.

The Delhi chief minister has been a vocal critic of Modi and has lashed out at him on several occasions during election campaigns, accusing the prime minister of indulging in politics of hatred.

Senior AAP leader Gopal Rai said the party respects the mandate of people. "We will work together with the prime minister for the people of Delhi. We have provided our best candidates. Every party workers worked very hard in this election. We will continue our work for the people of Delhi," he said.

AAP East Delhi candidate Atishi congratulated her rival from BJP Gautam&nbsp;Gambhir, saying she would continue to work for her constituency.

"And many thanks to the people of East Delhi. Have been overwhelmed by the love and affection I got here. I will always be available for you and shall continue my work here for a safer, more educated and developed East Delhi," the Oxford graduate said.

She thanked the volunteers of the AAP "who gave their heart and soul" to her campaign.

"All of you are amazing! It gives me a great sense of hope that so many people from different walks have life have come together to bring change in this country," she said.

Chadha, in a long post on Facebook, said he respects the mandate of the people and congratulated all the winning MPs, including Bidhuri.

"As the Lok Sabha elections come to a close, people have spoken and we respect their mandate. I congratulate the BJP on its victory and do hope the seven elected MPs suitably reciprocate Delhiites for the trust placed in them. I hope the spirit of federalism moves them to work with the state government for a better Delhi, for all.&nbsp;

"Even as I congratulate Ramesh Bidhuri of BJP on his victory, I hope in the next five years he serves people of South Delhi constituency better than he has in the past five years," he said.

Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi addresses BJP workers at BJP HQ, New Delhi&nbsp;

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Right from slapping of Kejriwal during a road show to the Delhi chief minister claiming that Modi would murder him and even the issue related to distribution of obscene and derogatory pamphlets against Atishi, the AAP was in the midst of a number of controversies this election season.

The AAP was expecting to form an alliance with the Congress but the matter turned sour with a public war of words between Kejriwal and Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

The speculation became rife after Gandhi and Kejriwal, along with other 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) leaders, shared stage during a farmers' rally last year.

While the AAP, on one hand, was looking to form an alliance on 33 seats in Delhi, Punjab, Goa, Haryana and Chandigarh with the grand old party, the Congress proposed a tie-up only in the national capital which proved to be a deal breaker for the Aam Aadmi Party.

Both the BJP and the Congress had started their campaign in the last two weeks before the voting in Delhi on May 12, but the AAP had begun its campaign right from March.

The AAP had divided their Lok Sabha poll campaign in three phases.

The first phase was from March 10 to April 7 while the second phase was from April 10 to 25. In the first phase, 'jan sabhas' were conducted while in the second phase, door-to-door campaigning was done. The third phase of AAP's campaigning started from May 1-10.

Delhi chief minister and AAP president Arvind Kejriwal Thursday said he accepted the people's mandate, after his party lost on all seven seats in the national capital and came third in most of the constituencies.

Delhi chief minister and AAP president Arvind Kejriwal Thursday said he accepted the people's mandate, after his party lost on all seven seats in the national capital and came third in most of the constituencies. He also congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the "historic" win of the NDA in the Lok Sabha election. Except for North West and South Delhi seats, where the AAP is in the second spot, the ruling party in Delhi came at the third position in all the other five constituencies. The AAP had fielded seven candidates in Delhi - Brijesh Goyal from New Delhi, Pankaj Gupta from Chandni Chowk, Raghav Chadha from South Delhi, Atishi from East Delhi, Dilip Pandey from North East Delhi, Gugan Singh from North West Delhi and Balbir Singh Jakhad from West Delhi. In New Delhi, Goyal lost by over four lakh votes to BJP candidate Meenakshi Lekhi, Gupta lost by over three lakh votes to BJP candidate Harsh Vardhan, Chadha lost by over three lakh votes to BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri and Atishi lost by over four lakh votes to BJP candidate Gautam Gambhir. On the other hand, Dilip Pandey lost by over five lakh votes to BJP candidate Manoj Tiwari, Singh lost by over six lakh to BJP candidate Hans Raj Hans and Jakhar lost by over six lakh votes to BJP candidate Parvesh Singh Verma. The star performer of AAP, Atishi who is credited with revolutionising the education system of government schools, has come in third, after Gambhir and Congress candidate Arvinder Singh Lovely. Kejriwal congratulated Modi for the BJP's victory. "I congratulate Shri Narendra Modi for this historic win and look forward to working together for the betterment of the people of Delhi," Kejriwal tweeted. I congratulate Sh Narendra Modi for this historic win and look forward to working together for the betterment of the people of Delhi. — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 23, 2019 × "We accept the mandate of the people. We fielded very good candidates and our party workers worked very hard during campaigning," he said in another tweet. He also congratulated Bhagwant Mann, who won from Sangrur seat in Punjab, and the people of the constituency, saying Mann will continue to raise people's issues in Parliament. The Delhi chief minister has been a vocal critic of Modi and has lashed out at him on several occasions during election campaigns, accusing the prime minister of indulging in politics of hatred. Senior AAP leader Gopal Rai said the party respects the mandate of people. "We will work together with the prime minister for the people of Delhi. We have provided our best candidates. Every party workers worked very hard in this election. We will continue our work for the people of Delhi," he said. AAP East Delhi candidate Atishi congratulated her rival from BJP Gautam Gambhir, saying she would continue to work for her constituency. "And many thanks to the people of East Delhi. Have been overwhelmed by the love and affection I got here. I will always be available for you and shall continue my work here for a safer, more educated and developed East Delhi," the Oxford graduate said. She thanked the volunteers of the AAP "who gave their heart and soul" to her campaign. "All of you are amazing! It gives me a great sense of hope that so many people from different walks have life have come together to bring change in this country," she said. Chadha, in a long post on Facebook, said he respects the mandate of the people and congratulated all the winning MPs, including Bidhuri. "As the Lok Sabha elections come to a close, people have spoken and we respect their mandate. I congratulate the BJP on its victory and do hope the seven elected MPs suitably reciprocate Delhiites for the trust placed in them. I hope the spirit of federalism moves them to work with the state government for a better Delhi, for all. "Even as I congratulate Ramesh Bidhuri of BJP on his victory, I hope in the next five years he serves people of South Delhi constituency better than he has in the past five years," he said. Watch: PM Modi addresses BJP workers at BJP HQ, New Delhi Right from slapping of Kejriwal during a road show to the Delhi chief minister claiming that Modi would murder him and even the issue related to distribution of obscene and derogatory pamphlets against Atishi, the AAP was in the midst of a number of controversies this election season. The AAP was expecting to form an alliance with the Congress but the matter turned sour with a public war of words between Kejriwal and Congress president Rahul Gandhi. The speculation became rife after Gandhi and Kejriwal, along with other 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) leaders, shared stage during a farmers' rally last year. While the AAP, on one hand, was looking to form an alliance on 33 seats in Delhi, Punjab, Goa, Haryana and Chandigarh with the grand old party, the Congress proposed a tie-up only in the national capital which proved to be a deal breaker for the Aam Aadmi Party. Both the BJP and the Congress had started their campaign in the last two weeks before the voting in Delhi on May 12, but the AAP had begun its campaign right from March. The AAP had divided their Lok Sabha poll campaign in three phases. The first phase was from March 10 to April 7 while the second phase was from April 10 to 25. In the first phase, 'jan sabhas' were conducted while in the second phase, door-to-door campaigning was done. The third phase of AAP's campaigning started from May 1-10.

Will work with PM Modi for betterment of people of Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal after losing on all 7 seats

Wishes from all across the world poured-in for Narendra Modi for his re-election for the second consecutive term in the country.

From tweets to phone calls to letters, global leaders made a beeline to congratulate Prime Minister Modi.&nbsp;

Over 20 world leaders congratulated PM Modi for his victory.

The prime minister received calls from 13 leaders including Bangladesh, Bhutan (the king and the PM), Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Russia, France, Japan, Australia, Mauritius, UAE and Israel after his landslide victory.

Leaders from all South Asian countries extended wishes to PM Modi with Sri Lankan leadership being the first and Pakistan being the last via a tweet from Pak PM Imran Khan.

Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the first foreign leader to call PM Modi and congratulate him.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs readout, during the conversation, "Both leaders noted the advances made in the bilateral relationship in the last five years"

The Japanese foreign ministry readout said PM Abe stated that "He would like to closely work with Prime Minister Modi hand in hand toward strengthening Japan-India relations and realising a free and open Indo-Pacific"

PM Modi will be in Japan in the last week of June for the G20 Osaka Summit while Japanese PM will come to India later this year for the next India-Japan Annual Summit.

Israel

Calling PM Modi a friend, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted in Hindi and congratulated him.&nbsp;

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मेरे दोस्त <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> आपके प्रभावशाली चुनावी जीत पर हार्दिक बधाई! ये चुनावी नतीजे एक बार फिर दुनिया के सबसे बड़े लोकतंत्र में आपके नेतृत्व को साबित करते हैं। हम साथ मिलकर भारत और इज़राइल के बीच घनिष्ट मित्रता को मजबूत करना जारी रखेंगे । बहुत बढ़िया, मेरे दोस्त 🇮🇱🤝🇮🇳
— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1131472416872509441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He lauded PM Modi's mandate and said, "The election results further reaffirm your leadership of the world's largest democracy."

UAE

Another leader from West Asia to congratulate PM other than Israel was the United Arab Emirates. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan made a phone call to PM Modi. UAE in April had honoured PM Modi with Zayed Medal, the highest civil honour of the country.

France

French President Emmanuel Macron also made a congratulatory phone call to PM Modi wherein Prime Minister Modi thanked France for its steadfast support to India on critical issues, MEA stated. President Macron described "PM Modi as one of the foremost leaders of the democratic world", the government readout added.&nbsp;

PM Modi will visit France in August 2019 for a bilateral meeting and will also attend the G7 Summit at Biarritz.

China

China was quick to congratulate PM Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping writing a letter to him. While congratulating PM Modi for re-election, Jinping said, "China-India relations have shown strong momentum of development under the joint efforts of both sides".&nbsp;

In the letter, President Xi noted the great importance he attached to the development of Indo-Chinese relations and his desire to work with Prime Minister Modi to take "Partnership between the two countries to a new height."

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Congratulation letter from H.E. Mr. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/XiJinping?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#XiJinping</a>, President of the People’s Republic of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a>, addressed to Shri. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NarendraModi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NarendraModi</a> for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalDemocraticAlliance?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalDemocraticAlliance</a> winning the 17th Lok Sabha election of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>. <a href="https://t.co/FKFduaDarM">pic.twitter.com/FKFduaDarM</a>
— Luo Zhaohui (@China_Amb_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/China_Amb_India/status/1131489567855407104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Chinese President Xi Jinping and PM Modi met four times in 2018 starting with the famous informal summit in Wuhan in April 2018. Jinping will be visiting India this year for the second informal summit.

Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin also wrote a letter to PM Modi wherein he said, "As the Prime Minister of the Republic of India you will further contribute to strengthening the centuries-old friendship between our people". He further reiterated his "readiness to continue fruitful personal contacts".

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russian</a> President Vladimir <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Putin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Putin</a> made a telephone call to Prime Minister of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> to congratulate him on the resounding victory of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJP</a> in the general parliamentary elections. 
 
🌐 <a href="https://t.co/CFPgO3Ww8T">https://t.co/CFPgO3Ww8T</a> <a href="https://t.co/67bGQqDcYG">pic.twitter.com/67bGQqDcYG</a>
— Russia in India (@RusEmbIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/RusEmbIndia/status/1131527754514485248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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May last year saw the first informal summit between PM Modi and Vladimir Putin in the resort town of Sochi. Later that year, Putin visited India for the annual summit.

US

The US also congratulated PM Modi on his victory.

"Great things are in store for the US-India partnership with the return of PM Modi at the helm" Trump tweeted on Modi's victory.

The US envoy &nbsp;Ken Juster while congratulating PM Modi said, "The United States looks forward to working closely with our strategic partner India in the years to come."

Australia&nbsp;

PM Modi also received calls from Australian PM Scott Morrison who got re-elected a few days back.

In a tweet, Australian PM said, "Australia and India enjoy a strong, vibrant and strategic partnership" and he looks forward to meeting him.

South Asia congratulates PM Modi

Sri Lanka

In fact, it was a South Asian leader to first congratulate PM Modi with a tweet. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was the first world leader to tweet congratulations at 12.34 pm IST.&nbsp;

In a tweet, he said, "Congratulations to @narendramodi on a magnificent victory! We look forward to working closely with you".&nbsp;

By 1 PM IST, all three top leaders of Sri Lanka - The President, PM and Leader of opposition had tweeted congratulations.

President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena tweeted his country "looks forward to continuing the warm and constructive relationship with India in the future".

While the opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa said, "Both our nations will build on the existing strong bilateral relationship that we share".

The Sri Lankan Prime Minister also wrote a letter to PM Modi in which he extended "warmest congratulations" and "sincere best wishes on the victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party at the recent general elections of India and your reassumption of the high office of Prime Minister of India".

Bhutan

PM Modi received calls from King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Bhutanese Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering, Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina and Nepal's PM &nbsp;K P Sharma Oli.

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I, on behalf of the people of Bhutan, offer heartiest congratulations to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> and his team on the election victory. As we look forward to working closely in years to come, we pray India achieves greater success under your leadership.
— PM Bhutan (@PMBhutan) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMBhutan/status/1131498760444399616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Nepal

On PM Oli's call to PM Modi, Ministry of External Affairs in a readout said, " PM Modi thanked PM Oli for his warm words of felicitations and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthen the bonds of India-Nepal friendship."

Bangladesh

In her congratulatory message to Narendra Modi, Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina said, “I strongly believe that with the renewed mandate given to both of us by our respective peoples, Bangladesh-India ties, which have already been termed as a role model of good neighbourliness, will be further consolidated and our relations will scale newer heights”.&nbsp;

Hasina herself got landslide victory herself during elections in her country in December of 2018.

Maldives

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and foreign minister also congratulated PM Modi. The Maldivian President said the re election of Narendra Modi "is a strong affirmation of the Indian people's confidence in the BJP/led government"

Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid sent a message of congratulations to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in which he said the "win is a decisive endorsement of the sound development policies and active foreign policy of the Government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the past five years"

Afghanistan

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani while congratulating PM Modi said, "The government and the people of Afghanistan look forward to expanding cooperation between our two democracies in pursuit of regional cooperation, peace and prosperity for all of South Asia."

Pakistan

Pakistani Prime Minister was the last South Asian leader to congratulate PM Modi. In a tweet, he said, "I congratulate Prime Minister Modi on the electoral victory of BJP and allies." Adding that he looks "forward to working with him for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia".&nbsp;

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I congratulate Prime Minister Modi on the electoral victory of BJP and allies. Look forward to working with him for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1131526476828893184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi and Pakistani PM will be under the same roof in their present capacity for the first time during next month's Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Kyrgyzstan.

During his oath-taking ceremony in his first tenure in 2014, PM Modi had invited all the leaders of SAARC countries.

Other global leaders

Other leaders who reached out to PM Modi include Singapore's PM Lee Hsien Loong, PM of Vietnam Nguyen Xuan Phuc who sent a letter to PM Modi and PM of Portugal António Costa who tweeted congratulations to PM Modi.

President of Tanzania Dr John Magufuli was the first African leader to congratulate PM Modi.

Wishes from all across the world poured-in for Narendra Modi for his re-election for the second consecutive term in the country. From tweets to phone calls to letters, global leaders made a beeline to congratulate Prime Minister Modi.

Wishes from all across the world poured-in for Narendra Modi for his re-election for the second consecutive term in the country. From tweets to phone calls to letters, global leaders made a beeline to congratulate Prime Minister Modi. Over 20 world leaders congratulated PM Modi for his victory. The prime minister received calls from 13 leaders including Bangladesh, Bhutan (the king and the PM), Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Russia, France, Japan, Australia, Mauritius, UAE and Israel after his landslide victory. Leaders from all South Asian countries extended wishes to PM Modi with Sri Lankan leadership being the first and Pakistan being the last via a tweet from Pak PM Imran Khan. Japan Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the first foreign leader to call PM Modi and congratulate him. According to the Ministry of External Affairs readout, during the conversation, "Both leaders noted the advances made in the bilateral relationship in the last five years" The Japanese foreign ministry readout said PM Abe stated that "He would like to closely work with Prime Minister Modi hand in hand toward strengthening Japan-India relations and realising a free and open Indo-Pacific" PM Modi will be in Japan in the last week of June for the G20 Osaka Summit while Japanese PM will come to India later this year for the next India-Japan Annual Summit. Israel Calling PM Modi a friend, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted in Hindi and congratulated him. मेरे दोस्त @narendramodi आपके प्रभावशाली चुनावी जीत पर हार्दिक बधाई! ये चुनावी नतीजे एक बार फिर दुनिया के सबसे बड़े लोकतंत्र में आपके नेतृत्व को साबित करते हैं। हम साथ मिलकर भारत और इज़राइल के बीच घनिष्ट मित्रता को मजबूत करना जारी रखेंगे । बहुत बढ़िया, मेरे दोस्त 🇮🇱🤝🇮🇳 — Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) May 23, 2019 × He lauded PM Modi's mandate and said, "The election results further reaffirm your leadership of the world's largest democracy." UAE Another leader from West Asia to congratulate PM other than Israel was the United Arab Emirates. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan made a phone call to PM Modi. UAE in April had honoured PM Modi with Zayed Medal, the highest civil honour of the country. France French President Emmanuel Macron also made a congratulatory phone call to PM Modi wherein Prime Minister Modi thanked France for its steadfast support to India on critical issues, MEA stated. President Macron described "PM Modi as one of the foremost leaders of the democratic world", the government readout added. PM Modi will visit France in August 2019 for a bilateral meeting and will also attend the G7 Summit at Biarritz. China China was quick to congratulate PM Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping writing a letter to him. While congratulating PM Modi for re-election, Jinping said, "China-India relations have shown strong momentum of development under the joint efforts of both sides". In the letter, President Xi noted the great importance he attached to the development of Indo-Chinese relations and his desire to work with Prime Minister Modi to take "Partnership between the two countries to a new height." Congratulation letter from H.E. Mr. #XiJinping, President of the People’s Republic of #China, addressed to Shri. #NarendraModi for the #NationalDemocraticAlliance winning the 17th Lok Sabha election of #India. pic.twitter.com/FKFduaDarM — Luo Zhaohui (@China_Amb_India) May 23, 2019 × Chinese President Xi Jinping and PM Modi met four times in 2018 starting with the famous informal summit in Wuhan in April 2018. Jinping will be visiting India this year for the second informal summit. Russia Russian President Vladimir Putin also wrote a letter to PM Modi wherein he said, "As the Prime Minister of the Republic of India you will further contribute to strengthening the centuries-old friendship between our people". He further reiterated his "readiness to continue fruitful personal contacts". #Russian President Vladimir #Putin made a telephone call to Prime Minister of #India @narendramodi to congratulate him on the resounding victory of #BJP in the general parliamentary elections. 🌐 https://t.co/CFPgO3Ww8T pic.twitter.com/67bGQqDcYG — Russia in India (@RusEmbIndia) May 23, 2019 × May last year saw the first informal summit between PM Modi and Vladimir Putin in the resort town of Sochi. Later that year, Putin visited India for the annual summit. US The US also congratulated PM Modi on his victory. "Great things are in store for the US-India partnership with the return of PM Modi at the helm" Trump tweeted on Modi's victory. The US envoy Ken Juster while congratulating PM Modi said, "The United States looks forward to working closely with our strategic partner India in the years to come." Australia PM Modi also received calls from Australian PM Scott Morrison who got re-elected a few days back. In a tweet, Australian PM said, "Australia and India enjoy a strong, vibrant and strategic partnership" and he looks forward to meeting him. South Asia congratulates PM Modi Sri Lanka In fact, it was a South Asian leader to first congratulate PM Modi with a tweet. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was the first world leader to tweet congratulations at 12.34 pm IST. In a tweet, he said, "Congratulations to @narendramodi on a magnificent victory! We look forward to working closely with you". By 1 PM IST, all three top leaders of Sri Lanka - The President, PM and Leader of opposition had tweeted congratulations. President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena tweeted his country "looks forward to continuing the warm and constructive relationship with India in the future". While the opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa said, "Both our nations will build on the existing strong bilateral relationship that we share". The Sri Lankan Prime Minister also wrote a letter to PM Modi in which he extended "warmest congratulations" and "sincere best wishes on the victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party at the recent general elections of India and your reassumption of the high office of Prime Minister of India". Bhutan PM Modi received calls from King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Bhutanese Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering, Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina and Nepal's PM K P Sharma Oli. I, on behalf of the people of Bhutan, offer heartiest congratulations to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi @PMOIndia and his team on the election victory. As we look forward to working closely in years to come, we pray India achieves greater success under your leadership. — PM Bhutan (@PMBhutan) May 23, 2019 × Nepal On PM Oli's call to PM Modi, Ministry of External Affairs in a readout said, " PM Modi thanked PM Oli for his warm words of felicitations and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthen the bonds of India-Nepal friendship." Bangladesh In her congratulatory message to Narendra Modi, Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina said, “I strongly believe that with the renewed mandate given to both of us by our respective peoples, Bangladesh-India ties, which have already been termed as a role model of good neighbourliness, will be further consolidated and our relations will scale newer heights”. Hasina herself got landslide victory herself during elections in her country in December of 2018. Maldives Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and foreign minister also congratulated PM Modi. The Maldivian President said the re election of Narendra Modi "is a strong affirmation of the Indian people's confidence in the BJP/led government" Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid sent a message of congratulations to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in which he said the "win is a decisive endorsement of the sound development policies and active foreign policy of the Government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the past five years" Afghanistan Afghan President Ashraf Ghani while congratulating PM Modi said, "The government and the people of Afghanistan look forward to expanding cooperation between our two democracies in pursuit of regional cooperation, peace and prosperity for all of South Asia." Pakistan Pakistani Prime Minister was the last South Asian leader to congratulate PM Modi. In a tweet, he said, "I congratulate Prime Minister Modi on the electoral victory of BJP and allies." Adding that he looks "forward to working with him for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia". I congratulate Prime Minister Modi on the electoral victory of BJP and allies. Look forward to working with him for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 23, 2019 × PM Modi and Pakistani PM will be under the same roof in their present capacity for the first time during next month's Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Kyrgyzstan. During his oath-taking ceremony in his first tenure in 2014, PM Modi had invited all the leaders of SAARC countries. Other global leaders Other leaders who reached out to PM Modi include Singapore's PM Lee Hsien Loong, PM of Vietnam Nguyen Xuan Phuc who sent a letter to PM Modi and PM of Portugal António Costa who tweeted congratulations to PM Modi. President of Tanzania Dr John Magufuli was the first African leader to congratulate PM Modi.

World leaders congratulate PM Modi on re-election, 13 leaders call him

Bihar saw about 8.17 lakh voters opting for the None of The Above (NOTA) option - the highest in the country - while exercising their franchise in the 17th Lok Sabha polls.

According to the Election Commission's website, the NOTA vote share of Bihar stood at two per cent of the total votes polled in the state that has 40 Lok Sabha seats.

Daman and Diu (1.7 per cent), Andhra Pradesh (1.49 per cent) and Chhattisgarh (1.44 per cent) followed in the list with 1.7 per cent, 1.49 per cent and 1.44 per cent votes, respectively, under NOTA.

NOTA, which was introduced in India following a 2013 Supreme Court directive, allows voters to express their dissent by pressing a button saying none of the contestants is worthy of their vote.

In 2014 Lok Sabha polls, where it was introduced for the first time in any parliamentary election, around 60 lakh voters had opted for the NOTA option -- equalling about 1.1 per cent of the total votes polled during those elections across 543 seats.

In the 2019 elections, the constituency of Gopalganj in Bihar saw 51,660 voters pressing the NOTA button (5.04 per cent), the highest in the country. 
Other constituencies in the state like Paschim Champaran (4.51 per cent), Nawada (3.73 per cent) and Jahanabad (3.37 per cent) also saw many voters opting for NOTA.

While counting of votes continued till late night on Thursday, by evening, it was clear that the Bharatiya Janata Party had sealed electoral victory with a 300-plus win. The party secured 302 of the 542 seats, while Indian National Congress had 52 seats. Results from Arunachal Pradesh West constituency are yet to be announced.

In the key constituency of Varanasi, the seat from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi contested the elections and won, saw 4,037 voters (0.38 per cent) opting for NOTA.

The constituency of Kerala's Wayanad, where the Congress scion Rahul Gandhi won from, saw 2,155 voters (0.2 per cent) pressing the NOTA button.

Among other key constituencies where results had been declared, Amit Shah's Gandhinagar constituency saw 14,214 (1.11 per cent) NOTA votes, Ravi Shankar Prasad's Patna Sahib constituency saw 5,076 (0.52 per cent), and Gautam Gambhir's East Delhi constituency had 4,920 (0.39 per cent) such votes.&nbsp;

Bihar saw about 8.17 lakh voters opting for the None of The Above (NOTA) option - the highest in the country - while exercising their franchise in the 17th Lok Sabha polls.

Bihar saw about 8.17 lakh voters opting for the None of The Above (NOTA) option - the highest in the country - while exercising their franchise in the 17th Lok Sabha polls. According to the Election Commission's website, the NOTA vote share of Bihar stood at two per cent of the total votes polled in the state that has 40 Lok Sabha seats. Daman and Diu (1.7 per cent), Andhra Pradesh (1.49 per cent) and Chhattisgarh (1.44 per cent) followed in the list with 1.7 per cent, 1.49 per cent and 1.44 per cent votes, respectively, under NOTA. NOTA, which was introduced in India following a 2013 Supreme Court directive, allows voters to express their dissent by pressing a button saying none of the contestants is worthy of their vote. In 2014 Lok Sabha polls, where it was introduced for the first time in any parliamentary election, around 60 lakh voters had opted for the NOTA option -- equalling about 1.1 per cent of the total votes polled during those elections across 543 seats. In the 2019 elections, the constituency of Gopalganj in Bihar saw 51,660 voters pressing the NOTA button (5.04 per cent), the highest in the country. Other constituencies in the state like Paschim Champaran (4.51 per cent), Nawada (3.73 per cent) and Jahanabad (3.37 per cent) also saw many voters opting for NOTA. While counting of votes continued till late night on Thursday, by evening, it was clear that the Bharatiya Janata Party had sealed electoral victory with a 300-plus win. The party secured 302 of the 542 seats, while Indian National Congress had 52 seats. Results from Arunachal Pradesh West constituency are yet to be announced. In the key constituency of Varanasi, the seat from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi contested the elections and won, saw 4,037 voters (0.38 per cent) opting for NOTA. The constituency of Kerala's Wayanad, where the Congress scion Rahul Gandhi won from, saw 2,155 voters (0.2 per cent) pressing the NOTA button. Among other key constituencies where results had been declared, Amit Shah's Gandhinagar constituency saw 14,214 (1.11 per cent) NOTA votes, Ravi Shankar Prasad's Patna Sahib constituency saw 5,076 (0.52 per cent), and Gautam Gambhir's East Delhi constituency had 4,920 (0.39 per cent) such votes.

Bihar sees highest number of NOTA votes, Gopalganj tops tally

The BJP repeated it <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/nothing-is-impossible-giantslayer-smriti-irani-topples-rahul-gandhi-in-amethi-221132">superlative performance</a> in five key Hindi-speaking states of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-up-bjp-gets-60-and-counting-sp-bsp-struggles-to-touch-15-221133">Uttar Pradesh,</a> Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, as the party along with its allies not only bagged or was leading in 165 out of 185 Lok Sabha seats, but also enjoyed a massive vote swing in its favour.

The NDA's strike rate of nearly 90 per cent was similar to 2014 when it won 166 of 185 seats, including 73 (BJP 71, Apna Dal 2) out of 80 in Uttar Pradesh.

The NDA won 63 seats&nbsp;in Uttar Pradesh, despite facing the formidable caste arithmetic of SP-BSP-RLD alliance. The party also increased its vote share to a whopping 49.5 per cent in the state, where it won the prized trophy of Amethi, a pocket borough of the Nehru-Gandhi family.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-bjp-crosses-300-mark-on-its-own-221119/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The party also proved wrong the political observers who were of the view that the BJP will find it difficult to repeat its 2014 success in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh after losing power in the three states to the Congress in 2018.

It again swept all 25 seats in Rajasthan, improved its tally by one in Madhya Pradesh by winning or leading in 27&nbsp;out of 29 seats. In Chhattisgarh, it was ahead in nine of the 11 seats.

BJP leaders have insisted that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/this-is-a-mandate-to-form-new-india-pm-modi-delivers-first-address-after-lok-sabha-polls-result-221070">support for Modi </a>combined with the three state governments' "unimpressive" performance swung the electoral pendulum in the saffron party's favour.

BJP president Amit Shah had asserted that his party will repeat its sweep of the three states and also do better in Uttar Pradesh.

In Bihar, where the BJP joined hands with the JD(U) this time and sacrificed its winning seats, the party won all 17 seats it contested. The JD(U) bagged 16 while the Lok Janshakti Party got six seats, leaving just one for the rival Congress. The NDA had won 31 out of 40 seats in 2014.

The NDA's vote share also neared 50 per cent in the state with BJP, JD(U) and LJP accounting for 23.6 per cent, 21.8 per cent and 7.9 per cent of votes respectively.

The BJP's vote share jumped to a whopping 58 per cent in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan and 50.7 per cent in Chhattisgarh.

The party also swept the three states of Haryana (10 seats), Uttarakhand (5) and Himachal Pradesh (4).

The BJP's vote share in Haryana surged to nearly 60 per cent this year. In 2014, its vote share was 34.7 per cent.

The BJP repeated it superlative performance in five key Hindi-speaking states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, as the party along with its allies not only bagged or was leading in 165 out of 185 Lok Sabha seats, but also enjoyed a massive vote swing in its favour.

The BJP repeated it superlative performance in five key Hindi-speaking states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, as the party along with its allies not only bagged or was leading in 165 out of 185 Lok Sabha seats, but also enjoyed a massive vote swing in its favour. The NDA's strike rate of nearly 90 per cent was similar to 2014 when it won 166 of 185 seats, including 73 (BJP 71, Apna Dal 2) out of 80 in Uttar Pradesh. The NDA won 63 seats in Uttar Pradesh, despite facing the formidable caste arithmetic of SP-BSP-RLD alliance. The party also increased its vote share to a whopping 49.5 per cent in the state, where it won the prized trophy of Amethi, a pocket borough of the Nehru-Gandhi family. The party also proved wrong the political observers who were of the view that the BJP will find it difficult to repeat its 2014 success in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh after losing power in the three states to the Congress in 2018. It again swept all 25 seats in Rajasthan, improved its tally by one in Madhya Pradesh by winning or leading in 27 out of 29 seats. In Chhattisgarh, it was ahead in nine of the 11 seats. BJP leaders have insisted that the support for Modi combined with the three state governments' "unimpressive" performance swung the electoral pendulum in the saffron party's favour. BJP president Amit Shah had asserted that his party will repeat its sweep of the three states and also do better in Uttar Pradesh. In Bihar, where the BJP joined hands with the JD(U) this time and sacrificed its winning seats, the party won all 17 seats it contested. The JD(U) bagged 16 while the Lok Janshakti Party got six seats, leaving just one for the rival Congress. The NDA had won 31 out of 40 seats in 2014. The NDA's vote share also neared 50 per cent in the state with BJP, JD(U) and LJP accounting for 23.6 per cent, 21.8 per cent and 7.9 per cent of votes respectively. The BJP's vote share jumped to a whopping 58 per cent in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan and 50.7 per cent in Chhattisgarh. The party also swept the three states of Haryana (10 seats), Uttarakhand (5) and Himachal Pradesh (4). The BJP's vote share in Haryana surged to nearly 60 per cent this year. In 2014, its vote share was 34.7 per cent.

BJP proves sceptics wrong with stunning performance in Hindi heartland

Two-time BJP MP C R Patil Thursday came close to surpassing the all-time victory margin in Lok Sabha polls as he won the Navsari seat in Gujarat by garnering 6.89 lakh more votes than his rival -- the highest margin in 2019 polls.

So far, the highest victory margin of 6.96 lakh votes in Lok Sabha polls belongs to Pritam Munde, who won the by-election to Beed seat in Maharashtra in October 2014. The by-poll was necessitated after the death of her father and senior BJP leader Gopinath Munde.

Patil has party colleagues Sanjay Bhatia, Krishan Pal and Subhash Chandra Baheria in the 6 lakh-plus clubs, while about a dozen other candidates have won by over 5 lakh margin.

Prime Minister <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">Narendra Modi widened his victory margin</a> to 4.79 lakh votes when he defeated his nearest rival of Shalini Yadav of Samajwadi Party in Varanasi parliamentary constituency. In 2014, he had defeated Arvind Kejriwal by 3.71 lakh votes.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/the-rise-and-rise-of-amit-shah-his-journey-to-becoming-bjps-most-successful-president-221101">Amit Shah won his maiden Lok Sabha election</a> by a huge margin of 5.57 lakh votes from Gandhinagar in Gujarat this election, bettering senior party leader L K Advani's margin of 4.83 lakh votes in 2014.

The party got winners with huge margins primarily in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh which it swept defeating nearest Congress rivals.

In the results declared by the Election Commission on Thursday, Sanjay Bhatia won the Karnal constituency in Haryana by a margin of 6.56 lakh votes, while his party colleague Krishan Pal won Faridabad in the same state by 6.38 lakh votes.

With his party sweeping Rajasthan, Subhash Chandra Baheria of the BJP won the Bhilwara seat in the state by 6.12 lakh votes.

Shankar Lalwani, who contested from Indore in Madhya Pradesh on BJP ticket after Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan opted out of the race, defeated his nearest Congress rival by a margin of 5.47 lakh votes. Mahajan, an eight-time Lok Sabha MP, had in 2014 had won the seat by 4.67 lakh votes.

Contesting for the first time, Ramakant Bhargava, standing in from Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj opted out, won by 5.03 lakh votes, a lakh vote higher than victory margin in 2014 elections.

In Gujarat's Vadodara, BJP Ranjanben Bhatt won by 5.87 lakh votes while in neighbouring Surat Darshana Vikram Jardosh won by 5.48 lakh votes.

In Madhya Pradesh's Hoshangabad constituency, Uday Pratap Singh returned to the Lok Sabha by a margin of 5.53 lakh votes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-bjp-certain-of-a-clean-sweep-in-delhi-two-candidates-leading-by-huge-margin-220973">Of the seven constituencies in the national capital</a>, two BJP candidates emerged victorious by over 5 lakh votes -- Hans Raj Hans in North West Delhi (5.53 lakh) and Parvesh Verma in West Delhi (5.78 lakh).

CP Joshi of BJP won Chittorgarh seat in Rajasthan by a margin of 5.76 lakh and his colleague Diya Kumari from Jaipur royal family won by 5.51 lakh in Rajsamand constituency. General (Retd) V K Singh also won Ghaziabad seat by over 5 lakh votes.

During the 2014 general elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi won his Vadodara seat with the highest margin. He defeated his nearest rival by a huge margin of 5,70,128 votes. He, however, resigned from the seat and retained Varanasi parliamentary constituency where victory margin was 3,71,784.

The second-biggest victory margin was of General V K Singh (BJP) from Ghaziabad constituency with winning difference of 5,67,260 votes. The former army chief was followed by C R Patil (BJP), who won Navsari seat in Gujarat, with a margin of 5,58,116 votes.

Another BJP candidate Ramcharan Bohara won Jaipur seat with a vote margin of 5,39,345. Darshana Vikram Jardosh (BJP) won Surat, Gujarat, seat with a difference of 5,33,190 votes.

The sixth-highest victory margin crown was with CPM candidate Sankar Prasad Datta of Tripura West. He won the seat with a difference of 5,03,486 votes. Jitendra Chaudhury followed him by winning Tripura East seat by 4,84,358 votes.

BJP patriarch L K Advani won Gandhinagar, Gujarat, seat with a margin of 4,83,121. He was followed by another senior BJP leader Sumitra Mahajan, who defeated her rival by 4,66,901 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

The tenth biggest victory margin was of Krishan Pal (BJP), who defeated his opponent by 4,66,873 votes in Faridabad, Haryana. 
&nbsp;

Two-time BJP MP C R Patil Thursday came close to surpassing the all-time victory margin in Lok Sabha polls as he won the Navsari seat in Gujarat by garnering 6.89 lakh more votes than his rival -- the highest margin in 2019 polls.

Two-time BJP MP C R Patil Thursday came close to surpassing the all-time victory margin in Lok Sabha polls as he won the Navsari seat in Gujarat by garnering 6.89 lakh more votes than his rival -- the highest margin in 2019 polls. So far, the highest victory margin of 6.96 lakh votes in Lok Sabha polls belongs to Pritam Munde, who won the by-election to Beed seat in Maharashtra in October 2014. The by-poll was necessitated after the death of her father and senior BJP leader Gopinath Munde. Patil has party colleagues Sanjay Bhatia, Krishan Pal and Subhash Chandra Baheria in the 6 lakh-plus clubs, while about a dozen other candidates have won by over 5 lakh margin. Prime Minister Narendra Modi widened his victory margin to 4.79 lakh votes when he defeated his nearest rival of Shalini Yadav of Samajwadi Party in Varanasi parliamentary constituency. In 2014, he had defeated Arvind Kejriwal by 3.71 lakh votes. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah won his maiden Lok Sabha election by a huge margin of 5.57 lakh votes from Gandhinagar in Gujarat this election, bettering senior party leader L K Advani's margin of 4.83 lakh votes in 2014. The party got winners with huge margins primarily in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh which it swept defeating nearest Congress rivals. In the results declared by the Election Commission on Thursday, Sanjay Bhatia won the Karnal constituency in Haryana by a margin of 6.56 lakh votes, while his party colleague Krishan Pal won Faridabad in the same state by 6.38 lakh votes. With his party sweeping Rajasthan, Subhash Chandra Baheria of the BJP won the Bhilwara seat in the state by 6.12 lakh votes. Shankar Lalwani, who contested from Indore in Madhya Pradesh on BJP ticket after Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan opted out of the race, defeated his nearest Congress rival by a margin of 5.47 lakh votes. Mahajan, an eight-time Lok Sabha MP, had in 2014 had won the seat by 4.67 lakh votes. Contesting for the first time, Ramakant Bhargava, standing in from Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj opted out, won by 5.03 lakh votes, a lakh vote higher than victory margin in 2014 elections. In Gujarat's Vadodara, BJP Ranjanben Bhatt won by 5.87 lakh votes while in neighbouring Surat Darshana Vikram Jardosh won by 5.48 lakh votes. In Madhya Pradesh's Hoshangabad constituency, Uday Pratap Singh returned to the Lok Sabha by a margin of 5.53 lakh votes. Of the seven constituencies in the national capital, two BJP candidates emerged victorious by over 5 lakh votes -- Hans Raj Hans in North West Delhi (5.53 lakh) and Parvesh Verma in West Delhi (5.78 lakh). CP Joshi of BJP won Chittorgarh seat in Rajasthan by a margin of 5.76 lakh and his colleague Diya Kumari from Jaipur royal family won by 5.51 lakh in Rajsamand constituency. General (Retd) V K Singh also won Ghaziabad seat by over 5 lakh votes. During the 2014 general elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi won his Vadodara seat with the highest margin. He defeated his nearest rival by a huge margin of 5,70,128 votes. He, however, resigned from the seat and retained Varanasi parliamentary constituency where victory margin was 3,71,784. The second-biggest victory margin was of General V K Singh (BJP) from Ghaziabad constituency with winning difference of 5,67,260 votes. The former army chief was followed by C R Patil (BJP), who won Navsari seat in Gujarat, with a margin of 5,58,116 votes. Another BJP candidate Ramcharan Bohara won Jaipur seat with a vote margin of 5,39,345. Darshana Vikram Jardosh (BJP) won Surat, Gujarat, seat with a difference of 5,33,190 votes. The sixth-highest victory margin crown was with CPM candidate Sankar Prasad Datta of Tripura West. He won the seat with a difference of 5,03,486 votes. Jitendra Chaudhury followed him by winning Tripura East seat by 4,84,358 votes. BJP patriarch L K Advani won Gandhinagar, Gujarat, seat with a margin of 4,83,121. He was followed by another senior BJP leader Sumitra Mahajan, who defeated her rival by 4,66,901 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The tenth biggest victory margin was of Krishan Pal (BJP), who defeated his opponent by 4,66,873 votes in Faridabad, Haryana.

Lok Sabha election result 2019: Biggest victory margin in 2019 elections, BJP's CR Patil wins by 6.89 lakh votes

The Union Cabinet met on Friday and adopted a resolution for the dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha, setting in motion the process of constituting the new House and formation of the government after the conclusion of the general elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chaired the meeting, will meet President Ram Nath Kovind to handover the resolution that will pave the way for constituting the 17th Lok Sabha.

The Election Commission will then issue a formal notification constituting the new House.

It is speculated that the new government under Modi may be sworn-in on May 30.

Meanwhile, a meeting of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will be held on May 25 when Modi will be formally elected leader of the coalition before the President will invite him to form the next government.

Earlier in the day, government spokesperson Sitanshu Kar had tweeted that "the Cabinet and Union Council of Ministers will meet this evening"

He said the dates for the swearing-in ceremony of the Prime Minister and Union Council of Ministers are yet to be decided.

With the official count in the Lok Sabha elections over on Friday, the BJP has secured 303 seats, which is 22 more than it got in the 2014 elections and along with its allies, the NDA took its tally up to 352 in the 17th Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

The Union Cabinet met on Friday and adopted a resolution for the dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha, setting in motion the process of constituting the new House and formation of the government after the conclusion of the general elections.

The Union Cabinet met on Friday and adopted a resolution for the dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha, setting in motion the process of constituting the new House and formation of the government after the conclusion of the general elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chaired the meeting, will meet President Ram Nath Kovind to handover the resolution that will pave the way for constituting the 17th Lok Sabha. The Election Commission will then issue a formal notification constituting the new House. It is speculated that the new government under Modi may be sworn-in on May 30. Meanwhile, a meeting of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will be held on May 25 when Modi will be formally elected leader of the coalition before the President will invite him to form the next government. Earlier in the day, government spokesperson Sitanshu Kar had tweeted that "the Cabinet and Union Council of Ministers will meet this evening" He said the dates for the swearing-in ceremony of the Prime Minister and Union Council of Ministers are yet to be decided. With the official count in the Lok Sabha elections over on Friday, the BJP has secured 303 seats, which is 22 more than it got in the 2014 elections and along with its allies, the NDA took its tally up to 352 in the 17th Lok Sabha.

Union cabinet passes resolution to dissolve 16th Lok Sabha