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

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

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

<p>Mayawati never said it in so many words. But the BSP supremo threw enough hints during the poll campaign that she considered herself to be in the race for the prime minister's post, should the opposition manage to contain the BJP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At a rally in Ambedkarnagar, for example, she recalled that she has been elected to the Lok Sabha from that seat in the past.</p>

<p>"Time will tell. If all goes well, I will have to seek election from here again," she said, seemingly referring to the possibility of her entering Parliament through a by-election later, if something opened up in New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The results, however, have been a disappointment for the four-time Uttar Pradesh chief minister, who former prime minister P V Narasimha Rao famously called a "miracle of democracy" when she became the CM the first time in 1995.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP has trumped her Bahujan Samaj Party's alliance with Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party in the state. Yet her own party has done better than in 2014 Lok Sabha polls when it drew a complete blank.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjps-journey-from-just-two-seats-in-lok-sabha-in-1984-to-winning-two-back-to-back-majority-221039">BJP's journey from just two seats in Lok Sabha in 1984 to winning two back-to-back majority</a></strong></p>

<p>The alliance in UP alliance happened against all odds, ending a bitter parting of ways between the two sides nearly 25 years ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>SP workers had then attacked a BSP legislators' meeting at the state guest house in Lucknow and reportedly roughed her up.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mayawati referred to the infamous episode more than once even during the joint press conference where she and Akhilesh Yadav announced their "gathbandhan" earlier this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Born on January 15, 1956, the daughter of a postal worker, Mayawati did her BA from Delhi University, following it up with a BEd from Meerut University.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dalit leader Kanshi Ram spotted her potential when she was a government school teacher in Delhi, also preparing to take the civil services exam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He is supposed to have told her that she was destined for bigger things.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Why become an IAS officer when she could be a community leader from whom IAS officers take their orders, she was told.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 1984, she joined Kanshi Ram when he founded the BSP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After three failed attempts, Mayawati made it to the Lok Sabha for the first time in 1989.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mayawati was elected the BSP president in December 2003, about two years after Kanshi Ram had declared she would be his successor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>By that time, she had been the UP chief minister thrice. When she took oath the first time in 1995, she was the youngest CM the state had seen till then and the first Dalit woman to reach the post anywhere in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>That government, and the ones formed in 1997 and 2002, lasted just months. But Mayawati served a full five-year term when she became CM the fourth time in 2007.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She earned a reputation of being a no-nonsense CM who ordered transfers and suspensions of IAS and IPS officers in bulk and sent high-profile mafia dons behind bars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But over the years, in and out of power, she attracted a slew of controversies, beginning with corruption charges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mayawati's assets had crossed Rs 110 crore when she filed a Rajya Sabha election affidavit in 2012. In 2007-08 assessment year, she paid Rs 26 crore as income tax, placing her among the 20 top taxpayers in the country. &nbsp;</p>

<p>She has been photographed with huge garlands of currency notes. Her critics see this accumulation of wealth as a sign of corruption. She explains away much of it as gifts from supporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The alleged Taj Heritage Corridor scam dogged her for years, and she has charged with possessing assets disproportionate to her income.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lok-sabha-election-2019-there-is-no-place-for-dynasty-rulers-corrupt-leaders-in-this-nation-says-yogi-adityanath-220949">'There is no place for dynasty rulers, corrupt leaders in this nation' says Yogi Adityanath</a></strong></p>

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<p>She has also faced criticism over her "autocratic" style of functioning, apparently even insisting that bureaucrats remove their shoes when they visit her. In the party, she hasn't allowed a second rung of leadership to emerge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But for millions of Dalits and others -- the BSP has over the decades worked hard to include Muslims and even upper caste Hindus in its fold the controversies don't seem to matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For them, she remains "behenji", an elder sister.&nbsp;</p>


Mayawati never said it in so many words. But the BSP supremo threw enough hints during the poll campaign that she considered herself to be in the race for the prime minister's post, should the opposition manage to contain the BJP.

Mayawati never said it in so many words. But the BSP supremo threw enough hints during the poll campaign that she considered herself to be in the race for the prime minister's post, should the opposition manage to contain the BJP. At a rally in Ambedkarnagar, for example, she recalled that she has been elected to the Lok Sabha from that seat in the past. "Time will tell. If all goes well, I will have to seek election from here again," she said, seemingly referring to the possibility of her entering Parliament through a by-election later, if something opened up in New Delhi. The results, however, have been a disappointment for the four-time Uttar Pradesh chief minister, who former prime minister P V Narasimha Rao famously called a "miracle of democracy" when she became the CM the first time in 1995. The BJP has trumped her Bahujan Samaj Party's alliance with Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party in the state. Yet her own party has done better than in 2014 Lok Sabha polls when it drew a complete blank. Also Read: BJP's journey from just two seats in Lok Sabha in 1984 to winning two back-to-back majority The alliance in UP alliance happened against all odds, ending a bitter parting of ways between the two sides nearly 25 years ago. SP workers had then attacked a BSP legislators' meeting at the state guest house in Lucknow and reportedly roughed her up. Mayawati referred to the infamous episode more than once even during the joint press conference where she and Akhilesh Yadav announced their "gathbandhan" earlier this year. Born on January 15, 1956, the daughter of a postal worker, Mayawati did her BA from Delhi University, following it up with a BEd from Meerut University. Dalit leader Kanshi Ram spotted her potential when she was a government school teacher in Delhi, also preparing to take the civil services exam. He is supposed to have told her that she was destined for bigger things. Why become an IAS officer when she could be a community leader from whom IAS officers take their orders, she was told. In 1984, she joined Kanshi Ram when he founded the BSP. After three failed attempts, Mayawati made it to the Lok Sabha for the first time in 1989. Mayawati was elected the BSP president in December 2003, about two years after Kanshi Ram had declared she would be his successor. By that time, she had been the UP chief minister thrice. When she took oath the first time in 1995, she was the youngest CM the state had seen till then and the first Dalit woman to reach the post anywhere in the country. That government, and the ones formed in 1997 and 2002, lasted just months. But Mayawati served a full five-year term when she became CM the fourth time in 2007. She earned a reputation of being a no-nonsense CM who ordered transfers and suspensions of IAS and IPS officers in bulk and sent high-profile mafia dons behind bars. But over the years, in and out of power, she attracted a slew of controversies, beginning with corruption charges. Mayawati's assets had crossed Rs 110 crore when she filed a Rajya Sabha election affidavit in 2012. In 2007-08 assessment year, she paid Rs 26 crore as income tax, placing her among the 20 top taxpayers in the country. She has been photographed with huge garlands of currency notes. Her critics see this accumulation of wealth as a sign of corruption. She explains away much of it as gifts from supporters. The alleged Taj Heritage Corridor scam dogged her for years, and she has charged with possessing assets disproportionate to her income. Watch: 'There is no place for dynasty rulers, corrupt leaders in this nation' says Yogi Adityanath × She has also faced criticism over her "autocratic" style of functioning, apparently even insisting that bureaucrats remove their shoes when they visit her. In the party, she hasn't allowed a second rung of leadership to emerge. But for millions of Dalits and others -- the BSP has over the decades worked hard to include Muslims and even upper caste Hindus in its fold the controversies don't seem to matter. For them, she remains "behenji", an elder sister.

Mayawati: Prime ministerial 'aspirations' on hold

<p>The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced today. Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections will begin at 8 am and the clear picture of who will lead the nation for the next five years will emerge in the evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Over 8,000 candidates</strong></p>

<p>More than 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats across the nation. Over 67&nbsp;per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections.</p>

<p><strong>Late result expected&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>It is suggested that the counting of votes and the announcement of results may get delayed due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count. The exercise will take place for the first time.</p>

<p>The exercise will take place in five polling stations per assembly segment which effectively means that out of nearly 10.3 lakh polling stations, the EVM-VVPAT matching will take place in 20600 such stations, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>What happens in case of a mismatch?</p>

<p>In such a situation, the results based on paper slip count will be considered as final.</p>

<p>The entire exercise of EVM-Paper trail machine matching will take an additional four to five hours.</p>

<p><strong>What exit polls say</strong></p>

<p>With the final phase of polling of the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections coming to an end on May 19, exit polls predicted a thumping win for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The party, along with its allies, is predicted to sweep a lion's share of the Hindi heartland of the nation including states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar as well as the national capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pollsters predicted a considerable loss for Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in terms of seat share in the state, though she is predicted to keep the majority. The BJP, which fared poorly in 2014 in the state is suggested to win seats in double-digit. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>The opposition</strong></p>

<p>The opposition has dubbed the exit polls as wrong with many leaders rubbishing what the pollsters have predicted.</p>

<p>Eminent opposition leaders like Chandrababu Naidu, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Sitaram Yechury and Mayawati among others were seen scurrying around this week to meet one another and discuss post-poll strategy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>NDA's resolution</strong></p>

<p>PM Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah held a meeting with Union council of ministers on Tuesday which was later on followed by a dinner for NDA allies hoster by Shah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the BJP-led ruling alliance meeting, which was attended by 36 parties, a resolution was passed, terming the 2019 general election decisive for the country and pledging to make India "strong, developed, prosperous and inclusive" by 2022 when India completes 75 years of its independence, party leader and Union minister Rajnath Singh told reporters.</p>

<p><strong>Election result and stock market</strong></p>

<p>Analysts suggest the stock markets soar further if PM Modi makes a comeback for the second term.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BSE Sensex index rose by its biggest amount in one day since September 2013 on Monday after exit polls showed the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will retain power for a second consecutive term.</p>


The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced today. Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections will begin at 8 am and the clear picture of who will lead the nation for the next five years will emerge in the evening.

The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced today. Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections will begin at 8 am and the clear picture of who will lead the nation for the next five years will emerge in the evening. Over 8,000 candidates More than 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats across the nation. Over 67 per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections. Late result expected It is suggested that the counting of votes and the announcement of results may get delayed due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count. The exercise will take place for the first time. The exercise will take place in five polling stations per assembly segment which effectively means that out of nearly 10.3 lakh polling stations, the EVM-VVPAT matching will take place in 20600 such stations, news agency PTI reported. What happens in case of a mismatch? In such a situation, the results based on paper slip count will be considered as final. The entire exercise of EVM-Paper trail machine matching will take an additional four to five hours. What exit polls say With the final phase of polling of the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections coming to an end on May 19, exit polls predicted a thumping win for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Lok Sabha polls. The party, along with its allies, is predicted to sweep a lion's share of the Hindi heartland of the nation including states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar as well as the national capital. Pollsters predicted a considerable loss for Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in terms of seat share in the state, though she is predicted to keep the majority. The BJP, which fared poorly in 2014 in the state is suggested to win seats in double-digit. The opposition The opposition has dubbed the exit polls as wrong with many leaders rubbishing what the pollsters have predicted. Eminent opposition leaders like Chandrababu Naidu, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Sitaram Yechury and Mayawati among others were seen scurrying around this week to meet one another and discuss post-poll strategy. NDA's resolution PM Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah held a meeting with Union council of ministers on Tuesday which was later on followed by a dinner for NDA allies hoster by Shah. At the BJP-led ruling alliance meeting, which was attended by 36 parties, a resolution was passed, terming the 2019 general election decisive for the country and pledging to make India "strong, developed, prosperous and inclusive" by 2022 when India completes 75 years of its independence, party leader and Union minister Rajnath Singh told reporters. Election result and stock market Analysts suggest the stock markets soar further if PM Modi makes a comeback for the second term. The BSE Sensex index rose by its biggest amount in one day since September 2013 on Monday after exit polls showed the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will retain power for a second consecutive term.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election Commission to start counting of votes for parliamentary polls in 542 seats at 8 am

<p>India began&nbsp;counting hundreds of millions of votes in its general election today at 8:00 am, with a coalition led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party already preparing to form the next government.</p>

<p>The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Modi's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/exit-polls-2019-pm-modi-returning-to-power-with-300-plus-seats-say-pollsters-219927">Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is expected to surpass the 272 seats</a> needed to command a majority in the lower house of parliament, six of seven exit polls showed on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Their predicted margin of victory is larger than surveys indicated in the run-up to the vote when most polls showed the NDA would be the largest alliance but would fall short of an overall majority.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Counting of votes begins at 08:00 am and&nbsp;trends are expected to be known by noon because of the use of computerised voting machines. Final results in the polls, in which around 900 million Indians were eligible to vote, are due by the evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The voting was held in seven phases with first phase&nbsp;beginning from&nbsp;April 11.</p>

<p>The last phase of voting was held on May&nbsp;19. Over 67.11 crore voters exercised their right to vote.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Victory preparation</strong></p>

<p>The NDA held a meeting on Tuesday, at which Modi was garlanded with flowers by members of the alliance, to discuss its policy agenda for its second term in power. It has promised to double farmers'&nbsp;income and boost infrastructure spending over the next five years.</p>

<p>Several opposition leaders attempting to unseat Modi have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/time-to-switch-off-tv-how-politicians-reacted-to-exit-polls-2019-219956">urged voters to wait for the final results</a>, calling the exit polls "gossip".</p>

<p>"Do not get demoralised by the fake exit polls doing the rounds," Congress president Rahul Gandhi said in a message to party workers posted on social media on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The opposition alliance has also protested to India's Election Commission over the electronic voting machines (EVMs) used in the count, that they <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/evms-are-completely-tamper-proof-cannot-be-hacked-former-chief-election-commissioner-op-rawat-220663">alleged can be tampered with</a>, and requested a delay to counting while votes are tallied with a backup paper audit trail.</p>

<p>The commission rejected the opposition's demands on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Around 500 masked people carrying guns and machetes attacked a polling team and forcibly took away EVMs in the remote northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, Reuters reported on Wednesday, though elections in the country as a whole are widely considered to be free and fair by international observers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/sensex-surges-over-1000-points-may-cross-40000-as-exit-poll-predict-nda-win-220058">Indian stocks posted their biggest gain</a> since September 2013 on Monday after the exit polls and could rally further on Thursday if the trend is confirmed, according to a Reuters poll.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Markets will have a big sigh of relief as it favours continuity and familiarity in terms of roll-out of policies," said Ajay Bodke, CEO at financial services firm Prabhudas Lilladher.</p>


India began counting hundreds of millions of votes in its general election today at 8:00 am, with a coalition led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party already preparing to form the next government.

India began counting hundreds of millions of votes in its general election today at 8:00 am, with a coalition led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party already preparing to form the next government. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is expected to surpass the 272 seats needed to command a majority in the lower house of parliament, six of seven exit polls showed on Sunday. Their predicted margin of victory is larger than surveys indicated in the run-up to the vote when most polls showed the NDA would be the largest alliance but would fall short of an overall majority. Counting of votes begins at 08:00 am and trends are expected to be known by noon because of the use of computerised voting machines. Final results in the polls, in which around 900 million Indians were eligible to vote, are due by the evening. The voting was held in seven phases with first phase beginning from April 11. The last phase of voting was held on May 19. Over 67.11 crore voters exercised their right to vote. Victory preparation The NDA held a meeting on Tuesday, at which Modi was garlanded with flowers by members of the alliance, to discuss its policy agenda for its second term in power. It has promised to double farmers' income and boost infrastructure spending over the next five years. Several opposition leaders attempting to unseat Modi have urged voters to wait for the final results, calling the exit polls "gossip". "Do not get demoralised by the fake exit polls doing the rounds," Congress president Rahul Gandhi said in a message to party workers posted on social media on Wednesday. The opposition alliance has also protested to India's Election Commission over the electronic voting machines (EVMs) used in the count, that they alleged can be tampered with, and requested a delay to counting while votes are tallied with a backup paper audit trail. The commission rejected the opposition's demands on Wednesday. Around 500 masked people carrying guns and machetes attacked a polling team and forcibly took away EVMs in the remote northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, Reuters reported on Wednesday, though elections in the country as a whole are widely considered to be free and fair by international observers. Indian stocks posted their biggest gain since September 2013 on Monday after the exit polls and could rally further on Thursday if the trend is confirmed, according to a Reuters poll. "Markets will have a big sigh of relief as it favours continuity and familiarity in terms of roll-out of policies," said Ajay Bodke, CEO at financial services firm Prabhudas Lilladher.

Lok Sabha Election Result 2019: Counting of votes begins with BJP looking at second term

<p>The United States Wednesday said that it was confident in the fairness and integrity of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-election-commission-to-start-counting-of-votes-for-parliamentary-polls-in-542-seats-at-8-am-220717">Indian elections</a> and would work with whoever is the victor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I would say from the US perspective, we are very confident in the fairness and the integrity of the Indian elections, and we will obviously work with whoever is the victor and whatever the outcome is there," State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus told reporters during an off-camera gaggle here.</p>

<p>Unlike other countries, the US does not send its election observers to India because of the strong independent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/foreign-media-on-exit-polls-predicting-second-term-for-bjp-219997">credentials of the Election Commission</a> of India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have a very strong relationship and a lot of cooperation with the Indian government on a full range of issues, and the Secretary (of State, Mike Pompeo) has said numerous times that we have a true strategic partner in India," Ortagus said in response to a question.</p>

<p>The diplomat praised India and its people for carrying out such a massive exercise peacefully, describing it as fascinating. "Someone pointed this out to me today that India's election is the largest exercise in democracy in human history," she said.</p>

<p>"I think with everything going on in the world, that's a thing that we can pause and think about and certainly commend the Indian people," Ortagus added.</p>

<p>The Washington Post had on Wednesday said that the Indian election was the largest democratic exercise in the world.</p>

<p>"With about 900 million eligible voters, the size of the electorate had swelled by more than 80 million compared to 2014. In that election, 550 million people ultimately cast votes," it had said.</p>

<p>Richard M Rossow, Wadhwani Chair in US India Policy Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think-tank, said the next Indian government will have a difficult time managing ties with the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A dual-track approach is quite clear,&nbsp;continued progress in deepening our security relationship while simultaneously engaging in a wider trade fight," Rossow said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Too often this trade fight is attributed mainly to the United States. This is unfair, as the Modi government took significant steps to slow imports in recent years, such as increasing customs duties and initiating new local content mandates for government procurement," Rossow told PTI in response to a question.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said while the next government in India might trigger fresh reforms early in its tenure, they are likely to be more focused on attracting foreign investment rather than taking steps that could increase imports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Investment-oriented reforms are unlikely to assuage US trade policy concerns. So this dual-track approach is likely to persist post-election," Rossow added.</p>

<p>A New York Times editorial piece said the election had become a sweeping referendum on the last five years of governance by Narendra Modi, the country's dominant and divisive prime minister.</p>

<p>It is also likely to be the world's most expensive elections, with parties estimated to have spent a total of as much as $7 billion, it read.</p>

<p>According to The Washington Post, the result of this election will be pivotal to the future of India, soon to become the world's most populous nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"India is attempting to catch up in economic terms with China, its neighbour to the east, a pursuit that requires massive investment in infrastructure and significant policy change. At the same time, the country is also deciding what kind of democracy it wants to be," the daily said.</p>

<p>In a news dispatch from New Delhi, The Wall Street Journal reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears on track for a second term if exit polls bear out, "but less clear to investors and executives is which version of Mr Modi would take charge,&nbsp;the business-friendly leader or the divisive nationalist."&nbsp;</p>


The United States Wednesday said that it was confident in the fairness and integrity of the Indian elections and would work with whoever is the victor. "I would say from the US perspective, we are very confident in the fairness and the integrity of the Indian elections, and we will obviously work with whoever is the victor and whatever the outcome is there," State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus told reporters during an off-camera gaggle here.

The United States Wednesday said that it was confident in the fairness and integrity of the Indian elections and would work with whoever is the victor. "I would say from the US perspective, we are very confident in the fairness and the integrity of the Indian elections, and we will obviously work with whoever is the victor and whatever the outcome is there," State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus told reporters during an off-camera gaggle here. Unlike other countries, the US does not send its election observers to India because of the strong independent credentials of the Election Commission of India. "We have a very strong relationship and a lot of cooperation with the Indian government on a full range of issues, and the Secretary (of State, Mike Pompeo) has said numerous times that we have a true strategic partner in India," Ortagus said in response to a question. The diplomat praised India and its people for carrying out such a massive exercise peacefully, describing it as fascinating. "Someone pointed this out to me today that India's election is the largest exercise in democracy in human history," she said. "I think with everything going on in the world, that's a thing that we can pause and think about and certainly commend the Indian people," Ortagus added. The Washington Post had on Wednesday said that the Indian election was the largest democratic exercise in the world. "With about 900 million eligible voters, the size of the electorate had swelled by more than 80 million compared to 2014. In that election, 550 million people ultimately cast votes," it had said. Richard M Rossow, Wadhwani Chair in US India Policy Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think-tank, said the next Indian government will have a difficult time managing ties with the United States. "A dual-track approach is quite clear, continued progress in deepening our security relationship while simultaneously engaging in a wider trade fight," Rossow said. "Too often this trade fight is attributed mainly to the United States. This is unfair, as the Modi government took significant steps to slow imports in recent years, such as increasing customs duties and initiating new local content mandates for government procurement," Rossow told PTI in response to a question. He said while the next government in India might trigger fresh reforms early in its tenure, they are likely to be more focused on attracting foreign investment rather than taking steps that could increase imports. "Investment-oriented reforms are unlikely to assuage US trade policy concerns. So this dual-track approach is likely to persist post-election," Rossow added. A New York Times editorial piece said the election had become a sweeping referendum on the last five years of governance by Narendra Modi, the country's dominant and divisive prime minister. It is also likely to be the world's most expensive elections, with parties estimated to have spent a total of as much as $7 billion, it read. According to The Washington Post, the result of this election will be pivotal to the future of India, soon to become the world's most populous nation. "India is attempting to catch up in economic terms with China, its neighbour to the east, a pursuit that requires massive investment in infrastructure and significant policy change. At the same time, the country is also deciding what kind of democracy it wants to be," the daily said. In a news dispatch from New Delhi, The Wall Street Journal reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears on track for a second term if exit polls bear out, "but less clear to investors and executives is which version of Mr Modi would take charge, the business-friendly leader or the divisive nationalist."

Lok Sabha polls 2019: US says it is confident about fairness, integrity of Indian elections

<p>India Inc Thursday said BJP-led NDA's stupendous performance in Lok Sabha polls is an endorsement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decisive leadership, asserting that NDA 2.0 must unleash bold initiatives to transform the economy.</p>

<p>Several corporate honchos, including Anand Mahindra, Adi Godrej, Anil Agarwal and Sunil Mittal cheered as trends pointed towards the BJP and allies returning to power with a thumping majority, saying it was the time for deep reforms entwined with India's ambition to emerge as a global superpower.</p>

<p>"The government will now re-ignite its reforms agenda to push growth, tackle critical issues like creating more jobs, usher in more tax-friendly laws, strengthen India's position in global trade while protecting domestic industry from dumping and create more conducive environment to attract FDI in critical segments like mining and Oil &amp; Gas," Vedanta Resources Chairman Anil Agarwal said.</p>

<p>Bharti Enterprises Founder &amp; Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal said the phenomenal mandate clearly underlines the nation's unambiguous confidence in Prime Minister Modi's decisive and visionary leadership.</p>

<p>This solid verdict would further strengthen his resolve to drive forward the economic agenda to ensure that the fruits of the economic momentum continue to reach the poor, so visible during the last five years, he added.</p>

<p>Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra said that Modi is set to become the most powerful democratically-elected leader in the world after the thumping win.</p>

<p>"Size of the country (Land mass+population) X Size of the Economy X Size of the election mandate = Leader's Power Quotient. By the measure of this crude formula, @narendramodi is about to become the most powerful, democratically elected leader in the world today...," Mahindra tweeted.</p>

<p>CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee termed the verdict as a mandate for development and said, "The election results will reinvigorate the strong and constructive government-industry partnership and dialogue for growth built by the government in its previous term..."</p>

<p>In a blog post, Biocon Chairperson and MD Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw said the NDA 1.0 succeeded in formulating a five-year strategic plan which has been well appreciated by the country as is evident from the poll results.</p>

<p>"Therefore, NDA 2.0 must focus on the implementation of this plan in order to unlock opportunities for inclusive economic growth. Over the next five years NDA 2.0 must introduce policies that are bold, innovative and transformational to translate the economic potential into prosperity for all," she said.</p>

<p>Dalmia Bharat Group Managing Director Puneet Dalmia said, "The results are a clear indication that the country and its people are all for progress and stability."</p>

<p>Terming the NDA victory as a "strong mandate for continuity", JK Organisation Director Harsh Pati Singhania said, "I hope the government will redouble its efforts and continue the process of economic and social reforms and build on the strong foundations laid in its first term."</p>

<p>PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) President Rajeev Talwar said the majority mandate has laid a heavy responsibility on the government to take unprecedented economic and social decisions that will transform the Indian economy from its current size of USD 2.6 trillion towards a growth rate of 8 to 10 per cent each year in the next five years.</p>

<p>RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka said the resounding victory of BJP reinforces voter's choice of their most able leader to lead the nation.</p>

<p>"Markets got off to a roaring start, reflecting the sentiment of the nation. Unfinished agendas will get continuity and time to usher in prosperity and growth, both for Bharat and India," he tweeted.</p>

<p>Mahindra &amp; Mahindra Managing Director Pawan Goenka hoped that with the results in, Budget will come out very quickly, adding there is a need "to bring back government spending in a big way" as it had slowed down from the fourth quarter of the last financial year.</p>

<p>Assocham President B K Goenka said, "a strong and stable government would bring in more foreign investment even as domestic firms are witnessing renewed confidence. We are in for a virtuous cycle where consumption and investment drive each other."</p>

<p>Raymond Ltd CMD Gautam Hari Singhania said a decisive leadership and political stability is good for the country and a major boost for the fast-growing national economy and the victory should usher in a new era of industrial growth and policy reforms, including a significant fillip to the manufacturing sector.</p>

<p>Expressing similar sentiments, noted banker Uday Kotak said in a tweet, "Time for the transformation of India. Time for deep reform. I dream of us as a global superpower in my lifetime. Heartiest congratulations to @narendramodi, the BJP, and the NDA."</p>

<p>Godrej Group Chairman Adi Godrej said the new government is expected to take steps to ensure that India's gross domestic product (GDP) growth improves.</p>

<p>Dabur India Ltd Chief Financial Officer Lalit Malik said the new government should focus on overall economic development and employment creation, which would go a long way in accelerating consumer demand and improving overall GDP growth.</p>

<p>Surendra Hiranandani, Founder and Director at House of Hiranandani, said a stable government at the centre will further boost the growth in the real estate sector and hoped that it would take concrete action to push investments, increase growth and generate employment.</p>

<p>"The decisive mandate for the new government is a welcome development, which will allow undivided attention to national priorities like boosting employment and creating more enterprises across the country," a Snapdeal Spokesperson said.&nbsp;</p>


India Inc Thursday said BJP-led NDA's stupendous performance in Lok Sabha polls is an endorsement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decisive leadership, asserting that NDA 2.

India Inc Thursday said BJP-led NDA's stupendous performance in Lok Sabha polls is an endorsement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decisive leadership, asserting that NDA 2.0 must unleash bold initiatives to transform the economy. Several corporate honchos, including Anand Mahindra, Adi Godrej, Anil Agarwal and Sunil Mittal cheered as trends pointed towards the BJP and allies returning to power with a thumping majority, saying it was the time for deep reforms entwined with India's ambition to emerge as a global superpower. "The government will now re-ignite its reforms agenda to push growth, tackle critical issues like creating more jobs, usher in more tax-friendly laws, strengthen India's position in global trade while protecting domestic industry from dumping and create more conducive environment to attract FDI in critical segments like mining and Oil & Gas," Vedanta Resources Chairman Anil Agarwal said. Bharti Enterprises Founder & Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal said the phenomenal mandate clearly underlines the nation's unambiguous confidence in Prime Minister Modi's decisive and visionary leadership. This solid verdict would further strengthen his resolve to drive forward the economic agenda to ensure that the fruits of the economic momentum continue to reach the poor, so visible during the last five years, he added. Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra said that Modi is set to become the most powerful democratically-elected leader in the world after the thumping win. "Size of the country (Land mass+population) X Size of the Economy X Size of the election mandate = Leader's Power Quotient. By the measure of this crude formula, @narendramodi is about to become the most powerful, democratically elected leader in the world today...," Mahindra tweeted. CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee termed the verdict as a mandate for development and said, "The election results will reinvigorate the strong and constructive government-industry partnership and dialogue for growth built by the government in its previous term..." In a blog post, Biocon Chairperson and MD Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw said the NDA 1.0 succeeded in formulating a five-year strategic plan which has been well appreciated by the country as is evident from the poll results. "Therefore, NDA 2.0 must focus on the implementation of this plan in order to unlock opportunities for inclusive economic growth. Over the next five years NDA 2.0 must introduce policies that are bold, innovative and transformational to translate the economic potential into prosperity for all," she said. Dalmia Bharat Group Managing Director Puneet Dalmia said, "The results are a clear indication that the country and its people are all for progress and stability." Terming the NDA victory as a "strong mandate for continuity", JK Organisation Director Harsh Pati Singhania said, "I hope the government will redouble its efforts and continue the process of economic and social reforms and build on the strong foundations laid in its first term." PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) President Rajeev Talwar said the majority mandate has laid a heavy responsibility on the government to take unprecedented economic and social decisions that will transform the Indian economy from its current size of USD 2.6 trillion towards a growth rate of 8 to 10 per cent each year in the next five years. RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka said the resounding victory of BJP reinforces voter's choice of their most able leader to lead the nation. "Markets got off to a roaring start, reflecting the sentiment of the nation. Unfinished agendas will get continuity and time to usher in prosperity and growth, both for Bharat and India," he tweeted. Mahindra & Mahindra Managing Director Pawan Goenka hoped that with the results in, Budget will come out very quickly, adding there is a need "to bring back government spending in a big way" as it had slowed down from the fourth quarter of the last financial year. Assocham President B K Goenka said, "a strong and stable government would bring in more foreign investment even as domestic firms are witnessing renewed confidence. We are in for a virtuous cycle where consumption and investment drive each other." Raymond Ltd CMD Gautam Hari Singhania said a decisive leadership and political stability is good for the country and a major boost for the fast-growing national economy and the victory should usher in a new era of industrial growth and policy reforms, including a significant fillip to the manufacturing sector. Expressing similar sentiments, noted banker Uday Kotak said in a tweet, "Time for the transformation of India. Time for deep reform. I dream of us as a global superpower in my lifetime. Heartiest congratulations to @narendramodi, the BJP, and the NDA." Godrej Group Chairman Adi Godrej said the new government is expected to take steps to ensure that India's gross domestic product (GDP) growth improves. Dabur India Ltd Chief Financial Officer Lalit Malik said the new government should focus on overall economic development and employment creation, which would go a long way in accelerating consumer demand and improving overall GDP growth. Surendra Hiranandani, Founder and Director at House of Hiranandani, said a stable government at the centre will further boost the growth in the real estate sector and hoped that it would take concrete action to push investments, increase growth and generate employment. "The decisive mandate for the new government is a welcome development, which will allow undivided attention to national priorities like boosting employment and creating more enterprises across the country," a Snapdeal Spokesperson said.

India Inc hails 'NaMo again', watches for bold reforms in NDA 2.0

<p>The vote count for Lok Sabha elections on Thursday showed that the people of the country have given the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-modi-wave-sweeps-india-again-nda-poised-to-win-lok-sabha-elections-221034">mandate to the BJP-led NDA</a> to again govern the country for the next five years. An important part in that mandate was played by Uttar Pradesh, which has the maximum number of Lok Sabha seats (80).</p>

<p>The alliance of Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) failed to stop the BJP's juggernaut which, along with its allies, is leading 59 seats in Uttar Pradesh. The overall tally of the BJP stands at 286, four more than its 2014 number.</p>

<p>The BJP's performance shows that the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) experiment of SP and BSP failed to achieve the desired results. Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati - chiefs of SP and BSP respectively - had joined hands in January this year to keep the BJP out. After their surprise annoucement, it was widely believed that the BJP will lose due to cast arithmetic. But the result said otherwise.</p>

<p>The Samajwadi Party, as part of the agreement, contested 37 of 80 Lok Sabha seats in UP.</p>

<p>While the BSP contested on 38 seats, the RLD, also a part of the alliance, fought from three seats. The SP-BSP-RLD alliance left two seats for the Congress in Amethi and Rae Bareli.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: BJP+ achieves massive mandate in Lok Sabha polls</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lok-sabha-election-2019-bjp-achieves-massive-mandate-hits-congress-more-than-of-2014-220927/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>In the 2017 assembly election in the state, the BJP had won 312 of the 403 seats in the state - its best-ever tally.</p>

<p>On Sunday, shortly after the seventh and last phase of polling for 2019 Lok Sabha elections, four exit polls predicted a win for the National Democratic Alliance and a rout for the SP-BSP alliance in UP. Out of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in UP, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance was seen winning 52 seats, Congress two and others 26.</p>


The vote count for Lok Sabha elections on Thursday showed that the people of the country have given the mandate to the BJP-led NDA to again govern the country for the next five years.

The vote count for Lok Sabha elections on Thursday showed that the people of the country have given the mandate to the BJP-led NDA to again govern the country for the next five years. An important part in that mandate was played by Uttar Pradesh, which has the maximum number of Lok Sabha seats (80). The alliance of Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) failed to stop the BJP's juggernaut which, along with its allies, is leading 59 seats in Uttar Pradesh. The overall tally of the BJP stands at 286, four more than its 2014 number. The BJP's performance shows that the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) experiment of SP and BSP failed to achieve the desired results. Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati - chiefs of SP and BSP respectively - had joined hands in January this year to keep the BJP out. After their surprise annoucement, it was widely believed that the BJP will lose due to cast arithmetic. But the result said otherwise. The Samajwadi Party, as part of the agreement, contested 37 of 80 Lok Sabha seats in UP. While the BSP contested on 38 seats, the RLD, also a part of the alliance, fought from three seats. The SP-BSP-RLD alliance left two seats for the Congress in Amethi and Rae Bareli. Watch: BJP+ achieves massive mandate in Lok Sabha polls In the 2017 assembly election in the state, the BJP had won 312 of the 403 seats in the state - its best-ever tally. On Sunday, shortly after the seventh and last phase of polling for 2019 Lok Sabha elections, four exit polls predicted a win for the National Democratic Alliance and a rout for the SP-BSP alliance in UP. Out of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in UP, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance was seen winning 52 seats, Congress two and others 26.

Lok Sabha election results 2019: UP numbers show 'Mahagathbandhan' a failed experiment

<p>From just two seats in Lok Sabha in 1984 to win two back-to-back majority in general elections, the BJP with its right-wing Hindutva ideology has firmly taken the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-live-updates-220687">centre-stage of India's political landscape</a>, displacing the Congress.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the Ram temple movement in 1990s, its graph started rising but its influence remained largely restricted to Hindi heartland and the party emerged as the single largest party in 1996 under the leadership of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The party for the first time formed government in 1996 for 13 days and then for 13 months in 1998 when its government lost by a single vote in Lok Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was Vajpayee's pragmatic leadership which helped the party shed its "untouchable" tag as it forged new alliances and led the first non-Congress government which completed its five-year tenure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It tasted stratospheric success with the emergence of Narendra Modi on national scene and the party won majority on its own for the first time in 2014 while expanding its footprint beyond Hindi heartland, especially in the Northeast region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Few had imagined the BJP would be able to travel this far when it was founded on April 6, 1980. The party originated from Jan Sangh, which had merged with the Janata Party 1n 1977 but three years later splintered.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When the saffron party contested its first election in 1984, it won only two Lok Sabha seats. Following which, then party president L K Advani made Hindutva as the core ideology of the party and used the rhetoric of "pseudo-secularism" and "Muslim appeasement" to great effect in winning popular support among the Hindus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The hardline Hindutva politics, which was in line with its ideological parent RSS's ideology, paid rich electoral dividends in the next general elections in 1989 when the BJP won 85 Lok Sabha seats. Following Advani's 'Ram Rath Yatra' in 1990, the party grew in strength and in the 1991 general elections, it increased its strength to 120.</p>

<p>The party's vote share went up to 20.1 per cent in 1991 from 11.4 per cent in 1989 and 7.4 per cent in 1984.</p>

<p>In the 1996 general elections, the BJP for the first time became the single largest party in Lok Sabha by winning 161 seats and staked claim to form the government.</p>

<p>The first ever BJP-led government, formed under the leadership of Vajpayee, lasted for only 13 days as it failed to attract allies to muster a majority.</p>

<p>In the next general polls in 1998, the BJP's tally increased and it got 182 seats in the Lok Sabha and formed a coalition government called the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which lasted 13 months when it lost a no-confidence motion by a single vote.</p>

<p>A year later, the BJP came back to power as the NDA won 270 seats in the general elections on its own, with the party again getting 182 seats. And Vajpayee became prime minister for the third time.</p>

<p>This time BJP's government lasted the full term until the next general polls in 2004, from where the BJP's decline started as it lost two back-to-back general elections.</p>

<p>A change of fortunes happened in 2014 with the emergence of Narendra Modi on the national scene as the face of the saffron party and under his leadership the BJP won 282 seats on its own. And this was perhaps the first party in three decade when any party had got majority on its own.</p>

<p>Following the BJP's massive victory and splendid performance in Uttar Pradesh, Amit Shah, who was in charge of the state, was rewarded with party's top post.</p>

<p>With this change of ranks in the party's leadership, a new era of Modi-Shah duo started which led to the party's victory in various state assembly elections and the BJP was ruling the 18 states at one point of time.</p>

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<p>The party, which is again all set to win, now occupies the centre-stage of Indian political landscape. With it being the strongest political entity in the country, the BJP has become the central focal point of Indian politics and become the common enemy of all the opposition parties.&nbsp;</p>


From just two seats in Lok Sabha in 1984 to win two back-to-back majority in general elections, the BJP with its right-wing Hindutva ideology has firmly taken the centre-stage of India's political landscape, displacing the Congress.

From just two seats in Lok Sabha in 1984 to win two back-to-back majority in general elections, the BJP with its right-wing Hindutva ideology has firmly taken the centre-stage of India's political landscape, displacing the Congress. With the Ram temple movement in 1990s, its graph started rising but its influence remained largely restricted to Hindi heartland and the party emerged as the single largest party in 1996 under the leadership of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The party for the first time formed government in 1996 for 13 days and then for 13 months in 1998 when its government lost by a single vote in Lok Sabha. It was Vajpayee's pragmatic leadership which helped the party shed its "untouchable" tag as it forged new alliances and led the first non-Congress government which completed its five-year tenure. It tasted stratospheric success with the emergence of Narendra Modi on national scene and the party won majority on its own for the first time in 2014 while expanding its footprint beyond Hindi heartland, especially in the Northeast region. Few had imagined the BJP would be able to travel this far when it was founded on April 6, 1980. The party originated from Jan Sangh, which had merged with the Janata Party 1n 1977 but three years later splintered. When the saffron party contested its first election in 1984, it won only two Lok Sabha seats. Following which, then party president L K Advani made Hindutva as the core ideology of the party and used the rhetoric of "pseudo-secularism" and "Muslim appeasement" to great effect in winning popular support among the Hindus. The hardline Hindutva politics, which was in line with its ideological parent RSS's ideology, paid rich electoral dividends in the next general elections in 1989 when the BJP won 85 Lok Sabha seats. Following Advani's 'Ram Rath Yatra' in 1990, the party grew in strength and in the 1991 general elections, it increased its strength to 120. The party's vote share went up to 20.1 per cent in 1991 from 11.4 per cent in 1989 and 7.4 per cent in 1984. In the 1996 general elections, the BJP for the first time became the single largest party in Lok Sabha by winning 161 seats and staked claim to form the government. The first ever BJP-led government, formed under the leadership of Vajpayee, lasted for only 13 days as it failed to attract allies to muster a majority. In the next general polls in 1998, the BJP's tally increased and it got 182 seats in the Lok Sabha and formed a coalition government called the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which lasted 13 months when it lost a no-confidence motion by a single vote. A year later, the BJP came back to power as the NDA won 270 seats in the general elections on its own, with the party again getting 182 seats. And Vajpayee became prime minister for the third time. This time BJP's government lasted the full term until the next general polls in 2004, from where the BJP's decline started as it lost two back-to-back general elections. A change of fortunes happened in 2014 with the emergence of Narendra Modi on the national scene as the face of the saffron party and under his leadership the BJP won 282 seats on its own. And this was perhaps the first party in three decade when any party had got majority on its own. Following the BJP's massive victory and splendid performance in Uttar Pradesh, Amit Shah, who was in charge of the state, was rewarded with party's top post. With this change of ranks in the party's leadership, a new era of Modi-Shah duo started which led to the party's victory in various state assembly elections and the BJP was ruling the 18 states at one point of time. × The party, which is again all set to win, now occupies the centre-stage of Indian political landscape. With it being the strongest political entity in the country, the BJP has become the central focal point of Indian politics and become the common enemy of all the opposition parties.

BJP's journey from just two seats in Lok Sabha in 1984 to winning two back-to-back majority

<p>The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced today. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-counting-of-votes-to-take-place-on-thursday-fates-of-over-8000-candidates-to-be-decided-220612">The voting will start at 8 am</a>.</p>

<p>While all of you can access <a href="https://www.wionews.com/">Wionews.com</a> for essential live updates around results and trends, there are various platforms set up by the Election Commission to put out the information as they come.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The poll panel had specially created a website for results and trends: <a href="https://results.eci.gov.in/">results.eci.gov.in</a>. The website is set to go live at 8 am and will let users look at the results and trends constituency-wise and party-wise.</p>

<p>Another way to check results is via ''Voter Helpline App''. The Election Commission came up with this new IT-based initiative to provide real-time trends and results of the counting of the votes.</p>

<p>The app will be available on both Android and iOS.The app boasts of a number of innovative features including an option to bookmark one's favourite candidate from a constituency and track her/his result exclusively said the commission.</p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-election-watch-election-commission-rejects-vvpat-demand-220683/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>More than 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats across the nation. 67.11 per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections.</p>

<p>It is suggested that the counting of votes and the announcement of results may get delayed due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count. The exercise will take place for the first time.</p>


The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced today. The voting will start at 8 am. While all of you can access Wionews.

The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced today. The voting will start at 8 am. While all of you can access Wionews.com for essential live updates around results and trends, there are various platforms set up by the Election Commission to put out the information as they come. The poll panel had specially created a website for results and trends: results.eci.gov.in. The website is set to go live at 8 am and will let users look at the results and trends constituency-wise and party-wise. Another way to check results is via ''Voter Helpline App''. The Election Commission came up with this new IT-based initiative to provide real-time trends and results of the counting of the votes. The app will be available on both Android and iOS.The app boasts of a number of innovative features including an option to bookmark one's favourite candidate from a constituency and track her/his result exclusively said the commission. More than 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats across the nation. 67.11 per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections. It is suggested that the counting of votes and the announcement of results may get delayed due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count. The exercise will take place for the first time.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Guide to check results, trends on Election Commission website and app

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that he respects people's&nbsp;verdict as he <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/in-a-neck-and-neck-battle-smriti-irani-defeats-rahul-gandhi-in-amethi-221025">conceded defeat in the Lok Sabha election</a>.</p>

<p>Addressing a press conference as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/congratulations-to-the-winners-but-all-losers-are-not-losers-how-opposition-reacted-to-lok-sabha-2019-election-results-220926">Modi's government returned to power</a> with a thumping majority, Rahul Gandhi said people of India decided Narendra Modi will be the Prime Minister and ''I respect their verdict''.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''I congratulate PM Modi and the BJP for their win,'' &nbsp;the Congress president said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''Our fight is ideological, he said and added there are two ideologies - one followed by Mr Narendra Modi and the other one followed by the Congress party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress president asked the people not to be scared as ''we are there''.</p>

<p>Congratulating BJP's Smriti Irani for her victory in Amethi, he said people of Amethi had given their mandate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Public is the boss, and through this mandate, it has given its order, he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: BJP party workers celebrate in West Bengal and Mumbai</strong></p>

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Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that he respects people's verdict as he conceded defeat in the Lok Sabha election. Addressing a press conference as Modi's government returned to power with a thumping majority, Rahul Gandhi said people of India decided Narendra Modi will be the Prime Minister and ''I respect their verdict''.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that he respects people's verdict as he conceded defeat in the Lok Sabha election. Addressing a press conference as Modi's government returned to power with a thumping majority, Rahul Gandhi said people of India decided Narendra Modi will be the Prime Minister and ''I respect their verdict''. ''I congratulate PM Modi and the BJP for their win,'' the Congress president said. ''Our fight is ideological, he said and added there are two ideologies - one followed by Mr Narendra Modi and the other one followed by the Congress party. The Congress president asked the people not to be scared as ''we are there''. Congratulating BJP's Smriti Irani for her victory in Amethi, he said people of Amethi had given their mandate. Public is the boss, and through this mandate, it has given its order, he added. Watch: BJP party workers celebrate in West Bengal and Mumbai ×

Lok Sabha election results 2019: Rahul Gandhi concedes defeat, asks Congress workers not to lose hope

<p>On a day that threw a slew of surprises, Prime Minister Narendra Modi added another by removing 'Chowkidar' from his Twitter name.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi tweeted out saying that the word "‘Chowkidar’ goes from my Twitter name but it remains an integral part of me".</p>

<p>In March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed his name on his Twitter profile to 'Chowkidar' Narendra Modi, and a number of BJP bigwigs including party president Amit Shah and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal followed suit.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Now, the time has come to take the Chowkidar Spirit to the next level.<br />
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Keep this spirit alive at every moment and continue working for India’s progress.<br />
<br />
The word ‘Chowkidar’ goes from my Twitter name but it remains an integral part of me. Urging you all to do the same too!</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1131539657794183168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Modi had first referred to himself as the chowkidar (watchman) of the nation in the run-up to the 2014 general elections. "<em>Na khaoonga, na khaane doonga</em> (I will not be corrupt, I will not let others be corrupt)," he had said then. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The others to add the prefix 'Chowkidar' to their Twitter profiles Sunday included BJP president Amit Shah, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, and Health Minister JP Nadda.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As Chowkidars of our nation, we are committed to creating a clean economy by using cashless financial transactions," Goyal tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The menace of corruption and black money has adversely affected us for decades. Time to eliminate these for a better future," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Vladimir Putin, Shinzo Abe and other world leaders congratulate PM Modi</strong></p>

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<p>Modi's adding of the prefix 'Chowkidar' to his name on Twitter was being seen as a response to Congress president Rahul Gandhi's allegation that "Chowkidar chor hai".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, expressing gratitude over the overwhelming leads secured by the Bharatiya Janata Party for the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the electors for placing trust in the party once again. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you India! The faith placed in our alliance is humbling and gives us strength to work even harder to fulfil people's aspirations.<br />
<br />
I salute every BJP Karyakarta for their determination, perseverance &amp; hardwork. They went home to home, elaborating on our development agenda.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1131527111804477440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-thank-you-india-faith-placed-in-our-alliance-is-humbling-pm-modi-221011">Thank you India!</a> The faith placed in our alliance is humbling and gives us the strength to work even harder to fulfil people's aspirations," the prime minister tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I salute every BJP Karyakarta for their determination, perseverance and hard work. They went home to home, elaborating on our development agenda," his tweet read.</p>


On a day that threw a slew of surprises, Prime Minister Narendra Modi added another by removing 'Chowkidar' from his Twitter name. PM Modi tweeted out saying that the word "‘Chowkidar’ goes from my Twitter name but it remains an integral part of me".

On a day that threw a slew of surprises, Prime Minister Narendra Modi added another by removing 'Chowkidar' from his Twitter name. PM Modi tweeted out saying that the word "‘Chowkidar’ goes from my Twitter name but it remains an integral part of me". In March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed his name on his Twitter profile to 'Chowkidar' Narendra Modi, and a number of BJP bigwigs including party president Amit Shah and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal followed suit. Now, the time has come to take the Chowkidar Spirit to the next level. Keep this spirit alive at every moment and continue working for India’s progress. The word ‘Chowkidar’ goes from my Twitter name but it remains an integral part of me. Urging you all to do the same too! — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 23, 2019 × Modi had first referred to himself as the chowkidar (watchman) of the nation in the run-up to the 2014 general elections. "Na khaoonga, na khaane doonga (I will not be corrupt, I will not let others be corrupt)," he had said then. The others to add the prefix 'Chowkidar' to their Twitter profiles Sunday included BJP president Amit Shah, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, and Health Minister JP Nadda. "As Chowkidars of our nation, we are committed to creating a clean economy by using cashless financial transactions," Goyal tweeted. "The menace of corruption and black money has adversely affected us for decades. Time to eliminate these for a better future," he added. Watch: Vladimir Putin, Shinzo Abe and other world leaders congratulate PM Modi Modi's adding of the prefix 'Chowkidar' to his name on Twitter was being seen as a response to Congress president Rahul Gandhi's allegation that "Chowkidar chor hai". Meanwhile, expressing gratitude over the overwhelming leads secured by the Bharatiya Janata Party for the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the electors for placing trust in the party once again. Thank you India! The faith placed in our alliance is humbling and gives us strength to work even harder to fulfil people's aspirations. I salute every BJP Karyakarta for their determination, perseverance & hardwork. They went home to home, elaborating on our development agenda. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 23, 2019 × "Thank you India! The faith placed in our alliance is humbling and gives us the strength to work even harder to fulfil people's aspirations," the prime minister tweeted. "I salute every BJP Karyakarta for their determination, perseverance and hard work. They went home to home, elaborating on our development agenda," his tweet read.

After BJP's impressive show in Lok Sabha polls, PM Modi drops 'Chowkidar' from Twitter handle

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is on course to win the 2019 Lok Sabha handsomely. The NDA is so far leading on 348 seats out of 542 on which the polls were held; the BJP's tally stood at 286. This is four more than the party's 2014 tally.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you India! The faith placed in our alliance is humbling and gives us strength to work even harder to fulfil people's aspirations.<br />
<br />
I salute every BJP Karyakarta for their determination, perseverance &amp; hardwork. They went home to home, elaborating on our development agenda.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1131527111804477440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>BJP's victory was evident from the moment counting began at 8am on Thursday. The BJP's graph kept climbing leaps and bounds and by 9.30am, had crossed the halfway mark of 272 making it clear that the party is again going to form the government at the Centre under the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-thank-you-india-faith-placed-in-our-alliance-is-humbling-pm-modi-221011">leadership of Narendra Modi</a>.</p>

<p>The BJP grabbed the pole position riding on the back of massive gains it made in north Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Delhi - the Hindi heartland of India. Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state and one with the highest number of Lok Sabha seats - 80 - is ready to hand over 59 seats to NDA. Though it is less than its 2014 tally of 71, the party has still managed to emerge as the single largest party in the state against the combined challenge of Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). The 'Mahagathbandhan' is so far leading on 20 seats in UP.</p>

<p>Among the most shocking upset of this election came from Amethi, where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/in-a-neck-and-neck-battle-smriti-irani-defeats-rahul-gandhi-in-amethi-221025">Congress president Rahul Gandhi</a> lost against BJP's Smriti Irani by 35,000 votes. In 2014, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/has-rahul-gandhi-become-a-liability-for-congress-221005">Rahul Gandhi</a> had defeated Irani but by a narrow margin of over a lakh votes. Gandhi, who also contested from Wayanad in Kerala, won the seat by more than eight lakh votes.</p>

<p>The regional satraps, meanwhile, were able holding on to their forts. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is ahead of Bhojpuri singer Nirahua in Azamgarh seat, his father and SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav is leading from Mainpuri. Another SP heavyweight Azam Khan is fighting a close battle against actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada from Rampur.</p>

<p>In Bihar, the BJP-led NDA is leading in 38 of the state's 40 seats. The party is in alliance with Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) and Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) in Bihar. As per the seat-sharing agreement between the three parties, the BJP and JD(U) fought on 17 seats each and LJP on six. In the opposition Mahagathbandhan, the RJD has contested 19 seats giving up Arrah from its quota for the CPI (ML), followed by Congress (09), RLSP (05), HAM (03) and VIP (03).</p>

<p>In the high-stakes battle between Union minister Giriraj Singh and former JNU president Kanhaiya Kumar, Singh emerged victorious.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: BJP party workers celebrate in West Bengal and Mumbai</strong></p>

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<p>The most-watched state in the election clearly was West Bengal where the BJP was pitted against Trinamool Congress. What made the electoral battle interesting was the skirmishes reported from different parts of the state between TMC and BJP workers. The workers of both parties accused each other of electoral malpractices and violence. Most of the exit polls had predicted an unprecedented surge of the BJP in Bengal this election, BJP president Amit Shah had even said that the party will win 23 seats in Bengal. The predictions seem to be very close to the current tally on the BJP - it is leading in 18 of the state's 42 Lok Sabha seats. In 2014, last time it had just won two. The TMC, meanwhile, won 24.</p>

<p>Celebrations began at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi shortly after trends indicated that the party has already crossed the halfway mark of 272. BJP workers danced and distributed sweets among themselves.</p>

<p>Most of the exit polls on Sunday had predicted a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-2019-look-forward-to-working-for-peace-progress-and-prosperity-in-south-asia-imran-khan-congratulates-pm-modi-220992">win for Narendra Modi</a>-led NDA - some had even said that the victory margin will be a record.</p>


The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is on course to win the 2019 Lok Sabha handsomely. The NDA is so far leading on 348 seats out of 542 on which the polls were held; the BJP's tally stood at 286.

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is on course to win the 2019 Lok Sabha handsomely. The NDA is so far leading on 348 seats out of 542 on which the polls were held; the BJP's tally stood at 286. This is four more than the party's 2014 tally. Thank you India! The faith placed in our alliance is humbling and gives us strength to work even harder to fulfil people's aspirations. I salute every BJP Karyakarta for their determination, perseverance & hardwork. They went home to home, elaborating on our development agenda. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 23, 2019 × BJP's victory was evident from the moment counting began at 8am on Thursday. The BJP's graph kept climbing leaps and bounds and by 9.30am, had crossed the halfway mark of 272 making it clear that the party is again going to form the government at the Centre under the leadership of Narendra Modi. The BJP grabbed the pole position riding on the back of massive gains it made in north Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Delhi - the Hindi heartland of India. Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state and one with the highest number of Lok Sabha seats - 80 - is ready to hand over 59 seats to NDA. Though it is less than its 2014 tally of 71, the party has still managed to emerge as the single largest party in the state against the combined challenge of Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). The 'Mahagathbandhan' is so far leading on 20 seats in UP. Among the most shocking upset of this election came from Amethi, where Congress president Rahul Gandhi lost against BJP's Smriti Irani by 35,000 votes. In 2014, Rahul Gandhi had defeated Irani but by a narrow margin of over a lakh votes. Gandhi, who also contested from Wayanad in Kerala, won the seat by more than eight lakh votes. The regional satraps, meanwhile, were able holding on to their forts. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is ahead of Bhojpuri singer Nirahua in Azamgarh seat, his father and SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav is leading from Mainpuri. Another SP heavyweight Azam Khan is fighting a close battle against actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada from Rampur. In Bihar, the BJP-led NDA is leading in 38 of the state's 40 seats. The party is in alliance with Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) and Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) in Bihar. As per the seat-sharing agreement between the three parties, the BJP and JD(U) fought on 17 seats each and LJP on six. In the opposition Mahagathbandhan, the RJD has contested 19 seats giving up Arrah from its quota for the CPI (ML), followed by Congress (09), RLSP (05), HAM (03) and VIP (03). In the high-stakes battle between Union minister Giriraj Singh and former JNU president Kanhaiya Kumar, Singh emerged victorious. Watch: BJP party workers celebrate in West Bengal and Mumbai The most-watched state in the election clearly was West Bengal where the BJP was pitted against Trinamool Congress. What made the electoral battle interesting was the skirmishes reported from different parts of the state between TMC and BJP workers. The workers of both parties accused each other of electoral malpractices and violence. Most of the exit polls had predicted an unprecedented surge of the BJP in Bengal this election, BJP president Amit Shah had even said that the party will win 23 seats in Bengal. The predictions seem to be very close to the current tally on the BJP - it is leading in 18 of the state's 42 Lok Sabha seats. In 2014, last time it had just won two. The TMC, meanwhile, won 24. Celebrations began at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi shortly after trends indicated that the party has already crossed the halfway mark of 272. BJP workers danced and distributed sweets among themselves. Most of the exit polls on Sunday had predicted a win for Narendra Modi-led NDA - some had even said that the victory margin will be a record.

Lok Sabha election results 2019: Modi wave sweeps India again, NDA poised to win Lok Sabha elections

<p>The Election Commission on Wednesday came up with a new IT-based initiative to provide real-time trends and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-counting-of-votes-to-take-place-on-thursday-fates-of-over-8000-candidates-to-be-decided-220612">results of the counting of the votes</a> on May 23.</p>

<p>"Trends and results will be available on the ECI website as well as on the Voter Helpline App available on both Android and iOS," said the Election Commission.</p>

<p>The dissemination of information will start from 8 am on the counting day and will be continuously updated, said the commission.</p>

<p>The app boasts of a number of innovative features including an option to bookmark one's favourite candidate from a constituency and track her/his result exclusively said the commission.</p>

<p>"Users with the help of filters can find out the winning/leading or trailing candidate details, along with the constituency-wise or state-wise results from the app," said the commission.</p>

<p>The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced today.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-fate-of-724-women-candidates-to-be-decided-tomorrow-220590">Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections</a>&nbsp;will begin at 8 am today and the clear picture of who will lead the nation for the next five years will emerge in the evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats across the nation. 67.11 per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections.</p>

<p>It is suggested that the counting of votes and the announcement of results may get delayed due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count. The exercise will take place for the first time.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Election Commission on Wednesday came up with a new IT-based initiative to provide real-time trends and results of the counting of the votes on May 23. "Trends and results will be available on the ECI website as well as on the Voter Helpline App available on both Android and iOS," said the Election Commission.

The Election Commission on Wednesday came up with a new IT-based initiative to provide real-time trends and results of the counting of the votes on May 23. "Trends and results will be available on the ECI website as well as on the Voter Helpline App available on both Android and iOS," said the Election Commission. The dissemination of information will start from 8 am on the counting day and will be continuously updated, said the commission. The app boasts of a number of innovative features including an option to bookmark one's favourite candidate from a constituency and track her/his result exclusively said the commission. "Users with the help of filters can find out the winning/leading or trailing candidate details, along with the constituency-wise or state-wise results from the app," said the commission. The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced today. Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections will begin at 8 am today and the clear picture of who will lead the nation for the next five years will emerge in the evening. More than 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats across the nation. 67.11 per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections. It is suggested that the counting of votes and the announcement of results may get delayed due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count. The exercise will take place for the first time.

Election Commission launches a special app for voters to track election results today

<p>A day<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-results-of-high-stakes-polls-in-uttar-pradeshs-80-seats-to-seal-mahagathbandhans-fate-220632"> before the counting of votes</a> take place, Odisha Congress president Niranjan Patnaik Wednesday conceded that the party will not be able to form a government on its own in the state, and may even lose the opposition status.</p>

<p>Patnaik's statement indicated that its straight fight between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/counting-of-votes-to-be-held-in-63-centres-in-odisha-chief-electoral-officer-220593">BJD and the BJP in Odisha</a>, a state where Congress had its government for several times in the past and where it is principal opposition to the Naveen Patnaik headed the party for previous 19 years.</p>

<p>Amid indication of Congress poor showing, knives are out for the OPCC leadership.</p>

<p>"We (Congress) will not be able to form the government in the state on our own. However, our performance will be better than in 2014," Patnaik told reporters here during an interaction while reacting to exit polls predictions.</p>

<p>"We may also lose the opposition status," he said.</p>

<p>The Congress had in 2014 bagged only 16 out of the total 147 seats in Odisha Assembly and had failed to open its account in the Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>Different exit polls this time predicted one Lok Sabha seat and 15 assembly seats for the party.</p>

<p>Majority of the exit polls forecast an impressive performance by the BJP in Odisha this time. Many of them even suggested&nbsp;BJP bagging more seats out of a total of 21 Lok Sabha constituencies in Odisha than the BJD.</p>

<p>In the state assembly election also, the polls indicated the BJP emerging as the main challenger to the Naveen Patnaik's party.</p>

<p>Congress President Rahul Gandhi had addressed several rallies in Odisha to boost party prospect at both the national and state levels.</p>

<p>About himself, Patnaik, however, claimed that he will win from both Bhandaripokhari and Ghasipura assembly seats.</p>

<p>Senior Congress leader and former minister Jagannath Patnaik Wednesday resigned from the posts of OPCC coordination committee and the Pradesh Election Committee(PEC) in protest against the poor poll preparedness and management by the party state leadership.</p>

<p>"The state leadership failed to propagate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-nyay-to-undo-the-anyay-of-narendra-modi-govt-rahul-gandhi-209114">Rahul Gandhi's NYAY and programmes for farmers</a>. The party also failed to maintain its policy in ticket distribution and management of elections... I have sent my resignation letter to PCC president," he said.</p>

<p>The former minister said that the wrongdoings in the party should be corrected and discussion needed on the reason for losing an opportunity this time. "I, therefore, did not resign from the PCC or AICC," Jagannath Patnaik said.</p>

<p>Congress candidate from Sukinda assembly seat and former minister, Sarat Rout directly blamed the OPCC president and accused him of failing to manage the party's election strategy.</p>

<p>"He (Niranjan) has betrayed the trust of Rahul Gandhi," Rout alleged adding that the Congress this time chose to take the third position giving an advantage to the BJP.</p>

<p>"There was mismanagement at all levels - from ticket distribution to poll management. I was a candidate fighting against the BJD. Nobody from the party came to my help, I fought the election like an orphan," Rout said.</p>

<p>Asked whether a change in PCC presidentship will be the right action, Rout said: "Removing Niranjan Patnaik from the post will not help the party. Damage has already been done. He may quit the post on his own."</p>

<p>Congress candidate from Cuttack Lok Sabha segment, Panchanan Kangungo also expressed a similar view.</p>


A day before the counting of votes take place, Odisha Congress president Niranjan Patnaik Wednesday conceded that the party will not be able to form a government on its own in the state, and may even lose the opposition status.

A day before the counting of votes take place, Odisha Congress president Niranjan Patnaik Wednesday conceded that the party will not be able to form a government on its own in the state, and may even lose the opposition status. Patnaik's statement indicated that its straight fight between the BJD and the BJP in Odisha, a state where Congress had its government for several times in the past and where it is principal opposition to the Naveen Patnaik headed the party for previous 19 years. Amid indication of Congress poor showing, knives are out for the OPCC leadership. "We (Congress) will not be able to form the government in the state on our own. However, our performance will be better than in 2014," Patnaik told reporters here during an interaction while reacting to exit polls predictions. "We may also lose the opposition status," he said. The Congress had in 2014 bagged only 16 out of the total 147 seats in Odisha Assembly and had failed to open its account in the Lok Sabha polls. Different exit polls this time predicted one Lok Sabha seat and 15 assembly seats for the party. Majority of the exit polls forecast an impressive performance by the BJP in Odisha this time. Many of them even suggested BJP bagging more seats out of a total of 21 Lok Sabha constituencies in Odisha than the BJD. In the state assembly election also, the polls indicated the BJP emerging as the main challenger to the Naveen Patnaik's party. Congress President Rahul Gandhi had addressed several rallies in Odisha to boost party prospect at both the national and state levels. About himself, Patnaik, however, claimed that he will win from both Bhandaripokhari and Ghasipura assembly seats. Senior Congress leader and former minister Jagannath Patnaik Wednesday resigned from the posts of OPCC coordination committee and the Pradesh Election Committee(PEC) in protest against the poor poll preparedness and management by the party state leadership. "The state leadership failed to propagate Rahul Gandhi's NYAY and programmes for farmers. The party also failed to maintain its policy in ticket distribution and management of elections... I have sent my resignation letter to PCC president," he said. The former minister said that the wrongdoings in the party should be corrected and discussion needed on the reason for losing an opportunity this time. "I, therefore, did not resign from the PCC or AICC," Jagannath Patnaik said. Congress candidate from Sukinda assembly seat and former minister, Sarat Rout directly blamed the OPCC president and accused him of failing to manage the party's election strategy. "He (Niranjan) has betrayed the trust of Rahul Gandhi," Rout alleged adding that the Congress this time chose to take the third position giving an advantage to the BJP. "There was mismanagement at all levels - from ticket distribution to poll management. I was a candidate fighting against the BJD. Nobody from the party came to my help, I fought the election like an orphan," Rout said. Asked whether a change in PCC presidentship will be the right action, Rout said: "Removing Niranjan Patnaik from the post will not help the party. Damage has already been done. He may quit the post on his own." Congress candidate from Cuttack Lok Sabha segment, Panchanan Kangungo also expressed a similar view.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Congress in Odisha concedes defeat before counting of votes; says, may even lose the opposition status

<p>Buoyed by exit polls predicting a sweeping victory for the BJP in Delhi, the party's unit here has already ordered delicacies like 'motichoor cakes' and 'kamal barfis', a day before counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls on Thursday.</p>

<p>BJP president Manoj Tiwari, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/exit-polls-2019-pollsters-predict-bjp-to-make-a-clean-sweep-in-delhi-on-all-7-seats-219933">asserting the party's victory on all seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital</a>, said 350-kg of fine quality "ladoos" have been ordered for celebrations at the central office on DDU Marg and the Delhi unit's office on Pant Marg.</p>

<p>The party has also placed orders for a 7-kg special 'motichoor cake' and nine similar cakes, each weighing between 4-5 kgs, at the Bengali Pastry shop, BJP's social media team's co-convener Neelkant Bakshi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cakes will be cut at the BJP's central office, Bakshi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor has ordered a 50-kg lotus shaped 'kamal barfi'. The price per kg is Rs 2,000.</p>

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<p>The Congress, which hopes for a "good show" in the polls, maintained a cautious note, with its leaders saying celebrations will be held after the declaration of results.</p>

<p>Most of the exit polls have predicted that the BJP may win 5-7 seats and have put the Congress in second place.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They have predicted victory for the Congress on 1-2 seats, while most of them have forecast that the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) here will be in third place on most of the seats.</p>

<p>Former Delhi Congress president and the party's candidate from the New Delhi Lok Sabha seat Ajay Maken said he was confident of a victory.</p>

<p>"The Congress will put up a good show. We have the support of all sections of society, especially minorities and government employees. Of course, celebrations will be held with the distribution of sweets and bursting of crackers," Maken said.</p>

<p>Congress working president Rajesh Lilothia, who is contesting from the North West Delhi Lok Sabha seat, said the party will win on all seven seats.</p>

<p>"We will celebrate after the results are declared and it will be a grand one," Rajesh Lilothia said.</p>

<p>The parties have also made special arrangements like installing large LED screens for party workers and other visitors to watch progression of counting of votes.</p>

<p>The candidates in the fray will visit the counting centres and take updates on trends from their agents and party leaders. The counting of votes will begin at 8 am on Thursday.</p>

<p>A total of 164 candidates contested the Lok Sabha elections from the seven seats in Delhi.</p>

<p>Over 1.43 crore people were eligible to vote in the polls in Delhi, out of which 60.21 per cent exercised their franchise.</p>

<p>The elections for the seven parliamentary seats were largely a triangular contest among the incumbent BJP, a spirited Congress and the AAP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2004, the BJP managed a clean sweep winning all seven seats.</p>


Buoyed by exit polls predicting a sweeping victory for the BJP in Delhi, the party's unit here has already ordered delicacies like 'motichoor cakes' and 'kamal barfis', a day before counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls on Thursday.

Buoyed by exit polls predicting a sweeping victory for the BJP in Delhi, the party's unit here has already ordered delicacies like 'motichoor cakes' and 'kamal barfis', a day before counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls on Thursday. BJP president Manoj Tiwari, asserting the party's victory on all seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital, said 350-kg of fine quality "ladoos" have been ordered for celebrations at the central office on DDU Marg and the Delhi unit's office on Pant Marg. The party has also placed orders for a 7-kg special 'motichoor cake' and nine similar cakes, each weighing between 4-5 kgs, at the Bengali Pastry shop, BJP's social media team's co-convener Neelkant Bakshi said. The cakes will be cut at the BJP's central office, Bakshi said. BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor has ordered a 50-kg lotus shaped 'kamal barfi'. The price per kg is Rs 2,000. The Congress, which hopes for a "good show" in the polls, maintained a cautious note, with its leaders saying celebrations will be held after the declaration of results. Most of the exit polls have predicted that the BJP may win 5-7 seats and have put the Congress in second place. They have predicted victory for the Congress on 1-2 seats, while most of them have forecast that the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) here will be in third place on most of the seats. Former Delhi Congress president and the party's candidate from the New Delhi Lok Sabha seat Ajay Maken said he was confident of a victory. "The Congress will put up a good show. We have the support of all sections of society, especially minorities and government employees. Of course, celebrations will be held with the distribution of sweets and bursting of crackers," Maken said. Congress working president Rajesh Lilothia, who is contesting from the North West Delhi Lok Sabha seat, said the party will win on all seven seats. "We will celebrate after the results are declared and it will be a grand one," Rajesh Lilothia said. The parties have also made special arrangements like installing large LED screens for party workers and other visitors to watch progression of counting of votes. The candidates in the fray will visit the counting centres and take updates on trends from their agents and party leaders. The counting of votes will begin at 8 am on Thursday. A total of 164 candidates contested the Lok Sabha elections from the seven seats in Delhi. Over 1.43 crore people were eligible to vote in the polls in Delhi, out of which 60.21 per cent exercised their franchise. The elections for the seven parliamentary seats were largely a triangular contest among the incumbent BJP, a spirited Congress and the AAP. In 2004, the BJP managed a clean sweep winning all seven seats.

Buoyed by exit poll projections, BJP leaders order ladoos, motichoor cakes to celebrate win

<p>It was the mother-of-all battle, the most-watched contest of this <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-thank-you-india-faith-placed-in-our-alliance-is-humbling-pm-modi-221011">Lok Sabha elections</a>, which was ultimately won by the challenger.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The battleground was Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, a dusty little town widely known as the Congress bastion and stronghold of the Gandhi family. Congress president Rahul Gandhi - who won from Amethi in 2004, 2009 and 2014 - was pitted against BJP's Smriti Irani whom he had defeated in 2014. The 2014 victory margin of one lakh votes was narrow, going by the fact that Amethi is Gandhis' family bastion, but Rahul successfully defended the seat.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/congratulations-to-the-winners-but-all-losers-are-not-losers-how-opposition-reacted-to-lok-sabha-2019-election-results-220926">fortunes were reversed</a> and Irani emerged victorious though by a thin margin of 35,899 votes. But the win had its share of nervous moments in the form of seesaw battle during counting of votes. As soon as the counting began on Thursday morning, early trends showed Smriti Irani leading. But Gandhi was again in the driver’s seat as counting progressed. As times passed, Irani took the lead and eventually won the contest.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">कौन कहता है आसमां में सुराख नहीं हो सकता ...</p>
— Chowkidar Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) <a href="https://twitter.com/smritiirani/status/1131539947905851392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>What makes this battle significant is that a Gandhi had not been defeated from Amethi since 1980, barring 1998. The reversal is surely going to cast a shadow on the future of Rahul Gandhi, who is leading the Congress during its most tumultous phase.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
"We have to introspect, that is for sure. But let the complete result come and let us examine it first," Congress leader Brijesh Kalappa told WION. "We can then go to the drawing board and create a new plan of action," he added.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The voice of the people is the voice of the god. We will have to listen to it and accept the mandate, Kalappa said.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Congress's overall performance has not been up to the mark in UP. It is leading on just one seat in the state; in 2014, the party had won two.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The Congress was not part of the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) of Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and had fielded its own candidates. This year's result has also raised questions on Congress's future which has suffered yet another defeat at the hands of the BJP. From winning 430 Lok Sabha seats in 1989, India's Grand Old Party was reduced to just 44 seats in 2014 elections. And this year's setback will make the things worse for it.</p>


It was the mother-of-all battle, the most-watched contest of this Lok Sabha elections, which was ultimately won by the challenger. The battleground was Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, a dusty little town widely known as the Congress bastion and stronghold of the Gandhi family.

It was the mother-of-all battle, the most-watched contest of this Lok Sabha elections, which was ultimately won by the challenger. The battleground was Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, a dusty little town widely known as the Congress bastion and stronghold of the Gandhi family. Congress president Rahul Gandhi - who won from Amethi in 2004, 2009 and 2014 - was pitted against BJP's Smriti Irani whom he had defeated in 2014. The 2014 victory margin of one lakh votes was narrow, going by the fact that Amethi is Gandhis' family bastion, but Rahul successfully defended the seat. In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the fortunes were reversed and Irani emerged victorious though by a thin margin of 35,899 votes. But the win had its share of nervous moments in the form of seesaw battle during counting of votes. As soon as the counting began on Thursday morning, early trends showed Smriti Irani leading. But Gandhi was again in the driver’s seat as counting progressed. As times passed, Irani took the lead and eventually won the contest. कौन कहता है आसमां में सुराख नहीं हो सकता ... — Chowkidar Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) May 23, 2019 × What makes this battle significant is that a Gandhi had not been defeated from Amethi since 1980, barring 1998. The reversal is surely going to cast a shadow on the future of Rahul Gandhi, who is leading the Congress during its most tumultous phase. "We have to introspect, that is for sure. But let the complete result come and let us examine it first," Congress leader Brijesh Kalappa told WION. "We can then go to the drawing board and create a new plan of action," he added. The voice of the people is the voice of the god. We will have to listen to it and accept the mandate, Kalappa said. Congress's overall performance has not been up to the mark in UP. It is leading on just one seat in the state; in 2014, the party had won two. The Congress was not part of the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) of Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and had fielded its own candidates. This year's result has also raised questions on Congress's future which has suffered yet another defeat at the hands of the BJP. From winning 430 Lok Sabha seats in 1989, India's Grand Old Party was reduced to just 44 seats in 2014 elections. And this year's setback will make the things worse for it.

In neck and neck battle, Smriti Irani defeats Rahul Gandhi in Amethi

<p>The BJP and its ally Apna Dal (Sonelal) are leading in 61 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, according to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/">Election Commission trends</a> at 3.30 pm.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading by a huge margin of over 4 lakh votes in Varanasi against Samajwadi Party candidate Shalini Yadav.</p>

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi continued to trail in Amethi, where Union minister and BJP candidate Smriti Irani is leading by over 16,000 votes.</p>

<p>The BJP is ahead in 60 seats and Apna Dal (S) in one seat. The SP-BSP-RLD alliance is leading in 18 seats. Mayawati's BSP is ahead in 12 seats, while Akhilesh Yadav's SP is leading in six seats.</p>

<p>The Congress is leading on only one seat, Rae Bareli, where UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi is ahead of the BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh by over 1.16 lakh votes.</p>

<p><strong>In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/lok-sabha-election-result-2019-bjp-heads-to-historic-win-as-modi-wave-sweeps-india-220967">BJP heads to historic win as Modi wave sweeps India</a></strong></p>

<p>RLD chief Ajit Singh and his son, Jayant Chowdhury, are trailing from Muzaffarnagar and Baghpat respectively.</p>

<p>It was mixed fortune for the Yadav clan, with two senior leaders Mulayam Singh and Akhilesh Yadav maintaining their leads.</p>

<p>SP chief Akhilesh Yadav is leading by over 1.2 lakh votes in Azamgarh, while his father and SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav is ahead by nearly 28,000 votes.</p>

<p>Akhilesh Yadav's cousins, Dharmendra Yadav and Akshay Yadav, and wife Dimple Yadav are trailing respectively from Badaun, Firozabad and Kannauj seats.</p>

<p>SP leader Azam Khan is leading in Rampur by over 1.4 lakh votes over BJP candidate Jaya Prada, who switched sides from the SP to join the saffron party ahead of the Lok Sabha election.</p>

<p>Kunwar Danish Ali, who joined the BSP after leaving the JDS, is leading by over 60,000 votes in Amroha.</p>

<p>State BJP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey is leading by more than 9,000 votes in Chandauli.</p>

<p>Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Santosh Gangwar are leading in their respective seats of Lucknow and Bareily. But another Union minister, Manoj Sinha, was trailing in Ghazipur, where mafia-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari's brother, Afzal Ansari, of the BSP is leading by over 45,000 votes.</p>

<p>In Gorakhpur and Phulpur, where the Opposition had unseated the BJP in bypolls, the saffron party appeared to be taking a sweet revenge by leading at both the places.</p>

<p>Kairana was, however, an exception where sitting Samajwadi Party MP Tabassum Begum is maintaining a lead over the BJP, which had lost in a bypoll to Begum.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;BJP workers welcome Amit Shah at party headquarters after BJP's stellar performance&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Sitting BJP MP Hema Malini is leading by 2 lakh votes against SP-BSP-RLD alliance candidate Kunwar Narendra Singh in Mathura.&nbsp;</p>


The BJP and its ally Apna Dal (Sonelal) are leading in 61 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, according to Election Commission trends at 3.30 pm. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading by a huge margin of over 4 lakh votes in Varanasi against Samajwadi Party candidate Shalini Yadav.

The BJP and its ally Apna Dal (Sonelal) are leading in 61 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, according to Election Commission trends at 3.30 pm. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading by a huge margin of over 4 lakh votes in Varanasi against Samajwadi Party candidate Shalini Yadav. Congress president Rahul Gandhi continued to trail in Amethi, where Union minister and BJP candidate Smriti Irani is leading by over 16,000 votes. The BJP is ahead in 60 seats and Apna Dal (S) in one seat. The SP-BSP-RLD alliance is leading in 18 seats. Mayawati's BSP is ahead in 12 seats, while Akhilesh Yadav's SP is leading in six seats. The Congress is leading on only one seat, Rae Bareli, where UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi is ahead of the BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh by over 1.16 lakh votes. In pics: BJP heads to historic win as Modi wave sweeps India RLD chief Ajit Singh and his son, Jayant Chowdhury, are trailing from Muzaffarnagar and Baghpat respectively. It was mixed fortune for the Yadav clan, with two senior leaders Mulayam Singh and Akhilesh Yadav maintaining their leads. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav is leading by over 1.2 lakh votes in Azamgarh, while his father and SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav is ahead by nearly 28,000 votes. Akhilesh Yadav's cousins, Dharmendra Yadav and Akshay Yadav, and wife Dimple Yadav are trailing respectively from Badaun, Firozabad and Kannauj seats. SP leader Azam Khan is leading in Rampur by over 1.4 lakh votes over BJP candidate Jaya Prada, who switched sides from the SP to join the saffron party ahead of the Lok Sabha election. Kunwar Danish Ali, who joined the BSP after leaving the JDS, is leading by over 60,000 votes in Amroha. State BJP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey is leading by more than 9,000 votes in Chandauli. Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Santosh Gangwar are leading in their respective seats of Lucknow and Bareily. But another Union minister, Manoj Sinha, was trailing in Ghazipur, where mafia-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari's brother, Afzal Ansari, of the BSP is leading by over 45,000 votes. In Gorakhpur and Phulpur, where the Opposition had unseated the BJP in bypolls, the saffron party appeared to be taking a sweet revenge by leading at both the places. Kairana was, however, an exception where sitting Samajwadi Party MP Tabassum Begum is maintaining a lead over the BJP, which had lost in a bypoll to Begum. Watch: BJP workers welcome Amit Shah at party headquarters after BJP's stellar performance × Sitting BJP MP Hema Malini is leading by 2 lakh votes against SP-BSP-RLD alliance candidate Kunwar Narendra Singh in Mathura.

Lok Sabha election results 2019: BJP, ally maintain lead over rivals in Uttar Pradesh

<p>Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia has lost the family bastion Guna Lok Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh to BJP's KP Yadav in his&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 48-year-old Congress leader successfully challenged the Modi wave in 2014 and was able to hold on to Guna by defeating BJP's Jaibhansingh Pawaiya by a margin of more than one lakh votes.</p>

<p>Guna constituency has been a Congress bastion seat as Jyotiraditya Scindia has been winning from this seat for the past three terms.</p>

<p>Scindia's father Madhavrao had won from the seat in the 1999 election. Before that, Scindia's grandmother Vijaya Raje Scindia held the seat on BJP ticket.</p>

<p>Historically, Congress has enjoyed a long reign of power in this constituency, barring a decade starting 1989, when BJP's Vijaye Raje Scindia won four consecutive times. Since 2002, Jyotiraditya Scindia has been the sitting MP from this Lok Sabha constituency.</p>

<p>Guna Lok Sabha constituency comprises eight Vidhan Sabha or legislative assembly segments.</p>


Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia has lost the family bastion Guna Lok Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh to BJP's KP Yadav in his The 48-year-old Congress leader successfully challenged the Modi wave in 2014 and was able to hold on to Guna by defeating BJP's Jaibhansingh Pawaiya by a margin of more than one lakh votes.

Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia has lost the family bastion Guna Lok Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh to BJP's KP Yadav in his The 48-year-old Congress leader successfully challenged the Modi wave in 2014 and was able to hold on to Guna by defeating BJP's Jaibhansingh Pawaiya by a margin of more than one lakh votes. Guna constituency has been a Congress bastion seat as Jyotiraditya Scindia has been winning from this seat for the past three terms. Scindia's father Madhavrao had won from the seat in the 1999 election. Before that, Scindia's grandmother Vijaya Raje Scindia held the seat on BJP ticket. Historically, Congress has enjoyed a long reign of power in this constituency, barring a decade starting 1989, when BJP's Vijaye Raje Scindia won four consecutive times. Since 2002, Jyotiraditya Scindia has been the sitting MP from this Lok Sabha constituency. Guna Lok Sabha constituency comprises eight Vidhan Sabha or legislative assembly segments.

Jyotiraditya Scindia loses Guna Lok Sabha seat to BJP's KP Yadav

<p>The Shiv Sena Thursday lavished praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/">BJP-led NDA appeared to be retaining power comfortably</a>, saying nobody would be able to pose a challenge before him for the next 25 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Uddhav Thackeray-led party had often criticised the BJP in the last five years but eventually sealed a fresh alliance with it ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sena MP Sanjay Raut said that people had given a befitting reply to opposition parties who created "an atmosphere of illusion" against Modi over issues such as the Rafale fighter jet deal.</p>

<p><strong>In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/lok-sabha-election-result-2019-bjp-heads-to-historic-win-as-modi-wave-sweeps-india-220967">BJP heads to historic win as Modi wave sweeps India</a></strong></p>

<p>"The entire country is 'Modi-may' (in thrall of Modi)," Raut, who edits the Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana', told reporters here.</p>

<p>"The truth has to be accepted that no one could counter Modi. Today's mandate is such that no one can counter (Modi) for the next 25 years," Raut added.</p>

<p>The Rajya Sabha member observed that the BJP-led NDA is doing well also in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, where the Congress had won Assembly polls last year.</p>

<p>"The country has reposed faith in Narendra Modi's leadership for the next five years. He will take the country even further in five years," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;BJP workers welcome Amit Shah at party headquarters after BJP's stellar performance&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>According to the trends made available by the Election Commission, the BJP was leading in 300 seats across the country. In Maharashtra, which sends 48 members to the Lok Sabha, the BJP and Shiv Sena were marching ahead in 23 and 18 seats, respectively.&nbsp;</p>


The Shiv Sena Thursday lavished praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the BJP-led NDA appeared to be retaining power comfortably, saying nobody would be able to pose a challenge before him for the next 25 years.

The Shiv Sena Thursday lavished praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the BJP-led NDA appeared to be retaining power comfortably, saying nobody would be able to pose a challenge before him for the next 25 years. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party had often criticised the BJP in the last five years but eventually sealed a fresh alliance with it ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. Sena MP Sanjay Raut said that people had given a befitting reply to opposition parties who created "an atmosphere of illusion" against Modi over issues such as the Rafale fighter jet deal. In pics: BJP heads to historic win as Modi wave sweeps India "The entire country is 'Modi-may' (in thrall of Modi)," Raut, who edits the Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana', told reporters here. "The truth has to be accepted that no one could counter Modi. Today's mandate is such that no one can counter (Modi) for the next 25 years," Raut added. The Rajya Sabha member observed that the BJP-led NDA is doing well also in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, where the Congress had won Assembly polls last year. "The country has reposed faith in Narendra Modi's leadership for the next five years. He will take the country even further in five years," he added. Watch: BJP workers welcome Amit Shah at party headquarters after BJP's stellar performance × According to the trends made available by the Election Commission, the BJP was leading in 300 seats across the country. In Maharashtra, which sends 48 members to the Lok Sabha, the BJP and Shiv Sena were marching ahead in 23 and 18 seats, respectively.

Lok Sabha election results 2019: Nobody can counter Modi for next 25 years, says Shiv Sena

<p>Certain of clinching all the seven seats in the national capital, the BJP continued to dominate the trends with two of its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/">candidates taking the lead</a> by a margin of over 3.40 lakh votes while the Congress and AAP trailed at the second spot in five and two constituencies respectively.</p>

<p>The BJP already went into a celebratory mode with jubilant supporters of the saffron party starting to burst crackers and shouting slogans at various counting centres.</p>

<p>BJP's incumbent MP from West Delhi Parvesh Verma was leading with a maximum margin of over 3.49 lakh votes while Congress's Mahabal Mishra was at the second spot. Verma had won from the constituency in 2014 with a record margin of over 2.68 lakh votes, the highest in the national capital ever.</p>

<p>Singer-turned-politician Hans Raj Hans followed him with a margin of over 3.40 lakh votes in the Northwest Delhi constituency where he is pitted against AAP's Gugan Singh, who is on the second position and Congress' Rajesh Lilothia at the third spot.</p>

<p>Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari, who contested from the Northeast Delhi constituency against Congress veteran and former chief minister Sheila Dikshit and AAP's Dilip Pandey, was leading with a margin of over 2.99 lakh votes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tiwari said they (BJP) were sure of victory but did not expect such a "huge" margin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We were confident of the victory but were not expecting this kind of huge margin. I am indebted to the voters for imposing their faith in us.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The kind of treatment that AAP has meted out to me always, the public has always observed it and voted accordingly. We have crossed the first hurdle in Delhi and will now gear up for the second one in February (Assembly elections)," Tiwari told reporters.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Tanveer Ahmed reacts on Lok Sabha poll results</strong></p>

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<p>Cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir, who is making his electoral debut from East Delhi constituency, was leading by a margin over 2.38 lakh votes. Gambhir is locked in a contest with Congress' Arvinder Singh Lovely and AAP's Atishi.</p>

<p>Incumbent MP from New Delhi Meenakshi Lekhi was also ahead of Congress' Ajay Maken by a margin of over 1.98 lakh votes.</p>

<p>South Delhi's incumbent MP Ramesh Bidhuri was leading with a margin of over 2.26 lakh votes on the seat with AAP's Raghav Chadha on the second spot.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-l-k-advani-congratulates-modi-shah-and-party-workers-for-unprecedented-victory-220964">LK Advani congratulates Modi, Shah and party workers for unprecedented victory</a></strong></p>

<p>"People have voted for the work done by Modi government. The previous governments were afraid of taking strong decisions. I worked according to the vision of the Modi government and based on that people have voted for me and have given a clear majority to the BJP," Bidhuri told reporters.</p>

<p>Chandni Chowk was the only seat where BJP candidate's margin was less than a lakh at 64,659 votes. Union Minister Harsh Vardhan is locked in a close fight with Congress veteran Jai Prakash Agarwal from the constituency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Counting is underway for seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;BJP workers welcome Amit Shah at party headquarters after BJP's stellar performance</strong></p>

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<p>"The counting is going on smoothly in all the seven counting centres. Till now we have not received any complaints or any information of disturbance at the counting centres. Also the law and order situation is normal in the city," Delhi Chief Electoral Officer Ranbir Singh said.&nbsp;</p>


Certain of clinching all the seven seats in the national capital, the BJP continued to dominate the trends with two of its candidates taking the lead by a margin of over 3.

Certain of clinching all the seven seats in the national capital, the BJP continued to dominate the trends with two of its candidates taking the lead by a margin of over 3.40 lakh votes while the Congress and AAP trailed at the second spot in five and two constituencies respectively. The BJP already went into a celebratory mode with jubilant supporters of the saffron party starting to burst crackers and shouting slogans at various counting centres. BJP's incumbent MP from West Delhi Parvesh Verma was leading with a maximum margin of over 3.49 lakh votes while Congress's Mahabal Mishra was at the second spot. Verma had won from the constituency in 2014 with a record margin of over 2.68 lakh votes, the highest in the national capital ever. Singer-turned-politician Hans Raj Hans followed him with a margin of over 3.40 lakh votes in the Northwest Delhi constituency where he is pitted against AAP's Gugan Singh, who is on the second position and Congress' Rajesh Lilothia at the third spot. Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari, who contested from the Northeast Delhi constituency against Congress veteran and former chief minister Sheila Dikshit and AAP's Dilip Pandey, was leading with a margin of over 2.99 lakh votes. Tiwari said they (BJP) were sure of victory but did not expect such a "huge" margin. "We were confident of the victory but were not expecting this kind of huge margin. I am indebted to the voters for imposing their faith in us. "The kind of treatment that AAP has meted out to me always, the public has always observed it and voted accordingly. We have crossed the first hurdle in Delhi and will now gear up for the second one in February (Assembly elections)," Tiwari told reporters. Watch: Tanveer Ahmed reacts on Lok Sabha poll results × Cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir, who is making his electoral debut from East Delhi constituency, was leading by a margin over 2.38 lakh votes. Gambhir is locked in a contest with Congress' Arvinder Singh Lovely and AAP's Atishi. Incumbent MP from New Delhi Meenakshi Lekhi was also ahead of Congress' Ajay Maken by a margin of over 1.98 lakh votes. South Delhi's incumbent MP Ramesh Bidhuri was leading with a margin of over 2.26 lakh votes on the seat with AAP's Raghav Chadha on the second spot. Also Read: LK Advani congratulates Modi, Shah and party workers for unprecedented victory "People have voted for the work done by Modi government. The previous governments were afraid of taking strong decisions. I worked according to the vision of the Modi government and based on that people have voted for me and have given a clear majority to the BJP," Bidhuri told reporters. Chandni Chowk was the only seat where BJP candidate's margin was less than a lakh at 64,659 votes. Union Minister Harsh Vardhan is locked in a close fight with Congress veteran Jai Prakash Agarwal from the constituency. Counting is underway for seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital. Watch: BJP workers welcome Amit Shah at party headquarters after BJP's stellar performance × "The counting is going on smoothly in all the seven counting centres. Till now we have not received any complaints or any information of disturbance at the counting centres. Also the law and order situation is normal in the city," Delhi Chief Electoral Officer Ranbir Singh said.

Lok Sabha election results 2019: BJP certain of a clean sweep in Delhi, two candidates leading by huge margin

Lok Sabha election result 2019: BJP heads to historic win as Modi wave sweeps India

<p>BJP veteran L K Advani on Thursday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his election victory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''Heartiest congratulations to Narendrabhai Modi for steering BJP towards this unprecedented victory in elections. Amitbhai Shah as BJP President and all dedicated workers of the party have put in enormous effort in making sure that BJP's message reaches every voter, he said.</p>

<p>BJP is set for a landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections as NDA&nbsp;is leading in 344 seats.</p>

<p>''It's such a wonderful feeling that in a country as large and diverse as India, the electoral process has been so successfully completed and for that, my compliments to the electorate and all the agencies involved,'' he said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">L K Advani, BJP: It's such a wonderful feeling that in a country as large &amp; diverse as India, electoral process has been so successfully completed &amp; for that, my compliments to the electorate &amp; all the agencies involved. May our great nation be blessed with a bright future ahead. <a href="https://t.co/cAX8plrlzr">https://t.co/cAX8plrlzr</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1131505885254225922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>May our great nation be blessed with a bright future ahead, he added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Amit Shah surpassed the victory margin of senior party leader Advani in Gandhinagar as counting entered 22nd round, even as his party was all set to bag all the 26 seats in Gujarat, repeating its 2014 performance.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


BJP veteran L K Advani on Thursday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his election victory. ''Heartiest congratulations to Narendrabhai Modi for steering BJP towards this unprecedented victory in elections.

BJP veteran L K Advani on Thursday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his election victory. ''Heartiest congratulations to Narendrabhai Modi for steering BJP towards this unprecedented victory in elections. Amitbhai Shah as BJP President and all dedicated workers of the party have put in enormous effort in making sure that BJP's message reaches every voter, he said. BJP is set for a landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections as NDA is leading in 344 seats. ''It's such a wonderful feeling that in a country as large and diverse as India, the electoral process has been so successfully completed and for that, my compliments to the electorate and all the agencies involved,'' he said. L K Advani, BJP: It's such a wonderful feeling that in a country as large & diverse as India, electoral process has been so successfully completed & for that, my compliments to the electorate & all the agencies involved. May our great nation be blessed with a bright future ahead. https://t.co/cAX8plrlzr — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2019 × May our great nation be blessed with a bright future ahead, he added. Meanwhile, Amit Shah surpassed the victory margin of senior party leader Advani in Gandhinagar as counting entered 22nd round, even as his party was all set to bag all the 26 seats in Gujarat, repeating its 2014 performance.

Lok Sabha election results 2019: L K Advani congratulates Modi, Shah and party workers for unprecedented victory 

<p>Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday said that Lok Sabha elections results reflect that there is a Tsunami of Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/">Election Commission's trends</a>, BJP is leading on 28 seats in the state while the Congress is leading on one seat out of 29 parliamentary constituencies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking to ANI, Chouhan said, "Lok Sabha elections results reflect that there is a Tsunami of BJP, not a wave.&nbsp;Narendra Modi resides in the people`s heart and he is blessed with God-like powers."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-rajinikanth-congratulates-pm-narendra-modi-says-you-made-it-220919">Lok Sabha election results 2019: Rajinikanth congratulates PM Narendra Modi</a></strong></p>

<p>"In Madhya Pradesh, the Congress party had made false promises of the loan waiver. They have stopped all programmes of ours. That is why people have voted in anger against the Congress party here, " said Chouhan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Asked about the BJP's performance across the country, the BJP leader said, "As BJP president Amit Shah had said in West Bengal and Odisha, the BJP will improve its performance. I have earlier said, we will get more than 50 seats in Uttar Pradesh and that is what has happened."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Praising the Prime Minister, Chouhan said, "Under PM Modi's leadership the caste-based politics is over. BJP has worked for development, welfare and security of the country and it is reflected in the leadership of Narendra Modi."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Sadhvi Pragya Thakur will win in Bhopal with a record margin," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On being asked about Congress president Rahul Gandhi trailing from Amethi, the former Madhya Pradesh chief minister said, "Rahul Gandhi is leading from Wayanad and trailing from Amethi, and now he should tell which EVM is wrong."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Rahul Gandhi should contemplate and should reflect on his childish allegations on Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chouhan said, "In MP the Kamal Nath government has failed. There is no law and order in the state. However we will discuss this serious issue next time, right now we are now ready for celebrations."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulates PM Modi</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;JDS spokesperson Tanveer Ahmed spoke exclusive to WION</strong></p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/">Click here</a> to get the live updates of&nbsp;Lok Sabha election results 2019</p>


Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday said that Lok Sabha elections results reflect that there is a Tsunami of Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the country.

Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday said that Lok Sabha elections results reflect that there is a Tsunami of Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the country. As per the Election Commission's trends, BJP is leading on 28 seats in the state while the Congress is leading on one seat out of 29 parliamentary constituencies. Talking to ANI, Chouhan said, "Lok Sabha elections results reflect that there is a Tsunami of BJP, not a wave. Narendra Modi resides in the people`s heart and he is blessed with God-like powers." Also Read: Lok Sabha election results 2019: Rajinikanth congratulates PM Narendra Modi "In Madhya Pradesh, the Congress party had made false promises of the loan waiver. They have stopped all programmes of ours. That is why people have voted in anger against the Congress party here, " said Chouhan. Asked about the BJP's performance across the country, the BJP leader said, "As BJP president Amit Shah had said in West Bengal and Odisha, the BJP will improve its performance. I have earlier said, we will get more than 50 seats in Uttar Pradesh and that is what has happened." Praising the Prime Minister, Chouhan said, "Under PM Modi's leadership the caste-based politics is over. BJP has worked for development, welfare and security of the country and it is reflected in the leadership of Narendra Modi." "Sadhvi Pragya Thakur will win in Bhopal with a record margin," he added. On being asked about Congress president Rahul Gandhi trailing from Amethi, the former Madhya Pradesh chief minister said, "Rahul Gandhi is leading from Wayanad and trailing from Amethi, and now he should tell which EVM is wrong." "Rahul Gandhi should contemplate and should reflect on his childish allegations on Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he added. Chouhan said, "In MP the Kamal Nath government has failed. There is no law and order in the state. However we will discuss this serious issue next time, right now we are now ready for celebrations." Watch: Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulates PM Modi × Watch: JDS spokesperson Tanveer Ahmed spoke exclusive to WION × Click here to get the live updates of Lok Sabha election results 2019

Lok Sabha election results 2019: It is a BJP tsunami, says Shivraj Singh Chouhan

<p>With trends painting a dismal picture for the Congress in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/">Lok Sabha elections</a>, United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Thursday met Congress president Rahul Gandhi at his residence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also met Rahul Gandhi here.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even Priyanka's formal entry into politics could not act as a saving grace for the Congress. She was made in-charge of the party's fortunes in eastern Uttar Pradesh, but despite her high-octane election campaign Congress is ahead on just one seat- her mother Sonia Gandhi from Raebareli.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/congratulations-to-the-winners-but-all-losers-are-not-losers-how-opposition-reacted-to-lok-sabha-2019-election-results-220926">How opposition reacted to Lok Sabha 2019 election results</a></strong></p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi is facing a tough battle in Amethi as BJP rival Smriti Irani is leading from the seat, though by a slim margin. However, he is leading from Kerala's Wayanad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per trends post noon, the ruling BJP appears to be storming back to power with a comfortable majority on its own for the second consecutive time and is set to cross the 300-mark in the Lok Sabha along with its NDA allies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, Congress was way behind BJP, leading in only 51 seats. Its ally DMK has put up a good show leading in 22 of the 30 seats in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;'There is no place for dynasty rulers, corrupt leaders in this nation' says Yogi Adityanath</strong></p>

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<p>The Congress was leading in eight of the nine seats it contested in the state. The party was also doing well in Kerala where it was leading in 15 out of total 20 parliamentary seats.</p>


With trends painting a dismal picture for the Congress in Lok Sabha elections, United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Thursday met Congress president Rahul Gandhi at his residence.

With trends painting a dismal picture for the Congress in Lok Sabha elections, United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Thursday met Congress president Rahul Gandhi at his residence. Earlier in the day, party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also met Rahul Gandhi here. Even Priyanka's formal entry into politics could not act as a saving grace for the Congress. She was made in-charge of the party's fortunes in eastern Uttar Pradesh, but despite her high-octane election campaign Congress is ahead on just one seat- her mother Sonia Gandhi from Raebareli. Also Read: How opposition reacted to Lok Sabha 2019 election results Rahul Gandhi is facing a tough battle in Amethi as BJP rival Smriti Irani is leading from the seat, though by a slim margin. However, he is leading from Kerala's Wayanad. As per trends post noon, the ruling BJP appears to be storming back to power with a comfortable majority on its own for the second consecutive time and is set to cross the 300-mark in the Lok Sabha along with its NDA allies. On the other hand, Congress was way behind BJP, leading in only 51 seats. Its ally DMK has put up a good show leading in 22 of the 30 seats in Tamil Nadu. Watch: 'There is no place for dynasty rulers, corrupt leaders in this nation' says Yogi Adityanath × The Congress was leading in eight of the nine seats it contested in the state. The party was also doing well in Kerala where it was leading in 15 out of total 20 parliamentary seats.

Lok Sabha election results 2019: Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka meet Rahul as Congress stares at defeat

<p>MUMBAI: The benchmark BSE Sensex erased early gains to end 299 points lower Thursday as investors booked profits after stocks soared to record highs after BJP's strong showing in the Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>During the day, the Sensex hit the 40,000 mark while the Nifty crossed the 12,000-level for the first time ever.</p>

<p>However, the indices succumbed to profit booking towards the fag-end of the session.</p>

<p>The 30-share Sensex tumbled 298.82 points, or 0.76 per cent, to close at 38,811.39. Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty settled 80.85 points, or 0.69 per cent, lower at 11,657.05.</p>

<p>IndusInd Bank was the biggest gainer in the Sensex pack, rallying 5.23 per cent, followed by Hero MotoCorp, Coal India, Yes Bank, PowerGrid, ICICI Bank, HCL Tech, L&amp;T, Kotak Bank and Bharti Airtel, rising up to 1.56 per cent.</p>

<p>On the other hand, Vedanta, ITC, Tata Motors, HDFC twins, Bajaj Finance, Sun Pharma, Tata Steel, TCS, ONGC and Infosys fell up to 5.53 per cent.</p>

<p>Riding on a massive Modi wave sweeping through most parts of India, the BJP was set to return to power Thursday as it led in 298 seats while the Congress trailed far behind with 52, according to trends released by the Election Commission for all 542 seats that went to polls.</p>

<p>"Markets were initially enthused to see the election results falling in line with the exit polls. However, the run-up to the D-day was so sharp that it turned out to be a sell on news phenomenon," said Devang Mehta, Head Equity Advisory, Centrum Wealth Management.</p>

<p>Participants would now be keen to know the future course of action for bringing the economy back on track, solution to the liquidity situation, the union budget, onset and progress of monsoon in June and most importantly the earnings trajectory, he added.</p>

<p>According to traders, weak cues from other global markets and a depreciating rupee also weighed on investor sentiment.</p>

<p>The rupee depreciated 37 paise to 70.04 against the US dollar in afternoon trade.</p>

<p>Globally, bourses in Asia ended in the red. Indices in Europe were also trading on a negative note in early deals.<br />
Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was trading 1.79 per cent lower at $69.72 per barrel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


MUMBAI: The benchmark BSE Sensex erased early gains to end 299 points lower Thursday as investors booked profits after stocks soared to record highs after BJP's strong showing in the Lok Sabha polls.

MUMBAI: The benchmark BSE Sensex erased early gains to end 299 points lower Thursday as investors booked profits after stocks soared to record highs after BJP's strong showing in the Lok Sabha polls. During the day, the Sensex hit the 40,000 mark while the Nifty crossed the 12,000-level for the first time ever. However, the indices succumbed to profit booking towards the fag-end of the session. The 30-share Sensex tumbled 298.82 points, or 0.76 per cent, to close at 38,811.39. Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty settled 80.85 points, or 0.69 per cent, lower at 11,657.05. IndusInd Bank was the biggest gainer in the Sensex pack, rallying 5.23 per cent, followed by Hero MotoCorp, Coal India, Yes Bank, PowerGrid, ICICI Bank, HCL Tech, L&T, Kotak Bank and Bharti Airtel, rising up to 1.56 per cent. On the other hand, Vedanta, ITC, Tata Motors, HDFC twins, Bajaj Finance, Sun Pharma, Tata Steel, TCS, ONGC and Infosys fell up to 5.53 per cent. Riding on a massive Modi wave sweeping through most parts of India, the BJP was set to return to power Thursday as it led in 298 seats while the Congress trailed far behind with 52, according to trends released by the Election Commission for all 542 seats that went to polls. "Markets were initially enthused to see the election results falling in line with the exit polls. However, the run-up to the D-day was so sharp that it turned out to be a sell on news phenomenon," said Devang Mehta, Head Equity Advisory, Centrum Wealth Management. Participants would now be keen to know the future course of action for bringing the economy back on track, solution to the liquidity situation, the union budget, onset and progress of monsoon in June and most importantly the earnings trajectory, he added. According to traders, weak cues from other global markets and a depreciating rupee also weighed on investor sentiment. The rupee depreciated 37 paise to 70.04 against the US dollar in afternoon trade. Globally, bourses in Asia ended in the red. Indices in Europe were also trading on a negative note in early deals. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was trading 1.79 per cent lower at $69.72 per barrel.

Markets turn negative after touching record highs; Sensex ends 299 points lower

<p>The counting of votes for the Odisha Assembly elections pronounced another term for incumbent Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Biju Janata Dal, at the moment, leads in over 100 seats in the 147-member House. As the results pour-in and the counting nears close, Patnaik is set to become the chief minister for the fifth consecutive term.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the 2014 Assembly elections, BJD had secured 117 seats while BJP bagged 10 seats. Congress won 16 seats in the state. Patnaik became Chief Minister of Odisha in 1997. From then on he never lost in the five Assembly elections held in the state.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Patnaik on the win.</p>

<p>"Congratulations to Naveen Babu for yet another victory in Odisha. Wishing him the very best for the next term," PM's tweet read.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/ysjagan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ysjagan</a>,<br />
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Congratulations on the remarkable win in Andhra Pradesh. Best wishes to you for a successful tenure.<br />
<br />
ప్రియమైన <a href="https://twitter.com/ysjagan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ysjagan</a>, ఆంధ్ర ప్రదేశ్ లో ఘన విజయాన్ని సాధించినందుకు అభినందనలు. మీ పదవీ కాలం విజయవంతం కావాలని ఆకాంక్షిస్తున్నాను. మీకు ఇవే శుభాకాంక్షలు.</p>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1131503467392978944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has overtaken the tally board in the Lok Sabha polls results,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/india-wins-yet-again-tweets-prime-minister-modi-as-bjp-exhibits-leads-on-300-plus-seats-gears-for-parliamentary-win-220920">maintaining a strong lead in over 340 seats</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP headquarters in New Delhi, as well as elsewhere, could be seen painted in colours of jubilation. Party leaders, as well as PM Modi, took to Twitter earlier in the day and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-result-2019-bjp-leaders-react-to-landslide-win-of-pm-narendra-modi-220885">thanked the electors</a> for placing trust in the party again.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: What went wrong with Congress this LS polls?</strong></p>

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<p>PM Modi stated that collective development and people's trust has led to the victory of the nation in the win of the party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Together we grow. Together we prosper. Together we will build a strong and inclusive India. India wins yet again!"</p>


The counting of votes for the Odisha Assembly elections pronounced another term for incumbent Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The Biju Janata Dal, at the moment, leads in over 100 seats in the 147-member House.

The counting of votes for the Odisha Assembly elections pronounced another term for incumbent Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The Biju Janata Dal, at the moment, leads in over 100 seats in the 147-member House. As the results pour-in and the counting nears close, Patnaik is set to become the chief minister for the fifth consecutive term. In the 2014 Assembly elections, BJD had secured 117 seats while BJP bagged 10 seats. Congress won 16 seats in the state. Patnaik became Chief Minister of Odisha in 1997. From then on he never lost in the five Assembly elections held in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Patnaik on the win. "Congratulations to Naveen Babu for yet another victory in Odisha. Wishing him the very best for the next term," PM's tweet read. Dear @ysjagan, Congratulations on the remarkable win in Andhra Pradesh. Best wishes to you for a successful tenure. ప్రియమైన @ysjagan, ఆంధ్ర ప్రదేశ్ లో ఘన విజయాన్ని సాధించినందుకు అభినందనలు. మీ పదవీ కాలం విజయవంతం కావాలని ఆకాంక్షిస్తున్నాను. మీకు ఇవే శుభాకాంక్షలు. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 23, 2019 × Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has overtaken the tally board in the Lok Sabha polls results, maintaining a strong lead in over 340 seats. The BJP headquarters in New Delhi, as well as elsewhere, could be seen painted in colours of jubilation. Party leaders, as well as PM Modi, took to Twitter earlier in the day and thanked the electors for placing trust in the party again. Watch: What went wrong with Congress this LS polls? PM Modi stated that collective development and people's trust has led to the victory of the nation in the win of the party. "Together we grow. Together we prosper. Together we will build a strong and inclusive India. India wins yet again!"

Odisha Assembly polls result: BJD registers massive gains, Naveen Patnaik set for another term as Chief Minister 

<p>Chinese President Xi Jinping, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Russian President Vladimir Putin are among the first world leaders to congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his historic landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections and vowed to work with him to take the bilateral ties to a new height.</p>

<p>In a letter sent to Prime Minister Modi, President Xi congratulated him on the electoral victory of the NDA under his leadership, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulates PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> on the electoral victory under his leadership <a href="https://t.co/uFFlc5GHTC">pic.twitter.com/uFFlc5GHTC</a></p>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1131487130700660737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>President Xi noted the great importance he attached to the development of India-China relations and his desire to work with Prime Minister Modi to take the closer development partnership between the two countries to a new height.</p>

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<p>Xi also expressed satisfaction at the strong momentum of development in India-China relations in recent years with the joint efforts of both sides.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin also congratulated Modi on his party's convincing victory in general elections.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM of Sri Lanka <a href="https://twitter.com/RW_UNP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RW_UNP</a> has written to PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> congratulating him on the victory at the General Elections and wishing prosperity &amp; well-being to the people of India</p>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1131497326479138816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I am convinced that, as the Prime Minister of India, you will further strengthen the centuries-old friendship between our peoples and the all-round development of a particularly privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India," Putin said in a congratulatory message.</p>

<p>The Russian leader expressed his readiness to continue fruitful personal contacts with Prime Minister Modi and to work together to build up the full range of bilateral relations and constructive interaction in international affairs, the Kremlin said in a statement.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">From a long standing friend!<br />
<br />
Russian President Putin has sent a congratulatory message to PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and has confirmed his readiness to work together to build up the full range of bilateral relations and constructive interaction in international affairs.</p>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1131501968495525888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly, Sri President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe felicitated PM Narendra Modi on his electoral victory.</p>


Chinese President Xi Jinping, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Russian President Vladimir Putin are among the first world leaders to congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his historic landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections and vowed to work with him to take the bilateral ties to a new height.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Russian President Vladimir Putin are among the first world leaders to congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his historic landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections and vowed to work with him to take the bilateral ties to a new height. In a letter sent to Prime Minister Modi, President Xi congratulated him on the electoral victory of the NDA under his leadership, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet. Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulates PM @narendramodi on the electoral victory under his leadership pic.twitter.com/uFFlc5GHTC — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) May 23, 2019 × President Xi noted the great importance he attached to the development of India-China relations and his desire to work with Prime Minister Modi to take the closer development partnership between the two countries to a new height. × Xi also expressed satisfaction at the strong momentum of development in India-China relations in recent years with the joint efforts of both sides. Putin also congratulated Modi on his party's convincing victory in general elections. PM of Sri Lanka @RW_UNP has written to PM @narendramodi congratulating him on the victory at the General Elections and wishing prosperity & well-being to the people of India — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) May 23, 2019 × "I am convinced that, as the Prime Minister of India, you will further strengthen the centuries-old friendship between our peoples and the all-round development of a particularly privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India," Putin said in a congratulatory message. The Russian leader expressed his readiness to continue fruitful personal contacts with Prime Minister Modi and to work together to build up the full range of bilateral relations and constructive interaction in international affairs, the Kremlin said in a statement. From a long standing friend! Russian President Putin has sent a congratulatory message to PM @narendramodi and has confirmed his readiness to work together to build up the full range of bilateral relations and constructive interaction in international affairs. — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) May 23, 2019 × Similarly, Sri President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe felicitated PM Narendra Modi on his electoral victory.

Lok Sabha election results 2019: Xi, Putin and other world leaders congratulate PM Modi on victory

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi led-BJP appeared set for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-surges-ahead-with-319-seats-in-early-trends-congress-trails-far-behind-with-105-220814">resounding comeback</a> on Thursday with leads in 345 seats while the Congress trailed far behind with 90, as the counting of the votes polled in India's 17 Lok Sabha election was underway.</p>

<p>BJP president Amit Shah tweeted that "the result is India's mandate against propaganda, lies, personal insinuations and baseless politics by the opposition".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">यह परिणाम विपक्ष द्वारा किये गये दुष्प्रचार, झूठ, व्यक्तिगत आक्षेप और आधारहीन राजनीति के विरुद्ध भारत का जनादेश है।<br />
<br />
आज का जनादेश यह भी दिखाता है कि भारत की जनता ने देश से जातिवाद, परिवारवाद और तुष्टिकरण को पूरी तरह से उखाड़ फेंककर विकासवाद और राष्ट्रवाद को चुना है।<br />
<br />
भारत को नमन।</p>
— Chowkidar Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1131487589276368896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Today's mandate also shows that the people of India have chosen evolution and nationalism by completely uprooting casteism, familyism and appeasing from the country," his tweet read.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">प्रधान मंत्री जी <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> - भारतीय जनता पार्टी को इतनी बड़ी विजय दिलाने के लिए आपका बहुत बहुत अभिनन्दन. मैं देशवासियों के प्रति हृदय से कृज्ञता व्यक्त करती हूँ.</p>
— Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1131429757831135232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted out saying, "Thank you very much for giving the prime minister, Bharatiya Janata Party such a great victory. &nbsp;I convey my heartfelt gratitude to the countrymen".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Senior leader and Home Minister Rajnath Singh termed the early trends "historic" and credited it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "astute" leadership and party chief Amit Shah's "dynamism".</p>

<p>In a series of tweets, Singh said the people of India have once again given a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-ahead-in-57-seats-in-up-modi-leading-in-varanasi-rahul-trails-in-amethi-220871">decisive mandate to the BJP-led NDA</a> and reposed their faith in Modi's leadership and vision of New India.</p>

<p>Party's spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain described the party's excellent performance as "the victory of the developmental work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the defeat of negative politics."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath: I want to congratulate Prime Minister Modi for this victory. BJP is touching 300 mark for the first time &amp; NDA is touching 350. I also congratulate the party President Amit Shah. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElectionresults2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElectionresults2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/0JxtURwjLL">pic.twitter.com/0JxtURwjLL</a></p>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1131497577994760198?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>He further said those who thought that by forming a coalition based on caste politics they can defeat development, "this is a new era...Modi era...An era of development politics. Whoever will bring development, will win."</p>

<p>Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj extended her gratitude to PM Modi for helping Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to lead in the Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p>"Congratulations @narendramodi for helping BJP win big. On behalf of people, I extend my gratitude," she tweeted.</p>

<p>Commerce and Industry minister Suresh Prabhu said,&nbsp;"People wanted Modi for the future of the nation".</p>

<p>"We did a great job in West Bengal where we didn’t have the strength... The impact of the BJP has increased in UP".</p>

<p>"People are with Modi and opposition was on the other side," Suresh Prabhu added.</p>

<p>While attacking opposition Suresh Prabhu said, "When BJP wins they blame EVMs and when they win they accept the results".</p>

<p>"You can blame anyone for their work, their policies are responsible for their defeat," Prabhu added.</p>

<p>BJP's Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat candidate, Sunny Deol in an upbeat tone said that he is very "happy with the fact that Modiji is winning."</p>

<p>"I am very happy and want Modiji to come back. Let the counting complete. I am happy with the fact that Modiji is winning. &nbsp;I want to work with him to make our constituency better."</p>

<p>Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, BJP's Jaipur Lok Sabha seat candidate, said that PM Modi has "made the country strong".<br />
&nbsp;<br />
"Now when India has seen the work done by Prime Minister Modi, the country would not see back. This is for the country's development. The captain of the team deserves all the praises. He is the leader. He has made the country strong," Rathore said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Vivek Oberoi speaks to WION about Modi biopic and general elections</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi led-BJP appeared set for a resounding comeback on Thursday with leads in 345 seats while the Congress trailed far behind with 90, as the counting of the votes polled in India's 17 Lok Sabha election was underway.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led-BJP appeared set for a resounding comeback on Thursday with leads in 345 seats while the Congress trailed far behind with 90, as the counting of the votes polled in India's 17 Lok Sabha election was underway. BJP president Amit Shah tweeted that "the result is India's mandate against propaganda, lies, personal insinuations and baseless politics by the opposition". यह परिणाम विपक्ष द्वारा किये गये दुष्प्रचार, झूठ, व्यक्तिगत आक्षेप और आधारहीन राजनीति के विरुद्ध भारत का जनादेश है। आज का जनादेश यह भी दिखाता है कि भारत की जनता ने देश से जातिवाद, परिवारवाद और तुष्टिकरण को पूरी तरह से उखाड़ फेंककर विकासवाद और राष्ट्रवाद को चुना है। भारत को नमन। — Chowkidar Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 23, 2019 × "Today's mandate also shows that the people of India have chosen evolution and nationalism by completely uprooting casteism, familyism and appeasing from the country," his tweet read. प्रधान मंत्री जी @narendramodi - भारतीय जनता पार्टी को इतनी बड़ी विजय दिलाने के लिए आपका बहुत बहुत अभिनन्दन. मैं देशवासियों के प्रति हृदय से कृज्ञता व्यक्त करती हूँ. — Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) May 23, 2019 × External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted out saying, "Thank you very much for giving the prime minister, Bharatiya Janata Party such a great victory. I convey my heartfelt gratitude to the countrymen". Senior leader and Home Minister Rajnath Singh termed the early trends "historic" and credited it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "astute" leadership and party chief Amit Shah's "dynamism". In a series of tweets, Singh said the people of India have once again given a decisive mandate to the BJP-led NDA and reposed their faith in Modi's leadership and vision of New India. Party's spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain described the party's excellent performance as "the victory of the developmental work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the defeat of negative politics." UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath: I want to congratulate Prime Minister Modi for this victory. BJP is touching 300 mark for the first time & NDA is touching 350. I also congratulate the party President Amit Shah. #LokSabhaElectionresults2019 pic.twitter.com/0JxtURwjLL — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 23, 2019 × He further said those who thought that by forming a coalition based on caste politics they can defeat development, "this is a new era...Modi era...An era of development politics. Whoever will bring development, will win." Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj extended her gratitude to PM Modi for helping Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to lead in the Lok Sabha elections. "Congratulations @narendramodi for helping BJP win big. On behalf of people, I extend my gratitude," she tweeted. Commerce and Industry minister Suresh Prabhu said, "People wanted Modi for the future of the nation". "We did a great job in West Bengal where we didn’t have the strength... The impact of the BJP has increased in UP". "People are with Modi and opposition was on the other side," Suresh Prabhu added. While attacking opposition Suresh Prabhu said, "When BJP wins they blame EVMs and when they win they accept the results". "You can blame anyone for their work, their policies are responsible for their defeat," Prabhu added. BJP's Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat candidate, Sunny Deol in an upbeat tone said that he is very "happy with the fact that Modiji is winning." "I am very happy and want Modiji to come back. Let the counting complete. I am happy with the fact that Modiji is winning. I want to work with him to make our constituency better." Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, BJP's Jaipur Lok Sabha seat candidate, said that PM Modi has "made the country strong". "Now when India has seen the work done by Prime Minister Modi, the country would not see back. This is for the country's development. The captain of the team deserves all the praises. He is the leader. He has made the country strong," Rathore said. Watch: Vivek Oberoi speaks to WION about Modi biopic and general elections ×

People of India have chosen evolution and nationalism: Amit Shah tweets, BJP leaders react to landslide win

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took to microblogging site Twitter and posted about the landslide leads the Bharatiya Janata Party exhibited on the day of Lok Sabha counting today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"<em>Sabka sath + sabka vikas + sabka vishwas = vijayi bharat</em>," the prime minister tweeted. "India wins yet again," his tweet read.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">सबका साथ + सबका विकास + सबका विश्वास = विजयी भारत<br />
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Together we grow.<br />
<br />
Together we prosper.<br />
<br />
Together we will build a strong and inclusive India.<br />
<br />
India wins yet again! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VijayiBharat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VijayiBharat</a></p>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1131488026247323648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>PM Modi stated that collective development and people's trust has led to the victory of the nation in the win of the party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Together we grow. Together we prosper. Together we will build a strong and inclusive India. India wins yet again!"</p>

<p><strong>Watch: WION in conversation with Omar Abdullah on Lok Sabha election results 2019</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-in-conversation-with-omar-abdullah-lok-sabha-election-results-2019-220922/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi led-BJP appeared set for a resounding comeback on Thursday with leads over 300 seats while the Congress trailed far behind with 90, as the counting of the votes polled in India's 17 Lok Sabha election was underway.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-result-2019-bjp-leaders-react-to-landslide-win-of-pm-narendra-modi-220885">Senior leader and Home Minister Rajnath Singh</a> termed the early trends "historic" and credited it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "astute" leadership and party chief Amit Shah's "dynamism".</p>

<p>In a series of tweets, Singh said the people of India have once again given a decisive mandate to the BJP-led NDA and reposed their faith in Modi's leadership and vision of New India.</p>

<p>Party's spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain described the party's excellent performance as "the victory of the developmental work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the defeat of negative politics."<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took to microblogging site Twitter and posted about the landslide leads the Bharatiya Janata Party exhibited on the day of Lok Sabha counting today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took to microblogging site Twitter and posted about the landslide leads the Bharatiya Janata Party exhibited on the day of Lok Sabha counting today. "Sabka sath + sabka vikas + sabka vishwas = vijayi bharat," the prime minister tweeted. "India wins yet again," his tweet read. सबका साथ + सबका विकास + सबका विश्वास = विजयी भारत Together we grow. Together we prosper. Together we will build a strong and inclusive India. India wins yet again! #VijayiBharat — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 23, 2019 × PM Modi stated that collective development and people's trust has led to the victory of the nation in the win of the party. "Together we grow. Together we prosper. Together we will build a strong and inclusive India. India wins yet again!" Watch: WION in conversation with Omar Abdullah on Lok Sabha election results 2019 Prime Minister Narendra Modi led-BJP appeared set for a resounding comeback on Thursday with leads over 300 seats while the Congress trailed far behind with 90, as the counting of the votes polled in India's 17 Lok Sabha election was underway. Senior leader and Home Minister Rajnath Singh termed the early trends "historic" and credited it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "astute" leadership and party chief Amit Shah's "dynamism". In a series of tweets, Singh said the people of India have once again given a decisive mandate to the BJP-led NDA and reposed their faith in Modi's leadership and vision of New India. Party's spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain described the party's excellent performance as "the victory of the developmental work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the defeat of negative politics."

'India wins yet again,' tweets Prime Minister Modi as BJP exhibits leads on 300-plus seats, gears for Parliamentary win

<p>Of the 12 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/india-wins-yet-again-tweets-prime-minister-modi-as-bjp-exhibits-leads-on-300-plus-seats-gears-for-parliamentary-win-220920">Lok Sabha</a> candidates who are from the erstwhile royal families, four from the BJP are leading while the others are trailing, according to the Election Commission trends.</p>

<p>In Rajasthan, three candidates come from erstwhile royal families. The Bharatiya Janata Party's Diya Kumari of the erstwhile Jaipur royal family is leading by around 5.4 lakh votes against the Congress' Devkinandan in Rajsamand.</p>

<p>BJP candidate and sitting MP Dushyant Singh, the son of former chief minister Vasundhara Raje and scion of the erstwhile Dholpur royal family, is leading by over 4.5 lakh votes against the Congress' Pramod Sharma in Jhalawar-Baran constituency.</p>

<p>However, the Congress' Bhanwar Jitendra Singh of the erstwhile Alwar royal family was trailing by around 3.2 lakh votes against the BJP's Balak Nath in the Alwar constituency.</p>

<p>In Madhya Pradesh, where Jyotiraditya Scindia of the erstwhile princely state of Gwalior is contesting from Guna, the Congress leader is trailing by over 1 lakh votes against the BJP's Krishna Pal Singh.</p>

<p>In Uttar Pradesh, three candidates from erstwhile royal families are contesting from Pratapgarh, Kushi Nagar and Gonda.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: WION in conversation with Omar Abdullah on Lok Sabha election results 2019</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-in-conversation-with-omar-abdullah-lok-sabha-election-results-2019-220922/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The Congress' Pratapgarh candidate, Rajkumari Ratna Singh of the erstwhile Kalakankar royal family, is at the third position with a little over 72,000 votes, while the leading candidate, the BJP's Sangam Lal Gupta, has bagged over 3.7 lakh votes.</p>

<p>The BJP's Kirti Vardhan Singh, also known as Raja Bhaiya, of the erstwhile Mankapur royal family, is leading with over 1.2 lakh votes against Samajwadi Party candidate Vinod Kumar in Gonda constituency.</p>

<p>Kunwer Ratanjit Pratap Singh, contesting on a Congress ticket from Kushi Nagar, was at the third position with 79,350 votes, while BJP's Vijay Kumar Dubey is leading with over 3.4 lakh votes.</p>

<p>In Odisha, the Biju Janta Dal's Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo of the erstwhile princely state of Patna is contesting against his sister-in-law, Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo, from the BJP. The BJD candidate is trailing by over 22,000 votes.</p>

<p>The BJD candidate from Kalahandi in Odisha, Puspendra Singh Deo of Dharmagarh family, is trailing by over 21,000 votes against the BJP's Basanta Kumar Panda.</p>

<p>Vikramaditya Singh, the Congress' candidate from Udhampur constituency of Jammu and Kashmir, was trailing by over 3.3 lakh votes against Union minister and BJP leader Jitendra Singh.</p>

<p>Independent candidate Pandalam Keralavaramraja of the Pandalam royal family secured only 1,246 votes in is contesting independently from Thiruvananthapuram.</p>


Of the 12 Lok Sabha candidates who are from the erstwhile royal families, four from the BJP are leading while the others are trailing, according to the Election Commission trends.

Of the 12 Lok Sabha candidates who are from the erstwhile royal families, four from the BJP are leading while the others are trailing, according to the Election Commission trends. In Rajasthan, three candidates come from erstwhile royal families. The Bharatiya Janata Party's Diya Kumari of the erstwhile Jaipur royal family is leading by around 5.4 lakh votes against the Congress' Devkinandan in Rajsamand. BJP candidate and sitting MP Dushyant Singh, the son of former chief minister Vasundhara Raje and scion of the erstwhile Dholpur royal family, is leading by over 4.5 lakh votes against the Congress' Pramod Sharma in Jhalawar-Baran constituency. However, the Congress' Bhanwar Jitendra Singh of the erstwhile Alwar royal family was trailing by around 3.2 lakh votes against the BJP's Balak Nath in the Alwar constituency. In Madhya Pradesh, where Jyotiraditya Scindia of the erstwhile princely state of Gwalior is contesting from Guna, the Congress leader is trailing by over 1 lakh votes against the BJP's Krishna Pal Singh. In Uttar Pradesh, three candidates from erstwhile royal families are contesting from Pratapgarh, Kushi Nagar and Gonda. Watch: WION in conversation with Omar Abdullah on Lok Sabha election results 2019 The Congress' Pratapgarh candidate, Rajkumari Ratna Singh of the erstwhile Kalakankar royal family, is at the third position with a little over 72,000 votes, while the leading candidate, the BJP's Sangam Lal Gupta, has bagged over 3.7 lakh votes. The BJP's Kirti Vardhan Singh, also known as Raja Bhaiya, of the erstwhile Mankapur royal family, is leading with over 1.2 lakh votes against Samajwadi Party candidate Vinod Kumar in Gonda constituency. Kunwer Ratanjit Pratap Singh, contesting on a Congress ticket from Kushi Nagar, was at the third position with 79,350 votes, while BJP's Vijay Kumar Dubey is leading with over 3.4 lakh votes. In Odisha, the Biju Janta Dal's Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo of the erstwhile princely state of Patna is contesting against his sister-in-law, Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo, from the BJP. The BJD candidate is trailing by over 22,000 votes. The BJD candidate from Kalahandi in Odisha, Puspendra Singh Deo of Dharmagarh family, is trailing by over 21,000 votes against the BJP's Basanta Kumar Panda. Vikramaditya Singh, the Congress' candidate from Udhampur constituency of Jammu and Kashmir, was trailing by over 3.3 lakh votes against Union minister and BJP leader Jitendra Singh. Independent candidate Pandalam Keralavaramraja of the Pandalam royal family secured only 1,246 votes in is contesting independently from Thiruvananthapuram.

Lok Sabha election result 2019: 4 among 12 candidates from erstwhile royal families leading

<p>Congratulating the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/india-wins-yet-again-tweets-prime-minister-modi-as-bjp-exhibits-leads-on-300-plus-seats-gears-for-parliamentary-win-220920">winners for the 2019 Lok Sabha&nbsp;general elections</a>, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee called for a complete review of the results.</p>

<p>In a tweet on Thursday, Banerjee said, "Congratulations to the winners. But all losers are not losers. We have to do a complete review and then we will share our views with you all. Let the counting process be completed fully and the VVPATs match".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to the winners. But all losers are not losers. We have to do a complete review and then we will share our views with you all. Let the counting process be completed fully and the VVPATs matched</p>
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/1131467755616530433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>NCP leader Sharad Pawar reacted saying that the results show people's doubt about EVMs.</p>

<p>"I accept people's decision but this is also a fact that people had their doubts about EVMs. Congress had performed really well in Rajiv Gandhi's time, but nobody doubted elections then, same when Atal Bihari Vajpayee won", he said.</p>

<p>National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah congratulated BJP and NDA for their "stellar performance".</p>

<p>Abdullah tweeted, "So the exit polls were correct. All that`s left is to congratulate the BJP &amp; NDA for a stellar performance. Credit where credit is due PM Modi Sahib and Mr Amit Shah put together a winning alliance &amp; a very professional campaign. Bring on the next five years".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">So the exit polls were correct. All that’s left is to congratulate the BJP &amp; NDA for a stellar performance. Credit where credit is due PM Modi Sahib &amp; Mr Amit Shah put together a winning alliance &amp; a very professional campaign. Bring on the next five years.</p>
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/1131454890822127616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, expressed hope that the new government at the Centre would do justice with the state and engage in a dialogue with Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue.</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters at the NC headquarters, Farooq Abdullah said, "I thank (NC vice-president) Omar (Abdullah), our party leaders and the people of Kashmir, especially the people of Srinagar constituency - all the mothers, sisters, elders and youth for supporting the NC".</p>

<p>"This Parliament will not be easy. There are several important issues with respect to J-K because we have to fight them on their intention to do away with the Article 370 and 35A. Another issue is that they want to divide the Muslims and Hindus in the country; we have to fight that as well," the NC chief said.</p>

<p>"This country belongs to all and we have to keep this country strongly on that secular path which our Constitution enshrines. We have to protect the Constitution, drafted by (B R) Ambedkar, and take the country forward," he said.</p>

<p>"We hope the new government in Delhi will do justice with J-K and engage in dialogue with Pakistan so that we are taken out of this morass," he said.<br />
Asked about the UPA's performance in the polls, he declined to comment, saying "what has happened, has happened, I will not say anything on that".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION Exclusive | In conversation with Omar Abdullah | Lok Sabha Election Results 2019</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congratulating the winners for the 2019 Lok Sabha general elections, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee called for a complete review of the results.

Congratulating the winners for the 2019 Lok Sabha general elections, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee called for a complete review of the results. In a tweet on Thursday, Banerjee said, "Congratulations to the winners. But all losers are not losers. We have to do a complete review and then we will share our views with you all. Let the counting process be completed fully and the VVPATs match". Congratulations to the winners. But all losers are not losers. We have to do a complete review and then we will share our views with you all. Let the counting process be completed fully and the VVPATs matched — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) May 23, 2019 × NCP leader Sharad Pawar reacted saying that the results show people's doubt about EVMs. "I accept people's decision but this is also a fact that people had their doubts about EVMs. Congress had performed really well in Rajiv Gandhi's time, but nobody doubted elections then, same when Atal Bihari Vajpayee won", he said. National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah congratulated BJP and NDA for their "stellar performance". Abdullah tweeted, "So the exit polls were correct. All that`s left is to congratulate the BJP & NDA for a stellar performance. Credit where credit is due PM Modi Sahib and Mr Amit Shah put together a winning alliance & a very professional campaign. Bring on the next five years". So the exit polls were correct. All that’s left is to congratulate the BJP & NDA for a stellar performance. Credit where credit is due PM Modi Sahib & Mr Amit Shah put together a winning alliance & a very professional campaign. Bring on the next five years. — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) May 23, 2019 × National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, expressed hope that the new government at the Centre would do justice with the state and engage in a dialogue with Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue. Speaking to reporters at the NC headquarters, Farooq Abdullah said, "I thank (NC vice-president) Omar (Abdullah), our party leaders and the people of Kashmir, especially the people of Srinagar constituency - all the mothers, sisters, elders and youth for supporting the NC". "This Parliament will not be easy. There are several important issues with respect to J-K because we have to fight them on their intention to do away with the Article 370 and 35A. Another issue is that they want to divide the Muslims and Hindus in the country; we have to fight that as well," the NC chief said. "This country belongs to all and we have to keep this country strongly on that secular path which our Constitution enshrines. We have to protect the Constitution, drafted by (B R) Ambedkar, and take the country forward," he said. "We hope the new government in Delhi will do justice with J-K and engage in dialogue with Pakistan so that we are taken out of this morass," he said. Asked about the UPA's performance in the polls, he declined to comment, saying "what has happened, has happened, I will not say anything on that". WION Exclusive | In conversation with Omar Abdullah | Lok Sabha Election Results 2019 × (With inputs from agencies)

Congratulations to winners. But all losers are not losers: How opposition reacted to Lok Sabha 2019 election results 