Taking a potshot at the "shameful defeat" of the Congress in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the Shiv Sena on Monday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi's personality "does not attract people."

"The Congress party faced a more shameful defeat than 2014 this time," Shiv Sena said in its editorial mouthpiece 'Saamana'.

"Rahul Gandhi's&nbsp;personality does not attract people and his speeches are not impressive. Is there anything that can inspire a person or the country from whatever Rahul Gandhi says?" it asked.

After analyzing Congress post the Lok Sabha elections, Shiv Sena said the grand old party is visionless right now. It also stated, "Congress party has leaders, but lacks party workers."

Shiv Sena took a jibe at the appointment of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as the party's general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh. "Congress won two seats in Uttar Pradesh in 2014, but only managed one in 2019," Shiv Sena stated.&nbsp;

Taking a potshot at the "shameful defeat" of the Congress in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the Shiv Sena on Monday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi's personality "does not attract people.

Taking a potshot at the "shameful defeat" of the Congress in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the Shiv Sena on Monday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi's personality "does not attract people." "The Congress party faced a more shameful defeat than 2014 this time," Shiv Sena said in its editorial mouthpiece 'Saamana'. "Rahul Gandhi's personality does not attract people and his speeches are not impressive. Is there anything that can inspire a person or the country from whatever Rahul Gandhi says?" it asked. After analyzing Congress post the Lok Sabha elections, Shiv Sena said the grand old party is visionless right now. It also stated, "Congress party has leaders, but lacks party workers." Shiv Sena took a jibe at the appointment of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as the party's general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh. "Congress won two seats in Uttar Pradesh in 2014, but only managed one in 2019," Shiv Sena stated.

Rahul Gandhi's personality does not attract people: Shiv Sena

In India, one of the most unedifying sights of an early morning rail ride is mass scale defecation along the tracks, in the villages as the train chugs along and in the open fields, where crops provide a cover for concluding one of nature’s most elementary acts.

Of all the flagship programmes launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his first term, one that seems to have carried the day is the Swachh Bharat mission. Its impact on the hundreds of millions of Indians, especially women, deprived of basic sanitation facilities, can scarcely be underestimated.&nbsp;

An important part of the Modi persona has been the BJP-led NDA government’s flagship programmes like the Jan Dhan Yojna, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana and Ayushman Bharat, among others. But in terms of impact on the common voter, the Swachh Bharat mission should be considered the high water mark.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Swachh Bharat or cleanliness programme, a nationwide campaign that aims to clean up the streets, roads and infrastructure of India’s cities, towns, and rural areas, can be safely assumed to have impacted BJP’s electoral prospects, ahead of any other public welfare programme launched by the Modi government. Sure, one factor is never enough to tilt the balance in a party’s favour, yet certain facts are worthy of consideration.&nbsp;

On October 2, 2014, Modi launched the nation-wide cleanliness campaign on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. The concept of Swachh Bharat is to provide sanitation facilities to every family, including toilets, solid and liquid waste disposal systems, village cleanliness and safe and adequate drinking water supply. Modi’s pledges to keep the environment clean were met with sniggers from a class of people, who had never faced sanitation issues in their lives. But they, as luck would have it, were not the archetypal Indian voter. &nbsp;

To the professional historian, the prospects of Modi, a former RSS pracharak, invoking Gandhi would be anathema, but the prime minister went ahead nonetheless. In Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’s memorable words, “Sanitation is more important than independence”. He made cleanliness and sanitation an integral part of his agitational politics.&nbsp;

In his newspaper Navajivan (November 2, 1919), Gandhi famously wrote: “In some countries spitting on the road is a criminal offence. Those who spit after chewing betel leaves and tobacco have no consideration for the feelings of others. Spittle, mucus from the nose, etc, should also be covered with earth.”&nbsp;

At the official launch of the Swachh Bharat campaign, Modi — who has a way with words — called it ‘Satyagraha se Swachhagrah’ in reference to Gandhi’s Champaran agitation in favour of indigo farmers. &nbsp;The mission had two thrusts: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (rural), which operates under the ministry of drinking water and sanitation and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (urban), which works under the aegis of the ministry of housing and urban affairs. According to the latest data, the government has constructed 86 million toilets since 2014 under the mission, reducing the number of open defecations from 550 million to fewer than 150 million in 2018. &nbsp;

In 2017, the government cited a UNICEF Survey carried out in 10,000 households across the country to claim that the Swachh Bharat Mission was meeting its targets, three years after its launch. The survey, conducted across 12 states, stated that 85 per cent members of the households studied were using toilets.

While government data should rightly be regarded with scepticism, in political terms, an idea had been thrown open in the public domain, coming from the highest office in the country. Somewhere the worm had turned, despite the Congress branding it as a mediocre idea, when it was first announced. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Now, from the benefit of hindsight, one can say that the Prime Minister knew all along what he was doing. As early as March last year, obviously with an eye on the on 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Modi urged chief ministers of BJP-ruled states to expedite implementation of welfare schemes and to take his government’s flagship programmes to the masses.

At this crucial meeting, work done by different states were discussed and deliberations were held on coordination between the Centre and the states for effective implementation of the government’s flagship schemes, in particular, the health insurance scheme. Even though the health scheme, promoted as NaMo Care, has not made as many waves as the party expected, it’s implementation in Modi’s second term, could be a potential winner. &nbsp;

The importance of social welfare programmes seem to have been driven home, even if it was not so evident during the course of political discourse in a virulent campaign. Chief ministers present at this meeting were asked to submit a report on the implementation of the welfare schemes. The support that Modi has got from the country’s 48 per cent women voters makes a good study for researchers. His ambitious social welfare scheme —Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana —with the aim of providing 5 crore LPG connections to women below the poverty line across the country, took a heavy toll on the opposition campaign. It seemed a strategic decision to reach out to women in a scheme aimed at replacing unclean cooking fuels, used mostly in rural India with the clean and more efficient LPG gas.&nbsp;

Election results, particularly in UP where the Prime Minister was able to develop a connection with women at large, seem to reflect in the UP Lok Sabha results.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-flagship-programme-wonders-2753695">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In India, one of the most unedifying sights of an early morning rail ride is mass scale defecation along the tracks, in the villages as the train chugs along and in the open fields, where crops provide a cover for concluding one of nature’s most elementary acts.

In India, one of the most unedifying sights of an early morning rail ride is mass scale defecation along the tracks, in the villages as the train chugs along and in the open fields, where crops provide a cover for concluding one of nature’s most elementary acts. Of all the flagship programmes launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his first term, one that seems to have carried the day is the Swachh Bharat mission. Its impact on the hundreds of millions of Indians, especially women, deprived of basic sanitation facilities, can scarcely be underestimated. An important part of the Modi persona has been the BJP-led NDA government’s flagship programmes like the Jan Dhan Yojna, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana and Ayushman Bharat, among others. But in terms of impact on the common voter, the Swachh Bharat mission should be considered the high water mark. The Swachh Bharat or cleanliness programme, a nationwide campaign that aims to clean up the streets, roads and infrastructure of India’s cities, towns, and rural areas, can be safely assumed to have impacted BJP’s electoral prospects, ahead of any other public welfare programme launched by the Modi government. Sure, one factor is never enough to tilt the balance in a party’s favour, yet certain facts are worthy of consideration. On October 2, 2014, Modi launched the nation-wide cleanliness campaign on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. The concept of Swachh Bharat is to provide sanitation facilities to every family, including toilets, solid and liquid waste disposal systems, village cleanliness and safe and adequate drinking water supply. Modi’s pledges to keep the environment clean were met with sniggers from a class of people, who had never faced sanitation issues in their lives. But they, as luck would have it, were not the archetypal Indian voter. To the professional historian, the prospects of Modi, a former RSS pracharak, invoking Gandhi would be anathema, but the prime minister went ahead nonetheless. In Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’s memorable words, “Sanitation is more important than independence”. He made cleanliness and sanitation an integral part of his agitational politics. In his newspaper Navajivan (November 2, 1919), Gandhi famously wrote: “In some countries spitting on the road is a criminal offence. Those who spit after chewing betel leaves and tobacco have no consideration for the feelings of others. Spittle, mucus from the nose, etc, should also be covered with earth.” At the official launch of the Swachh Bharat campaign, Modi — who has a way with words — called it ‘Satyagraha se Swachhagrah’ in reference to Gandhi’s Champaran agitation in favour of indigo farmers. The mission had two thrusts: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (rural), which operates under the ministry of drinking water and sanitation and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (urban), which works under the aegis of the ministry of housing and urban affairs. According to the latest data, the government has constructed 86 million toilets since 2014 under the mission, reducing the number of open defecations from 550 million to fewer than 150 million in 2018. In 2017, the government cited a UNICEF Survey carried out in 10,000 households across the country to claim that the Swachh Bharat Mission was meeting its targets, three years after its launch. The survey, conducted across 12 states, stated that 85 per cent members of the households studied were using toilets. While government data should rightly be regarded with scepticism, in political terms, an idea had been thrown open in the public domain, coming from the highest office in the country. Somewhere the worm had turned, despite the Congress branding it as a mediocre idea, when it was first announced. Now, from the benefit of hindsight, one can say that the Prime Minister knew all along what he was doing. As early as March last year, obviously with an eye on the on 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Modi urged chief ministers of BJP-ruled states to expedite implementation of welfare schemes and to take his government’s flagship programmes to the masses. At this crucial meeting, work done by different states were discussed and deliberations were held on coordination between the Centre and the states for effective implementation of the government’s flagship schemes, in particular, the health insurance scheme. Even though the health scheme, promoted as NaMo Care, has not made as many waves as the party expected, it’s implementation in Modi’s second term, could be a potential winner. The importance of social welfare programmes seem to have been driven home, even if it was not so evident during the course of political discourse in a virulent campaign. Chief ministers present at this meeting were asked to submit a report on the implementation of the welfare schemes. The support that Modi has got from the country’s 48 per cent women voters makes a good study for researchers. His ambitious social welfare scheme —Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana —with the aim of providing 5 crore LPG connections to women below the poverty line across the country, took a heavy toll on the opposition campaign. It seemed a strategic decision to reach out to women in a scheme aimed at replacing unclean cooking fuels, used mostly in rural India with the clean and more efficient LPG gas. Election results, particularly in UP where the Prime Minister was able to develop a connection with women at large, seem to reflect in the UP Lok Sabha results. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Swachh Bharat campaign had a major role to play in BJP’s spectacular poll success

BJP allies JD(U) and AIADMK are likely to be part of the new government while it will also reflect the BJP's inroads into states like West Bengal and Telangana, sources said Sunday.

A JD(U) leader said the Bihar party expects at least one Cabinet berth in the government which will be sworn in on May 30. The party may also get one more berth in the Council of Ministers.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan said on Sunday that Narendra Modi will be sworn in as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/your-satisfaction-is-my-lifes-mantra-pm-modi-to-varanasi-bjp-workers-221920">Prime Minister</a> on Thursday for his second term.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Though there has been no official word on likely faces in the new government, many leaders are of the view that most key members of the previous dispensation will be retained.

There has been speculation that Arun Jaitley, who held the finance portfolio in the previous government, may opt out due to health reasons but people close to him have insisted that he has been doing well after undergoing treatment.

The government on Sunday stepped in to insist that reports regarding his health condition are false and baseless.

"Reports in a section of media regarding Union Minister Shri Arun Jaitley's health condition are false and baseless. Media is advised to stay clear of rumour mongering," its principal spokesperson Sitanshu Kar tweeted.

Rajya Sabha MP Swapan Dasgupta, who is associated with the BJP, said Jaitley is off all medication now and is recovering his strength. He is still meeting officials, Dasgupta said.

"Questions about Arun Jaitley health understandable. He is recovering from a bout of heavy medication. But he is still in terrific form and his wit is firmly intact. Needs a little rest to get back his strength. All our good wishes," Dasgupta tweeted.

A number of senior faces from the outgoing Cabinet including Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Piyush Goyal, Narendra Singh Tomar and Prakash Javadekar are expected to figure in the new Cabinet.

Speculation has been rife that BJP president Amit Shah, who won the Lok Sabha election from Gandhinagar with a massive margin, may also join the government. Shah has refrained from commenting on the matter.&nbsp;

Another BJP ally LJP president Ram Vilas Paswan, sources said, has pushed for induction of his MP-son Chirag Paswan in the government.

His party LJP won six seats in the polls. Ram Vilas Paswan, one of the most veteran parliamentarians, was a Cabinet minister in the last government.

Though the AIADMK, which was also not part of the previous government, has won only one seat, it may be given a ministerial berth as it is in power in Tamil Nadu and a key Dravidian ally of the BJP.

The BJP put up its best-ever show in West Bengal and Telangana these elections, winning 18 (from two in 2014) and four seats (from one in 2014) respectively in the two states. This may result in the party giving greater representation to these states in the government.&nbsp;

BJP allies JD(U) and AIADMK are likely to be part of the new government while it will also reflect the BJP's inroads into states like West Bengal and Telangana, sources said Sunday.

BJP allies JD(U) and AIADMK are likely to be part of the new government while it will also reflect the BJP's inroads into states like West Bengal and Telangana, sources said Sunday. A JD(U) leader said the Bihar party expects at least one Cabinet berth in the government which will be sworn in on May 30. The party may also get one more berth in the Council of Ministers. The Rashtrapati Bhavan said on Sunday that Narendra Modi will be sworn in as Prime Minister on Thursday for his second term. Though there has been no official word on likely faces in the new government, many leaders are of the view that most key members of the previous dispensation will be retained. There has been speculation that Arun Jaitley, who held the finance portfolio in the previous government, may opt out due to health reasons but people close to him have insisted that he has been doing well after undergoing treatment. The government on Sunday stepped in to insist that reports regarding his health condition are false and baseless. "Reports in a section of media regarding Union Minister Shri Arun Jaitley's health condition are false and baseless. Media is advised to stay clear of rumour mongering," its principal spokesperson Sitanshu Kar tweeted. Rajya Sabha MP Swapan Dasgupta, who is associated with the BJP, said Jaitley is off all medication now and is recovering his strength. He is still meeting officials, Dasgupta said. "Questions about Arun Jaitley health understandable. He is recovering from a bout of heavy medication. But he is still in terrific form and his wit is firmly intact. Needs a little rest to get back his strength. All our good wishes," Dasgupta tweeted. A number of senior faces from the outgoing Cabinet including Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Piyush Goyal, Narendra Singh Tomar and Prakash Javadekar are expected to figure in the new Cabinet. Speculation has been rife that BJP president Amit Shah, who won the Lok Sabha election from Gandhinagar with a massive margin, may also join the government. Shah has refrained from commenting on the matter. Another BJP ally LJP president Ram Vilas Paswan, sources said, has pushed for induction of his MP-son Chirag Paswan in the government. His party LJP won six seats in the polls. Ram Vilas Paswan, one of the most veteran parliamentarians, was a Cabinet minister in the last government. Though the AIADMK, which was also not part of the previous government, has won only one seat, it may be given a ministerial berth as it is in power in Tamil Nadu and a key Dravidian ally of the BJP. The BJP put up its best-ever show in West Bengal and Telangana these elections, winning 18 (from two in 2014) and four seats (from one in 2014) respectively in the two states. This may result in the party giving greater representation to these states in the government.

New allies, fresh conquests to find representation in Modi's new Cabinet

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/prime-minister-narendra-modi-to-visit-varanasi-today-221858">arrived at his home constituency Varanasi</a> and paid a visit to the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple. After offering prayers and performing rituals at the temple, the prime minister-elect addressed party workers here.

Modi began his speech amid the chants of "Modi-Modi", he thanked BJP chief Amit Shah and the people of Varanasi.&nbsp;

"I am also a BJP worker, therefore, whatever mandate the party and its workers pronounce, I try to follow that," Modi said.&nbsp;

He said that the party's victory was apparent in Varanasi's attitude "that I had witnessed a month back during my visit here".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
PM: After the campaign, I used to think of coming here but I used to recall your orders. Maine socha ye nahi to koi aur baba. Rarely is a candidate so relaxed, as I was, during elections &amp; the results. Your hardwork was the reason for it. I was relaxed so I went to Kedarnath. <a href="https://t.co/WujSBxgkyC">https://t.co/WujSBxgkyC</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1132912695148072963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Party workers' satisfaction is my goal," he said.&nbsp;

Modi that this election season "saw chemistry taking over arithmetic".&nbsp;

The PM-designate stated that throughout the election season, he was calm and free from any worry as his trust was placed in the hard work of the many BJP 'karyakartas' (workers) you toiled tirelessly and led the party to a grand victory.&nbsp;

Modi was accompanied by BJP chief Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.&nbsp;

He will hold a 5-kilometre-long roadshow later in the day, as a gesture of gratitude toward the people of Varanasi for his Lok Sabha win and as a sign of celebrating BJP's historic success in the Lok Sabha 2019.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple. <a href="https://t.co/HbCMaJRqib">pic.twitter.com/HbCMaJRqib</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1132881512565751809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The visit is significant as Modi registered a landslide win form the parliamentary constituency by a margin of over 4 lakh votes. This is his first domestic visit soon after the general election results were announced last week.&nbsp;

Modi defeated his Samajwadi Party (SP) rival Shalini Yadav by a margin of over 4.80 lakh votes in the Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi. The BJP, which had won 282 seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, managed to increase its tally and notched up 303 seats in the 2019 elections.

On Sunday, the prime minister-elect visited his home state Gujarat and sought blessings from his mother in Gandhinagar. He also visited Ahmedabad where he paid tributes at the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel near the airport and later addressed a gathering of BJP workers along with party chief Amit Shah and Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

PM Modi is set to take oath as the Prime Minister on May 30. Up next on PM Modi's agenda would be to name his Cabinet for the second term.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday arrived at his home constituency Varanasi and paid a visit to the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple. After offering prayers and performing rituals at the temple, the prime minister-elect addressed party workers here.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday arrived at his home constituency Varanasi and paid a visit to the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple. After offering prayers and performing rituals at the temple, the prime minister-elect addressed party workers here. Modi began his speech amid the chants of "Modi-Modi", he thanked BJP chief Amit Shah and the people of Varanasi. "I am also a BJP worker, therefore, whatever mandate the party and its workers pronounce, I try to follow that," Modi said. He said that the party's victory was apparent in Varanasi's attitude "that I had witnessed a month back during my visit here". PM: After the campaign, I used to think of coming here but I used to recall your orders. Maine socha ye nahi to koi aur baba. Rarely is a candidate so relaxed, as I was, during elections & the results. Your hardwork was the reason for it. I was relaxed so I went to Kedarnath. https://t.co/WujSBxgkyC — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 27, 2019 × "Party workers' satisfaction is my goal," he said. Modi that this election season "saw chemistry taking over arithmetic". The PM-designate stated that throughout the election season, he was calm and free from any worry as his trust was placed in the hard work of the many BJP 'karyakartas' (workers) you toiled tirelessly and led the party to a grand victory. Modi was accompanied by BJP chief Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He will hold a 5-kilometre-long roadshow later in the day, as a gesture of gratitude toward the people of Varanasi for his Lok Sabha win and as a sign of celebrating BJP's historic success in the Lok Sabha 2019. #WATCH Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple. pic.twitter.com/HbCMaJRqib — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 27, 2019 × The visit is significant as Modi registered a landslide win form the parliamentary constituency by a margin of over 4 lakh votes. This is his first domestic visit soon after the general election results were announced last week. Modi defeated his Samajwadi Party (SP) rival Shalini Yadav by a margin of over 4.80 lakh votes in the Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi. The BJP, which had won 282 seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, managed to increase its tally and notched up 303 seats in the 2019 elections. On Sunday, the prime minister-elect visited his home state Gujarat and sought blessings from his mother in Gandhinagar. He also visited Ahmedabad where he paid tributes at the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel near the airport and later addressed a gathering of BJP workers along with party chief Amit Shah and Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. PM Modi is set to take oath as the Prime Minister on May 30. Up next on PM Modi's agenda would be to name his Cabinet for the second term.

Your satisfaction is my life's mantra: PM Modi thanks BJP workers in Varanasi

BJP president Amit Shah said on Monday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/your-satisfaction-is-my-lifes-mantra-pm-modi-to-varanasi-bjp-workers-221920">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> has transformed Kashi in the last five years.

He also thanked voters here for supporting Modi and re-electing him to the Lok Sabha for the second term.

Shah, who has won his maiden Lok Sabha election from Gandhinagar, said when Modi visited the party workers on the day he filed his nomination papers, it became clear that he was going to win.

"I thank you&nbsp;all. At the same time you are lucky to have a person like Modi to represent you in Lok Sabha," he said, addressing party workers here.

"Perhaps it is the only election where the candidate has not visited constituency after filing nomination. It reflects the confidence Modi had on his voters," he added.

He accompanied Modi to Varanasi where the prime minister offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple soon after his arrival.

Both Shah and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in their speeches here, focused on the "gruelling" campaigning that Modi undertook in the run-up to the general elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday arrived at his home constituency Varanasi and paid a visit to the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple. After offering prayers and performing rituals at the temple, the prime minister-elect addressed party workers here.

Modi defeated his Samajwadi Party (SP) rival Shalini Yadav by a margin of over 4.80 lakh votes in the Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi. The BJP, which had won 282 seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, managed to increase its tally and notched up 303 seats in the 2019 elections.

BJP president Amit Shah said on Monday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has transformed Kashi in the last five years. He also thanked voters here for supporting Modi and re-electing him to the Lok Sabha for the second term.

BJP president Amit Shah said on Monday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has transformed Kashi in the last five years. He also thanked voters here for supporting Modi and re-electing him to the Lok Sabha for the second term. Shah, who has won his maiden Lok Sabha election from Gandhinagar, said when Modi visited the party workers on the day he filed his nomination papers, it became clear that he was going to win. "I thank you all. At the same time you are lucky to have a person like Modi to represent you in Lok Sabha," he said, addressing party workers here. "Perhaps it is the only election where the candidate has not visited constituency after filing nomination. It reflects the confidence Modi had on his voters," he added. He accompanied Modi to Varanasi where the prime minister offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple soon after his arrival. Both Shah and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in their speeches here, focused on the "gruelling" campaigning that Modi undertook in the run-up to the general elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday arrived at his home constituency Varanasi and paid a visit to the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple. After offering prayers and performing rituals at the temple, the prime minister-elect addressed party workers here. Modi defeated his Samajwadi Party (SP) rival Shalini Yadav by a margin of over 4.80 lakh votes in the Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi. The BJP, which had won 282 seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, managed to increase its tally and notched up 303 seats in the 2019 elections.

PM Modi transformed Kashi in five years: Amit Shah

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-2019-pm-modi-amit-shah-visits-lk-advani-and-murli-manohar-joshi-after-landslide-victory-221202">Veteran BJP leader L K Advani</a> Saturday expressed his happiness over BJP's massive victory in 2019 general elections and termed it as "historic".

Advani, who attended the NDA meeting in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi was elected as the leader of the BJP-led alliance, said all those who participated in the elections are "delighted" by the results.

Talking to reporters outside Parliament building, he said, "I am very happy this is a historic mandate. Everyone (from NDA) who came here participated in this election is really happy."

On Friday, both Modi and BJP president Amit Shah had visited Advani's house to seek his blessings after the party's massive victory in the Lok Sabha election. Modi had touched Advani's feet.

The Modi-led BJP won 303 seats out of 542 in general elections.&nbsp;

Advani had not contested general elections this time after he was not given ticket on the grounds of age limit of 75 years.

The veteran BJP leader, in a statement on Thursday, congratulated Modi for steering the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) towards an "unprecedented victory" in the elections.&nbsp;

Veteran BJP leader L K Advani Saturday expressed his happiness over BJP's massive victory in 2019 general elections and termed it as "historic". Advani, who attended the NDA meeting in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi was elected as the leader of the BJP-led alliance, said all those who participated in the elections are "delighted" by the results.

Veteran BJP leader L K Advani Saturday expressed his happiness over BJP's massive victory in 2019 general elections and termed it as "historic". Advani, who attended the NDA meeting in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi was elected as the leader of the BJP-led alliance, said all those who participated in the elections are "delighted" by the results. Talking to reporters outside Parliament building, he said, "I am very happy this is a historic mandate. Everyone (from NDA) who came here participated in this election is really happy." On Friday, both Modi and BJP president Amit Shah had visited Advani's house to seek his blessings after the party's massive victory in the Lok Sabha election. Modi had touched Advani's feet. The Modi-led BJP won 303 seats out of 542 in general elections. Advani had not contested general elections this time after he was not given ticket on the grounds of age limit of 75 years. The veteran BJP leader, in a statement on Thursday, congratulated Modi for steering the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) towards an "unprecedented victory" in the elections.

NDA's victory is historic: LK Advani

Lack of organisational network and a strong disconnect with the rural population led to the fall of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/had-ensured-that-the-mp-from-amethi-would-be-chosen-from-our-party-smriti-irani-to-wion-221599">Congress stronghold Amethi</a>, which has remained loyal to the Gandhi family since 1980.

BJP's Smriti Irani defeated the Congress chief and sitting MP <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-result-2019-at-cwc-meet-rahul-gandhi-offers-to-step-down-as-party-chief-committee-rejects-resignation-221506">Rahul Gandhi</a> by a margin of 55,120 votes.

Though the grand old party had been comfortably winning the seat, the victory had all through been thanks to the charisma and name of the Gandhi family without the support of the party organisation, political pundits opined. 
 
In the 2014 Lok Sabha election, Gandhi had defeated Irani by 1,07,903 votes.

On the first real challenge, in the face of concerted campaigning by Irani, the Congress fortress came tumbling down since she had prepared and strengthened her organisation in this dusty constituency, 120 Km from the state capital.

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The constituency also laments that though <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/in-historic-lok-sabha-polls-2019-rahul-gandhi-scripts-two-electoral-records-221043">Rahul Gandhi</a> had been a frequent visitor during this three stints as the MP, he had not reached the remote areas and failed to make a connection with those in the rural areas.

"Rahul used to get down at the Fursatganj airport and drive straight to Amethi and all his activities were confined there only. When he did not give enough time to the people how will he get the votes," said wholesale trader Neel Singh of Salon Navin Mandi area.

Indicating that Rahul's connect with the electorate was superficial, Raju Solanki who runs a tea stall at Salon bus stand, said, "It is his team of advisors that has spoilt his chances.

"His programmes used to be finalised around the main localities and highways but in contrast Smriti Irani reached villages and houses to establish a direct dialogue with the locals, seeking votes for development and change and also benefitted through it," he explained.

The locals feel Priyanka's presence had also failed to make a difference as her programmes too were finalised by those who had little knowledge of the nerve of the constituency.

"You don't get votes merely by waving hands and moving about on the roads in big vehicles," a local, Khilawan Raj, said.

Kishori Lal, a strong Congress supporter said the new generation in the constituency are not aware of the works done by the Congress for the development of the area and so the youth got carried away by the "BJP's selling of their schemes."

"The youth here does not know that this was usar (infertile) land which was got treated during the tenure of Rajiv Gandhiji. They got carried away by the BJP propaganda, and the manner in which they literally sold the central government schemes in the election market," Lal claimed.

Asha Singh of Pipri village said Smriti Irani went to every gram panchayat for canvassing and this appears to have made an impact.

Besides, they feel that local party leadership and staff of Rahul Gandhi had adopted a very high-handed attitude towards the people.

"They seem to have held the MP's office captive... It was easy to meet Rahul Gandhi than to meet his representatives who had to take follow up action of the works assigned by him for completion," Ram Pujan, a small trader said.

Political pundits say that the process of Congress' defeat in Amethi had started with its losses in the Assembly polls.

In the 2017 UP assembly polls, the Congress failed to win even a single seat though the BJP managed to bag four and Samajwadi Party one seat in the Lok Sabha constituency.

In the 2012 Assembly polls too, the Congress had only one seat - Jagdishpur - while rivals had taken up the remaining seats.

"Why the Congress leadership preferred to ignore taking corrective measures despite a poor show in Assembly polls is not understandable," they wonder.

Union minister Irani said on Friday that her win was not a "rocket science" as people of the Lok Sabha constituency wanted a representative who would work for them for the next five years.

Her victory was due to the development agenda of the Modi government, she said, adding that people of Amethi had reposed their trust in her by voting in large numbers for the BJP in 2014 and that she worked in the past five years to keep their faith.&nbsp;

Lack of organisational network and a strong disconnect with the rural population led to the fall of the Congress stronghold Amethi, which has remained loyal to the Gandhi family since 1980.

Lack of organisational network and a strong disconnect with the rural population led to the fall of the Congress stronghold Amethi, which has remained loyal to the Gandhi family since 1980. BJP's Smriti Irani defeated the Congress chief and sitting MP Rahul Gandhi by a margin of 55,120 votes. Though the grand old party had been comfortably winning the seat, the victory had all through been thanks to the charisma and name of the Gandhi family without the support of the party organisation, political pundits opined. In the 2014 Lok Sabha election, Gandhi had defeated Irani by 1,07,903 votes. On the first real challenge, in the face of concerted campaigning by Irani, the Congress fortress came tumbling down since she had prepared and strengthened her organisation in this dusty constituency, 120 Km from the state capital. × The constituency also laments that though Rahul Gandhi had been a frequent visitor during this three stints as the MP, he had not reached the remote areas and failed to make a connection with those in the rural areas. "Rahul used to get down at the Fursatganj airport and drive straight to Amethi and all his activities were confined there only. When he did not give enough time to the people how will he get the votes," said wholesale trader Neel Singh of Salon Navin Mandi area. Indicating that Rahul's connect with the electorate was superficial, Raju Solanki who runs a tea stall at Salon bus stand, said, "It is his team of advisors that has spoilt his chances. "His programmes used to be finalised around the main localities and highways but in contrast Smriti Irani reached villages and houses to establish a direct dialogue with the locals, seeking votes for development and change and also benefitted through it," he explained. The locals feel Priyanka's presence had also failed to make a difference as her programmes too were finalised by those who had little knowledge of the nerve of the constituency. "You don't get votes merely by waving hands and moving about on the roads in big vehicles," a local, Khilawan Raj, said. Kishori Lal, a strong Congress supporter said the new generation in the constituency are not aware of the works done by the Congress for the development of the area and so the youth got carried away by the "BJP's selling of their schemes." "The youth here does not know that this was usar (infertile) land which was got treated during the tenure of Rajiv Gandhiji. They got carried away by the BJP propaganda, and the manner in which they literally sold the central government schemes in the election market," Lal claimed. Asha Singh of Pipri village said Smriti Irani went to every gram panchayat for canvassing and this appears to have made an impact. Besides, they feel that local party leadership and staff of Rahul Gandhi had adopted a very high-handed attitude towards the people. "They seem to have held the MP's office captive... It was easy to meet Rahul Gandhi than to meet his representatives who had to take follow up action of the works assigned by him for completion," Ram Pujan, a small trader said. Political pundits say that the process of Congress' defeat in Amethi had started with its losses in the Assembly polls. In the 2017 UP assembly polls, the Congress failed to win even a single seat though the BJP managed to bag four and Samajwadi Party one seat in the Lok Sabha constituency. In the 2012 Assembly polls too, the Congress had only one seat - Jagdishpur - while rivals had taken up the remaining seats. "Why the Congress leadership preferred to ignore taking corrective measures despite a poor show in Assembly polls is not understandable," they wonder. Union minister Irani said on Friday that her win was not a "rocket science" as people of the Lok Sabha constituency wanted a representative who would work for them for the next five years. Her victory was due to the development agenda of the Modi government, she said, adding that people of Amethi had reposed their trust in her by voting in large numbers for the BJP in 2014 and that she worked in the past five years to keep their faith.

The fall of Amethi: Why did Rahul Gandhi lose Congress stronghold?

The Election Commission is yet to receive a final tally of mandatory matching of paper trail machine slips with EVM results of five randomly picked polling booths in each assembly segment across all constituencies.

But a top EC official said Saturday that no discrepancy has been reported from any of the 542 constituencies.

Paper slips of more than 20,600 Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines were counted in more than 4,000 assembly segments

After VVPATs were introduced, no discrepancy in the tallying of votes polled through EVMs has been reported in the previous assembly elections.

It is for the first time that the matching of paper trail machines slips with voting machines was held in a Lok Sabha election.

Elections in the Vellore constituency of Tamil Nadu were cancelled by the EC citing excessive use of money power.

No new date has so far been announced by the EC.

The Election Commission is yet to receive a final tally of mandatory matching of paper trail machine slips with EVM results of five randomly picked polling booths in each assembly segment across all constituencies.

The Election Commission is yet to receive a final tally of mandatory matching of paper trail machine slips with EVM results of five randomly picked polling booths in each assembly segment across all constituencies. But a top EC official said Saturday that no discrepancy has been reported from any of the 542 constituencies. Paper slips of more than 20,600 Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines were counted in more than 4,000 assembly segments After VVPATs were introduced, no discrepancy in the tallying of votes polled through EVMs has been reported in the previous assembly elections. It is for the first time that the matching of paper trail machines slips with voting machines was held in a Lok Sabha election. Elections in the Vellore constituency of Tamil Nadu were cancelled by the EC citing excessive use of money power. No new date has so far been announced by the EC.

Election Commission yet to receive tally of mandatory matching of paper trail machine slips

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader MP Dayanidhi Maran on Sunday asked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami to resign following the defeat of AIADMK in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

"Edappadi K Palaniswami must take moral responsibility for the defeat of AIADMK in Lok Sabha elections. The party managed to win on one seat in general elections because of money power. Palaniswami must tender his resignation," Maran told reporters.

Raveendranath Kumar was the only All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leader who managed to win from the Theni seat in Tamil Nadu.23 seats were won by DMK while Indian National Congress (INC) won 8 seats in the state.

The Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) won 2 seats each, while the rest went to Indian Union Muslim League and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi with both winning one seat.

AIADMK which is in power in the state and an ally of the NDA on the national front faced this debacle even while the rest of the country saw BJP and its coalition partners winning 353 out of the total 542 Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader MP Dayanidhi Maran on Sunday asked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami to resign following the defeat of AIADMK in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader MP Dayanidhi Maran on Sunday asked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami to resign following the defeat of AIADMK in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. "Edappadi K Palaniswami must take moral responsibility for the defeat of AIADMK in Lok Sabha elections. The party managed to win on one seat in general elections because of money power. Palaniswami must tender his resignation," Maran told reporters. Raveendranath Kumar was the only All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leader who managed to win from the Theni seat in Tamil Nadu.23 seats were won by DMK while Indian National Congress (INC) won 8 seats in the state. The Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) won 2 seats each, while the rest went to Indian Union Muslim League and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi with both winning one seat. AIADMK which is in power in the state and an ally of the NDA on the national front faced this debacle even while the rest of the country saw BJP and its coalition partners winning 353 out of the total 542 Lok Sabha.

Palaniswami must tender his resignation: Dayanidhi Maran

YSR Congress Party chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaganmohan-to-meet-modi-tomorrow-likely-discuss-outside-or-issue-based-support-to-modi-govt-221555">Jaganmohan Reddy</a> arrived in the national capital on Sunday. Shortly after his arrival, he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

V Vijaya Sai Reddy and other leaders of YSRCP were also present during the meeting. He also met BJP president Amit Shah.&nbsp;

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister designate discussed the issues of special category status to Andhra Pradesh and the state's financial situation.

Reddy also sought central funds during the meeting with PM Modi at his 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence, PTI reported.

Reddy is expected to interact with officials at Andhra Bhawan later in the day.

On Saturday, he was unanimously elected as the leader of YSRC legislature party.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: YSRCP Chief Jaganmohan Reddy arrives in Delhi. He will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. <a href="https://t.co/ip3nQilyyU">pic.twitter.com/ip3nQilyyU</a>
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Time and again, Reddy had said that his party would support whoever promises Andhra Pradesh the Special Category Status.

Reddy's YSRCP registered a mammoth victory in state Assembly elections, ousting TDP supremo out of power in Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

The YSRCP bagged 151 Assembly seats out of the total 175 seats and 22 of its 25 Lok Sabha seats. Reddy is likely to take oath as the CM on May 30.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, congratulated Reddy on the "remarkable" win in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly polls.

"Congratulations on the remarkable win in Andhra Pradesh. Best wishes to you for a successful tenure," Modi tweeted.

YSR Congress Party chief Jaganmohan Reddy arrived in the national capital on Sunday. Shortly after his arrival, he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. V Vijaya Sai Reddy and other leaders of YSRCP were also present during the meeting.

YSR Congress Party chief Jaganmohan Reddy arrived in the national capital on Sunday. Shortly after his arrival, he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. V Vijaya Sai Reddy and other leaders of YSRCP were also present during the meeting. He also met BJP president Amit Shah. The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister designate discussed the issues of special category status to Andhra Pradesh and the state's financial situation. Reddy also sought central funds during the meeting with PM Modi at his 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence, PTI reported. Reddy is expected to interact with officials at Andhra Bhawan later in the day. On Saturday, he was unanimously elected as the leader of YSRC legislature party. #WATCH: YSRCP Chief Jaganmohan Reddy arrives in Delhi. He will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. pic.twitter.com/ip3nQilyyU — ANI (@ANI) May 26, 2019 × Time and again, Reddy had said that his party would support whoever promises Andhra Pradesh the Special Category Status. Reddy's YSRCP registered a mammoth victory in state Assembly elections, ousting TDP supremo out of power in Andhra Pradesh. The YSRCP bagged 151 Assembly seats out of the total 175 seats and 22 of its 25 Lok Sabha seats. Reddy is likely to take oath as the CM on May 30. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, congratulated Reddy on the "remarkable" win in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly polls. "Congratulations on the remarkable win in Andhra Pradesh. Best wishes to you for a successful tenure," Modi tweeted.

YSR Congress chief Jaganmohan Reddy meets PM Narendra Modi, discusses special status to Andhra

A former village head and close aide of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/had-ensured-that-the-mp-from-amethi-would-be-chosen-from-our-party-smriti-irani-to-wion-221599">Union Minister Smriti Irani</a> was allegedly shot dead by two unidentified men in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/north-remembers-smriti-iranis-dig-at-rahul-gandhi-after-amethi-win-221254">Uttar Pradesh's Amethi district</a> on Saturday, news agency PTI reported. Suspects in connection with the murder have been detained.&nbsp;

The police are looking into all aspects of the killing, including political rivalry. "Since he had been a village chief, it seems to be a fallout of an old rivalry. We are not ruling out a political rivalry and are looking into all aspects of the case," the police said.

Uttar Pradesh DGP, OP Singh said that an intensive investigation is underway.&nbsp;

"We've found vital clues. 7 people detained for questioning. We're confident of solving the case in the next 12 hours. 3 companies of PAC are deputed," Singh stated.

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UP DGP, OP Singh on murder of Surendra Singh,ex-village head of Barauli, Amethi: Intensive investigation underway. We've found vital clues.7 people detained for questioning.We're confident of solving the case in the next 12hrs.3 companies of PAC are deputed,no law&amp;order situation <a href="https://t.co/9ttCr7Pa13">pic.twitter.com/9ttCr7Pa13</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1132546436619546624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Surendra Singh, 50, was the former head of Baraulia village in Uttar Pradesh. According to Additional Superintendent of Police Daya Ram, Singh was shot dead&nbsp;yesterday at his residence.

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Singh was rushed to a hospital in state capital Lucknow in a serious condition where he succumbed to his injuries during the treatment, the police said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Amethi MP and BJP leader Smriti Irani has left for Barauli to meet with the bereaved family.&nbsp;

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Delhi: Amethi MP &amp; BJP leader Smriti Irani leaves for her constituency, she will meet the family of Surendra Singh, ex-village head of Barauli, Amethi who was shot dead last night. <a href="https://t.co/NnIdRWRjvk">pic.twitter.com/NnIdRWRjvk</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1132522397154861059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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As per reports, Singh was involved in the shoe-distribution process carried out by Irani in Amethi while campaigning for Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

In the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, Smriti Irani scripted history by defeating Congress chief Rahul Gandhi by a margin of over 50,000 votes and clinching party stronghold Amethi.&nbsp;

A former village head and close aide of Union Minister Smriti Irani was allegedly shot dead by two unidentified men in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi district on Saturday, news agency PTI reported.

A former village head and close aide of Union Minister Smriti Irani was allegedly shot dead by two unidentified men in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi district on Saturday, news agency PTI reported. Suspects in connection with the murder have been detained. The police are looking into all aspects of the killing, including political rivalry. "Since he had been a village chief, it seems to be a fallout of an old rivalry. We are not ruling out a political rivalry and are looking into all aspects of the case," the police said. Uttar Pradesh DGP, OP Singh said that an intensive investigation is underway. "We've found vital clues. 7 people detained for questioning. We're confident of solving the case in the next 12 hours. 3 companies of PAC are deputed," Singh stated. UP DGP, OP Singh on murder of Surendra Singh,ex-village head of Barauli, Amethi: Intensive investigation underway. We've found vital clues.7 people detained for questioning.We're confident of solving the case in the next 12hrs.3 companies of PAC are deputed,no law&order situation pic.twitter.com/9ttCr7Pa13 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 26, 2019 × Surendra Singh, 50, was the former head of Baraulia village in Uttar Pradesh. According to Additional Superintendent of Police Daya Ram, Singh was shot dead yesterday at his residence. × Singh was rushed to a hospital in state capital Lucknow in a serious condition where he succumbed to his injuries during the treatment, the police said. Meanwhile, Amethi MP and BJP leader Smriti Irani has left for Barauli to meet with the bereaved family. Delhi: Amethi MP & BJP leader Smriti Irani leaves for her constituency, she will meet the family of Surendra Singh, ex-village head of Barauli, Amethi who was shot dead last night. pic.twitter.com/NnIdRWRjvk — ANI (@ANI) May 26, 2019 × As per reports, Singh was involved in the shoe-distribution process carried out by Irani in Amethi while campaigning for Lok Sabha polls. In the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, Smriti Irani scripted history by defeating Congress chief Rahul Gandhi by a margin of over 50,000 votes and clinching party stronghold Amethi.

Former village head and Smriti Irani's close aide shot dead in Amethi, suspects detained

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/pm-modi-to-visit-gujarat-on-sunday-to-seek-blessings-of-mother-will-head-to-varanasi-on-monday-221475">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Friday evening addressed his Office (PMO) staff at the end of his first term.&nbsp;

Speaking at the lawn of the South Block, the prime minister said that teamwork has led to this historic win, adding that throughout these five years, the party didn't divert its dedication.&nbsp;

PM Modi said that his team is better now and is ready to deliver better.&nbsp;

"The focus is now on the next five years," he said as he interacted with the PMO staff.&nbsp;

Beating the anti-incumbency of his first five years in power, Prime Minister Modi on Thursday secured an even greater mandate for the second straight term.

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Will be going to Gujarat tomorrow evening, to seek blessings of my Mother. Day after tomorrow morning, I will be in Kashi to thank the people of this great land for reposing their faith in me.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1132145099767517185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Marking another historic victory, PM Modi-led BJP crossed over 300 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. The party had won 282 seats in the 2014 general election.

Prime Minister Modi will in Gujarat Gujarat on Sunday to seek blessings from his mother.&nbsp;

In a tweet posted on Saturday, the prime minister stated that he will be in Gujarat on Sunday after which he will head to his Parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, on Monday "to thank the people of this great land for reposing their faith in me," his tweet read.

"Will be going to Gujarat tomorrow evening, to seek blessings of my Mother. Day after tomorrow morning, I will be in Kashi to thank the people of this great land for reposing their faith in me," PM Modi had tweeted.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday evening addressed his Office (PMO) staff at the end of his first term. Speaking at the lawn of the South Block, the prime minister said that teamwork has led to this historic win, adding that throughout these five years, the party didn't divert its dedication.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday evening addressed his Office (PMO) staff at the end of his first term. Speaking at the lawn of the South Block, the prime minister said that teamwork has led to this historic win, adding that throughout these five years, the party didn't divert its dedication. PM Modi said that his team is better now and is ready to deliver better. "The focus is now on the next five years," he said as he interacted with the PMO staff. Beating the anti-incumbency of his first five years in power, Prime Minister Modi on Thursday secured an even greater mandate for the second straight term. Will be going to Gujarat tomorrow evening, to seek blessings of my Mother. Day after tomorrow morning, I will be in Kashi to thank the people of this great land for reposing their faith in me. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 25, 2019 × Marking another historic victory, PM Modi-led BJP crossed over 300 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. The party had won 282 seats in the 2014 general election. Prime Minister Modi will in Gujarat Gujarat on Sunday to seek blessings from his mother. In a tweet posted on Saturday, the prime minister stated that he will be in Gujarat on Sunday after which he will head to his Parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, on Monday "to thank the people of this great land for reposing their faith in me," his tweet read. "Will be going to Gujarat tomorrow evening, to seek blessings of my Mother. Day after tomorrow morning, I will be in Kashi to thank the people of this great land for reposing their faith in me," PM Modi had tweeted.

Focus is now on next five years, team will deliver better: PM Modi 

After <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-draws-a-blank-in-18-states-and-union-territories-221310">facing a defeat for the second time in the consecutive Lok Sabha elections</a>, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) is meeting today to discuss the reason for party's debacle.

Though there was no official word on the agenda for the meeting, sources said the committee will talk about future strategies.

The CWC is also expected to take stock of the party's loss in Uttar Pradesh.

Congress, despite extensive campaigning by its president Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, was decimated to a single seat in Uttar Pradesh - Sonia Gandhi's Raebareli Lok Sabha seat. Rahul Gandhi, who represented the Amethi seat since 2004, lost to BJP's Smriti Irani.

The source also indicated that the committee is likely to discuss the party's complete loss in the states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh where it had won the Assembly elections just five months ago.

All members of the committee have been instructed to talk and put their proposal openly in front of the committee in the meeting today, the sources said.

Speculations are that the party president Rahul Gandhi is likely to offer his resignation accepting moral responsibility for the debacle.

However, Gandhi's offer may not be accepted and the party may reaffirm its faith to work under his leadership, said sources. Gandhi apparently wants to send a signal that he was also accountable for the party's performance which was not any better than the 2014 results.

In the last elections, the Congress had won 44 seats, the lowest-score in its history, and improved its tally marginally by 8 to reach 52 seats in the latest elections.

Meanwhile, presidents of the party units in states like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha have offered to resign from their post accepting responsibility for the poor showing of the party in the just-concluded elections.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

After facing a defeat for the second time in the consecutive Lok Sabha elections, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) is meeting today to discuss the reason for party's debacle.

After facing a defeat for the second time in the consecutive Lok Sabha elections, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) is meeting today to discuss the reason for party's debacle. Though there was no official word on the agenda for the meeting, sources said the committee will talk about future strategies. The CWC is also expected to take stock of the party's loss in Uttar Pradesh. Congress, despite extensive campaigning by its president Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, was decimated to a single seat in Uttar Pradesh - Sonia Gandhi's Raebareli Lok Sabha seat. Rahul Gandhi, who represented the Amethi seat since 2004, lost to BJP's Smriti Irani. The source also indicated that the committee is likely to discuss the party's complete loss in the states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh where it had won the Assembly elections just five months ago. All members of the committee have been instructed to talk and put their proposal openly in front of the committee in the meeting today, the sources said. Speculations are that the party president Rahul Gandhi is likely to offer his resignation accepting moral responsibility for the debacle. However, Gandhi's offer may not be accepted and the party may reaffirm its faith to work under his leadership, said sources. Gandhi apparently wants to send a signal that he was also accountable for the party's performance which was not any better than the 2014 results. In the last elections, the Congress had won 44 seats, the lowest-score in its history, and improved its tally marginally by 8 to reach 52 seats in the latest elections. Meanwhile, presidents of the party units in states like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha have offered to resign from their post accepting responsibility for the poor showing of the party in the just-concluded elections.

Lok Sabha elections 2019: Congress may introspect poll debacle in CWC meeting today

After registering <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/after-nehru-and-indira-modi-becomes-third-prime-minister-to-return-to-power-with-huge-mandate-221300">a landslide win in the Lok Sabha polls</a>, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit his home state, Gujarat and seek blessings from his mother.&nbsp;

In a tweet posted on Saturday, the prime minister stated that he will be in Gujarat on Sunday after which he will head to his Parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, on Monday "to thank the people of this great land for reposing their faith in me," his tweet read.

"Will be going to Gujarat tomorrow evening, to seek blessings of my Mother. Day after tomorrow morning, I will be in Kashi to thank the people of this great land for reposing their faith in me," PM Modi had tweeted.&nbsp;

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Will be going to Gujarat tomorrow evening, to seek blessings of my Mother. Day after tomorrow morning, I will be in Kashi to thank the people of this great land for reposing their faith in me.
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Beating the anti-incumbency of his first five years in power, Prime Minister Modi on Thursday secured an even greater mandate for the second straight term.

Marking another historic victory, PM Modi-led BJP crossed over 300 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. The party had won 282 seats in the 2014 general election.

After registering a landslide win in the Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit his home state, Gujarat and seek blessings from his mother.

After registering a landslide win in the Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit his home state, Gujarat and seek blessings from his mother. In a tweet posted on Saturday, the prime minister stated that he will be in Gujarat on Sunday after which he will head to his Parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, on Monday "to thank the people of this great land for reposing their faith in me," his tweet read. "Will be going to Gujarat tomorrow evening, to seek blessings of my Mother. Day after tomorrow morning, I will be in Kashi to thank the people of this great land for reposing their faith in me," PM Modi had tweeted. Will be going to Gujarat tomorrow evening, to seek blessings of my Mother. Day after tomorrow morning, I will be in Kashi to thank the people of this great land for reposing their faith in me. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 25, 2019 × Beating the anti-incumbency of his first five years in power, Prime Minister Modi on Thursday secured an even greater mandate for the second straight term. Marking another historic victory, PM Modi-led BJP crossed over 300 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. The party had won 282 seats in the 2014 general election.

PM Modi to visit Gujarat on Sunday to seek blessings of mother, will head to Varanasi on Monday

Union Finance Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/election-results-to-be-in-consonance-with-exit-polls-outcome-arun-jaitley-220128">Arun Jaitley</a> is unlikely to continue in his current role due to poor health as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-result-2019-pm-modi-thanks-world-leaders-sportspersons-and-celebrities-for-their-wishes-on-twitter-221240">Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his second term,</a> according to four sources with knowledge of the matter.

The sources said that Jaitley, 66, is unlikely to take up any offer to continue in the top job steering Asia's third-largest economy as his health has deteriorated over the past few months.

The Bharatiya Janata Party swept the Indian general election with a historic mandate of about 300 out of 542 parliamentary seats that were contested, results announced by the Election Commission of India on May 23 showed.

"He is definitely not taking the post of the finance minister simply because he is very unwell," one of the sources, who did not want to be named, told Reuters.

"If at all, he might take up a less stressful role."

Jaitley did not return messages. His mobile phone didn't ring.

His officer on special duty, Paras Sankhla, did not respond to calls, mail and messages. Jaitley's personal secretary SD&nbsp;Ranakoti and assistant secretary Padam Singh Jamwal did not immediately respond to an email.

Jaitley, who is one of the top three leaders in the BJP and the government, after PM Modi and party President Amit Shah, was not seen at the celebrations at BJP headquarters on Thursday night. Both Modi and Shah gave victory speeches at the event.

He has not been seen in public for at least two weeks but has been publishing blogs and messages on social media.

Chief troubleshooter

In his latest message on social media, Jaitley congratulated Prime Minister Modi and all the workers of the BJP and its allies on the victory.

"Aspirational India does not accept royalties, dynasties and caste-based parties," he said in an apparent swipe at the opposition Congress party led by Rahul Gandhi, the fourth scion of the Gandhi family.

Jaitley, a lawyer-turned-politician, is one of the most important leaders in the current cabinet. He often acts as a chief troubleshooter.

In the past five years, Jaitley has steered through parliament major economic legislation such as a nationwide goods and services tax - which had languished for nearly two decades - and has defended controversial policies for the government.

Modi had given him the responsibility of three ministries when he first took office in 2014, finance, defence and information and broadcasting ministries.

A diabetic, Jaitley's health issues became worse after he had a kidney transplant in May last year. He also had to skip the interim budget in February when he was in hospital in the United States getting cancer treatment.

Shah, Modi's right-hand man, could be a candidate to take up the finance ministry, according to a senior minister in the current government, who did not want to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue.

India's economy is showing major signs of a slowdown after three consecutive years of 7% plus growth rates and the next finance minister is expected to seek to provide some economic stimulus without blowing the lid off the nation's fiscal deficit.

Piyush Goyal, 54, current railways and coal minister, also could be considered given that he stepped into the role twice in the Modi government between 2014 and 2019 when Jaitley was out sick.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is unlikely to continue in his current role due to poor health as Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his second term, according to four sources with knowledge of the matter.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is unlikely to continue in his current role due to poor health as Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his second term, according to four sources with knowledge of the matter. The sources said that Jaitley, 66, is unlikely to take up any offer to continue in the top job steering Asia's third-largest economy as his health has deteriorated over the past few months. The Bharatiya Janata Party swept the Indian general election with a historic mandate of about 300 out of 542 parliamentary seats that were contested, results announced by the Election Commission of India on May 23 showed. "He is definitely not taking the post of the finance minister simply because he is very unwell," one of the sources, who did not want to be named, told Reuters. "If at all, he might take up a less stressful role." Jaitley did not return messages. His mobile phone didn't ring. His officer on special duty, Paras Sankhla, did not respond to calls, mail and messages. Jaitley's personal secretary SD Ranakoti and assistant secretary Padam Singh Jamwal did not immediately respond to an email. Jaitley, who is one of the top three leaders in the BJP and the government, after PM Modi and party President Amit Shah, was not seen at the celebrations at BJP headquarters on Thursday night. Both Modi and Shah gave victory speeches at the event. He has not been seen in public for at least two weeks but has been publishing blogs and messages on social media. Chief troubleshooter In his latest message on social media, Jaitley congratulated Prime Minister Modi and all the workers of the BJP and its allies on the victory. "Aspirational India does not accept royalties, dynasties and caste-based parties," he said in an apparent swipe at the opposition Congress party led by Rahul Gandhi, the fourth scion of the Gandhi family. Jaitley, a lawyer-turned-politician, is one of the most important leaders in the current cabinet. He often acts as a chief troubleshooter. In the past five years, Jaitley has steered through parliament major economic legislation such as a nationwide goods and services tax - which had languished for nearly two decades - and has defended controversial policies for the government. Modi had given him the responsibility of three ministries when he first took office in 2014, finance, defence and information and broadcasting ministries. A diabetic, Jaitley's health issues became worse after he had a kidney transplant in May last year. He also had to skip the interim budget in February when he was in hospital in the United States getting cancer treatment. Shah, Modi's right-hand man, could be a candidate to take up the finance ministry, according to a senior minister in the current government, who did not want to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue. India's economy is showing major signs of a slowdown after three consecutive years of 7% plus growth rates and the next finance minister is expected to seek to provide some economic stimulus without blowing the lid off the nation's fiscal deficit. Piyush Goyal, 54, current railways and coal minister, also could be considered given that he stepped into the role twice in the Modi government between 2014 and 2019 when Jaitley was out sick.

Arun Jaitley unlikely to remain finance minister in PM Modi's new term: Report

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

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

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

Ravi Kishan meets Yogi Adityanath after winning Gorakhpur Lok Sabha seat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congress'&nbsp;Randeep Singh Surjewala on Saturday rubbished reports of&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi stepping down as party chief, adding that the Working Committee meeting is underway, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

It was reported that Gandhi offered his resignation during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-elections-2019-congress-may-introspect-poll-debacle-in-cwc-meeting-today-221445">Working Committee (CWC) meeting</a>&nbsp;earlier today and that the resignation was rejected by the top brass.&nbsp;

Rumours of the Congress chief stepping down started doing the rounds soon after the party tasted a bitter defeat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

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Sources: Congress President Rahul Gandhi offers his resignation at CWC, but it has not been accepted by the Committee. <a href="https://t.co/Imw1m4ypbQ">pic.twitter.com/Imw1m4ypbQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1132179316924567554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Congress Working Committee (CWC) met today to discuss the reason for the party's debacle.

The CWC is also expected to take stock of the party's loss in Uttar Pradesh.

Meanwhile, it was reported that Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath was not present at the crucial CWC meeting in New Delhi today.

The meeting saw Congress bigwigs in attendance including UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, AICC general secretary for Eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra among other notable and veteran leaders.&nbsp;

Congress, despite extensive campaigning by its president Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, was decimated to a single seat in Uttar Pradesh - Sonia Gandhi's Raebareli Lok Sabha seat. Rahul Gandhi, who represented the Amethi seat since 2004, lost to BJP's Smriti Irani.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/focus-is-now-on-the-next-five-years-team-will-deliver-better-pm-modi-221500">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>-led Bharatiya Janata Party registered a landslide win in the general elections bagging over 300 seats.

The Congress party, on the other hand, drew a blank in 18 states, including some of the prominent regions in the Hindi heartland of the country.&nbsp;

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

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

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to take oath for the second term in office on May 30, according to a media report. Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi may take oath of office on May 30

World leaders welcome back PM Modi. Putin, Xi, Netanyahu congratulate PM Modi. Bhutan & Japan PM hail PM Modi's landslide victory. #GeneralElections2019 #LokSabhaElectionResult #PMModi #BJP #ResultsOnWion

Gravitas: World Leaders Hail PM Modi's Victory

BJP has won with great margins than 2014. Modi resumes office from a position of strength. have a look at SWOT Analysis of PM Modi's second term as a PM. #GeneralElections2019 #LokSabhaElectionResult #PMModi #BJP #ResultsOnWion

Gravitas: SWOT Analysis Of Modi 2.0

Rahul Gandhi concedes his defeat in a press conference today. He also congratulates PM Modi as well as Smriti Irani for winning from Cong baston Amethi. #GeneralElections2019 #LokSabhaElectionResult #PMModi #BJP #ResultsOnWion

Gravitas: Rahul Gandhi Loses Cong Baston Amethi

In this segment of Gravitas have a look at the history of political journey of PM Modi. #GeneralElections2019 #LokSabhaElectionResult #PMModi #BJP

Gravitas: History Of PM Modi's Political Journey

Senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi addresses press. Listen in...

India Votes: Murli Manohar Joshi addresses press

Prime Minister Modi visited veteran senior BJP leaders LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi's at their residence in New Delhi. PM Modi was also accompanied by party president Amit Shah. Watch this video to know more.

India Votes: PM Modi, Amit Shah visits senior BJP leaders

In this segment of Gravitas, Know Why did Congress' strategy fail? Did Congress misread the polls? Did opposition fight on key issues? Have a look at this segment... #GeneralElections2019 #LokSabhaElectionResult #PMModi #BJP #ResultsOnWion

Gravitas: Why did Congress' strategy fail?

Watch PM Modi's 1st speech since poll victory. PM Modi said that this was a historic election. He said, ''I'm grateful to India.'' Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi: I am grateful to people of India

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

India Votes: Welcome Modi 2.0!

All eyes are on the economic performance of India as NDA 2.0 is on power, country is also poised to be the 5th largest economy of the world this year. Watch this video to know more.

WION Wallet: India hopes for economic revival under NDA 2.0

The Union Cabinet is expected to meet today to pass the dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha. Watch this video to know more.

India Votes: Union Cabinet to meet today