In this segment of WION's India Election Watch, We Decode Is MP Congress a Divided house? with Panel of Special Guests or Experts With Us. #LokSabhaElection2019 #GeneralElections2019 #PMModi

India Election Watch: Is MP Congress a Divided house?

Hours after the BJP in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/congress-madhya-pradesh-government-will-fall-on-its-own-bjp-220113">Madhya Pradesh</a> asked the Congress government to prove its majority and wrote to the state governor for convening a special session of the state Assembly, Chief Minister Kamal Nath Monday said he was all prepared to go for the floor test.

Nath also claimed that he had proven the majority of his coalition government "four times" in the last five months, and is ready to do so again.

Earlier in the day, the BJP wrote to Governor Anandiben Patel, asking her to convene a special session of the House.

"I have already told them...The BJP is trying it for long. I have proved majority in the House four times in the last five months and I am ready for floor test again," Nath told PTI late evening.

He said the BJP was talking about the instability of the Congress-led government as it wanted to save itself from getting "exposed" on its erstwhile corrupt rule.

The chief minister said the BJP had lost on the floor of the House on earlier occasions as well but didn't elaborate.

On earlier occasions, the Congres had managed to elect Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the party even after the BJP demanded the division of votes.

The Congress had also passed the supplementary Budget and regular Budget in the House.

In the Assembly polls last year, the Congress won 114 of the state's 230 seats, two short of the majority mark of 116. The Bahujan Samaj Party, having two MLAs, and Samajwadi Party, which has one, are supporting the Congress. There are four Independents. The BJP won 109 seats.

In his letter to the governor, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Gopal Bhargava stated that the party wanted a discussion on important issues like the farm loan waiver and (to) test the government's strength.

The development came a day after the majority of exit polls predicted the return of the BJP-led NDA to power for the second term.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Hours after the BJP in Madhya Pradesh asked the Congress government to prove its majority and wrote to the state governor for convening a special session of the state Assembly, Chief Minister Kamal Nath Monday said he was all prepared to go for the floor test.

Hours after the BJP in Madhya Pradesh asked the Congress government to prove its majority and wrote to the state governor for convening a special session of the state Assembly, Chief Minister Kamal Nath Monday said he was all prepared to go for the floor test. Nath also claimed that he had proven the majority of his coalition government "four times" in the last five months, and is ready to do so again. Earlier in the day, the BJP wrote to Governor Anandiben Patel, asking her to convene a special session of the House. "I have already told them...The BJP is trying it for long. I have proved majority in the House four times in the last five months and I am ready for floor test again," Nath told PTI late evening. He said the BJP was talking about the instability of the Congress-led government as it wanted to save itself from getting "exposed" on its erstwhile corrupt rule. The chief minister said the BJP had lost on the floor of the House on earlier occasions as well but didn't elaborate. On earlier occasions, the Congres had managed to elect Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the party even after the BJP demanded the division of votes. The Congress had also passed the supplementary Budget and regular Budget in the House. In the Assembly polls last year, the Congress won 114 of the state's 230 seats, two short of the majority mark of 116. The Bahujan Samaj Party, having two MLAs, and Samajwadi Party, which has one, are supporting the Congress. There are four Independents. The BJP won 109 seats. In his letter to the governor, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Gopal Bhargava stated that the party wanted a discussion on important issues like the farm loan waiver and (to) test the government's strength. The development came a day after the majority of exit polls predicted the return of the BJP-led NDA to power for the second term.

Ready for floor test: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath

In this segment of WION's India Election Watch, We Decode on the Politics Over Surgical Strike with Panel of Special Guests or Experts With Us. #LokSabhaElection2019 #GeneralElections2019 #PMModi

India Election Watch: Politics Over Surgical Strike

BJP has claimed the Congress Govt in minority in Madhya Pradesh. There could be a trouble in MP for Congress. #LokSabhaElection2019 #GeneralElections2019 #PMModi

India Election Watch: Trouble For Congress In MP

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/national-commission-for-women-issues-notice-to-actor-vivek-oberoi-over-offensive-meme-on-aishwarya-rai-bachchan-220185">Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi on Monday</a> reacted over the furore over his offensive tweet on Aishwarya Rai Bachchan meme post exit polls predictions.

Oberoi said that he is ready to apologise but he thinks he has done nothing wrong by reacting over a meme posted by someone else.&nbsp;

"People are saying apologise, I have no problem in apologising, but tell me what wrong have I done? If I have done something wrong I will apologise. I don't think I have done anything wrong. What's wrong in it? Somebody tweeted a meme and I laughed at it," he told media.&nbsp;

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Vivek Oberoi speaks on Sonam Kapoor's reaction to his tweet (on exit polls), "...Aap apni filmon mein thoda kam overact karein aur social media pe thoda kam overreact karein. I've been working in women empowerment for 10 yrs now. I don't think this is hurting anyone's sentiments" <a href="https://t.co/pOWAwO29N6">pic.twitter.com/pOWAwO29N6</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1130499098908549121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The actor stated that he never takes such memes seriously, adding that he "appreciates the creativity".

"I don't know why people are making a huge issue out of it. Someone had sent me a meme which made fun of me. I laughed at it and I appreciated the person for his creativity. If someone mocks at you, you should not take it seriously," Oberoi said.&nbsp;

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Vivek Oberoi: People are saying apologise, I have no problem in apologising, but tell me what wrong have I done? If I have done something wrong I will apologise. I don't think I have done anything wrong. What's wrong in it? Somebody tweeted a meme and I laughed at it. <a href="https://t.co/d7z5362rwr">pic.twitter.com/d7z5362rwr</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1130493490176057344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He said that everyone else, but those in the meme, has a problem with the meme.&nbsp;

"Those in the meme don't have a problem, but everyone else has," he told media.&nbsp;

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Vivek Oberoi: I don't know why people are making a huge issue out of it. Someone had sent me a meme which made fun of me. I laughed on it&amp;I appreciated the person for his creativity. If someone mocks at you, you should not take it seriously. <a href="https://t.co/Ak23Slw8vr">pic.twitter.com/Ak23Slw8vr</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1130493599278354433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Oberoi said he would like to meet the officials at the National Commission for Women and tell them that he has not done anything wrong.&nbsp;

The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Monday took cognizance of actor Vivek Oberoi's tweet on exit polls and issued a notice to him demanding an explanation over his post.

Rekha Sharma, NCW chairperson told media that the Commission would like Oberoi to apologise on social media and personally also to the person concerned and if not done, legal action will follow.&nbsp;

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V Oberoi: Those in the meme don't have a problem, but everyone else has. Kaam karne jaate hain nahi non-issues ke upar netagiri shuru kar dete hain. Didi put someone behind bars for a meme, people are I be put behind bars too. They couldn't stop my film, now they are trying this. <a href="https://t.co/SxQehFDWFe">https://t.co/SxQehFDWFe</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1130493846020874242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"We would like him to apologise on social media and personally also to the person concerned. If he doesn't do, we will see what legal action can we take against him. We will be talking to Twitter to remove that tweet immediately," Sharma told media.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Vijaya Rahatkar, Chief of Maharashtra State Commission for Women said that the Commission has taken note of the incident and will soon issue a notice to the Bollywood actor.&nbsp;

Oberoi, on Monday, got criticized for posting a distasteful meme featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The meme compared the former beauty queen's various relationships with the various stages of elections and featured the actress with her former boyfriends Salman Khan, Oberoi and her husband Abhishek Bachchan with daughter Aradhya.&nbsp;

In the tweet, Vivek wrote, “Haha! creative! No politics here... just life.” Here, take a look". 
&nbsp;

Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi on Monday reacted over the furore over his offensive tweet on Aishwarya Rai Bachchan meme post exit polls predictions. Oberoi said that he is ready to apologise but he thinks he has done nothing wrong by reacting over a meme posted by someone else.

Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi on Monday reacted over the furore over his offensive tweet on Aishwarya Rai Bachchan meme post exit polls predictions. Oberoi said that he is ready to apologise but he thinks he has done nothing wrong by reacting over a meme posted by someone else. "People are saying apologise, I have no problem in apologising, but tell me what wrong have I done? If I have done something wrong I will apologise. I don't think I have done anything wrong. What's wrong in it? Somebody tweeted a meme and I laughed at it," he told media. Vivek Oberoi speaks on Sonam Kapoor's reaction to his tweet (on exit polls), "...Aap apni filmon mein thoda kam overact karein aur social media pe thoda kam overreact karein. I've been working in women empowerment for 10 yrs now. I don't think this is hurting anyone's sentiments" pic.twitter.com/pOWAwO29N6 — ANI (@ANI) May 20, 2019 × The actor stated that he never takes such memes seriously, adding that he "appreciates the creativity". "I don't know why people are making a huge issue out of it. Someone had sent me a meme which made fun of me. I laughed at it and I appreciated the person for his creativity. If someone mocks at you, you should not take it seriously," Oberoi said. Vivek Oberoi: People are saying apologise, I have no problem in apologising, but tell me what wrong have I done? If I have done something wrong I will apologise. I don't think I have done anything wrong. What's wrong in it? Somebody tweeted a meme and I laughed at it. pic.twitter.com/d7z5362rwr — ANI (@ANI) May 20, 2019 × He said that everyone else, but those in the meme, has a problem with the meme. "Those in the meme don't have a problem, but everyone else has," he told media. Vivek Oberoi: I don't know why people are making a huge issue out of it. Someone had sent me a meme which made fun of me. I laughed on it&I appreciated the person for his creativity. If someone mocks at you, you should not take it seriously. pic.twitter.com/Ak23Slw8vr — ANI (@ANI) May 20, 2019 × Oberoi said he would like to meet the officials at the National Commission for Women and tell them that he has not done anything wrong. The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Monday took cognizance of actor Vivek Oberoi's tweet on exit polls and issued a notice to him demanding an explanation over his post. Rekha Sharma, NCW chairperson told media that the Commission would like Oberoi to apologise on social media and personally also to the person concerned and if not done, legal action will follow. V Oberoi: Those in the meme don't have a problem, but everyone else has. Kaam karne jaate hain nahi non-issues ke upar netagiri shuru kar dete hain. Didi put someone behind bars for a meme, people are I be put behind bars too. They couldn't stop my film, now they are trying this. https://t.co/SxQehFDWFe — ANI (@ANI) May 20, 2019 × "We would like him to apologise on social media and personally also to the person concerned. If he doesn't do, we will see what legal action can we take against him. We will be talking to Twitter to remove that tweet immediately," Sharma told media. Earlier in the day, Vijaya Rahatkar, Chief of Maharashtra State Commission for Women said that the Commission has taken note of the incident and will soon issue a notice to the Bollywood actor. Oberoi, on Monday, got criticized for posting a distasteful meme featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The meme compared the former beauty queen's various relationships with the various stages of elections and featured the actress with her former boyfriends Salman Khan, Oberoi and her husband Abhishek Bachchan with daughter Aradhya. In the tweet, Vivek wrote, “Haha! creative! No politics here... just life.” Here, take a look".

'Ready to apologise but tell me what wrong have I done,' says Vivek Oberoi on Aishwarya Rai meme row

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday tweeted a picture with Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/mayawati-meets-akhilesh-yadav-after-exit-polls-projections-220072">holding discussions</a>. The tweet in Hindi read, "Ab agale kadam ki tayyari (Now, preparing for the next step)".&nbsp;

According to reports, Yadav drove to the residence of Mayawati in the morning and held closed-door talks with her for about an hour.

Aiming to check the return of NDA at the Centre, Mayawati had opted to sink decades-long differences to enter into an alliance with the SP for the Lok Sabha election.

In the 2014 general election, the BJP had won 71 seats, ally Apna Dal bagged 2, Samajwadi Party 5 and the Congress 2, while the BSP drew a blank.

The BJP's impressive show in Uttar Pradesh helped the BJP to pull off a record 282 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha to oust the Congress, which was decimated to just 44 seats.

With 80 Lok Sabha seats, Uttar Pradesh has the largest number of seats in the lower house of Parliament.

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अब अगले क़दम की तैयारी... <a href="https://t.co/jrnI4TNoNK">pic.twitter.com/jrnI4TNoNK</a>
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavakhilesh/status/1130422061791416320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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This time around, the pollsters predict the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lions-share-of-uttar-pradeshs-seats-going-to-bjp-predict-exit-polls-219936">Bharatiya Janata Party stealing a lion's share</a> on the total 80 parliamentary constituencies.&nbsp;

The exit polls have predicted that the BJP-led NDA will again get the lion's share of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats. While Times Now-VMR says NDA will get 58 seats in UP, C-Voter is a little conservative predicting 38 seats for it. The poll of polls, a collection of various exit polls, predicts 43 seats for NDA.

Meanwhile, Telugu Desam Party chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/chandrababu-naidu-calls-on-mamata-banerjee-discusses-formation-of-non-bjp-government-220201">N Chandrababu Naidu met his West Bengal counterpart</a> in Kolkata today.&nbsp;

Naidu, who reached here from Amaravati, held a 45-minute-long meeting with Banerjee on the future strategies of the "Mahagatbandhan" (Grand Alliance), the highly-placed sources said.

The meeting also discussed possibilities of forming a non-BJP government including regional parties with the support of the Congress.

Top opposition leaders will meet in the national capital on Tuesday to discuss the political situation and possibilities of a non-NDA alliance to stake claim for government formation.

According to sources, leaders of opposition parties such as the Congress, TDP, Left parties, BSP, NCP and TMC will <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/notwithstanding-exit-polls-opposition-leaders-set-to-meet-tomorrow-220222">informally meet on Tuesday</a> to discuss the way forward in case the NDA fails to get to the majority mark.

Ahmed Patel and Ghulam Nabi Azad of the Congress, Sharad Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), TDP's Naidu, Satish Chandra Misra of the BSP, Sitaram Yechury of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), D Raja of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Derek O'Brien of the TMC are expected to take part in Tuesday's meeting among others.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday tweeted a picture with Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati after holding discussions. The tweet in Hindi read, "Ab agale kadam ki tayyari (Now, preparing for the next step)".

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday tweeted a picture with Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati after holding discussions. The tweet in Hindi read, "Ab agale kadam ki tayyari (Now, preparing for the next step)". According to reports, Yadav drove to the residence of Mayawati in the morning and held closed-door talks with her for about an hour. Aiming to check the return of NDA at the Centre, Mayawati had opted to sink decades-long differences to enter into an alliance with the SP for the Lok Sabha election. In the 2014 general election, the BJP had won 71 seats, ally Apna Dal bagged 2, Samajwadi Party 5 and the Congress 2, while the BSP drew a blank. The BJP's impressive show in Uttar Pradesh helped the BJP to pull off a record 282 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha to oust the Congress, which was decimated to just 44 seats. With 80 Lok Sabha seats, Uttar Pradesh has the largest number of seats in the lower house of Parliament. अब अगले क़दम की तैयारी... pic.twitter.com/jrnI4TNoNK — Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) May 20, 2019 × This time around, the pollsters predict the Bharatiya Janata Party stealing a lion's share on the total 80 parliamentary constituencies. The exit polls have predicted that the BJP-led NDA will again get the lion's share of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats. While Times Now-VMR says NDA will get 58 seats in UP, C-Voter is a little conservative predicting 38 seats for it. The poll of polls, a collection of various exit polls, predicts 43 seats for NDA. Meanwhile, Telugu Desam Party chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met his West Bengal counterpart in Kolkata today. Naidu, who reached here from Amaravati, held a 45-minute-long meeting with Banerjee on the future strategies of the "Mahagatbandhan" (Grand Alliance), the highly-placed sources said. The meeting also discussed possibilities of forming a non-BJP government including regional parties with the support of the Congress. Top opposition leaders will meet in the national capital on Tuesday to discuss the political situation and possibilities of a non-NDA alliance to stake claim for government formation. According to sources, leaders of opposition parties such as the Congress, TDP, Left parties, BSP, NCP and TMC will informally meet on Tuesday to discuss the way forward in case the NDA fails to get to the majority mark. Ahmed Patel and Ghulam Nabi Azad of the Congress, Sharad Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), TDP's Naidu, Satish Chandra Misra of the BSP, Sitaram Yechury of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), D Raja of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Derek O'Brien of the TMC are expected to take part in Tuesday's meeting among others. (With inputs from agencies)

Preparing for the 'next step,' Akhilesh Yadav tweets picture with Mayawati after holding discussions 

Two days ahead of the Lok Sabha poll results, top opposition leaders will meet in the national capital on Tuesday to discuss the political situation and possibilities of a non-NDA alliance to stake claim for government formation.

As part of his efforts to unite the opposition, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader N Chandrababu <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/chandrababu-naidu-calls-on-mamata-banerjee-discusses-formation-of-non-bjp-government-220201">Naidu held a meeting with his West Bengal counterpart</a>, Mamata Banerjee, at her Kolkata residence on forming a non-BJP government at the Centre in case of a hung verdict.

Naidu had a 45-minute meeting with Banerjee on the future strategies of the "Mahagathbandhan" (Grand Alliance), during which he also discussed the possibilities of forming a non-BJP government, including regional parties, with the support of the Congress.

"It was decided at the meeting that a detailed discussion will be held with other players of the Mahagathbandhan in the event of a hung verdict after the poll results are declared on May 23," a source said.

The decision on Banerjee going to New Delhi would also be taken after May 23, the source added.

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav also telephoned Banerjee during the day and discussed the strategy of the "Mahagathbandhan", sources said.

Naidu has been moving around across the country and has held several rounds of discussions with top opposition leaders in a bid to unite them and form an alliance to stake claim to form the next government in case the NDA falls short of the majority mark.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief met Banerjee again on Monday evening to discuss the political scenario in the wake of the exit poll predictions.

On Sunday, Naidu met UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi separately in New Delhi, besides NCP supremo Sharad Pawar. The TDP leader has already met other top opposition leaders such as Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav in Lucknow, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal, Left leaders and Sharad Yadav in Delhi.

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/mayawati-meets-akhilesh-yadav-after-exit-polls-projections-220072">Akhilesh and Mayawati also held a meeting</a> and discussed their strategy going forward.

However, in view of the exit polls, most of which have predicted a majority for the BJP-led NDA, the opposition has turned a bit cautious and decided not to hold any formal meetings.

Top Congress leaders also held a meeting under the guidance of Sonia Gandhi on Saturday, where the current political situation was discussed.

Sources said the opposition strategy was to procure letters of support from various parties and in case of a hung verdict, to present the same before the president to stake claim to form the government.

They added that the opposition did not want to leave anything to chance and did not wish to waste any time in staking claim for government formation and thus, was putting its house in order.

Notwithstanding the exit poll predictions, the opposition is going ahead with its strategy as most parties have trashed the forecast and claimed that the NDA would not get a majority in the Lok Sabha.

Opposition leaders are citing previous examples when exit polls were proved wrong, as also elsewhere in the world like the surprise result in Australia.

Opposition leaders will also meet the Election Commission (EC) and raise the issue of tallying the paper trail of votes (VVPATs) with the electronic voting machine (EVM) figures as directed by the Supreme Court.

The opposition parties are demanding tallying of VVPAT slips with EVM figures in an entire Assembly constituency in case a discrepancy is found in any polling booth.

The court has asked the EC to tally the VVPAT slips with the EVM figures of five polling stations in each Assembly constituency across the country, which may delay the results.

According to sources, leaders of opposition parties such as the Congress, TDP, Left parties, BSP, NCP and TMC will informally meet on Tuesday to discuss the way forward in case the NDA fails to get to the majority mark.

Ahmed Patel and Ghulam Nabi Azad of the Congress, Sharad Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), TDP's Naidu, Satish Chandra Misra of the BSP, Sitaram Yechury of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), D Raja of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Derek O'Brien of the TMC are expected to take part in Tuesday's meeting among others.&nbsp;

Two days ahead of the Lok Sabha poll results, top opposition leaders will meet in the national capital on Tuesday to discuss the political situation and possibilities of a non-NDA alliance to stake claim for government formation.

Two days ahead of the Lok Sabha poll results, top opposition leaders will meet in the national capital on Tuesday to discuss the political situation and possibilities of a non-NDA alliance to stake claim for government formation. As part of his efforts to unite the opposition, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu held a meeting with his West Bengal counterpart, Mamata Banerjee, at her Kolkata residence on forming a non-BJP government at the Centre in case of a hung verdict. Naidu had a 45-minute meeting with Banerjee on the future strategies of the "Mahagathbandhan" (Grand Alliance), during which he also discussed the possibilities of forming a non-BJP government, including regional parties, with the support of the Congress. "It was decided at the meeting that a detailed discussion will be held with other players of the Mahagathbandhan in the event of a hung verdict after the poll results are declared on May 23," a source said. The decision on Banerjee going to New Delhi would also be taken after May 23, the source added. Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav also telephoned Banerjee during the day and discussed the strategy of the "Mahagathbandhan", sources said. Naidu has been moving around across the country and has held several rounds of discussions with top opposition leaders in a bid to unite them and form an alliance to stake claim to form the next government in case the NDA falls short of the majority mark. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief met Banerjee again on Monday evening to discuss the political scenario in the wake of the exit poll predictions. On Sunday, Naidu met UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi separately in New Delhi, besides NCP supremo Sharad Pawar. The TDP leader has already met other top opposition leaders such as Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav in Lucknow, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal, Left leaders and Sharad Yadav in Delhi. Meanwhile, Akhilesh and Mayawati also held a meeting and discussed their strategy going forward. However, in view of the exit polls, most of which have predicted a majority for the BJP-led NDA, the opposition has turned a bit cautious and decided not to hold any formal meetings. Top Congress leaders also held a meeting under the guidance of Sonia Gandhi on Saturday, where the current political situation was discussed. Sources said the opposition strategy was to procure letters of support from various parties and in case of a hung verdict, to present the same before the president to stake claim to form the government. They added that the opposition did not want to leave anything to chance and did not wish to waste any time in staking claim for government formation and thus, was putting its house in order. Notwithstanding the exit poll predictions, the opposition is going ahead with its strategy as most parties have trashed the forecast and claimed that the NDA would not get a majority in the Lok Sabha. Opposition leaders are citing previous examples when exit polls were proved wrong, as also elsewhere in the world like the surprise result in Australia. Opposition leaders will also meet the Election Commission (EC) and raise the issue of tallying the paper trail of votes (VVPATs) with the electronic voting machine (EVM) figures as directed by the Supreme Court. The opposition parties are demanding tallying of VVPAT slips with EVM figures in an entire Assembly constituency in case a discrepancy is found in any polling booth. The court has asked the EC to tally the VVPAT slips with the EVM figures of five polling stations in each Assembly constituency across the country, which may delay the results. According to sources, leaders of opposition parties such as the Congress, TDP, Left parties, BSP, NCP and TMC will informally meet on Tuesday to discuss the way forward in case the NDA fails to get to the majority mark. Ahmed Patel and Ghulam Nabi Azad of the Congress, Sharad Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), TDP's Naidu, Satish Chandra Misra of the BSP, Sitaram Yechury of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), D Raja of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Derek O'Brien of the TMC are expected to take part in Tuesday's meeting among others.

Notwithstanding exit polls, opposition leaders set to meet on Tuesday

In this segment of WION's India Election Watch, We Decode Numbers Of 'Exit Polls 2019' with Panel of Special Guests or Experts With Us. #LokSabhaElection2019 #GeneralElections2019 #PMModi

India Election Watch: Decodes Numbers Of 'Exit Polls 2019' With Some Experts

In this segment of India Election Watch, We Deciphered the 'Exit Polls 2019' Numbers for you all. #LokSabhaElection2019 #GeneralElections2019 #PMModi

India Election Watch: Deciphering the 'Exit Polls 2019' Numbers

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader N Chandrababu <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/naidu-to-meet-mamata-for-post-poll-alliance-talks-in-kolkata-220055">Naidu held a meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee</a> at her residence here Monday to decide on forming a non-BJP government at the Centre in case of a hung verdict, TMC sources said.

Naidu, who reached here from Amaravati, held a 45-minute-long meeting with Banerjee on the future strategies of the "Mahagatbandhan" (Grand Alliance), the highly-placed sources said.

The meeting also discussed possibilities of forming a non-BJP government including regional parties with the support of the Congress, they said.

"It was decided at today's meeting that a detailed discussion will be held among other political players of the Mahagatbandhan in the event of a hung verdict after the poll results are declared on May 23, the sources said.

The decision on Banerjee going to New Delhi would also be taken after May 23, the sources said.

Naidu, who is making efforts to bring together opposition leaders against the BJP, left for New Delhi after the meeting.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav telephoned Banerjee during the day and discussed the proposed strategy of the "Mahagathbandhan", the sources said.

The TDP President had on Sunday called on National Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and had also met CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury. 
On Saturday he had met BSP chief Mayawati and Yadav.

During his meeting with Banerjee, the TDP chief spoke about the meetings, the TMC sources said.

The exit polls gave a clear verdict in favour of the BJP, which was promptly dubbed by Banerjee as "gossip".

The TMC supremo had said that she does not trust such surveys as the "game plan" is to use them for "manipulation" of EVMs.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu held a meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at her residence here Monday to decide on forming a non-BJP government at the Centre in case of a hung verdict, TMC sources said.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu held a meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at her residence here Monday to decide on forming a non-BJP government at the Centre in case of a hung verdict, TMC sources said. Naidu, who reached here from Amaravati, held a 45-minute-long meeting with Banerjee on the future strategies of the "Mahagatbandhan" (Grand Alliance), the highly-placed sources said. The meeting also discussed possibilities of forming a non-BJP government including regional parties with the support of the Congress, they said. "It was decided at today's meeting that a detailed discussion will be held among other political players of the Mahagatbandhan in the event of a hung verdict after the poll results are declared on May 23, the sources said. The decision on Banerjee going to New Delhi would also be taken after May 23, the sources said. Naidu, who is making efforts to bring together opposition leaders against the BJP, left for New Delhi after the meeting. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav telephoned Banerjee during the day and discussed the proposed strategy of the "Mahagathbandhan", the sources said. The TDP President had on Sunday called on National Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and had also met CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury. On Saturday he had met BSP chief Mayawati and Yadav. During his meeting with Banerjee, the TDP chief spoke about the meetings, the TMC sources said. The exit polls gave a clear verdict in favour of the BJP, which was promptly dubbed by Banerjee as "gossip". The TMC supremo had said that she does not trust such surveys as the "game plan" is to use them for "manipulation" of EVMs.

Chandrababu Naidu calls on Mamata Banerjee, discusses formation of non-BJP government

Fearing manipulation, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday wrote to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora, seeking deployment of additional observer and security forces at the strong rooms.

AAP has alleged the opposition parties have "planned attempts to gerrymander with EVMs a day or two ahead of the actual counting on May 23."

"I have strong reasons to believe our political adversaries will attempt to open strong rooms housing EVMs and manipulate or replace the machines as a handful of such incidents in the past have been witnessed," AAP's south Delhi candidate Raghav Chadha stated in the letter to Arora on Monday.

"Alarming as it may be, this would not be the first time such an attack on the electoral process would take place," Chadha, also a national spokesperson of AAP, has further stated in the letter.

"You may recall the municipal elections of 2017, at which time, specifically in a ward falling within South Delhi parliamentary constituency, strong rooms were violated and seals had been broken prior to the day assigned for counting," reads the letter.

"In addition to the already appointed Election Observer whose role is to oversee the entire electoral process, we request the ECI to appoint another independent observer whose sole focus shall be to maintain a watchful eye on strong rooms and ensure safety and security of EVMs. Until the declaration of results, the observer must ensure safe custody and integrity of EVMs."

"We request the CRPF security at Jijabaji Institute, where South Delhi's EVMs are housed, be tightened. It is further requested that additional CRPF personnel may be deployed to keep a watch over the strong rooms round the clock."

All seven seats in the city-state went to polls on May 12 during the sixth phase of seven-phased Lok Sabha polls. In South Delhi parliamentary constituency, Raghav Chadha is faced with BJP`s sitting MP Ramesh Bidhuri and Congress` Vijender Singh. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Fearing manipulation, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday wrote to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora, seeking deployment of additional observer and security forces at the strong rooms.

Fearing manipulation, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday wrote to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora, seeking deployment of additional observer and security forces at the strong rooms. AAP has alleged the opposition parties have "planned attempts to gerrymander with EVMs a day or two ahead of the actual counting on May 23." "I have strong reasons to believe our political adversaries will attempt to open strong rooms housing EVMs and manipulate or replace the machines as a handful of such incidents in the past have been witnessed," AAP's south Delhi candidate Raghav Chadha stated in the letter to Arora on Monday. "Alarming as it may be, this would not be the first time such an attack on the electoral process would take place," Chadha, also a national spokesperson of AAP, has further stated in the letter. "You may recall the municipal elections of 2017, at which time, specifically in a ward falling within South Delhi parliamentary constituency, strong rooms were violated and seals had been broken prior to the day assigned for counting," reads the letter. "In addition to the already appointed Election Observer whose role is to oversee the entire electoral process, we request the ECI to appoint another independent observer whose sole focus shall be to maintain a watchful eye on strong rooms and ensure safety and security of EVMs. Until the declaration of results, the observer must ensure safe custody and integrity of EVMs." "We request the CRPF security at Jijabaji Institute, where South Delhi's EVMs are housed, be tightened. It is further requested that additional CRPF personnel may be deployed to keep a watch over the strong rooms round the clock." All seven seats in the city-state went to polls on May 12 during the sixth phase of seven-phased Lok Sabha polls. In South Delhi parliamentary constituency, Raghav Chadha is faced with BJP`s sitting MP Ramesh Bidhuri and Congress` Vijender Singh. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

AAP seeks additional security at strong room in Delhi, writes to Chief Election Commissioner

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy has slammed exit polls that predict the second term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi while raising concerns over the credibility of electronic voting machines (EVM) just ahead of the big Lok Sabha election results.

Karnataka CM Kumaraswamy slams exit polls, Targeted at EVMs

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Monday expressed hope that the results of the 2019 general election would be in consonance with <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">the outcome of multiple exit polls</a>, which has predicted a second term for the Narendra Modi-led NDA government.

Most exit polls have forecast another term for Prime Minister Modi, with some of them projecting that BJP-led NDA will get more than 300 seats to comfortably cross the majority mark of 272 in the Lok Sabha.

"Many of us may continue to squabble over correctness and accuracy of the Exit Polls. The hard reality is that when multiple Exit Polls convey the same message, the direction of the result broadly would be in consonance with the message," Jaitley said in a blog post titled 'The Message of Exit Polls'.&nbsp;

Observing that EVMs play no role in exit polls, the minister said if the actual results of the general election are in the same direction as exit polls, "the opposition's fake issue of the EVMs would also lose its non-existent rationale".

"If the Exit Polls are read along with the 2014 election results, it would be clear that there is a huge maturing of Indian democracy taking place. The electorate keeps national interest paramount before exercising a choice on whom to vote for. When well-meaning people with similar ideas vote in the same direction, it leads to the making of a wave," he said.

Referring to the Congress, Jaitley said that the Gandhi family has become a liability for the grand old party. "... In the Congress, the first family is no longer an asset but an albatross around the neck of the Party. Without the family, they don't get the crowd, with it they don't get the votes," he said.

He also said the personalised campaign against Prime Minister Modi did not cut much ice in 2014 and may not cut any ice in 2019.

"Leaders are judged on merit and not on caste or family names. Thus, the Prime Minister's style of rising above caste and concentrating on performance related issues received far more acceptability with the electorate," Jaitley said.

He said the voters are no longer willing to trust 'Coalition of Rivals' as their alliances are untenable.

The arithmetic of caste coalitions is no longer valid and has yielded place to the national interest. "Fake issues only satisfy the 'manufacturers of fakery'. The voters don't buy them," Jaitley added.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Monday expressed hope that the results of the 2019 general election would be in consonance with the outcome of multiple exit polls, which has predicted a second term for the Narendra Modi-led NDA government.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Monday expressed hope that the results of the 2019 general election would be in consonance with the outcome of multiple exit polls, which has predicted a second term for the Narendra Modi-led NDA government. Most exit polls have forecast another term for Prime Minister Modi, with some of them projecting that BJP-led NDA will get more than 300 seats to comfortably cross the majority mark of 272 in the Lok Sabha. "Many of us may continue to squabble over correctness and accuracy of the Exit Polls. The hard reality is that when multiple Exit Polls convey the same message, the direction of the result broadly would be in consonance with the message," Jaitley said in a blog post titled 'The Message of Exit Polls'. Observing that EVMs play no role in exit polls, the minister said if the actual results of the general election are in the same direction as exit polls, "the opposition's fake issue of the EVMs would also lose its non-existent rationale". "If the Exit Polls are read along with the 2014 election results, it would be clear that there is a huge maturing of Indian democracy taking place. The electorate keeps national interest paramount before exercising a choice on whom to vote for. When well-meaning people with similar ideas vote in the same direction, it leads to the making of a wave," he said. Referring to the Congress, Jaitley said that the Gandhi family has become a liability for the grand old party. "... In the Congress, the first family is no longer an asset but an albatross around the neck of the Party. Without the family, they don't get the crowd, with it they don't get the votes," he said. He also said the personalised campaign against Prime Minister Modi did not cut much ice in 2014 and may not cut any ice in 2019. "Leaders are judged on merit and not on caste or family names. Thus, the Prime Minister's style of rising above caste and concentrating on performance related issues received far more acceptability with the electorate," Jaitley said. He said the voters are no longer willing to trust 'Coalition of Rivals' as their alliances are untenable. The arithmetic of caste coalitions is no longer valid and has yielded place to the national interest. "Fake issues only satisfy the 'manufacturers of fakery'. The voters don't buy them," Jaitley added.

Election results to be in consonance with exit polls outcome: Arun Jaitley

The domestic stock market on Monday closed at a historic high after <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">witnessing an eventful day of rallying</a> after exit polls predicted an easy win for the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Lok Sabha 2019 polls.&nbsp;

BSE Sensex scaled 1,422 points to close at a record high of 39,353 while NSE Nifty surged 421 points to close at an all-time high of 11,828.&nbsp;

Sensex surged over 1000 points during the trade hours, and the rupee appreciated 79 paise against the US dollar. Domestic benchmark indices continued to extend their rally later in the day with the BSE Sensex climbing 1,300 points and Nifty touching 11,800 mark.

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The 30-share index was trading 1,341 points close to the session end, higher at 39,271.77 points. In similar movement, Nifty soared 393.95 points, or 3.45 per cent, to 11,801.10.&nbsp;

Most exit polls Sunday forecast another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with some of them projecting that BJP-led NDA will get more than 300 seats to comfortably cross the majority mark of 272 in the Lok Sabha.

Pollsters predicted the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-in-countrys-hindi-heartland-exit-polls-spell-thumping-victory-for-party-in-madhya-pradesh-4-other-states-219985">BJP to make a clean sweet in the Hindi heartland</a> of the nation in states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Rajasthan, Gujarat and the national capital.&nbsp;

The results of the seven-phase polls will come out Thursday.

Meanwhile, European stocks slipped on Monday as concerns about an escalating fallout from a US crackdown on China's Huawei Technologies offset a slightly more positive tone on trade, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Asian shares managed to reverse some of last week's heavy losses on Monday after the United States said it would lift tariffs in North America, as investors cheered apparent wins by incumbent parties in elections in Australia and India.&nbsp;

Oil prices jumped after Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said that there was a consensus among the members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to maintain production cuts to "gently" reduce inventories.

Both US crude and Brent crude jumped more than 1.1% on Monday, with West Texas Intermediate fetching $63.5 a barrel and Brent crude at $73.04 per barrel, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The domestic stock market on Monday closed at a historic high after witnessing an eventful day of rallying after exit polls predicted an easy win for the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Lok Sabha 2019 polls.

The domestic stock market on Monday closed at a historic high after witnessing an eventful day of rallying after exit polls predicted an easy win for the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Lok Sabha 2019 polls. BSE Sensex scaled 1,422 points to close at a record high of 39,353 while NSE Nifty surged 421 points to close at an all-time high of 11,828. Sensex surged over 1000 points during the trade hours, and the rupee appreciated 79 paise against the US dollar. Domestic benchmark indices continued to extend their rally later in the day with the BSE Sensex climbing 1,300 points and Nifty touching 11,800 mark. The 30-share index was trading 1,341 points close to the session end, higher at 39,271.77 points. In similar movement, Nifty soared 393.95 points, or 3.45 per cent, to 11,801.10. Most exit polls Sunday forecast another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with some of them projecting that BJP-led NDA will get more than 300 seats to comfortably cross the majority mark of 272 in the Lok Sabha. Pollsters predicted the BJP to make a clean sweet in the Hindi heartland of the nation in states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Rajasthan, Gujarat and the national capital. The results of the seven-phase polls will come out Thursday. Meanwhile, European stocks slipped on Monday as concerns about an escalating fallout from a US crackdown on China's Huawei Technologies offset a slightly more positive tone on trade, news agency Reuters reported. Asian shares managed to reverse some of last week's heavy losses on Monday after the United States said it would lift tariffs in North America, as investors cheered apparent wins by incumbent parties in elections in Australia and India. Oil prices jumped after Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said that there was a consensus among the members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to maintain production cuts to "gently" reduce inventories. Both US crude and Brent crude jumped more than 1.1% on Monday, with West Texas Intermediate fetching $63.5 a barrel and Brent crude at $73.04 per barrel, Reuters reported. (With inputs from Reuters)

After witnessing eventful day, stock markets close at record high; Sensex surges over 1,400 points 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/time-and-again-exit-polls-have-failed-to-catch-the-peoples-pulse-chandrababu-naidu-220003">Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu</a> on Monday said he is "1,000 per cent confident" that TDP will win the elections in the state.

"I am 1,000 per cent confident that TDP will win the elections. I do not have even 0.1 per cent doubt. We are going to win," he told a press conference.

The simultaneous elections to the 175-member strong Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats across Andhra Pradesh were held on April 11.

The counting of votes will begin on May 23. Reiterating his demand for counting of votes in 50 per cent of VVPATs, the TDP supremo said, "I have been fighting over this issue for the last ten years. VVPAT slips are the main issue for us. If we get a printout, we will believe. Now VVPATs will be counted in only five polling booths (per Assembly segment)."

"The Election Commission is complicating the issue by saying that it will take six to seven days to count VVPATs. SY Qureshi (former Chief Election Commissioner) supported our arguments. Not only us, but even former EC officials are raising the matter," he said.

Claiming that the EC is "losing its credibility", Naidu said that VVPAT slips should be counted first and verified properly.

"There are many problems relating to the counting process. The EC should take steps to resolve them. There are many rumours including that printers may have been manipulated and control panels changed," he said.

Naidu also said, "(Prime Minister Narendra) Modi tried till the last minute to influence voters. That is not correct."

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday said he is "1,000 per cent confident" that TDP will win the elections in the state. "I am 1,000 per cent confident that TDP will win the elections.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday said he is "1,000 per cent confident" that TDP will win the elections in the state. "I am 1,000 per cent confident that TDP will win the elections. I do not have even 0.1 per cent doubt. We are going to win," he told a press conference. The simultaneous elections to the 175-member strong Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats across Andhra Pradesh were held on April 11. The counting of votes will begin on May 23. Reiterating his demand for counting of votes in 50 per cent of VVPATs, the TDP supremo said, "I have been fighting over this issue for the last ten years. VVPAT slips are the main issue for us. If we get a printout, we will believe. Now VVPATs will be counted in only five polling booths (per Assembly segment)." "The Election Commission is complicating the issue by saying that it will take six to seven days to count VVPATs. SY Qureshi (former Chief Election Commissioner) supported our arguments. Not only us, but even former EC officials are raising the matter," he said. Claiming that the EC is "losing its credibility", Naidu said that VVPAT slips should be counted first and verified properly. "There are many problems relating to the counting process. The EC should take steps to resolve them. There are many rumours including that printers may have been manipulated and control panels changed," he said. Naidu also said, "(Prime Minister Narendra) Modi tried till the last minute to influence voters. That is not correct."

'1,000% confident' Telugu Desam Party will win elections in Andhra Pradesh: Naidu

Chief Minister Kamal Nath led Congress government in the state will fall on its own, says BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Gopal Bhargava.

"You can yourself analyse the current situation. They have the support of one SP MLA, one MLA of BSP and four Independent MLAs. There is bickering within the party," he said while talking to ANI on Monday.

"This government will fall on its own. I don't believe in horse-trading but I feel the government's time has come. It will have to go soon," he said.

"For some, the Congress government is of two and a half CMs; for some of three CMs and for others of 3.5 CMs. There is widespread anarchy in the state under the current dispensation," said Bhargava.

He also spoke about the leadership crisis in the Congress. "You can see the Congress has a leadership crisis as well. This is the main reason for the Congress'&nbsp;decline. We are winning in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh just after six months that we lost in the Assembly polls, all because of the Congress'&nbsp;false promises and faulty policies," he said.

"We will write to the Governor in a few days, requesting her to call the session of Assembly keeping in the people's aspirations and other current issues," he said.

The 231-member MP Assembly has 113 Congress members and 109 BJP members. The ruling coalition is led by the Congress party, supported by two MLAs of SP-BSP, and four Independent MLAs.&nbsp;

Chief Minister Kamal Nath led Congress government in the state will fall on its own, says BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Gopal Bhargava. "You can yourself analyse the current situation.

Chief Minister Kamal Nath led Congress government in the state will fall on its own, says BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Gopal Bhargava. "You can yourself analyse the current situation. They have the support of one SP MLA, one MLA of BSP and four Independent MLAs. There is bickering within the party," he said while talking to ANI on Monday. "This government will fall on its own. I don't believe in horse-trading but I feel the government's time has come. It will have to go soon," he said. "For some, the Congress government is of two and a half CMs; for some of three CMs and for others of 3.5 CMs. There is widespread anarchy in the state under the current dispensation," said Bhargava. He also spoke about the leadership crisis in the Congress. "You can see the Congress has a leadership crisis as well. This is the main reason for the Congress' decline. We are winning in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh just after six months that we lost in the Assembly polls, all because of the Congress' false promises and faulty policies," he said. "We will write to the Governor in a few days, requesting her to call the session of Assembly keeping in the people's aspirations and other current issues," he said. The 231-member MP Assembly has 113 Congress members and 109 BJP members. The ruling coalition is led by the Congress party, supported by two MLAs of SP-BSP, and four Independent MLAs.

Congress' Madhya Pradesh government will fall on its own: BJP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this segment of WION's India Votes, Watch How Exit Polls Predicts NDA's Big Win In Maharashtra In General Elections 2019. #GeneralElection2019 #IndiaVotes #LokSabhaElection2019 #ExitPolls2019

India Votes: Exit Polls 2019; Predicts NDA's Big Win In Maharashtra

In this segment of WION's India Votes, We Predicts DMK's Comeback In Tamil Nadu as per the Exit Polls. #GeneralElection2019 #IndiaVotes #LokSabhaElection2019 #ExitPolls2019

India Votes: Exit polls predicts DMK's comeback in Tamil Nadu

In this segment of India Votes, Exclusively In conversation With BJP Leader Vani Tripathi Tikkoo. #GeneralElection2019 #IndiaVotes #LokSabhaElection2019 #ExitPolls2019

India Votes: Exclusively In Conversation With BJP Leader Vani Tripathi Tikkoo

In this segment of WION's India Votes, Know Ten Big Take-Aways Emerged From 'Exit Polls 2019' #GeneralElection2019 #IndiaVotes #LokSabhaElection2019 #ExitPolls2019

India Votes: Know Ten Big Take-Aways Emerged From 'Exit Polls 2019'

Congress Leader Brijesh Kalappa speaks exclusively to WION on exit poll results which predict huge victory for BJP in the Lok Sabha polls. #GeneralElection2019 #IndiaVotes #LokSabhaElection2019 #ExitPolls2019

India Votes: Exit Polls 2019; Congress React To Exit Poll Predictions

In this segment of WION's India Votes, Know How 'Exit Polls 2019' Come Out State-Wise. #GeneralElection2019 #IndiaVotes #LokSabhaElection2019 #ExitPolls2019

India Votes: Know How 'Exit Polls 2019' Come Out State-Wise

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

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

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

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

In this segment of WION's India Votes, Watch We Decodes the 'Exit Polls 2019' with Panel of Special Guests or Experts With Us. #GeneralElection2019 #IndiaVotes #LokSabhaElection2019 #Exit Polls 2019

India Votes: Decodes the 'Exit Polls 2019' with Panel of Special Guests or Experts

In this segment of WION's India Votes, Look at the Plethora of Reactions On Social Media by politicians and others. #GeneralElection2019 #IndiaVotes #LokSabhaElection2019 #ExitPolls2019

India Votes: Exit Polls 2019; Look At Plethora of Reactions On Social Media

In this segment of WION's India Votes, We Predicts BJP as the second largest party in the West Bengal as per Exit Polls 2019. #GeneralElection2019 #IndiaVotes #LokSabhaElection2019 #ExitPolls2019

India Votes: Exit Polls 2019; BJP Emerges As Second Largest Party In West Bengal

PDP Spokesperson Waheed Ur Rehman speaks exclusively to WION on exit poll results which predict huge victory for BJP in the Lok Sabha polls. #GeneralElection2019 #IndiaVotes #LokSabhaElection2019 #ExitPolls2019

India Votes: Exit Polls 2019; PDP React To Exit Poll Predictions

BJP Spokesperson Amit Malviya speaks exclusively to WION on exit poll results which predict huge victory for BJP in the Lok Sabha polls. #GeneralElection2019 #IndiaVotes #LokSabhaElection2019 #ExitPolls2019

India Votes: Exit Polls 2019; BJP React To Exit Poll Predictions