Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party is all set to return to power in Goa after comfortably beating&nbsp;all the other parties.

Out of 40 assembly seats, BJP easily crossed the halfway mark by winning 20 seats, according to the Election Commission portal.

Three Independent candidates have also vouched their support to the saffron party.

The principal rival party, Rahul Gandhi-led the Indian National Congress, has managed to pocket only 10 seats and is leading in one more constituency.

<img alt="(Credit: Election Commission of India) Party-wise result in Goa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a4cd5528-ed8f-442e-be2e-6729676bb23b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/EC_0.jpg" />

The results come as a massive jolt to the Gandhi scion, whose party has been desperately trying hard to stay relevant in the changing political landscape in India.

Incumbent Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who is expected to helm the affairs again, thanked the people for showing support.

He also acknowledged that his victory was a tight contest and could have gone either way with low margins.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/parkash-singh-badal-charanjit-channi-navjot-sidhu-amarinder-singh-and-majithia-lose-election-460903">Also read | Parkash Singh Badal, Charanjit Channi, Navjot Sidhu, Amarinder Singh and Majithia lose election</a>

“It was very challenging for me as I was campaigning state-wise but couldn't reach my own constituency. My workers campaigned for me. I've won with low margins, but we (BJP) have won with a majority. It's a big deal. 20 seats confirmed, 3 confirmed their support,” Sawant told ANI news agency.

Goa witnessed a multi-cornered contest with parties including the BJP, Congress, Trinamool Congress, and AAP in the fray.

In 2017, the Congress had emerged as the single largest party in the state, winning 17 seats, but it wasn’t able to form the government.

The BJP, which won 13 seats, managed to form the government with the support of the Goa Forward Party and the MGP which had won three seats each, and two independents.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party is all set to return to power in Goa after comfortably beating all the other parties. Out of 40 assembly seats, BJP easily crossed the halfway mark by winning 20 seats, according to the Election Commission portal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party is all set to return to power in Goa after comfortably beating all the other parties. Out of 40 assembly seats, BJP easily crossed the halfway mark by winning 20 seats, according to the Election Commission portal. Three Independent candidates have also vouched their support to the saffron party. The principal rival party, Rahul Gandhi-led the Indian National Congress, has managed to pocket only 10 seats and is leading in one more constituency. The results come as a massive jolt to the Gandhi scion, whose party has been desperately trying hard to stay relevant in the changing political landscape in India. Incumbent Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who is expected to helm the affairs again, thanked the people for showing support. He also acknowledged that his victory was a tight contest and could have gone either way with low margins. Also read | Parkash Singh Badal, Charanjit Channi, Navjot Sidhu, Amarinder Singh and Majithia lose election “It was very challenging for me as I was campaigning state-wise but couldn't reach my own constituency. My workers campaigned for me. I've won with low margins, but we (BJP) have won with a majority. It's a big deal. 20 seats confirmed, 3 confirmed their support,” Sawant told ANI news agency. Goa witnessed a multi-cornered contest with parties including the BJP, Congress, Trinamool Congress, and AAP in the fray. In 2017, the Congress had emerged as the single largest party in the state, winning 17 seats, but it wasn’t able to form the government. The BJP, which won 13 seats, managed to form the government with the support of the Goa Forward Party and the MGP which had won three seats each, and two independents. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi’s BJP sweeps Goa assembly elections, all set to form government

India&#39;s Congress party today replaced Digvijaya Singh as general secretary in-charge of Goa and Karnataka.

AICC Secretary A Chella Kumar has been made in-charge of Goa.

K C Venugopal has been made general secretary in-charge of Karnataka, where assembly polls are due next year.&nbsp;

Digvijaya Singh&#39;s removal comes after he was widely blamed for moving slowly to form the government in Goa in the recent assembly polls.

The Congress which finished as&nbsp;the largest single party in the assembly elections with 17 seats in the 40-member House was outflanked by the BJP which quickly inducted independents and other small parties(MGP, Goa Forward) to form the government in the coastal state led by chief minister Manohar Parrikar even though the party had won just 13 seats in the polls.

The political manoeuvre left Congress red-faced even though Digvijaya Singh tried to defend his position declaring it was against the constitution&nbsp;since the grand old party of India was the largest single party but his argument wasn&#39;t taken seriously as the governor invited the BJP to form the government since it had cobbled together a majority in the Goa assembly.

The former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh will, however, continue as general secretary in-charge of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

(WION) &nbsp;&nbsp;

AICC Secretary A Chella Kumar has been made in-charge of Goa

India's Congress party today replaced Digvijaya Singh as general secretary in-charge of Goa and Karnataka. AICC Secretary A Chella Kumar has been made in-charge of Goa. K C Venugopal has been made general secretary in-charge of Karnataka, where assembly polls are due next year. Digvijaya Singh's removal comes after he was widely blamed for moving slowly to form the government in Goa in the recent assembly polls. The Congress which finished as the largest single party in the assembly elections with 17 seats in the 40-member House was outflanked by the BJP which quickly inducted independents and other small parties(MGP, Goa Forward) to form the government in the coastal state led by chief minister Manohar Parrikar even though the party had won just 13 seats in the polls. The political manoeuvre left Congress red-faced even though Digvijaya Singh tried to defend his position declaring it was against the constitution since the grand old party of India was the largest single party but his argument wasn't taken seriously as the governor invited the BJP to form the government since it had cobbled together a majority in the Goa assembly. The former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh will, however, continue as general secretary in-charge of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. (WION)

Congress removes Digvijaya Singh as general secretary in-charge of Goa, Karnataka

US President Donald Trump called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday evening to congratulate him on his recent state election victories, White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters.

Trump also congratulated German Chancellor Angela Merkel for her party&rsquo;s victory in a provincial election, the White House said.

&quot;The president spoke with German Chancellor Merkel and Indian Prime Minister Modi earlier today to congratulate them on their parties&#39; success in recent elections,&quot; Spicer said.

Modi&rsquo;s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formed the government in four Indian states: Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa. Elections were held in five states.

It, however, lost Punjab to main rival Congress in the results announced on March 11.

This is the second time Trump has called Modi since he took office in January this year.&nbsp;

Previously, Modi and Trump talked by phone on January 24, when they had resolved to stand &quot;shoulder-to-shoulder&quot; in the global fight against terrorism and for defence and security.

The BJP bagged the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections winning 312 seats of the state assembly&#39;s 403 seats.&nbsp;

The BJP returned to power in the politically-crucial state of UP after a gap of 15 years.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

The White House said Trump also called German chancellor Angela Merkel

US President Donald Trump called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday evening to congratulate him on his recent state election victories, White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters. Trump also congratulated German Chancellor Angela Merkel for her party’s victory in a provincial election, the White House said. "The president spoke with German Chancellor Merkel and Indian Prime Minister Modi earlier today to congratulate them on their parties' success in recent elections," Spicer said. Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formed the government in four Indian states: Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa. Elections were held in five states. It, however, lost Punjab to main rival Congress in the results announced on March 11. This is the second time Trump has called Modi since he took office in January this year. Previously, Modi and Trump talked by phone on January 24, when they had resolved to stand "shoulder-to-shoulder" in the global fight against terrorism and for defence and security. The BJP bagged the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections winning 312 seats of the state assembly's 403 seats. The BJP returned to power in the politically-crucial state of UP after a gap of 15 years. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Trump calls Modi, congratulates him on UP & other wins

In the wake of the recent debate on the formation of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) -&nbsp;dominated government in Goa and Manipur, the Congress party branded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP ministers as &#39;power-hungry&#39;&nbsp;politicians, going against the will of the locals.

With regards to Manohar Parrikar being appointed as the new chief minister of Goa, Congress leader Rizwan Arshad claimed that the appointment is against the will of residents in Goa.

Speaking to ANI, Arshad questioned Parrikar regarding why he did not contest the elections if he desired to be the chief minister, adding that the BJP is forcefully entering the political scenario in Goa.

&quot;Parrikar is not the chosen candidate for CM in the eyes of locals in Goa. The recent events are very unfortunate for the democracy,&quot; said Arshad.

With regards to Manipur, Arshad accused the Modi Government of misuse of power, further stating that independent MLAs were &#39;abducted by CISF&#39;.

Arshad also claimed that the recent attack on Kannada writer Yogesh Master has been fueled by right-wing organisations that are being supported by Prime Minister Modi.

&quot;These organisations are against liberalist ideology. The Congress Government in Karnataka will not let the miscreants walk free,&quot; he added.Commenting on India`s relations with Pakistan, Arshad stated that Prime Minister Modi&#39;s actions and words look &#39;out of sync&#39;, since there has been no clarity on the matter so far.

Meanwhile, the Congress moved the Supreme Court against Goa Governor&#39;s decision to invite Parrikar to form government in the state, despite the BJP emerging as the second largest party.

The Congress claimed that the Governor should have invited them to form government, as they are the single largest party with 17 seats.

The petition for urgent hearing was mentioned before Chief Justice of India JS&nbsp;Khehar, and is scheduled to take place later today.

(ANI)&nbsp;

Congress branded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP ministers as 'power-hungry'?politicians, going against the will of the locals

In the wake of the recent debate on the formation of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) - dominated government in Goa and Manipur, the Congress party branded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP ministers as 'power-hungry' politicians, going against the will of the locals. With regards to Manohar Parrikar being appointed as the new chief minister of Goa, Congress leader Rizwan Arshad claimed that the appointment is against the will of residents in Goa. Speaking to ANI, Arshad questioned Parrikar regarding why he did not contest the elections if he desired to be the chief minister, adding that the BJP is forcefully entering the political scenario in Goa. "Parrikar is not the chosen candidate for CM in the eyes of locals in Goa. The recent events are very unfortunate for the democracy," said Arshad. With regards to Manipur, Arshad accused the Modi Government of misuse of power, further stating that independent MLAs were 'abducted by CISF'. Arshad also claimed that the recent attack on Kannada writer Yogesh Master has been fueled by right-wing organisations that are being supported by Prime Minister Modi. "These organisations are against liberalist ideology. The Congress Government in Karnataka will not let the miscreants walk free," he added.Commenting on India`s relations with Pakistan, Arshad stated that Prime Minister Modi's actions and words look 'out of sync', since there has been no clarity on the matter so far. Meanwhile, the Congress moved the Supreme Court against Goa Governor's decision to invite Parrikar to form government in the state, despite the BJP emerging as the second largest party. The Congress claimed that the Governor should have invited them to form government, as they are the single largest party with 17 seats. The petition for urgent hearing was mentioned before Chief Justice of India JS Khehar, and is scheduled to take place later today. (ANI)

India: Congress slams BJP for 'backdoor entry' in Goa, Manipur

With the Assembly Election polling for 40 seats underway in Goa, India&#39;s defence minister Manohar Parrikar cast his vote early on Saturday morning here and expressed his confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will sweep the polls with two-third majority.

Speaking to the media in Panaji after casting his vote, Parrikar said that initial reports indicate a very good turnout by the electorate. &quot;I expect like the last time in 2012, where there was an 84% voting, it may even exceed that this time. Goa votes very heavily and this is one of the specialities what the BJP has inducted into the politics of Goa to increase voting. BJP expects mandate with two-third majority,&quot; the defence minister said.

More than 1600 polling stations have been set up for the smooth conduct of elections. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on the electorate to turn out in record numbers and cast their votes without fail. &quot;Urging people of Punjab &amp; Goa to turn out in record numbers &amp; vote in the Assembly elections. I particularly urge my young friends to vote,&quot; he said in a tweet.

In Goa, about 11.10 lakh voters are going to decide, the fate of 251 candidates including 19 women. About 32 thousand young voters will be exercising their franchise for the first time and women voters outnumber men this time.

40 &#39;all-women&#39;&nbsp;managed polling stations have been set up to motivate women`s participation in the electoral process. The commission has made a directory of about 2700 Persons with Disabilities who will be given pick up facility from home.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, about 1.7 crore rupees and more than 70 thousand litres of liquor have been seized, till date by the Election Commission appointed police and excise teams.

(ANI)&nbsp;

In Goa, about 11.10 lakh voters are going to decide, the fate of 251 candidates including 19 women

With the Assembly Election polling for 40 seats underway in Goa, India's defence minister Manohar Parrikar cast his vote early on Saturday morning here and expressed his confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will sweep the polls with two-third majority. Speaking to the media in Panaji after casting his vote, Parrikar said that initial reports indicate a very good turnout by the electorate. "I expect like the last time in 2012, where there was an 84% voting, it may even exceed that this time. Goa votes very heavily and this is one of the specialities what the BJP has inducted into the politics of Goa to increase voting. BJP expects mandate with two-third majority," the defence minister said. More than 1600 polling stations have been set up for the smooth conduct of elections. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on the electorate to turn out in record numbers and cast their votes without fail. "Urging people of Punjab & Goa to turn out in record numbers & vote in the Assembly elections. I particularly urge my young friends to vote," he said in a tweet. In Goa, about 11.10 lakh voters are going to decide, the fate of 251 candidates including 19 women. About 32 thousand young voters will be exercising their franchise for the first time and women voters outnumber men this time. 40 'all-women' managed polling stations have been set up to motivate women`s participation in the electoral process. The commission has made a directory of about 2700 Persons with Disabilities who will be given pick up facility from home. Meanwhile, about 1.7 crore rupees and more than 70 thousand litres of liquor have been seized, till date by the Election Commission appointed police and excise teams. (ANI)

Goa elections: Parrikar casts his vote, says BJP will win with two-third majority

Voters in the Indian states of Punjab and Goa on Saturday&nbsp;exercised&nbsp;their franchise to elect provincial governments.

Voting to elect the 117-member Punjab Assembly in a three-cornered contest with Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP combine, locked in a tough contest with Congress and new entrant Aam Aadmi Party, began early in the morning.

In the high-stake election, the first after Modi Government&#39;s demonetisation move, 1,145 candidates, including 81 women and a&nbsp;transgender candidate, are in the fray.

The early voters included General JJ Singh (Red) of SAD, Pargat Singh of Congress, Sucha Singh Chhotepur of Apna Punjab Party (APP), and Bhagwant Mann, Gurpreet Singh Ghuggi and Sukhpal Singh Kahiara of AAP.

Congress candidate Ravneet Singh Bittu said AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal had joined hands with fundamentalists to fight the state polls.

General (retd) JJ Singh said SAD-BJP will perform a hattrick and form the government.

The AAP, which had won four Lok Sabha seats in 2014, has plunged into the contest in a big way with its chief Arvind Kejriwal criss-crossing large parts of the state.

The Badal family came under fierce attack from AAP over alleged corruption, drug menace and law and order while the SAD-BJP and Congress accused AAP of flirting with extremists and targeted Kejriwal for being an &quot;outsider&quot;.

Kejriwal, in turn, accused Congress chief Amarinder Singh and the Badals of being hand in glove.

A high voter turnout of over 83 per cent was today recorded in the Assembly polls in Goa, where the ruling BJP is engaged in a fierce fight with the Opposition Congress, AAP and an alliance of MGP, Shiv Sena and GSM for the 40-member House.

Heavy polling was witnessed in the mining belt of Sankhalim, Bicholim and Curchorem.

A 78-year-old man died outside a polling booth in Panaji city. Leslie Saldanha, who was waiting to cast his vote, collapsed and died, officials said.

ECI&#39;s data from various polling booth showed that over 83 per cent of 11.10 lakh voters turned up to exercise franchise.

An impressive 83 per cent voting was recorded in the state in 2012 assembly polls, which saw the BJP wresting power from the Congress.

Defence minister Manohar Parrikar, widely seen as the chief ministerial face of the BJP, Union minister Shripad Naik and chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar were among the early voters who cast their ballots.

A total of 250 contestants are in the fray, which include many independents.

The election is being closely fought by major political forces - BJP, Congress, AAP and the MGP-led alliance.

The polls will decide future of Goa&#39;s five former chief ministers - Churchill Alemao, Pratapsinh Rane, Ravi Naik, Digambar Kamat and Luizinho Faleiro and the incumbent Parsekar.

BJP has put up 36 aspirants, Congress 37 and AAP is contesting on 39 seats and each of them backing independents in a few seats.

BJP, which had a pre-poll alliance in 2012, is going it alone this time after the MGP snapped the partnership and forged a front with Goa Suraksha Manch floated by RSS rebel Subhas Velingkar and Shiv Sena.

Counting of votes will be taken up on March 11.

&nbsp;

(This first appeared in DNA)

Goa witnessed a high voter turnout at 83 per cent, while 70 per cent voters exercised their franchise in Punjab

Voters in the Indian states of Punjab and Goa on Saturday exercised their franchise to elect provincial governments. Voting to elect the 117-member Punjab Assembly in a three-cornered contest with Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP combine, locked in a tough contest with Congress and new entrant Aam Aadmi Party, began early in the morning. In the high-stake election, the first after Modi Government's demonetisation move, 1,145 candidates, including 81 women and a transgender candidate, are in the fray. The early voters included General JJ Singh (Red) of SAD, Pargat Singh of Congress, Sucha Singh Chhotepur of Apna Punjab Party (APP), and Bhagwant Mann, Gurpreet Singh Ghuggi and Sukhpal Singh Kahiara of AAP. Congress candidate Ravneet Singh Bittu said AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal had joined hands with fundamentalists to fight the state polls. General (retd) JJ Singh said SAD-BJP will perform a hattrick and form the government. The AAP, which had won four Lok Sabha seats in 2014, has plunged into the contest in a big way with its chief Arvind Kejriwal criss-crossing large parts of the state. The Badal family came under fierce attack from AAP over alleged corruption, drug menace and law and order while the SAD-BJP and Congress accused AAP of flirting with extremists and targeted Kejriwal for being an "outsider". Kejriwal, in turn, accused Congress chief Amarinder Singh and the Badals of being hand in glove. A high voter turnout of over 83 per cent was today recorded in the Assembly polls in Goa, where the ruling BJP is engaged in a fierce fight with the Opposition Congress, AAP and an alliance of MGP, Shiv Sena and GSM for the 40-member House. Heavy polling was witnessed in the mining belt of Sankhalim, Bicholim and Curchorem. A 78-year-old man died outside a polling booth in Panaji city. Leslie Saldanha, who was waiting to cast his vote, collapsed and died, officials said. ECI's data from various polling booth showed that over 83 per cent of 11.10 lakh voters turned up to exercise franchise. An impressive 83 per cent voting was recorded in the state in 2012 assembly polls, which saw the BJP wresting power from the Congress. Defence minister Manohar Parrikar, widely seen as the chief ministerial face of the BJP, Union minister Shripad Naik and chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar were among the early voters who cast their ballots. A total of 250 contestants are in the fray, which include many independents. The election is being closely fought by major political forces - BJP, Congress, AAP and the MGP-led alliance. The polls will decide future of Goa's five former chief ministers - Churchill Alemao, Pratapsinh Rane, Ravi Naik, Digambar Kamat and Luizinho Faleiro and the incumbent Parsekar. BJP has put up 36 aspirants, Congress 37 and AAP is contesting on 39 seats and each of them backing independents in a few seats. BJP, which had a pre-poll alliance in 2012, is going it alone this time after the MGP snapped the partnership and forged a front with Goa Suraksha Manch floated by RSS rebel Subhas Velingkar and Shiv Sena. Counting of votes will be taken up on March 11. (This first appeared in DNA)

India state elections: Polling ends in Punjab and Goa

A united opposition on Thursday visited the office of India&#39;s Election Commission to discuss the date of the Budget Session and demanded that it be presented once the assembly elections are over.

&quot;Populist measures could be taken in budget, so a just and fair election can&#39;t be held. We demand that budget be presented after March 8, which is when polling for elections will be over,&quot; said Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad after meeting the poll panel.

Trinamool Congress, Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Janata Dal (United), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other opposition parties met the Commission.

The Budget Session of the Parliament will begin on February 1.

The Election Commission on Tuesday announced seven-phase polling for 403 assembly constituencies in the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh, two-phase polling in Manipur and one-phase polling each in the states of Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa respectively.

While the Election Commission said it will examine a representation made by parties opposing the February 1 Budget plan, finance minister Arun Jaitley defended the move asking why Opposition parties are afraid of it when they have claimed that demonetization is an unpopular decision.

Parties including Congress, Left, SP and BSP wrote to the Election Commission and the President opposing the advancing of the budget presentation to February 1 before the polls.

&quot;It is a collective and serious concern of the Opposition parties that advancing the presentation of budget to February 1 will provide an opportunity to the government to make populist announcements to influence voters. This will not only give unfair advantage to the ruling party but will also undermine the process of free and fair elections. It is therefore demanded that in view of the forthcoming elections and the precedent of 2012, the advancement of the presentation of the budget should not be allowed,&quot; Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said in a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi.

&nbsp;

(This report first appeared in DNA)

The opposition parties met the election commissioner today.The Budget Session of the Parliament is scheduled to begin on February 1

A united opposition on Thursday visited the office of India's Election Commission to discuss the date of the Budget Session and demanded that it be presented once the assembly elections are over. "Populist measures could be taken in budget, so a just and fair election can't be held. We demand that budget be presented after March 8, which is when polling for elections will be over," said Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad after meeting the poll panel. Trinamool Congress, Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Janata Dal (United), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other opposition parties met the Commission. The Budget Session of the Parliament will begin on February 1. The Election Commission on Tuesday announced seven-phase polling for 403 assembly constituencies in the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh, two-phase polling in Manipur and one-phase polling each in the states of Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa respectively. While the Election Commission said it will examine a representation made by parties opposing the February 1 Budget plan, finance minister Arun Jaitley defended the move asking why Opposition parties are afraid of it when they have claimed that demonetization is an unpopular decision. Parties including Congress, Left, SP and BSP wrote to the Election Commission and the President opposing the advancing of the budget presentation to February 1 before the polls. "It is a collective and serious concern of the Opposition parties that advancing the presentation of budget to February 1 will provide an opportunity to the government to make populist announcements to influence voters. This will not only give unfair advantage to the ruling party but will also undermine the process of free and fair elections. It is therefore demanded that in view of the forthcoming elections and the precedent of 2012, the advancement of the presentation of the budget should not be allowed," Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said in a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi. (This report first appeared in DNA)

India: Opposition demands budget be presented after upcoming five-state elections

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