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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nearly 60 per cent female voters came out to exercise their franchise in Bihar in the Lok Sabha elections as against just about 55 per cent turnout for men.

As per the figures released by the Election Commission here, the overall turnout for female voters stood at 59.92 per cent as against 55.26 per cent for men.

The constituencies which registered the highest female turnouts were Katihar (72.37), Supaul (71.64), Kishanganj (70.37), Araria (69.39), Purnea (68.15), Begusarai (67.13), Samastipur (66.74), Vaishali (66.62) and Ujiarpur (65.12).

In contrast, the male turnout did not exceed 65 per cent in any of the 40 seats in the state and exceeded 60 per cent in only five Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Katihar and Purnea, it said.

Notably, among the constituencies with the highest female turnouts, only Supaul and Vaishali had a woman candidate as one of the main contestants.

While sitting Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan is in the fray from Supaul, in Vaishali the LJP has fielded Veena Devi. In some constituencies, the difference between male and female turnout was significantly high. In Sitamarhi 54.53 per cent men voted as against 64.36 per cent women.

In Madhubani and Jhanjharpur, the male turnout stood at 48.14 per cent and 51.25 per cent respectively as against 59.97 per cent and 63.83 per cent for female voters in these constituencies.

Siwan, where the main contest is between Kavita Singh of JD(U) and Heena Shahab of RJD, both married to local bahubalis, the female voters appeared similarly enthusiastic as their turnout stood at 59.56 per cent as against only 50.17 per cent for men.

However, in adjoining Gopalganj (SC) and Maharajganj, which did not have any prominent female candidate, womens turnout was, similarly, about 10 per cent higher than that of men.

However, all the constituencies which went to polls in the last phase registered lower female turnouts. Patna Sahib, which covers the entire Bihar capital, saw a measly 43.07 per cent female turnout as gainst 49.27 per cent men.

The seat is witnessing a high-profile battle between actor-turned-politician and second term MP Shatrughan Sinha, who is the contesting on a Congress ticket, and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad who has been fielded by the BJP.

In adjoining Pataliputra, Lalu Prasad's daughter Misa Bharti's presence in the fray seems to have failed to enthuse female voters as their turnout stood at 52.40 per cent compared with 59.07 per cent for male.

In Sasaram (SC), which former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar seeks to wrest back from BJPs Chhedi Paswan, female turnout was 51.65 per cent as against 56.88 per cent for male.

Even in Nalanda, the home turf of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who has been working over the years to carve out a following among female voters, cutting across caste and religious lines, through measures like reservations in panchayats ban on alcohol and free uniforms and bicycles to school-going girls, only 47.44 per cent women voted compared with 50.15 per cent men.

Female turnout was similarly lower than that of men in the remaining four seats Arrah, Jehanabad, Karakat and Buxar which went to polls on May 19.

The only other seat besides these eight where the female turnout remained lower than that of male was Gaya (SC).

Former chief minister and HAM president Jitan Ram Manjhi is engaged in, virtually, a straight contest with JD(U)s Vijay Manjhi in the constituency which went to polls in the first phase on April 11 and where 55.55 per cent women came out to vote as against 56.74 per cent men.

Nearly 60 per cent female voters came out to exercise their franchise in Bihar in the Lok Sabha elections as against just about 55 per cent turnout for men. As per the figures released by the Election Commission here, the overall turnout for female voters stood at 59.

Nearly 60 per cent female voters came out to exercise their franchise in Bihar in the Lok Sabha elections as against just about 55 per cent turnout for men. As per the figures released by the Election Commission here, the overall turnout for female voters stood at 59.92 per cent as against 55.26 per cent for men. The constituencies which registered the highest female turnouts were Katihar (72.37), Supaul (71.64), Kishanganj (70.37), Araria (69.39), Purnea (68.15), Begusarai (67.13), Samastipur (66.74), Vaishali (66.62) and Ujiarpur (65.12). In contrast, the male turnout did not exceed 65 per cent in any of the 40 seats in the state and exceeded 60 per cent in only five Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Katihar and Purnea, it said. Notably, among the constituencies with the highest female turnouts, only Supaul and Vaishali had a woman candidate as one of the main contestants. While sitting Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan is in the fray from Supaul, in Vaishali the LJP has fielded Veena Devi. In some constituencies, the difference between male and female turnout was significantly high. In Sitamarhi 54.53 per cent men voted as against 64.36 per cent women. In Madhubani and Jhanjharpur, the male turnout stood at 48.14 per cent and 51.25 per cent respectively as against 59.97 per cent and 63.83 per cent for female voters in these constituencies. Siwan, where the main contest is between Kavita Singh of JD(U) and Heena Shahab of RJD, both married to local bahubalis, the female voters appeared similarly enthusiastic as their turnout stood at 59.56 per cent as against only 50.17 per cent for men. However, in adjoining Gopalganj (SC) and Maharajganj, which did not have any prominent female candidate, womens turnout was, similarly, about 10 per cent higher than that of men. However, all the constituencies which went to polls in the last phase registered lower female turnouts. Patna Sahib, which covers the entire Bihar capital, saw a measly 43.07 per cent female turnout as gainst 49.27 per cent men. The seat is witnessing a high-profile battle between actor-turned-politician and second term MP Shatrughan Sinha, who is the contesting on a Congress ticket, and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad who has been fielded by the BJP. In adjoining Pataliputra, Lalu Prasad's daughter Misa Bharti's presence in the fray seems to have failed to enthuse female voters as their turnout stood at 52.40 per cent compared with 59.07 per cent for male. In Sasaram (SC), which former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar seeks to wrest back from BJPs Chhedi Paswan, female turnout was 51.65 per cent as against 56.88 per cent for male. Even in Nalanda, the home turf of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who has been working over the years to carve out a following among female voters, cutting across caste and religious lines, through measures like reservations in panchayats ban on alcohol and free uniforms and bicycles to school-going girls, only 47.44 per cent women voted compared with 50.15 per cent men. Female turnout was similarly lower than that of men in the remaining four seats Arrah, Jehanabad, Karakat and Buxar which went to polls on May 19. The only other seat besides these eight where the female turnout remained lower than that of male was Gaya (SC). Former chief minister and HAM president Jitan Ram Manjhi is engaged in, virtually, a straight contest with JD(U)s Vijay Manjhi in the constituency which went to polls in the first phase on April 11 and where 55.55 per cent women came out to vote as against 56.74 per cent men.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Bihar records substantial female turnout, highest in Katihar

Stock market will reach a new record high by end-year, a Reuters poll of strategists showed, building on an election-driven rally in which investors have bet the ruling party will retain power and continue current economic policies.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/after-witnessing-eventful-day-stock-market-close-at-record-high-sensex-surges-over-1400-points-220115">BSE Sensex index rose</a> by its biggest amount in one day since September 2013 on Monday after exit polls showed the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) party led by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/at-nda-meeting-pm-modi-expresses-concern-over-needless-controversy-over-evms-by-opposition-220526">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> will retain power for a second consecutive term.

Final results are due on Thursday.

Having gained 8% so far this year, the index is forecast to add another 2.6% by end-2019, touching an all-time high of 40,000 from Tuesday’s close of 38,969, the poll of nearly 50 strategists taken May 14-21 showed.

All but one of the equity strategists who answered an additional question said they have factored in either the BJP winning a majority or a victory of the BJP-led NDA into their forecasts.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/experts-view-sensex-crosses-39500-mark-for-first-time-220374/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“I feel a stable government and more policy action to come will definitely give a boost to the economy and that will act positive for the market,” said B.V. Rudramurthy, managing director at Vachana Investments.

Still, the predicted rise is much smaller than the 15% per cent stock market surge in the first six months after Modi came to power in 2014, suggesting some investors are less optimistic about the NDA administration than they were then.

The benchmark index is forecast to hit another fresh high of 42,250 by end-2020. Similar gains are predicted for the broader NSE Nifty.

The overall optimism among investors lines up with a separate Reuters poll of mostly financial sector economists conducted last month, which concluded that the BJP winning a majority or a BJP-led NDA government would be best for the economy.

“As per the exit polls, NDA led by BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) is likely to easily cross the half-way mark. Markets will have a big sigh of relief as it favours continuity and familiarity in terms of roll-out of policies,” said Ajay Bodke, CEO at Prabhudas Lilladher.&nbsp;

The Reserve Bank of India cut interest rates twice before the elections. Like most major central banks, it is not expected to tighten policy any time soon, another factor that has kept share prices around the world well-bid this year.

However, not all respondents were optimistic.

Nearly one in three contributors forecast the index to decline from the current level by end of this year, including four participants predicting a correction - a decline of 10% or more.

“We do expect weakness in global equities throughout the rest of the year as the global economy disappoints,” said Shilan Shah, senior India economist at Capital Economics.

“For India, especially with the recent rally, they (stocks) look extremely stretched...It is one of the reasons to think the rally probably can’t continue for much longer.”

Shah has predicted a decline of nearly 12% by end-2019 with one of the most pessimistic calls at 34,250.&nbsp;

Although stocks have risen about 65% since Modi first took office in 2014, that was significantly less compared to the previous two terms of the Congress party-led UPA (United Progressive Alliance) between 2004-2014.

The reason for lagging was largely due to weak corporate earnings, which fell about 4% annually during Modi’s tenure after gaining nearly 12% under the prior government.

This is also reflected by a higher average price-to-earnings ratio and lower dividend yield under Modi’s tenure.

“At present stocks are defying gravity. With the price-to-earnings ratio at a historic high of 28, the market is too expensive. My fear is if earnings don’t pick up soon, the chances of a correction are high,” said Milind Vasudev, senior equity analyst at Arihant Capital Markets.&nbsp;

Stock market will reach a new record high by end-year, a Reuters poll of strategists showed, building on an election-driven rally in which investors have bet the ruling party will retain power and continue current economic policies.

Stock market will reach a new record high by end-year, a Reuters poll of strategists showed, building on an election-driven rally in which investors have bet the ruling party will retain power and continue current economic policies. The BSE Sensex index rose by its biggest amount in one day since September 2013 on Monday after exit polls showed the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will retain power for a second consecutive term. Final results are due on Thursday. Having gained 8% so far this year, the index is forecast to add another 2.6% by end-2019, touching an all-time high of 40,000 from Tuesday’s close of 38,969, the poll of nearly 50 strategists taken May 14-21 showed. All but one of the equity strategists who answered an additional question said they have factored in either the BJP winning a majority or a victory of the BJP-led NDA into their forecasts. “I feel a stable government and more policy action to come will definitely give a boost to the economy and that will act positive for the market,” said B.V. Rudramurthy, managing director at Vachana Investments. Still, the predicted rise is much smaller than the 15% per cent stock market surge in the first six months after Modi came to power in 2014, suggesting some investors are less optimistic about the NDA administration than they were then. The benchmark index is forecast to hit another fresh high of 42,250 by end-2020. Similar gains are predicted for the broader NSE Nifty. The overall optimism among investors lines up with a separate Reuters poll of mostly financial sector economists conducted last month, which concluded that the BJP winning a majority or a BJP-led NDA government would be best for the economy. “As per the exit polls, NDA led by BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) is likely to easily cross the half-way mark. Markets will have a big sigh of relief as it favours continuity and familiarity in terms of roll-out of policies,” said Ajay Bodke, CEO at Prabhudas Lilladher. The Reserve Bank of India cut interest rates twice before the elections. Like most major central banks, it is not expected to tighten policy any time soon, another factor that has kept share prices around the world well-bid this year. However, not all respondents were optimistic. Nearly one in three contributors forecast the index to decline from the current level by end of this year, including four participants predicting a correction - a decline of 10% or more. “We do expect weakness in global equities throughout the rest of the year as the global economy disappoints,” said Shilan Shah, senior India economist at Capital Economics. “For India, especially with the recent rally, they (stocks) look extremely stretched...It is one of the reasons to think the rally probably can’t continue for much longer.” Shah has predicted a decline of nearly 12% by end-2019 with one of the most pessimistic calls at 34,250. Although stocks have risen about 65% since Modi first took office in 2014, that was significantly less compared to the previous two terms of the Congress party-led UPA (United Progressive Alliance) between 2004-2014. The reason for lagging was largely due to weak corporate earnings, which fell about 4% annually during Modi’s tenure after gaining nearly 12% under the prior government. This is also reflected by a higher average price-to-earnings ratio and lower dividend yield under Modi’s tenure. “At present stocks are defying gravity. With the price-to-earnings ratio at a historic high of 28, the market is too expensive. My fear is if earnings don’t pick up soon, the chances of a correction are high,” said Milind Vasudev, senior equity analyst at Arihant Capital Markets.

Nifty, Sensex to climb a bit more if PM Modi wins decisively: Poll

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-amit-shah-meet-union-ministers-thank-them-for-service-to-nation-220445">Narendra Modi</a> Tuesday expressed concern over the "needless controversy" created by the Opposition over EVMs at a meeting of NDA leaders, even as the ruling alliance laid out its agenda for the next five years if it is elected to power again.

At the BJP-led ruling alliance meeting, which was attended by 36 parties, a resolution was passed, terming the 2019 general election decisive for the country and pledging to make India "strong, developed, prosperous and inclusive" by 2022 when India completes 75 years of its independence, party leader and Union minister Rajnath Singh told reporters.

In his address, Modi stressed on the need to change the narrative from caste lines and orient it for the poor, Singh said.

The prime minister expressed concern over the Opposition making "needless controversy" over electronic voting machines, the home minister said.

The resolution was proposed by BJP ally and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E K Palaniswami were among the BJP allies who attended the dinner-meeting hosted by BJP president Amit Shah.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday expressed concern over the "needless controversy" created by the Opposition over EVMs at a meeting of NDA leaders, even as the ruling alliance laid out its agenda for the next five years if it is elected to power again.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday expressed concern over the "needless controversy" created by the Opposition over EVMs at a meeting of NDA leaders, even as the ruling alliance laid out its agenda for the next five years if it is elected to power again. At the BJP-led ruling alliance meeting, which was attended by 36 parties, a resolution was passed, terming the 2019 general election decisive for the country and pledging to make India "strong, developed, prosperous and inclusive" by 2022 when India completes 75 years of its independence, party leader and Union minister Rajnath Singh told reporters. In his address, Modi stressed on the need to change the narrative from caste lines and orient it for the poor, Singh said. The prime minister expressed concern over the Opposition making "needless controversy" over electronic voting machines, the home minister said. The resolution was proposed by BJP ally and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E K Palaniswami were among the BJP allies who attended the dinner-meeting hosted by BJP president Amit Shah.

At NDA meeting, PM Modi expresses concern over 'needless controversy' over EVMs by opposition

A day ahead of counting of votes for the Parliamentary elections, the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) in Telangana is upbeat about winning 16 of the total 17 Lok Sabha seats, while opposition Congress and BJP also sounded hopeful of winning a good number of seats.

"We have full confidence that we will definitely win 16 seats. We have no doubts about it. The majority (winning margins) may vary, but we will win 16," TRS MLC Palla Rajeshwara Reddy said.

TRS has been focused on winning 16 out of the total 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana (leaving Hyderabad seat to its ally AIMIM).

BJP MLC N Ramchander Rao, who is the candidate from Malkajgiri in the Lok Sabha polls, said his party is going to pull off surprises by winning seats in "unexpected numbers".

As per the party's internal surveys, it stands a good chance to win Adilabad and it did well in Nizamabad and Karimnagar, Rao said.

It is a keen contest in Mahabubnagar, Secunderabad and Malkajgiri, he said, adding that the party is expected to win at least two or three among the above mentioned six seats.

State Congress working president Ponnam Prabhakar, who is the party candidate in Karimnagar, said his party is expected do very well in constituencies, including Chevella, Nalgonda, Khammam, Karimnagar, Malkajgiri, Secunderabad and Bhongir.

While some exit polls predicted TRS to win 16 seats, some others gave the ruling party 13-14 seats.

A day ahead of counting of votes for the Parliamentary elections, the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) in Telangana is upbeat about winning 16 of the total 17 Lok Sabha seats, while opposition Congress and BJP also sounded hopeful of winning a good number of seats.

A day ahead of counting of votes for the Parliamentary elections, the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) in Telangana is upbeat about winning 16 of the total 17 Lok Sabha seats, while opposition Congress and BJP also sounded hopeful of winning a good number of seats. "We have full confidence that we will definitely win 16 seats. We have no doubts about it. The majority (winning margins) may vary, but we will win 16," TRS MLC Palla Rajeshwara Reddy said. TRS has been focused on winning 16 out of the total 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana (leaving Hyderabad seat to its ally AIMIM). BJP MLC N Ramchander Rao, who is the candidate from Malkajgiri in the Lok Sabha polls, said his party is going to pull off surprises by winning seats in "unexpected numbers". As per the party's internal surveys, it stands a good chance to win Adilabad and it did well in Nizamabad and Karimnagar, Rao said. It is a keen contest in Mahabubnagar, Secunderabad and Malkajgiri, he said, adding that the party is expected to win at least two or three among the above mentioned six seats. State Congress working president Ponnam Prabhakar, who is the party candidate in Karimnagar, said his party is expected do very well in constituencies, including Chevella, Nalgonda, Khammam, Karimnagar, Malkajgiri, Secunderabad and Bhongir. While some exit polls predicted TRS to win 16 seats, some others gave the ruling party 13-14 seats.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: TRS upbeat on 16 seats, BJP hopes to pull off surprises in Telangana

A Delhi court Wednesday reserved for June 7 order on a complaint seeking lodging of an FIR against Rahul Gandhi for his alleged 'Khoon ki Dalali' remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal reserved order on the complaint, filed by advocate Joginder Tuli, which has sought direction to the police to register an FIR against Gandhi for allegedly making derogatory remarks in 2016 against PM Modi, accusing him of hiding behind the blood of soldiers and cashing in on their sacrifice.

The Delhi Police had on May 15 filed an action taken report before the court in which the police had said that Gandhi allegedly made the defamatory statement against the prime minister for which a suit may be filed.

A Delhi court Wednesday reserved for June 7 order on a complaint seeking lodging of an FIR against Rahul Gandhi for his alleged 'Khoon ki Dalali' remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A Delhi court Wednesday reserved for June 7 order on a complaint seeking lodging of an FIR against Rahul Gandhi for his alleged 'Khoon ki Dalali' remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal reserved order on the complaint, filed by advocate Joginder Tuli, which has sought direction to the police to register an FIR against Gandhi for allegedly making derogatory remarks in 2016 against PM Modi, accusing him of hiding behind the blood of soldiers and cashing in on their sacrifice. The Delhi Police had on May 15 filed an action taken report before the court in which the police had said that Gandhi allegedly made the defamatory statement against the prime minister for which a suit may be filed.

'Khoon ki Dalali' remark against PM: Court reserves order on complaint seeking FIR against Rahul

Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections, in which over 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats, will begin at 8.00 am Thursday and results are expected only by late evening due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count for the first time.

67.11 per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections.

This is the highest ever voter turnout in Indian parliamentarian elections.

This is for the first time in a Lok Sabha election that results of voting machines will be matched with slips generated by paper trail machines.

The exercise will take place in five polling stations per assembly segment which effectively means that out of nearly 10.3 lakh polling stations, the EVM-VVPAT matching will take place in 20600 such stations.

The Election Commission is yet to provide the number of counting centres being set up for Thursday, saying the data is not centrally available.

As per procedure, postal ballots would be the first to be counted.

Service voters stood at 18 lakh.

These include personnel of the armed forces, central police force personnel and state police personnel who are posted outside their constituencies.

Diplomats and support staff posted in Indian embassies abroad are also counted as service voters.

Out of 18 lakh registered voters, 16.49 lakh have sent their postal ballots to their respective returning officers as on May 17.

The exercise of counting postal ballots manually will itself take a couple of hours at least, an EC official said.

The paper trail machines slips will be counted in the end.

As per the procedure, first the slips will be counted &nbsp;and the EVM displays would be switched on later to match the results.

In case of a mismatch, the results based in paper slip count will be considered as final.

The entire exercise of EVM-Paper trail machine matching will take an additional four to five hours.

Out of the 543 Lok Sabha seats, elections were held in 542 constituencies as the EC had cancelled polls to the Vellore constituency on the grounds of excessive use of money power.

The poll panel is yet to announce a fresh date for elections in Vellore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several union ministers, Congress President Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav are among key leaders who contested the polls.

Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections, in which over 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats, will begin at 8.00 am Thursday and results are expected only by late evening due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count for the first time.

Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections, in which over 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats, will begin at 8.00 am Thursday and results are expected only by late evening due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count for the first time. 67.11 per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections. This is the highest ever voter turnout in Indian parliamentarian elections. This is for the first time in a Lok Sabha election that results of voting machines will be matched with slips generated by paper trail machines. The exercise will take place in five polling stations per assembly segment which effectively means that out of nearly 10.3 lakh polling stations, the EVM-VVPAT matching will take place in 20600 such stations. The Election Commission is yet to provide the number of counting centres being set up for Thursday, saying the data is not centrally available. As per procedure, postal ballots would be the first to be counted. Service voters stood at 18 lakh. These include personnel of the armed forces, central police force personnel and state police personnel who are posted outside their constituencies. Diplomats and support staff posted in Indian embassies abroad are also counted as service voters. Out of 18 lakh registered voters, 16.49 lakh have sent their postal ballots to their respective returning officers as on May 17. The exercise of counting postal ballots manually will itself take a couple of hours at least, an EC official said. The paper trail machines slips will be counted in the end. As per the procedure, first the slips will be counted and the EVM displays would be switched on later to match the results. In case of a mismatch, the results based in paper slip count will be considered as final. The entire exercise of EVM-Paper trail machine matching will take an additional four to five hours. Out of the 543 Lok Sabha seats, elections were held in 542 constituencies as the EC had cancelled polls to the Vellore constituency on the grounds of excessive use of money power. The poll panel is yet to announce a fresh date for elections in Vellore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several union ministers, Congress President Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav are among key leaders who contested the polls.

Lok Sabha elections 2019: Counting to take place on Thursday, matching VVPAT slips likely to delay results

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a PIL seeking 100 per cent matching of voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) slips with electronic voting machines (EVMs) during the counting of votes on May 23 for Lok Sabha polls.

A vacation bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra refused to entertain the plea filed by a Chennai-based organisation 'Tech for All', saying that a larger bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had already dealt with the matter and passed an order.

"The CJI had dealt with this matter. Why are you taking chance before a two-judge vacation bench?" the Supreme Court asked.

"We cannot override the CJI's order... This is nonsense. The petition is taken on board. Dismissed," Justice Mishra said.

The Supreme Court had on May 7 dismissed a review plea filed by 21 opposition leaders, led by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, seeking that random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs be increased to 50 per cent.

The Supreme Court had on April 8 directed the Election Commission to increase random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs from one to five polling booths per assembly segment in Lok Sabha polls, saying it would provide greater satisfaction not just to political parties but also to the entire electorate.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a PIL seeking 100 per cent matching of voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) slips with electronic voting machines (EVMs) during the counting of votes on May 23 for Lok Sabha polls.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a PIL seeking 100 per cent matching of voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) slips with electronic voting machines (EVMs) during the counting of votes on May 23 for Lok Sabha polls. A vacation bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra refused to entertain the plea filed by a Chennai-based organisation 'Tech for All', saying that a larger bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had already dealt with the matter and passed an order. "The CJI had dealt with this matter. Why are you taking chance before a two-judge vacation bench?" the Supreme Court asked. "We cannot override the CJI's order... This is nonsense. The petition is taken on board. Dismissed," Justice Mishra said. The Supreme Court had on May 7 dismissed a review plea filed by 21 opposition leaders, led by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, seeking that random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs be increased to 50 per cent. The Supreme Court had on April 8 directed the Election Commission to increase random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs from one to five polling booths per assembly segment in Lok Sabha polls, saying it would provide greater satisfaction not just to political parties but also to the entire electorate.

Supreme Court junks PIL seeking 100% VVPAT matching with EVMs on May 23

Maharashtra BJP president Raosaheb Danve said the NDA would improve its 2014 tally in the state by winning 45 out of total 48 Lok Sabha seats.

The BJP and the Shiv Sena had jointly won 42 constituencies in 2014 elections.

"The BJP and the Shiv Sena had jointly won 42 seats in 2014 elections, but this time we will win 45 seats. Not a single seat we are going to lose which we had won in 2014," Danve said, adding that the Opposition parties would have to accept this fact.

He dismissed the exit poll prediction of the Sena facing any backlash in elections.

"Sena had won 18 seats in 2014 and was the biggest partner of BJP in the Centre. I do not think Sena will face any problem," he added.

The seven-phase elections to 542 seats of 543-member Lok Sabha ended Sunday. Counting of votes is scheduled for Thursday.

Most exit polls have forecast another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with some of them projecting that the BJP-led NDA would get over 300 seats to comfortably cross the majority mark of 272 in the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

Maharashtra BJP president Raosaheb Danve said the NDA would improve its 2014 tally in the state by winning 45 out of total 48 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP and the Shiv Sena had jointly won 42 constituencies in 2014 elections.

Maharashtra BJP president Raosaheb Danve said the NDA would improve its 2014 tally in the state by winning 45 out of total 48 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP and the Shiv Sena had jointly won 42 constituencies in 2014 elections. "The BJP and the Shiv Sena had jointly won 42 seats in 2014 elections, but this time we will win 45 seats. Not a single seat we are going to lose which we had won in 2014," Danve said, adding that the Opposition parties would have to accept this fact. He dismissed the exit poll prediction of the Sena facing any backlash in elections. "Sena had won 18 seats in 2014 and was the biggest partner of BJP in the Centre. I do not think Sena will face any problem," he added. The seven-phase elections to 542 seats of 543-member Lok Sabha ended Sunday. Counting of votes is scheduled for Thursday. Most exit polls have forecast another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with some of them projecting that the BJP-led NDA would get over 300 seats to comfortably cross the majority mark of 272 in the Lok Sabha.

National Democratic Alliance will win 45 seats in Maharashtra, says state BJP chief

As many as 20 lakh security personnel were deployed in the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls, rendering the exercise bigger than India's well known 'Operation Brasstacks' in the 1980s, which was larger than any NATO exercise since World War-II, officials said Monday.

The 'Operation Brasstacks' was a major military exercise of the Indian Army in Rajasthan. It took place in 1986 until its execution in 1987.

The scale of the 2019 general election itself is massive and growing over time as between 1989 and 2019, the number of parties in the fray have increased over 20 times, the size of the electorate has increased by over 80 per cent, the number of polling stations has nearly doubled and the number of contesting candidates has increased by nearly 35 per cent.

"Effectively, nearly 20 lakh personnel of the police and central paramilitary personnel were involved during the elections. The mobilisation of such a large scale is rare anywhere in the world. In fact, India's best known Army exercise 'Operation Brasstacks' (1986-87), where nearly 6-8 lakh personnel were said to have been involved, itself was bigger than any NATO exercise since World War-II," a Home Ministry official said.

The extent of mobilisation of the security forces has also been massive with nearly 25 per cent of the overall strength of central paramilitary forces being deployed for elections this year, indicating the involvement of over three lakh paramilitary personnel.

However, since these officials are redeployed at various locations in different phases, the effective deployment is almost 2.35 times the number of troops actually involved.

Thus, if the elections in 2019 were to be conducted on a single day, the effective requirement would be for over 10 lakh personnel. Similarly, in the 2014 general election, the actual and effective deployments were of the order of 2.5 lakh and 6 lakh, respectively.

In addition to the paramilitary forces and state armed battalions, extensive participation of police personnel belonging to civil police and district armed reserve, along with home guards and special police officers in various capacities, have also been seen.

Even if the participation is taken at 50 per cent of actual strength, this would mean the involvement of nearly 8-10 lakh additional personnel, the official said.

Apart from the mammoth size of election-related mobilisation, the duration is also considerable. This year's general elections were conducted over a period of nearly 40 days (April 11 to May 19) with the counting of votes scheduled to take place on May 23.

Timely mobilisation of nearly 20 lakh personnel within 40 to 45 days is a humongous task. A well thought planning with the Indian Railways, state and various forces play a crucial role in completing the requirement of the Election Commission, another official said.

More than 150 special trains were utilised for mobilisation of troops. These troops criss-cross the length and breadth of the country to meet the requirement of the respective state, the official said.

The core duties of the paramilitary personnel deployed for election duty include instilling a sense of confidence and security among people to exercise their franchise freely without any fear.

The additional responsibilities include maintaining law and order, preventing poll violence and guarding the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

The Election Commission, in coordination with the Home Ministry, which has the administrative control over the central paramilitary forces, has made an assessment of all aspects having bearing on the election process, including the state-wise and phase-wise requirement of security forces, the official said.

The ministry prepared a deployment plan of various forces like the CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB and the Assam Rifles keeping in view their role in border guarding, counter-insurgency operations and other commitments.

As many as 20 lakh security personnel were deployed in the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls, rendering the exercise bigger than India's well known 'Operation Brasstacks' in the 1980s, which was larger than any NATO exercise since World War-II, officials said Monday.

As many as 20 lakh security personnel were deployed in the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls, rendering the exercise bigger than India's well known 'Operation Brasstacks' in the 1980s, which was larger than any NATO exercise since World War-II, officials said Monday. The 'Operation Brasstacks' was a major military exercise of the Indian Army in Rajasthan. It took place in 1986 until its execution in 1987. The scale of the 2019 general election itself is massive and growing over time as between 1989 and 2019, the number of parties in the fray have increased over 20 times, the size of the electorate has increased by over 80 per cent, the number of polling stations has nearly doubled and the number of contesting candidates has increased by nearly 35 per cent. "Effectively, nearly 20 lakh personnel of the police and central paramilitary personnel were involved during the elections. The mobilisation of such a large scale is rare anywhere in the world. In fact, India's best known Army exercise 'Operation Brasstacks' (1986-87), where nearly 6-8 lakh personnel were said to have been involved, itself was bigger than any NATO exercise since World War-II," a Home Ministry official said. The extent of mobilisation of the security forces has also been massive with nearly 25 per cent of the overall strength of central paramilitary forces being deployed for elections this year, indicating the involvement of over three lakh paramilitary personnel. However, since these officials are redeployed at various locations in different phases, the effective deployment is almost 2.35 times the number of troops actually involved. Thus, if the elections in 2019 were to be conducted on a single day, the effective requirement would be for over 10 lakh personnel. Similarly, in the 2014 general election, the actual and effective deployments were of the order of 2.5 lakh and 6 lakh, respectively. In addition to the paramilitary forces and state armed battalions, extensive participation of police personnel belonging to civil police and district armed reserve, along with home guards and special police officers in various capacities, have also been seen. Even if the participation is taken at 50 per cent of actual strength, this would mean the involvement of nearly 8-10 lakh additional personnel, the official said. Apart from the mammoth size of election-related mobilisation, the duration is also considerable. This year's general elections were conducted over a period of nearly 40 days (April 11 to May 19) with the counting of votes scheduled to take place on May 23. Timely mobilisation of nearly 20 lakh personnel within 40 to 45 days is a humongous task. A well thought planning with the Indian Railways, state and various forces play a crucial role in completing the requirement of the Election Commission, another official said. More than 150 special trains were utilised for mobilisation of troops. These troops criss-cross the length and breadth of the country to meet the requirement of the respective state, the official said. The core duties of the paramilitary personnel deployed for election duty include instilling a sense of confidence and security among people to exercise their franchise freely without any fear. The additional responsibilities include maintaining law and order, preventing poll violence and guarding the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The Election Commission, in coordination with the Home Ministry, which has the administrative control over the central paramilitary forces, has made an assessment of all aspects having bearing on the election process, including the state-wise and phase-wise requirement of security forces, the official said. The ministry prepared a deployment plan of various forces like the CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB and the Assam Rifles keeping in view their role in border guarding, counter-insurgency operations and other commitments.

20 lakh security men deployed in Lok Sabha polls, mobilisation was bigger than Army's 'Operation Brasstacks'

India on May 20 adopted a global resolution to redefine four of the seven base units — kilogramme, Kelvin, mole and ampere, a move expected to have far-reaching effects, including changes in textbooks.

A resolution to redefine four of the seven base units was passed by representatives of 60 countries at the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), Paris on November 16 last year.

However, it has been implemented across the world on May 20 -- World Meteorology Day, Shekhar Mande, Director General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), said.

Over 100 countries have adopted the metric system of measurements, also known as the International System of Units (SI), which has been in practice since 1889.

The other base units are -- second, metre and candela.

"The fundamental constants are invariants of time and space and have successfully replaced the artefact based units, and aptly opened up the new era for quantum world by linking all seven base units to fundamental constants or quantum standards," said K Aswal, Director of the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), one of the oldest scientific institutes in the country that also takes care of setting meteorology standards domestically.

The purpose of system units is to enable worldwide coherence of measurements. The International System of Units (SI) was formalised in 1960 and has been updated several times to account for development in measurement technology.

"Since the 1960s, we have to rely ever more heavily on advanced science and engineering in our day-to-day lives, and also in manufacturing, healthcare and science. The proposed changes in the unit definition have been designed to have no immediate consequences," he said.

"The unit redefinitions represent a profound change of perspective and they are expected to form the foundations of improved measurements for decades to come as science and technology continues to develop in a way we cannot currently foresee," Aswal said, however, this "may not change anything drastically", but it will matter when it comes to measurements less than a kilogramme. For instance, measuring smaller diamonds.

The NPL has also sent recommendations on the proposed changes to be incorporated in the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to implement them in contemporary education, he said. 
Recommendations on the proposed changes have also been sent to the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and other academic institutes to be incorporated in syllabi of metrology courses in graduate engineering and academic courses.&nbsp;

India on May 20 adopted a global resolution to redefine four of the seven base units — kilogramme, Kelvin, mole and ampere, a move expected to have far-reaching effects, including changes in textbooks.

India on May 20 adopted a global resolution to redefine four of the seven base units — kilogramme, Kelvin, mole and ampere, a move expected to have far-reaching effects, including changes in textbooks. A resolution to redefine four of the seven base units was passed by representatives of 60 countries at the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), Paris on November 16 last year. However, it has been implemented across the world on May 20 -- World Meteorology Day, Shekhar Mande, Director General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), said. Over 100 countries have adopted the metric system of measurements, also known as the International System of Units (SI), which has been in practice since 1889. The other base units are -- second, metre and candela. "The fundamental constants are invariants of time and space and have successfully replaced the artefact based units, and aptly opened up the new era for quantum world by linking all seven base units to fundamental constants or quantum standards," said K Aswal, Director of the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), one of the oldest scientific institutes in the country that also takes care of setting meteorology standards domestically. The purpose of system units is to enable worldwide coherence of measurements. The International System of Units (SI) was formalised in 1960 and has been updated several times to account for development in measurement technology. "Since the 1960s, we have to rely ever more heavily on advanced science and engineering in our day-to-day lives, and also in manufacturing, healthcare and science. The proposed changes in the unit definition have been designed to have no immediate consequences," he said. "The unit redefinitions represent a profound change of perspective and they are expected to form the foundations of improved measurements for decades to come as science and technology continues to develop in a way we cannot currently foresee," Aswal said, however, this "may not change anything drastically", but it will matter when it comes to measurements less than a kilogramme. For instance, measuring smaller diamonds. The NPL has also sent recommendations on the proposed changes to be incorporated in the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to implement them in contemporary education, he said. Recommendations on the proposed changes have also been sent to the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and other academic institutes to be incorporated in syllabi of metrology courses in graduate engineering and academic courses.

India adopts new standards for measuring units kilogram, kelvin, mole & ampere

With exit polls forecasting NDA's return to power, top leaders of the BJP-led alliance will meet Today over dinner to be hosted by party president Amit Shah where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be present, party sources said.

Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and Lok Janshakti Party head Ram Vilas Paswan are likely to attend the meeting, which will take place two days before the counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls on May 23.

A meeting of key BJP leaders, including Union Ministers and Modi, is also scheduled to be held in the party headquarters before the dinner meeting with allies.

The BJP's decision to host the dinner comes following the exit polls which have been unanimous in projecting another term for Modi.

Modi and Shah at a press conference on May 17 had exuded confidence that the saffron party-led alliance will return to power, and exit polls have furthered boosted their hopes.

Exit polls telecast by almost all major news channels have forecast that the BJP-led NDA will cross the majority mark of 272 in the 543-member Lok Sabha.

Polls have been held for 542 seats as the Election Commission had deferred the election for Vellore seat due to allegations of the use of money to influence the voting.

Several BJP leaders asserted on Monday that the party will get a majority on its own, repeating the unprecedented feat it achieved in 2014 by winning 282 seats.

With exit polls forecasting NDA's return to power, top leaders of the BJP-led alliance will meet Today over dinner to be hosted by party president Amit Shah where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be present, party sources said.

With exit polls forecasting NDA's return to power, top leaders of the BJP-led alliance will meet Today over dinner to be hosted by party president Amit Shah where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be present, party sources said. Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and Lok Janshakti Party head Ram Vilas Paswan are likely to attend the meeting, which will take place two days before the counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls on May 23. A meeting of key BJP leaders, including Union Ministers and Modi, is also scheduled to be held in the party headquarters before the dinner meeting with allies. The BJP's decision to host the dinner comes following the exit polls which have been unanimous in projecting another term for Modi. Modi and Shah at a press conference on May 17 had exuded confidence that the saffron party-led alliance will return to power, and exit polls have furthered boosted their hopes. Exit polls telecast by almost all major news channels have forecast that the BJP-led NDA will cross the majority mark of 272 in the 543-member Lok Sabha. Polls have been held for 542 seats as the Election Commission had deferred the election for Vellore seat due to allegations of the use of money to influence the voting. Several BJP leaders asserted on Monday that the party will get a majority on its own, repeating the unprecedented feat it achieved in 2014 by winning 282 seats.

National Democratic Alliance leaders to meet today to chalk out strategy on outcome of polls

The Election Commission on Monday clamped prohibitory orders in Bhatpara in North 24 Parganas district, following violence in the area during the assembly by-election on Sunday, a senior official said. Keeping in mind the “sensitive” situation in Bhatpara, it was decided to impose Section 144 of the CrPC, the EC official told reporters here.

The commission had sought a report from the district magistrate on Sunday’s poll-related violence in Bhatpara. “Going by the report of the DM, Section 144 was clamped. It will prohibit an assembly of five or more people. Our security forces are posted in the area and we are keeping a tab on the situation,” he said.

Madan Mitra, the TMC candidate for the Bhatpara assembly constituency, on Monday, visited the EC office, accusing BJP leader Arjun Singh of “using force” to stop him from entering the town. The former state transport minister, who is pitched against Singh’s son Pawan, also said that if he was not allowed to enter Bhatpara on Tuesday, he would start a “satyagraha” (protest).

Bhatpara, considered to be the stronghold of former TMC MLA Arjun Singh, turned into a virtual battle zone on Sunday when the by-election was underway, with BJP and TMC activists allegedly clashing with each other in Kankinara under the Bhatpara Assembly constituency. Bombs were also reportedly hurled and an office of the ruling TMC in Kankinara was set on fire, as central forces restored to lathi-charge to bring the situation under control.

The violence caused injury to 14 people, damaged shops and houses, and left Mitra’s car vandalised, police said. Meanwhile, around 200 companies of central forces would continue to remain in West Bengal till May 27 in the wake of possible post-poll violence in the state, officials said. “Steps have been taken to guard the strongroom where the EVMs and the VVPATs are kept. The number of observers who will keep a tab on the counting process on May 23, has also been increased,” an EC source said.

The Election Commission on Monday clamped prohibitory orders in Bhatpara in North 24 Parganas district, following violence in the area during the assembly by-election on Sunday, a senior official said.

The Election Commission on Monday clamped prohibitory orders in Bhatpara in North 24 Parganas district, following violence in the area during the assembly by-election on Sunday, a senior official said. Keeping in mind the “sensitive” situation in Bhatpara, it was decided to impose Section 144 of the CrPC, the EC official told reporters here. The commission had sought a report from the district magistrate on Sunday’s poll-related violence in Bhatpara. “Going by the report of the DM, Section 144 was clamped. It will prohibit an assembly of five or more people. Our security forces are posted in the area and we are keeping a tab on the situation,” he said. Madan Mitra, the TMC candidate for the Bhatpara assembly constituency, on Monday, visited the EC office, accusing BJP leader Arjun Singh of “using force” to stop him from entering the town. The former state transport minister, who is pitched against Singh’s son Pawan, also said that if he was not allowed to enter Bhatpara on Tuesday, he would start a “satyagraha” (protest). Bhatpara, considered to be the stronghold of former TMC MLA Arjun Singh, turned into a virtual battle zone on Sunday when the by-election was underway, with BJP and TMC activists allegedly clashing with each other in Kankinara under the Bhatpara Assembly constituency. Bombs were also reportedly hurled and an office of the ruling TMC in Kankinara was set on fire, as central forces restored to lathi-charge to bring the situation under control. The violence caused injury to 14 people, damaged shops and houses, and left Mitra’s car vandalised, police said. Meanwhile, around 200 companies of central forces would continue to remain in West Bengal till May 27 in the wake of possible post-poll violence in the state, officials said. “Steps have been taken to guard the strongroom where the EVMs and the VVPATs are kept. The number of observers who will keep a tab on the counting process on May 23, has also been increased,” an EC source said.

Election Commission imposes prohibitory orders in ‘sensitive’ Bhatpara after violence during assembly by-election

Poland's Ambassador to India Professor Adam Burakowski has said that the new Indian government should be even more open to the world especially Europe and Poland. In a candid interview to WION, he spoke about several issues regarding India-Poland ties,&nbsp;trade, terror and how India saved more than 1000 Polish children in World War II.

WION: How do you see India, Poland ties?

Professor Adam Burakowski: The relations between India and Poland are growing. This year in September we will have the historical movement of reopening the direct flight between Delhi and Warsaw. After 25 years, we are reconnecting out capitals. Also, our economic ties are growing. We have reached $3 billion mutual yearly exchange. Indian community in Poland is growing especially the students. We have around 4000 students from India studying in Polish universities.&nbsp;

WION: How have been the trade ties?

Professor Adam Burakowski: There are still some fields of possible cooperation that have potential. Our IT companies are investing in India. Two leading polish companies are working in India. Also, our other companies have invested in India and reaching new markets. This mutual exchange is growing fast.

WION: Expectations from the new Indian government?

Professor Adam Burakowski: I hope the new government will be even more open to the international world including Europe and Poland. Poland is a member of the European Union for 15 years. The country has a good environment for Indian companies to invest in. If you invest in Poland you will have access to all the European Union market.

WION: Terror has been a major issue. Europe has been a major target for terror networks. How do you plan to deal with the scourge?

Professor Adam Burakowski: Fortunately, Poland hasn't been the target of any terrorist attack in recent years. But we are preparing ourselves and our security forces are aware of the threat. We would like to cooperate with every country that has anti-terrorism on its agenda and India is one of them.

WION: Can you shed some light&nbsp;on the historic ties between the two countries and how India helped Poland in World War II?

Professor Adam Burakowski: Poland and India both have been always friendly towards each other. In 19th centuries, our countries were occupied by foreign powers so we share a common experience. In World War II India welcomed a big number of Polish refugees in camps. One was in Balachadi near Jamnagar, the local maharaja hosted 1000 polish children. And second was in Valivade, Kolhapur, the Maharaja also contributed in sheltering 5000 polish children in the world war. We established ties in 1954.

Poland's Ambassador to India Professor Adam Burakowski has said that the new Indian government should be even more open to the world especially Europe and Poland.

Poland's Ambassador to India Professor Adam Burakowski has said that the new Indian government should be even more open to the world especially Europe and Poland. In a candid interview to WION, he spoke about several issues regarding India-Poland ties, trade, terror and how India saved more than 1000 Polish children in World War II. WION: How do you see India, Poland ties? Professor Adam Burakowski: The relations between India and Poland are growing. This year in September we will have the historical movement of reopening the direct flight between Delhi and Warsaw. After 25 years, we are reconnecting out capitals. Also, our economic ties are growing. We have reached $3 billion mutual yearly exchange. Indian community in Poland is growing especially the students. We have around 4000 students from India studying in Polish universities. WION: How have been the trade ties? Professor Adam Burakowski: There are still some fields of possible cooperation that have potential. Our IT companies are investing in India. Two leading polish companies are working in India. Also, our other companies have invested in India and reaching new markets. This mutual exchange is growing fast. WION: Expectations from the new Indian government? Professor Adam Burakowski: I hope the new government will be even more open to the international world including Europe and Poland. Poland is a member of the European Union for 15 years. The country has a good environment for Indian companies to invest in. If you invest in Poland you will have access to all the European Union market. WION: Terror has been a major issue. Europe has been a major target for terror networks. How do you plan to deal with the scourge? Professor Adam Burakowski: Fortunately, Poland hasn't been the target of any terrorist attack in recent years. But we are preparing ourselves and our security forces are aware of the threat. We would like to cooperate with every country that has anti-terrorism on its agenda and India is one of them. WION: Can you shed some light on the historic ties between the two countries and how India helped Poland in World War II? Professor Adam Burakowski: Poland and India both have been always friendly towards each other. In 19th centuries, our countries were occupied by foreign powers so we share a common experience. In World War II India welcomed a big number of Polish refugees in camps. One was in Balachadi near Jamnagar, the local maharaja hosted 1000 polish children. And second was in Valivade, Kolhapur, the Maharaja also contributed in sheltering 5000 polish children in the world war. We established ties in 1954.

Hope new Indian government will be even more open to world especially Poland: Polish envoy

Top opposition leaders will meet in the national capital Tuesday to discuss the possibility of a non-NDA alliance staking claim to government formation and also move the Election Commission to press for their demand of tallying paper trail of votes (VVPATs) with electronic voting machine (EVM) figures.

According to sources, leaders of opposition parties such as the Congress, TDP, Left parties, BSP, NCP and TMC will informally meet 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 Chandrababu 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 that have predicted a majority for the BJP-led NDA, 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.

As part of his efforts to unite the opposition, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader Naidu held a meeting on Monday 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.

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav also telephoned Banerjee on Monday 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.

On Sunday, Naidu met UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi separately in New Delhi, besides NCP supremo Pawar. 
Akhilesh and Mayawati also held a meeting on Monday and discussed their strategy going forward.

However, in view of the exit polls, the opposition has turned a bit cautious and decided not to hold any formal meetings.

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 a claim for government formation and thus, was putting its house in order.

Opposition parties will also be meeting the Election Commission and demand tallying of VVPAT slips with EVM figures in an entire Assembly constituency in case a discrepancy is found in any polling booth.

The Supreme 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.

In another related development, the apex court Tuesday dismissed a PIL seeking 100 per cent matching of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the counting of votes on May 23 for Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

Top opposition leaders will meet in the national capital Tuesday to discuss the possibility of a non-NDA alliance staking claim to government formation and also move the Election Commission to press for their demand of tallying paper trail of votes (VVPATs) with electronic voting machine (EVM) figures.

Top opposition leaders will meet in the national capital Tuesday to discuss the possibility of a non-NDA alliance staking claim to government formation and also move the Election Commission to press for their demand of tallying paper trail of votes (VVPATs) with electronic voting machine (EVM) figures. According to sources, leaders of opposition parties such as the Congress, TDP, Left parties, BSP, NCP and TMC will informally meet 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 Chandrababu 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 that have predicted a majority for the BJP-led NDA, 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. As part of his efforts to unite the opposition, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader Naidu held a meeting on Monday 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. Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav also telephoned Banerjee on Monday 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. On Sunday, Naidu met UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi separately in New Delhi, besides NCP supremo Pawar. Akhilesh and Mayawati also held a meeting on Monday and discussed their strategy going forward. However, in view of the exit polls, the opposition has turned a bit cautious and decided not to hold any formal meetings. 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 a claim for government formation and thus, was putting its house in order. Opposition parties will also be meeting the Election Commission and demand tallying of VVPAT slips with EVM figures in an entire Assembly constituency in case a discrepancy is found in any polling booth. The Supreme 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. In another related development, the apex court Tuesday dismissed a PIL seeking 100 per cent matching of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the counting of votes on May 23 for Lok Sabha polls.

Notwithstanding exit polls, opposition leaders set to meet, also to move Election Commission over VVPATs

Bigwigs cast their votes in the final phase of 2019 Lok Sabha elections

A day after meeting Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/hope-naidus-excitement-last-till-may-23-shiv-sena-mocks-andhra-cm-220025"> Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu</a> will meet West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee here on Monday, sources said.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president will meet Banerjee as part of his efforts to unite opposition parties against the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha election results on May 23.

"Naidu will hold a meeting with Mamata Banerjee at West Bengal secretariat this afternoon. Both will hold talks on the strategies of the 'mahagatbandhan' (grand alliance)," a highly placed source said.

During his interaction with Banerjee, Naidu is expected to brief her about his meetings with all political leaders in New Delhi over the weekend, the source said.

Naidu had a busy Sunday as he called on the Gandhis,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-nationalist-congress-party-supremo-sharad-pawar-meets-n-chandrababu-naidu-in-delhi-219863"> Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar</a> and Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury.

On Saturday, he had met Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.

Dubbing the exit polls "gossip", Banerjee Sunday said she doesn't trust such surveys as the "game plan" is to use them for "manipulation" of EVMs.

Her remarks came after most exit polls forecast another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with some predicting that the BJP-led NDA will get more than 300 seats, comfortably crossing the majority mark of 272 in the Lok Sabha.

A day after meeting Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will meet West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee here on Monday, sources said.

A day after meeting Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will meet West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee here on Monday, sources said. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president will meet Banerjee as part of his efforts to unite opposition parties against the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha election results on May 23. "Naidu will hold a meeting with Mamata Banerjee at West Bengal secretariat this afternoon. Both will hold talks on the strategies of the 'mahagatbandhan' (grand alliance)," a highly placed source said. During his interaction with Banerjee, Naidu is expected to brief her about his meetings with all political leaders in New Delhi over the weekend, the source said. Naidu had a busy Sunday as he called on the Gandhis, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar and Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury. On Saturday, he had met Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. Dubbing the exit polls "gossip", Banerjee Sunday said she doesn't trust such surveys as the "game plan" is to use them for "manipulation" of EVMs. Her remarks came after most exit polls forecast another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with some predicting that the BJP-led NDA will get more than 300 seats, comfortably crossing the majority mark of 272 in the Lok Sabha.

Chandrababu Naidu to meet Mamata Banerjee for post-poll alliance talks in Kolkata

Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik on Monday dismissed Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar from his ministerial position on the recommendation of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Five other leaders of the Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP), who were holding ministerial ranks in commissions, have also been removed with immediate effect.

Om Prakash Rajbhar was holding the post of Minister for Backward Class Welfare and 'Divyangjan' Empowerment in Uttar Pradesh government.

This comes after Adityanath earlier today wrote to state governor Ram Naik requesting him to immediately dismiss Rajbhar from the state cabinet.&nbsp;

Rajbhar had earlier resigned from the Cabinet but his resignation was not accepted.

On May 1, Rajbhar had stated that he has resigned as a cabinet minister from the state government over the seat-sharing agreement with the BJP.

"I had resigned on the night of April 13 from the post of state minister when they (BJP) said that you have to contest on our symbol. I told them I will contest from only one seat but from my own party. However, they did not agree to that either. Following which, I immediately resigned but they did not accept my resignation," Rajbhar had said back then.

SBSP is an ally of the BJP since 2017. Earlier on April 16, Rajbhar had announced that his party will go 'solo' in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls. He had alleged that the BJP wanted to "eliminate" the SBSP as it did not give them a single ticket.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik on Monday dismissed Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar from his ministerial position on the recommendation of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik on Monday dismissed Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar from his ministerial position on the recommendation of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Five other leaders of the Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP), who were holding ministerial ranks in commissions, have also been removed with immediate effect. Om Prakash Rajbhar was holding the post of Minister for Backward Class Welfare and 'Divyangjan' Empowerment in Uttar Pradesh government. This comes after Adityanath earlier today wrote to state governor Ram Naik requesting him to immediately dismiss Rajbhar from the state cabinet. Rajbhar had earlier resigned from the Cabinet but his resignation was not accepted. On May 1, Rajbhar had stated that he has resigned as a cabinet minister from the state government over the seat-sharing agreement with the BJP. "I had resigned on the night of April 13 from the post of state minister when they (BJP) said that you have to contest on our symbol. I told them I will contest from only one seat but from my own party. However, they did not agree to that either. Following which, I immediately resigned but they did not accept my resignation," Rajbhar had said back then. SBSP is an ally of the BJP since 2017. Earlier on April 16, Rajbhar had announced that his party will go 'solo' in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls. He had alleged that the BJP wanted to "eliminate" the SBSP as it did not give them a single ticket. (With inputs from agencies)

Uttar Pradesh: Governor Ram Naik dismisses Om Prakash Rajbhar from Cabinet on chief ministers Yogi Adityanath's request

Domestic stock markets opened higher on Monday after exit polls of the <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">2019 Lok Sabha elections</a> projected BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to win a comfortable majority.&nbsp;

At 10:30 AM, the S&amp;P BSE Sensex had gained a whopping 972.43 points, or 2.55 per cent, to trade at 38,903.31 levels, with Maruti, State Bank of India, Larsen &amp; Toubro, ICICI Bank, and Reliance Industries among the top gainers. The broader Nifty50, had gained 285.05 points, or 2.49 per cent, to trade at 11,691.

The exit polls are predicting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA is coming back to power at the Centre with close to 300 seats.

The Indian rupee also gained in the early trade on Monday. It opened higher by 73 paise at 69.49 per dollar on Monday versus previous close 70.22.

Wall Street ended lower on Friday as continuing trade tensions pulled industrial and tech shares down, and the Dow capped a fourth straight week of losses in its longest weekly losing streak in three years. 
 
Exit polls have been used for years to provide the pulse of India's political climate once voting is over. They try to give a sense of how voters may have exercised their franchise and which political party or alliance of parties stand the best chance of forming the next government.

Domestic stock markets opened higher on Monday after exit polls of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections projected BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to win a comfortable majority.

Domestic stock markets opened higher on Monday after exit polls of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections projected BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to win a comfortable majority. At 10:30 AM, the S&P BSE Sensex had gained a whopping 972.43 points, or 2.55 per cent, to trade at 38,903.31 levels, with Maruti, State Bank of India, Larsen & Toubro, ICICI Bank, and Reliance Industries among the top gainers. The broader Nifty50, had gained 285.05 points, or 2.49 per cent, to trade at 11,691. The exit polls are predicting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA is coming back to power at the Centre with close to 300 seats. The Indian rupee also gained in the early trade on Monday. It opened higher by 73 paise at 69.49 per dollar on Monday versus previous close 70.22. Wall Street ended lower on Friday as continuing trade tensions pulled industrial and tech shares down, and the Dow capped a fourth straight week of losses in its longest weekly losing streak in three years. Exit polls have been used for years to provide the pulse of India's political climate once voting is over. They try to give a sense of how voters may have exercised their franchise and which political party or alliance of parties stand the best chance of forming the next government.

Sensex rises 950 points as BJP-led NDA sweeps exit polls, rupee jumps against US dollar

Cash, drugs, liquor and precious metals worth Rs 3449.12 crore were seized by enforcement agencies since the <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">Lok Sabha polls</a> were announced on March 10, the Election Commission said on Sunday. The seizure is nearly three times the figures of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the figures show.

In 2014, the overall seizure was Rs 1,206 crore, Director General (Election Expenditure) in the EC Dilip Sharma told a press conference.

Between March 10 and May 19, Rs 839.03 crore in cash, liquor worth Rs 294.41 crore, drugs worth Rs 1270.37 crore, precious metals, including gold, worth Rs 986.76 crore and "freebies", including sarees, wrist watches, aimed at inducing voters worth Rs 58.56 crore were seized, he said.

The total comes to Rs 3449.12 crore.&nbsp;

Cash, drugs, liquor and precious metals worth Rs 3449.12 crore were seized by enforcement agencies since the Lok Sabha polls were announced on March 10, the Election Commission said on Sunday.

Cash, drugs, liquor and precious metals worth Rs 3449.12 crore were seized by enforcement agencies since the Lok Sabha polls were announced on March 10, the Election Commission said on Sunday. The seizure is nearly three times the figures of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the figures show. In 2014, the overall seizure was Rs 1,206 crore, Director General (Election Expenditure) in the EC Dilip Sharma told a press conference. Between March 10 and May 19, Rs 839.03 crore in cash, liquor worth Rs 294.41 crore, drugs worth Rs 1270.37 crore, precious metals, including gold, worth Rs 986.76 crore and "freebies", including sarees, wrist watches, aimed at inducing voters worth Rs 58.56 crore were seized, he said. The total comes to Rs 3449.12 crore.

Rs 3,500 crore worth cash, liquor, drugs seized during this Lok Sabha polls

With most of the <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">exit polls</a> predicting a rout for his party in Andhra Pradesh, Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu Sunday night said that time and again such polls failed.

"Time and again exit polls have failed to catch the people's pulse. Exit polls have proved to be incorrect and far from ground reality in many instances. While undoubtedly TDP govt will be formed in AP, we are confident that non-BJP parties will form a non-BJP govt at the centre (sic)," Naidu said in a late night tweet.

Barring one or two, almost all exit polls predicted a thumping victory for the main opposition YSR Congress in the state elections.

They also said the YSRC would win close to 20 of the 25 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

Though not dismal, the polls gave good numbers to the TDP as well. 
In another tweet, he said, "We reiterate our demand to the ECI to count VVPATs in at least 50% of polling stations. VVPATs should be counted in 5 polling stations in each Assembly Constituency at the beginning of the counting process. In case of discrepancy, all VVPATs of Assembly Constituency shall be counted."

With most of the exit polls predicting a rout for his party in Andhra Pradesh, Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu Sunday night said that time and again such polls failed.

With most of the exit polls predicting a rout for his party in Andhra Pradesh, Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu Sunday night said that time and again such polls failed. "Time and again exit polls have failed to catch the people's pulse. Exit polls have proved to be incorrect and far from ground reality in many instances. While undoubtedly TDP govt will be formed in AP, we are confident that non-BJP parties will form a non-BJP govt at the centre (sic)," Naidu said in a late night tweet. Barring one or two, almost all exit polls predicted a thumping victory for the main opposition YSR Congress in the state elections. They also said the YSRC would win close to 20 of the 25 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Though not dismal, the polls gave good numbers to the TDP as well. In another tweet, he said, "We reiterate our demand to the ECI to count VVPATs in at least 50% of polling stations. VVPATs should be counted in 5 polling stations in each Assembly Constituency at the beginning of the counting process. In case of discrepancy, all VVPATs of Assembly Constituency shall be counted."

Time and again exit polls have failed to catch the people's pulse: Chandrababu Naidu