Arvind Kejriwal, congratulated the people of India's northern state Punjab for his political party's stellar performance in the state assembly elections, calling it "revolutionary".

Election Commission data shows that&nbsp;the Aam Aadmi Party is leading in 92&nbsp;seats out of 117 in the Punjab Assembly as of 4&nbsp;PM. This is followed by Congress with 17 seats and Shiromani Akali Dal with 7.

The party's win in Punjab would mark the party's first in the state and a dramatic turnaround from its performance in the 2017 elections when it had finished second behind Congress.

<h3><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-india-assembly-election-result-2022-aap-surge-sweeps-punjab-bjp-leads-in-4-states-460719">LIVE | India Assembly Election Result 2022: AAP surge sweeps Punjab; BJP leads in 4 states</a></h3>

"Iss Inquilab ke liye Punjab ke logon ko bahut bahut badhai (congratulations to the people of Punjab for this revolution)," tweeted Kejriwal, the Indian capital of Delhi's Chief Minister and political party Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) national convenor.

Along with the tweet he also posted a photo of him and the AAP Chief Ministerial candidate Bhagwant Mann, showing the victory sign.

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इस इंक़लाब के लिए पंजाब के लोगों को बहुत-बहुत बधाई। <a href="https://t.co/BIJqv8OnGa">pic.twitter.com/BIJqv8OnGa</a>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1501808836297977857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Former chief minister and Punjab Lok Congress president Amarinder Singh accepted his defeat and congratulated the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its CM face Bhagwant Singh Mann "for an emphatic victory in the elections".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-assembly-poll-results-major-embarrassment-as-capt-amarinder-singh-loses-patiala-seat-460882" hreflang="en">India's Assembly Poll results: Major embarrassment as Capt Amarinder Singh loses Patiala seat</a>

In a statement, he said that while winning and losing is the natural outcome of elections, at the end, it was a victory of democracy in the state.

As Congress entered the polls, it was battling factionalism and anti-incumbency. Navjot Singh Sidhu, the new state unit chief of the party, hinted at his own intentions to become chief minister. This was while his party changed its Chief Minister in September last year.&nbsp;

Congress nominated Charanjit Singh Channi for the chief ministerial post days before the elections on February 20, endorsing him as the first Dalit chief minister in Punjab.

Watch |&nbsp;India: Counting of votes begins in 5 states as people look to give poll mandates to parties

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Shiromani Akali Dal, which had broken off its alliance with the BJP over the three farm laws that were eventually repealed, allied with the Bahujan Samaj Party to contest the Assembly elections.

BJP candidates contested more than 65 seats in Punjab for the first time, coming out in a tie with Punjab Lok Congress candidates led by Captain Amarinder Singh and Sanyukt Party candidates led by SS Dhindsa.

Punjab recorded an average voter turnout of 65.50 per cent on February 20 compared to over 77 per cent in 2017.

(With inputs from agencies)

Arvind Kejriwal, congratulated the people of India's northern state Punjab for his political party's stellar performance in the state assembly elections, calling it "revolutionary".

Arvind Kejriwal, congratulated the people of India's northern state Punjab for his political party's stellar performance in the state assembly elections, calling it "revolutionary". Election Commission data shows that the Aam Aadmi Party is leading in 92 seats out of 117 in the Punjab Assembly as of 4 PM. This is followed by Congress with 17 seats and Shiromani Akali Dal with 7. The party's win in Punjab would mark the party's first in the state and a dramatic turnaround from its performance in the 2017 elections when it had finished second behind Congress. LIVE | India Assembly Election Result 2022: AAP surge sweeps Punjab; BJP leads in 4 states "Iss Inquilab ke liye Punjab ke logon ko bahut bahut badhai (congratulations to the people of Punjab for this revolution)," tweeted Kejriwal, the Indian capital of Delhi's Chief Minister and political party Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) national convenor. Along with the tweet he also posted a photo of him and the AAP Chief Ministerial candidate Bhagwant Mann, showing the victory sign. इस इंक़लाब के लिए पंजाब के लोगों को बहुत-बहुत बधाई। pic.twitter.com/BIJqv8OnGa — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) March 10, 2022 × Former chief minister and Punjab Lok Congress president Amarinder Singh accepted his defeat and congratulated the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its CM face Bhagwant Singh Mann "for an emphatic victory in the elections". Also read | India's Assembly Poll results: Major embarrassment as Capt Amarinder Singh loses Patiala seat In a statement, he said that while winning and losing is the natural outcome of elections, at the end, it was a victory of democracy in the state. As Congress entered the polls, it was battling factionalism and anti-incumbency. Navjot Singh Sidhu, the new state unit chief of the party, hinted at his own intentions to become chief minister. This was while his party changed its Chief Minister in September last year. Congress nominated Charanjit Singh Channi for the chief ministerial post days before the elections on February 20, endorsing him as the first Dalit chief minister in Punjab. Watch | India: Counting of votes begins in 5 states as people look to give poll mandates to parties Shiromani Akali Dal, which had broken off its alliance with the BJP over the three farm laws that were eventually repealed, allied with the Bahujan Samaj Party to contest the Assembly elections. BJP candidates contested more than 65 seats in Punjab for the first time, coming out in a tie with Punjab Lok Congress candidates led by Captain Amarinder Singh and Sanyukt Party candidates led by SS Dhindsa. Punjab recorded an average voter turnout of 65.50 per cent on February 20 compared to over 77 per cent in 2017. (With inputs from agencies)

Punjab Election Results 2022: Even before ECI formal announcement, AAP celebrates a 'revolutionary' win

The ruling TRS and the Congress-led grand alliance are trying to woo farmers, youth and those receiving social security pensions to win the Telangana Legislative Assembly polls scheduled for December 7.

The TRS, Congress and the TDP have promised farm loan waivers and monthly unemployment dole besides hike in social security pensions.

The TRS, which has implemented farm loan waiver of Rs one lakh during its rule since 2014, has promised to repeat the scheme.

The investment support to farmers under the "Rythu Bandhu" scheme would be increased to Rs 10,000 per acre per annum from the current Rs 8,000,

TRS president and caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao said at an election rally last week.

He also highlighted the free power given to the farm sector.

"The only state in India to give 24-hour free power (to farm sector) is Telangana. Nobody in the country gives. No state gives. We will give more. As long as KCR is in power, will give free power to farming," he said.

The TRS government has also implemented the "Rythu Beema", the Rs 5 lakh insurance scheme for farmers, Rao said.

The party also promised Rs 3,000 per month dole to all eligible unemployed youth.

The TRS is also banking on social security pensions provided to various sections of the society, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities and single women.

It has promised to increase the pension given to different sections.

The major parties&nbsp;the TRS, the Congress and the BJP&nbsp;however, are yet to formally release their election manifestos.

The Congress, which is leading the grand alliance of opposition parties, has also promised loan waiver for farmers of up to Rs two lakh if voted to power.

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president N Uttam Kumar Reddy had alleged that the TRS copied the main points of its manifesto, after ridiculing farm loan waiver and other promises earlier.

The Congress earlier contended that the farm loan waiver implemented by the TRS government did not benefit farmers as it was done in a phased manner.

Focusing on the youth, the Congress has promised financial assistance of Rs 3,000 per month to the unemployed.

It has assured that 20,000 teachers' posts would be filled through the District Selection Committee (DSC).

One lakh jobs in state government departments would be filled up within a year, it said.

The TDP, in its manifesto for the Assembly elections, has also promised up to Rs two lakh farm loan waiver as well as a monthly financial assistance of Rs 3,000 to the unemployed youth.

The manifesto said vacancies in government departments would be filled up every year as per a calender prepared for the purpose.

It has promised free laptop computers to students from intermediate (XI and XII) to university level.

The party has also assured that an additional Rs 5,000 crore would be allocated to the Education budget.

The TDP manifesto said cycles would be distributed for free to girls students from Class VIII to intermediate (XI and XII).

Both the Congress and the TDP have promised hike in social security pensions.

The ruling TRS and the Congress-led grand alliance are trying to woo farmers, youth and those receiving social security pensions to win the Telangana Legislative Assembly polls scheduled for December 7.

The ruling TRS and the Congress-led grand alliance are trying to woo farmers, youth and those receiving social security pensions to win the Telangana Legislative Assembly polls scheduled for December 7. The TRS, Congress and the TDP have promised farm loan waivers and monthly unemployment dole besides hike in social security pensions. The TRS, which has implemented farm loan waiver of Rs one lakh during its rule since 2014, has promised to repeat the scheme. The investment support to farmers under the "Rythu Bandhu" scheme would be increased to Rs 10,000 per acre per annum from the current Rs 8,000, TRS president and caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao said at an election rally last week. He also highlighted the free power given to the farm sector. "The only state in India to give 24-hour free power (to farm sector) is Telangana. Nobody in the country gives. No state gives. We will give more. As long as KCR is in power, will give free power to farming," he said. The TRS government has also implemented the "Rythu Beema", the Rs 5 lakh insurance scheme for farmers, Rao said. The party also promised Rs 3,000 per month dole to all eligible unemployed youth. The TRS is also banking on social security pensions provided to various sections of the society, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities and single women. It has promised to increase the pension given to different sections. The major parties the TRS, the Congress and the BJP however, are yet to formally release their election manifestos. The Congress, which is leading the grand alliance of opposition parties, has also promised loan waiver for farmers of up to Rs two lakh if voted to power. Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president N Uttam Kumar Reddy had alleged that the TRS copied the main points of its manifesto, after ridiculing farm loan waiver and other promises earlier. The Congress earlier contended that the farm loan waiver implemented by the TRS government did not benefit farmers as it was done in a phased manner. Focusing on the youth, the Congress has promised financial assistance of Rs 3,000 per month to the unemployed. It has assured that 20,000 teachers' posts would be filled through the District Selection Committee (DSC). One lakh jobs in state government departments would be filled up within a year, it said. The TDP, in its manifesto for the Assembly elections, has also promised up to Rs two lakh farm loan waiver as well as a monthly financial assistance of Rs 3,000 to the unemployed youth. The manifesto said vacancies in government departments would be filled up every year as per a calender prepared for the purpose. It has promised free laptop computers to students from intermediate (XI and XII) to university level. The party has also assured that an additional Rs 5,000 crore would be allocated to the Education budget. The TDP manifesto said cycles would be distributed for free to girls students from Class VIII to intermediate (XI and XII). Both the Congress and the TDP have promised hike in social security pensions.

Telangana polls: Parties bet big on farmers and youth

Voter turnout of 76.35 per cent was recorded in the Chhattisgarh Assembly election which concluded Tuesday, poll authorities said.

It was a little less than the previous 2013 polls when 77.40 per cent of voters had exercised their franchise.

The election to the 90-member Assembly was held in two phases -- November 12 and 20.

The incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is in power for the last 15 years.

"An average 76.35 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the two-phased election," Chief Electoral Officer Subrat Sahoo said at a press conference here.

While 76.39 per cent polling was registered in the first phase which covered 18 constituencies in eight Naxal affected districts, 76.34 per cent turnout was registered in the second phase across 72 seats Tuesday.

The highest turn-out was in Kurud (88.99 per cent) in Dhamtari disrict while the lowest turn-out was recorded in Bijapur (47.35 per cent).

As many as 38 constituencies witnessed over 80 per cent voting. In 24 constituencies women voted in larger numbers than men.

Polling parties from all 72 constituencies where voting took place Tuesday have returned safely, the CEO said.

A total of 28 companies of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) are guarding the strong-rooms where EVMs have been kept, he said.

A total of 1,269 candidates are in the fray in this year's elections.

A coalition of former chief minister Ajit Jogi's Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) has added another dimension to the electoral politics dominated by the BJP and Congress.

Counting of votes will take place on December 11.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Voter turnout of 76.35 per cent was recorded in the Chhattisgarh Assembly election which concluded Tuesday, poll authorities said. It was a little less than the previous 2013 polls when 77.

Voter turnout of 76.35 per cent was recorded in the Chhattisgarh Assembly election which concluded Tuesday, poll authorities said. It was a little less than the previous 2013 polls when 77.40 per cent of voters had exercised their franchise. The election to the 90-member Assembly was held in two phases -- November 12 and 20. The incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is in power for the last 15 years. "An average 76.35 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the two-phased election," Chief Electoral Officer Subrat Sahoo said at a press conference here. While 76.39 per cent polling was registered in the first phase which covered 18 constituencies in eight Naxal affected districts, 76.34 per cent turnout was registered in the second phase across 72 seats Tuesday. The highest turn-out was in Kurud (88.99 per cent) in Dhamtari disrict while the lowest turn-out was recorded in Bijapur (47.35 per cent). As many as 38 constituencies witnessed over 80 per cent voting. In 24 constituencies women voted in larger numbers than men. Polling parties from all 72 constituencies where voting took place Tuesday have returned safely, the CEO said. A total of 28 companies of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) are guarding the strong-rooms where EVMs have been kept, he said. A total of 1,269 candidates are in the fray in this year's elections. A coalition of former chief minister Ajit Jogi's Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) has added another dimension to the electoral politics dominated by the BJP and Congress. Counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Chhattisgarh Assembly polls: 76.35 per cent polling recorded in two-phased election

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday released party`s manifesto for Chhattisgarh assembly elections.

In the manifesto, named as "People`s Manifesto", the Congress has promised immediate loan waivers within 10 days of being voted to power.

The party has also promised better healthcare facilities and a safer society for women in Chhattisgarh.

Addressing the media after releasing the manifesto, the Congress president said, "This is not Congress` Manifesto, it`s People`s Manifesto. Whatever we have mentioned in the manifesto is what people want from us. This manifesto is Congress party`s commitment. I appeal to people to give an opportunity this time to the Congress; we will surely fulfil all the commitments promised to you. Whoever becomes the Chief Minister of the Congress party in Chhattisgarh is going to be accountable to deliver this document. That is the philosophy we are following."

The assembly elections in the state will be held in two phases on November 12 and November 20. Counting of votes will be on December 11.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday released party`s manifesto for Chhattisgarh assembly elections. In the manifesto, named as "People`s Manifesto", the Congress has promised immediate loan waivers within 10 days of being voted to power.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday released party`s manifesto for Chhattisgarh assembly elections. In the manifesto, named as "People`s Manifesto", the Congress has promised immediate loan waivers within 10 days of being voted to power. The party has also promised better healthcare facilities and a safer society for women in Chhattisgarh. Addressing the media after releasing the manifesto, the Congress president said, "This is not Congress` Manifesto, it`s People`s Manifesto. Whatever we have mentioned in the manifesto is what people want from us. This manifesto is Congress party`s commitment. I appeal to people to give an opportunity this time to the Congress; we will surely fulfil all the commitments promised to you. Whoever becomes the Chief Minister of the Congress party in Chhattisgarh is going to be accountable to deliver this document. That is the philosophy we are following." The assembly elections in the state will be held in two phases on November 12 and November 20. Counting of votes will be on December 11.

Congress releases 'People's Manifesto' for Chhattisgarh polls

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

The White House said Trump also called German chancellor Angela Merkel

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

Trump calls Modi, congratulates him on UP & other wins