<p>The BJP appeared set for a resounding comeback on Thursday with leads in 328 seats while the Congress trailed far behind with 101, according to trends available with the Election Commission for 495 of 542 Lok Sabha seats.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-live-updates-220687"><strong>Click here for LIVE Updates</strong></a></p>

<p>As votes for the seven-phase parliamentary polls were counted on Thursday, the DMK was ahead in 20 seats, the Janata Dal-United in 15, the Trinamool Congress in 20 and the Bahujan Samaj Party in 12 and its ally Samajwadi Party in eight seats, according to the poll panel.</p>

<p>Television channels showed the BJP surging ahead with leads in more than 320 seats.</p>

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<p>As the trends came in, pointing to another tenure of Narendra Modi as prime minister, there were reports of celebrations in the BJP's party offices across the country.</p>

<p>The trends of the ruling party's leads were in sync with the exit polls, most of which predicted that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would be on course to retain power for a second term.</p>

<p>In 2014, the BJP won 282 seats, leaving the Congress with an all-time low of 44 seats against the 206 it won in 2009.</p>

<p>The counting exercise is on in over 4,000 counting centres amid concerns raised by opposition parties over alleged tampering of EVMs. They have asked the Election Commission to ensure transparency in counting. Election Commission officials said results are expected only by late evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The voting was staggered between April 11 and May 19 in which around 67 per cent of the nearly 900 million eligible people exercised their franchise to elect 542 members of the Lok Sabha from a total of 8,049 contestants.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the first time in Lok Sabha polls, the EC is tallying the vote count on Electronic Voting Machines with voter-verified paper audit trail slips in five polling stations in each assembly segment of a parliamentary constituency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It will effectively mean that out of nearly 10.3 lakh polling stations, the EVM-VVPAT matching will take place in 20,600 such stations. In case of a mismatch, the results based on paper slip count will be considered as final.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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 ground of excessive use of money power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Union Home Ministry on Wednesday alerted all state chief secretaries and directors general of police about the possibility of eruption of violence in different parts of the country during the counting of votes.</p>

<p>"This is in the wake of calls given and statements made in various quarters for inciting violence and causing disruption on the day of the counting of votes," a Home Ministry statement said.</p>


The BJP appeared set for a resounding comeback on Thursday with leads in 328 seats while the Congress trailed far behind with 101, according to trends available with the Election Commission for 495 of 542 Lok Sabha seats.

The BJP appeared set for a resounding comeback on Thursday with leads in 328 seats while the Congress trailed far behind with 101, according to trends available with the Election Commission for 495 of 542 Lok Sabha seats. Click here for LIVE Updates As votes for the seven-phase parliamentary polls were counted on Thursday, the DMK was ahead in 20 seats, the Janata Dal-United in 15, the Trinamool Congress in 20 and the Bahujan Samaj Party in 12 and its ally Samajwadi Party in eight seats, according to the poll panel. Television channels showed the BJP surging ahead with leads in more than 320 seats. As the trends came in, pointing to another tenure of Narendra Modi as prime minister, there were reports of celebrations in the BJP's party offices across the country. The trends of the ruling party's leads were in sync with the exit polls, most of which predicted that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would be on course to retain power for a second term. In 2014, the BJP won 282 seats, leaving the Congress with an all-time low of 44 seats against the 206 it won in 2009. The counting exercise is on in over 4,000 counting centres amid concerns raised by opposition parties over alleged tampering of EVMs. They have asked the Election Commission to ensure transparency in counting. Election Commission officials said results are expected only by late evening. The voting was staggered between April 11 and May 19 in which around 67 per cent of the nearly 900 million eligible people exercised their franchise to elect 542 members of the Lok Sabha from a total of 8,049 contestants. For the first time in Lok Sabha polls, the EC is tallying the vote count on Electronic Voting Machines with voter-verified paper audit trail slips in five polling stations in each assembly segment of a parliamentary constituency. It will effectively mean that out of nearly 10.3 lakh polling stations, the EVM-VVPAT matching will take place in 20,600 such stations. In case of a mismatch, the results based on paper slip count will be considered as final. 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 ground of excessive use of money power. The Union Home Ministry on Wednesday alerted all state chief secretaries and directors general of police about the possibility of eruption of violence in different parts of the country during the counting of votes. "This is in the wake of calls given and statements made in various quarters for inciting violence and causing disruption on the day of the counting of votes," a Home Ministry statement said.

BJP surges ahead with 328 seats in early trends, Congress trails far behind with 101

<p>Proving exit polls right, the BJP led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday appeared set to retain power as its candidates alone led in 294 of the 541 Lok Sabha seats with its allies faring equally well across the country, stunning the opposition.</p>

<p>As per the latest trends issued by Election Commission BJP and&nbsp;JD(U) both parties are leading on 16 seats each.Ram Vilas Paswan Lok Janshakti Party is leading on 6 parliamentary seats.</p>

<p>Lalu Prasad's Rashtriya Janata Dal is ahead on two seats.</p>

<p>Among the 40 constituencies, Nalanda, Begusarai and Arrah comprise seven assembly segments each while the remaining 37 have six Vidhan Sabha segments.</p>

<p>Among the political parties, the BJP and the JD(U) have contested 17 seats each, leaving six for NDA ally LJP.</p>

<p>In the opposition Mahagathbandhan, the RJD has contested 19 seats giving up Arrah from its quota for the CPI (ML), followed by Congress (09), RLSP (05), HAM (03) and VIP (03).&nbsp;</p>


Proving exit polls right, the BJP led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday appeared set to retain power as its candidates alone led in 294 of the 541 Lok Sabha seats with its allies faring equally well across the country, stunning the opposition.

Proving exit polls right, the BJP led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday appeared set to retain power as its candidates alone led in 294 of the 541 Lok Sabha seats with its allies faring equally well across the country, stunning the opposition. As per the latest trends issued by Election Commission BJP and JD(U) both parties are leading on 16 seats each.Ram Vilas Paswan Lok Janshakti Party is leading on 6 parliamentary seats. Lalu Prasad's Rashtriya Janata Dal is ahead on two seats. Among the 40 constituencies, Nalanda, Begusarai and Arrah comprise seven assembly segments each while the remaining 37 have six Vidhan Sabha segments. Among the political parties, the BJP and the JD(U) have contested 17 seats each, leaving six for NDA ally LJP. In the opposition Mahagathbandhan, the RJD has contested 19 seats giving up Arrah from its quota for the CPI (ML), followed by Congress (09), RLSP (05), HAM (03) and VIP (03).

NDA leads on 38 out of 40 seats in Bihar as Modi guns for second term

<p>The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-surges-ahead-with-319-seats-in-early-trends-congress-trails-far-behind-with-105-220814">BJP appeared set for a resounding comeback</a> on Thursday with leads in 328 seats while the Congress trailed far behind with 101, as the counting of the votes polled in India's 17 Lok Sabha election was underway.</p>

<p>The elections were also closely followed by foreign media as the trends came in, pointing to another tenure of Narendra Modi as prime minister.</p>

<p>While reporting on BJP heading for an outright majority, The New York Times called PM Modi "one of the most powerful leaders" India has produced. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The win would be a far more dominating performance than many analysts had thought possible a few months ago," The New York Times said.</p>

<p>"Modi is viewed as good for business. He has simplified the tax system and cut down on corruption, and one of the signature achievements of his term was an overhaul of the country’s corporate bankruptcy system," it added.</p>

<p>"PM Modi led National Democratic Alliance's predicted margin of victory is much larger than surveys indicated in the run-up to the vote, when most polls showed it would be the largest alliance but would fall short of an overall majority," news agency Reuters said in its report.</p>

<p>"Although the BJP looks set to lose some seats in Uttar Pradesh, where two rival opposition parties have united to defeat it,&nbsp;Modi’s party looks likely to able to compensate for those losses, by making strong inroads into the states of West Bengal and Odisha, where it previously had limited support,"&nbsp;Financial Times stated in its report.</p>

<p>The counting exercise is on in over 4,000 counting centres amid concerns raised by opposition parties over alleged tampering of EVMs. They have asked the Election Commission to ensure transparency in counting. Final result declaration is expected only by late evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The initial trends by the Election Commission of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/election-results-to-be-in-consonance-with-exit-polls-outcome-arun-jaitley-220128">ruling party's leads were in sync with the exit polls</a>, most of which predicted that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would be on course to retain power for a second term.</p>

<p>In 2014, the BJP won 282 seats, leaving the Congress with an all-time low of 44 seats against the 206 it won in 2009.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Impact of early election trends on the Indian markets</strong></p>

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The BJP appeared set for a resounding comeback on Thursday with leads in 328 seats while the Congress trailed far behind with 101, as the counting of the votes polled in India's 17 Lok Sabha election was underway.

The BJP appeared set for a resounding comeback on Thursday with leads in 328 seats while the Congress trailed far behind with 101, as the counting of the votes polled in India's 17 Lok Sabha election was underway. The elections were also closely followed by foreign media as the trends came in, pointing to another tenure of Narendra Modi as prime minister. While reporting on BJP heading for an outright majority, The New York Times called PM Modi "one of the most powerful leaders" India has produced. "The win would be a far more dominating performance than many analysts had thought possible a few months ago," The New York Times said. "Modi is viewed as good for business. He has simplified the tax system and cut down on corruption, and one of the signature achievements of his term was an overhaul of the country’s corporate bankruptcy system," it added. "PM Modi led National Democratic Alliance's predicted margin of victory is much larger than surveys indicated in the run-up to the vote, when most polls showed it would be the largest alliance but would fall short of an overall majority," news agency Reuters said in its report. "Although the BJP looks set to lose some seats in Uttar Pradesh, where two rival opposition parties have united to defeat it, Modi’s party looks likely to able to compensate for those losses, by making strong inroads into the states of West Bengal and Odisha, where it previously had limited support," Financial Times stated in its report. The counting exercise is on in over 4,000 counting centres amid concerns raised by opposition parties over alleged tampering of EVMs. They have asked the Election Commission to ensure transparency in counting. Final result declaration is expected only by late evening. The initial trends by the Election Commission of the ruling party's leads were in sync with the exit polls, most of which predicted that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would be on course to retain power for a second term. In 2014, the BJP won 282 seats, leaving the Congress with an all-time low of 44 seats against the 206 it won in 2009. Watch: Impact of early election trends on the Indian markets ×

Lok Sabha election result 2019: Foreign media reacts to vote count as results point to a big victory for PM Modi

<p>As counting of the ballot for 542 Lok Sabha seats for the world's largest democracy is underway, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on his way to be the first non-Congress prime minister to return to power.</p>

<p>Riding on a massive Modi wave sweeping through most parts of India, the BJP was set to return to power Thursday as it led in 292 seats while the Congress trailed far behind with 51, according to trends released by the Election Commission for all 542 seats that went to polls.</p>

<p>If the trends stay until final results, the BJP would have improved on its 2014 performance when it had won 282 seats on its own in the 543-member Lok Sabha. Adding the seats won by its allies, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance could win 343 seats, up from 336 in 2014.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the latest trends from the Election Commission of India, the BJP alone is leading on 269 seats. The Congress is ahead on 56 seats.</p>


As counting of the ballot for 542 Lok Sabha seats for the world's largest democracy is underway, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on his way to be the first non-Congress prime minister to return to power.

As counting of the ballot for 542 Lok Sabha seats for the world's largest democracy is underway, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on his way to be the first non-Congress prime minister to return to power. Riding on a massive Modi wave sweeping through most parts of India, the BJP was set to return to power Thursday as it led in 292 seats while the Congress trailed far behind with 51, according to trends released by the Election Commission for all 542 seats that went to polls. If the trends stay until final results, the BJP would have improved on its 2014 performance when it had won 282 seats on its own in the 543-member Lok Sabha. Adding the seats won by its allies, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance could win 343 seats, up from 336 in 2014. As per the latest trends from the Election Commission of India, the BJP alone is leading on 269 seats. The Congress is ahead on 56 seats.

Narendra Modi to become first non-Congress PM to return to power 

<p>The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-surges-ahead-with-319-seats-in-early-trends-congress-trails-far-behind-with-105-220814">BJP is leading the trends </a>in all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, with the Congress trailing in five constituencies and the AAP in two seats, poll officials said.</p>

<p>Debutant Gautam Gambhir, Union minister Harsh Vardhan and sitting lawmaker Manoj Tiwari of the Bharatiya Janata Party were among early gainers.</p>

<p>Congress veteran Sheila Dikshit was on second spot behind Tiwari, by a margin of 29,797 votes in North East Delhi while former MP J P Agarwal, pitted against Vardhan in Chandni Chowk constituency, was trailing by 8,764 votes.</p>

<p>Get LIVE updates here.</p>

<p>Agarwal has alleged that strongrooms were opened in "absence" of his counting agents.</p>

<p>Sitting BJP MP Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma was leading against his Congress rival Mahabal Mishra by 37,387 votes in the West Delhi Lok Sabha seat, they said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-live-updates-220687">Watch:&nbsp;WION Exclusive | In conversation with Dr. Harshvardhan | Lok Sabha Election Results 2019 | Counting Day</a></p>

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<p>BJP candidates were also leading in New Delhi, South Delhi and North West Delhi parliamentary constituencies.</p>

<p>Cricketer-turned-BJP leader Gambhir was leading in East Delhi against Congress' Arvinder Singh Lovely by a margin 18,632 votes.</p>

<p>Sitting MP Ramesh Bidhuri was leading against his AAP rival Raghav Chadha by 30,755 votes in the South Delhi Lok Sabha seat, officials said.</p>

<p>Sitting New Delhi MP Meenakshi Lekhi was ahead of Congress' Ajay Maken by a margin of 10,486 votes.</p>

<p>In North West Delhi, saffron party's Hans Raj Hans was ahead of AAP's Gagan Singh by 46,379 votes, they said.</p>

<p>AAP North East Delhi candidate Dilip Pandey told reporters that people to not make any judgement on the basis of initial trends, as "it will not be apt".</p>

<p>Counting is underway for all seven parliamentary constituencies in Delhi to decide the fate of 164 candidates, who contested the Lok Sabha elections here on May 12.</p>

<p>Over 1.43 crore people were eligible to vote in the polls in Delhi, out of which 60.21 per cent had exercised their franchise.</p>

<p>The elections for the seven parliamentary seats were largely a triangular contest among the incumbent BJP, a spirited Congress and the AAP - the ruling party in Delhi.</p>

<p>Prominent names who were in the fray include former Delhi chief minister Dikshit, Union Minister Vardhan and cricketer-turned-politician Gambhir.</p>

<p>Olympian boxer Vijender Singh (South Delhi), who made his electoral debut, and AAP's Atishi are also among the candidates in Delhi.</p>

<p>While the BJP, which had won all seven seats in the 2014 polls, is keen to regain the turf, the Congress, that ended up at the third spot in the last Lok Sabha elections, is looking to bounce back.&nbsp;</p>


The BJP is leading the trends in all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, with the Congress trailing in five constituencies and the AAP in two seats, poll officials said.

The BJP is leading the trends in all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, with the Congress trailing in five constituencies and the AAP in two seats, poll officials said. Debutant Gautam Gambhir, Union minister Harsh Vardhan and sitting lawmaker Manoj Tiwari of the Bharatiya Janata Party were among early gainers. Congress veteran Sheila Dikshit was on second spot behind Tiwari, by a margin of 29,797 votes in North East Delhi while former MP J P Agarwal, pitted against Vardhan in Chandni Chowk constituency, was trailing by 8,764 votes. Get LIVE updates here. Agarwal has alleged that strongrooms were opened in "absence" of his counting agents. Sitting BJP MP Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma was leading against his Congress rival Mahabal Mishra by 37,387 votes in the West Delhi Lok Sabha seat, they said. Watch: WION Exclusive | In conversation with Dr. Harshvardhan | Lok Sabha Election Results 2019 | Counting Day BJP candidates were also leading in New Delhi, South Delhi and North West Delhi parliamentary constituencies. Cricketer-turned-BJP leader Gambhir was leading in East Delhi against Congress' Arvinder Singh Lovely by a margin 18,632 votes. Sitting MP Ramesh Bidhuri was leading against his AAP rival Raghav Chadha by 30,755 votes in the South Delhi Lok Sabha seat, officials said. Sitting New Delhi MP Meenakshi Lekhi was ahead of Congress' Ajay Maken by a margin of 10,486 votes. In North West Delhi, saffron party's Hans Raj Hans was ahead of AAP's Gagan Singh by 46,379 votes, they said. AAP North East Delhi candidate Dilip Pandey told reporters that people to not make any judgement on the basis of initial trends, as "it will not be apt". Counting is underway for all seven parliamentary constituencies in Delhi to decide the fate of 164 candidates, who contested the Lok Sabha elections here on May 12. Over 1.43 crore people were eligible to vote in the polls in Delhi, out of which 60.21 per cent had exercised their franchise. The elections for the seven parliamentary seats were largely a triangular contest among the incumbent BJP, a spirited Congress and the AAP - the ruling party in Delhi. Prominent names who were in the fray include former Delhi chief minister Dikshit, Union Minister Vardhan and cricketer-turned-politician Gambhir. Olympian boxer Vijender Singh (South Delhi), who made his electoral debut, and AAP's Atishi are also among the candidates in Delhi. While the BJP, which had won all seven seats in the 2014 polls, is keen to regain the turf, the Congress, that ended up at the third spot in the last Lok Sabha elections, is looking to bounce back.

Lok Sabha election result 2019: BJP leads in all seven seats in Delhi

<p>Congress workers expected Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to turnaround the fortunes of the party in Uttar Pradesh with the swish of a magic wand, yet her combative and calculative campaign failed to lift the grand old party from the abyss of political irrelevance in the state.</p>

<p>Priyanka, 47, who was appointed AICC general secretary in-charge Uttar Pradesh (east) in January, did manage to create a buzz during the Lok Sabha polls, but failed to revive the party's hopes for the assembly elections scheduled for 2022.</p>

<p>A distinctive feature of Priyanka's campaign was her aggressive takedown of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies, and while the jury is still out on why she did not take on the PM from Varanasi, her teasing references to the contest certainly established her as a politician willing to take a challenge head-on.</p>

<p>Another key feature of her foray into politics was her calculative approach allowing her brother and Congress president Rahul Gandhi to take centre-stage, while establishing herself firmly in a supportive role.</p>

<p>Her subtle messaging -- be it speaking in Punjabi, invoking her Delhi roots, or stopping to greet Modi supporters -- helped her establish an immediate connect with the masses. But, it did not translate into votes and despite her several rallies and road shows, most of the Congress candidates ended up third with either the BJP or the SP-BSP-RLD alliance winning in the state.</p>

<p>She, however, had taken a realistic approach from the start when she told party workers that she cannot do magic and they have to first strengthen the party at the grassroots.</p>

<p>Her realism was also evident when she said she had picked candidates in UP who would either win or cut into the BJP's votes. But, analysts feel this may not hold true as the Congress may have taken away votes of the UP gathbandhan.</p>

<p>The BJP is set for another dominant performance in UP and expected to win over 60 seats. The SP-BSP-RLD gave a fight to the BJP on many seats, but seemed to have been blunted by the Modi factor.</p>

<p>The Congress could only win its traditional bastion of Raebareli, which UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi retained. However, the shocker came from Amethi, where the Congress President conceded defeat to Union minister Smriti Irani.</p>

<p>Priyanka first made her way into the nation's consciousness when she walked with crowds along with her father Rajiv Gandhi's cortege 28 years ago.</p>

<p>Her formal entry into politics was two decades in the making and the 'will she, won't she' discussion finally ended with elder brother and Congress president Rahul Gandhi appointing her AICC general secretary of Uttar Pradesh East.</p>

<p>The mother of two is seen by many in her party as a true inheritor of her grandmother Indira Gandhi's legacy, resembling her not just in looks but also in her ability to reach out to people with her easy manner.</p>

<p>Priyanka's strength so far has been in bringing together party workers and also giving Congress cadres hope of revival in UP where it has been reduced to a marginal player.</p>

<p>She started her foray into politics when Sonia Gandhi contested the 1999 Lok Sabha election from Amethi, her first after she assumed as party president. Priyanka campaigned and managed the affairs of the party in the family strongholds of Amethi and Rae Bareli ever since.</p>

<p>That was also when Priyanka Gandhi showed her steely resolve, for which her grandmother was famous.</p>

<p>She also managed the campaign for her brother in 2004 in Amethi, his first election.</p>

<p>Born on January 12, 1972, Priyanka Gandhi married Robert Vadra, a businessman from Delhi, on February 18, 1997 in a traditional Hindu ceremony. They have two children - son Raihan and daughter Miraya. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>The couple is also seen in their children's schools, taking part in Sports Day events and parent-teacher meetings just like any other parent.</p>

<p>Priyanka did her schooling from Modern School and Convent of Jesus and Mary in Delhi and later pursued her graduation in Psychology from Jesus and Mary College. She also did her masters in Buddhist Studies.</p>

<p>According to observers, she may have not struck gold for the party in UP, but still remains the party's best bet to stage a comeback. However, for that to happen a coherent strategy needs to be in place for her rather than just relying on a charm offensive.&nbsp;</p>


Congress workers expected Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to turnaround the fortunes of the party in Uttar Pradesh with the swish of a magic wand, yet her combative and calculative campaign failed to lift the grand old party from the abyss of political irrelevance in the state.

Congress workers expected Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to turnaround the fortunes of the party in Uttar Pradesh with the swish of a magic wand, yet her combative and calculative campaign failed to lift the grand old party from the abyss of political irrelevance in the state. Priyanka, 47, who was appointed AICC general secretary in-charge Uttar Pradesh (east) in January, did manage to create a buzz during the Lok Sabha polls, but failed to revive the party's hopes for the assembly elections scheduled for 2022. A distinctive feature of Priyanka's campaign was her aggressive takedown of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies, and while the jury is still out on why she did not take on the PM from Varanasi, her teasing references to the contest certainly established her as a politician willing to take a challenge head-on. Another key feature of her foray into politics was her calculative approach allowing her brother and Congress president Rahul Gandhi to take centre-stage, while establishing herself firmly in a supportive role. Her subtle messaging -- be it speaking in Punjabi, invoking her Delhi roots, or stopping to greet Modi supporters -- helped her establish an immediate connect with the masses. But, it did not translate into votes and despite her several rallies and road shows, most of the Congress candidates ended up third with either the BJP or the SP-BSP-RLD alliance winning in the state. She, however, had taken a realistic approach from the start when she told party workers that she cannot do magic and they have to first strengthen the party at the grassroots. Her realism was also evident when she said she had picked candidates in UP who would either win or cut into the BJP's votes. But, analysts feel this may not hold true as the Congress may have taken away votes of the UP gathbandhan. The BJP is set for another dominant performance in UP and expected to win over 60 seats. The SP-BSP-RLD gave a fight to the BJP on many seats, but seemed to have been blunted by the Modi factor. The Congress could only win its traditional bastion of Raebareli, which UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi retained. However, the shocker came from Amethi, where the Congress President conceded defeat to Union minister Smriti Irani. Priyanka first made her way into the nation's consciousness when she walked with crowds along with her father Rajiv Gandhi's cortege 28 years ago. Her formal entry into politics was two decades in the making and the 'will she, won't she' discussion finally ended with elder brother and Congress president Rahul Gandhi appointing her AICC general secretary of Uttar Pradesh East. The mother of two is seen by many in her party as a true inheritor of her grandmother Indira Gandhi's legacy, resembling her not just in looks but also in her ability to reach out to people with her easy manner. Priyanka's strength so far has been in bringing together party workers and also giving Congress cadres hope of revival in UP where it has been reduced to a marginal player. She started her foray into politics when Sonia Gandhi contested the 1999 Lok Sabha election from Amethi, her first after she assumed as party president. Priyanka campaigned and managed the affairs of the party in the family strongholds of Amethi and Rae Bareli ever since. That was also when Priyanka Gandhi showed her steely resolve, for which her grandmother was famous. She also managed the campaign for her brother in 2004 in Amethi, his first election. Born on January 12, 1972, Priyanka Gandhi married Robert Vadra, a businessman from Delhi, on February 18, 1997 in a traditional Hindu ceremony. They have two children - son Raihan and daughter Miraya. The couple is also seen in their children's schools, taking part in Sports Day events and parent-teacher meetings just like any other parent. Priyanka did her schooling from Modern School and Convent of Jesus and Mary in Delhi and later pursued her graduation in Psychology from Jesus and Mary College. She also did her masters in Buddhist Studies. According to observers, she may have not struck gold for the party in UP, but still remains the party's best bet to stage a comeback. However, for that to happen a coherent strategy needs to be in place for her rather than just relying on a charm offensive.

No Priyanka 'magic' in Uttar Pradesh

<p>Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi's husband, Robert Vadra, wished her and brother-in-law Rahul Gandhi good luck for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-result-2019-bjp-led-nda-sails-ahead-in-vote-count-backed-by-north-indian-parliamentary-constituencies-220762">Lok Sabha election results</a> on Thursday.</p>

<p>Addressing the Congress president as "R" and Priyanka as "P" in a Facebook post, the businessman wrote, "R all the best. With you all the way, no matter what... good luck ! P, best best."Vadra also posted three photos alongside the message.</p>

<p>The first picture, along with photos of Vadra and Rahul Gandhi, has a message, "My heartiest wishes to Rahul, all Congress leaders, and party workers on this crucial day."&nbsp;See more updates:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-live-updates-220687">BJP-led NDA leads in early trends</a></p>

<p>Vadra's post has two other photos, one each with his wife and brother-in-law.</p>

<p>In the recent past, Vadra had accused BJP of making "false" and "hollow" promise.</p>

<p>"Congress will give to the people what it has promised. Not make false, hollow promises like the BJP did, and never delivered even one promise. We will fulfill every need," he wrote in a Facebook post.</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">R all the best. With you all the way, no matter what... good luck !<br />
P, best best. 😊👍 <a href="https://t.co/BMum6RAQkj">pic.twitter.com/BMum6RAQkj</a></p>
— Robert Vadra (@irobertvadra) <a href="https://twitter.com/irobertvadra/status/1131393078906900481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The social media platform is often Vadra's option to wish his wife and give out political statements.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: BJP's social media head Amit Malviya talks about the party's strategies</strong></p>

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<p>On Priyanka's entry into politics, he took to Facebook to extend his wishes. Similarly, on Women's Day, Vadra wished his wife, mother Maureen Vadra and mother-in-law Sonia Gandhi on the social networking site.</p>

<p>The counting of votes polled for the 17th Lok Sabha elections began at 8 am with the fate of as many as 8,040 candidates at stake.</p>

<p>According to the Election Commission of India data, 67.11 per cent voters exercised their right to franchise. This was the highest turnout in the Lok Sabha polls since independence.</p>


Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi's husband, Robert Vadra, wished her and brother-in-law Rahul Gandhi good luck for Lok Sabha election results on Thursday.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi's husband, Robert Vadra, wished her and brother-in-law Rahul Gandhi good luck for Lok Sabha election results on Thursday. Addressing the Congress president as "R" and Priyanka as "P" in a Facebook post, the businessman wrote, "R all the best. With you all the way, no matter what... good luck ! P, best best."Vadra also posted three photos alongside the message. The first picture, along with photos of Vadra and Rahul Gandhi, has a message, "My heartiest wishes to Rahul, all Congress leaders, and party workers on this crucial day." See more updates: BJP-led NDA leads in early trends Vadra's post has two other photos, one each with his wife and brother-in-law. In the recent past, Vadra had accused BJP of making "false" and "hollow" promise. "Congress will give to the people what it has promised. Not make false, hollow promises like the BJP did, and never delivered even one promise. We will fulfill every need," he wrote in a Facebook post. R all the best. With you all the way, no matter what... good luck ! P, best best. 😊👍 pic.twitter.com/BMum6RAQkj — Robert Vadra (@irobertvadra) May 23, 2019 × The social media platform is often Vadra's option to wish his wife and give out political statements. Watch: BJP's social media head Amit Malviya talks about the party's strategies × On Priyanka's entry into politics, he took to Facebook to extend his wishes. Similarly, on Women's Day, Vadra wished his wife, mother Maureen Vadra and mother-in-law Sonia Gandhi on the social networking site. The counting of votes polled for the 17th Lok Sabha elections began at 8 am with the fate of as many as 8,040 candidates at stake. According to the Election Commission of India data, 67.11 per cent voters exercised their right to franchise. This was the highest turnout in the Lok Sabha polls since independence.

Lok Sabha election result 2019: With you all the way, no matter what: Robert Vadra to Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi on Lok Sabha result day

<p>As the counting for the 42 Lok Sabha seats is underway in West Bengal, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee's nephew Abhishek Banerjee is leading from Diamond Harbour constituency against Bharatiya Janata Party's Nilanjan Ray, initial Election Commission trends showed.</p>

<p>In Asansol Lok Sabha seat, Union Minister Babul Supriyo of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-result-2019-bjp-led-nda-sails-ahead-in-vote-count-backed-by-north-indian-parliamentary-constituencies-220762">BJP is leading by 3448 votes</a> against Moon Moon Sen of All India Trinamool Congress (AITC).</p>

<p>In Coochbehar Lok Sabha seat, Nishith Pramanik of the BJP is leading by 1225 votes against AITC candidate Paresh Chandra Adhikary. See more updates:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-live-updates-220687">BJP-led NDA leads in early trends</a>&nbsp;</p>

<p>BJP candidate Locket Chatterjee is leading by 2175 votes over AITC candidate Ratna De Nag in Hoogly parliamentary constituency, the trends suggest.</p>

<p>In Uluberia seat, Sajda Ahmed of the AITC is leading by 920 votes against Joy Banerjee of the BJP.</p>

<p>The Lok Sabha election results 2019 are likely to have a major impact on the next government - both in the state and the Centre. Most of the exit polls have predicted an unprecedented surge of the BJP in Bengal this election and projected that it may end up winning between five to 23 out of 42 Lok Sabha seats, handsomely improving its tally of two seats five years back.</p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-result-2019-bjp-led-nda-sails-ahead-in-vote-count-backed-by-north-indian-parliamentary-constituencies-220762">TMC</a>, which has dubbed exit polls as "gossip", had said as per its internal reports from districts, the party was comfortably placed to win. The TMC also exuded confidence that it would play a major role in the formation of a new government, for which it is in touch with various opposition parties.</p>

<p>Some of the exit polls have suggested the TMC getting 24 seats.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Analysis of&nbsp;Impact of early trends on the big battles</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


As the counting for the 42 Lok Sabha seats is underway in West Bengal, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee's nephew Abhishek Banerjee is leading from Diamond Harbour constituency against Bharatiya Janata Party's Nilanjan Ray, initial Election Commission trends showed.

As the counting for the 42 Lok Sabha seats is underway in West Bengal, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee's nephew Abhishek Banerjee is leading from Diamond Harbour constituency against Bharatiya Janata Party's Nilanjan Ray, initial Election Commission trends showed. In Asansol Lok Sabha seat, Union Minister Babul Supriyo of the BJP is leading by 3448 votes against Moon Moon Sen of All India Trinamool Congress (AITC). In Coochbehar Lok Sabha seat, Nishith Pramanik of the BJP is leading by 1225 votes against AITC candidate Paresh Chandra Adhikary. See more updates: BJP-led NDA leads in early trends BJP candidate Locket Chatterjee is leading by 2175 votes over AITC candidate Ratna De Nag in Hoogly parliamentary constituency, the trends suggest. In Uluberia seat, Sajda Ahmed of the AITC is leading by 920 votes against Joy Banerjee of the BJP. The Lok Sabha election results 2019 are likely to have a major impact on the next government - both in the state and the Centre. Most of the exit polls have predicted an unprecedented surge of the BJP in Bengal this election and projected that it may end up winning between five to 23 out of 42 Lok Sabha seats, handsomely improving its tally of two seats five years back. The TMC, which has dubbed exit polls as "gossip", had said as per its internal reports from districts, the party was comfortably placed to win. The TMC also exuded confidence that it would play a major role in the formation of a new government, for which it is in touch with various opposition parties. Some of the exit polls have suggested the TMC getting 24 seats. Watch: Analysis of Impact of early trends on the big battles ×

Lok Sabha election result 2019: Mamata Banerjee's nephew Abhishek Banerjee leads in Diamond Harbour; BJP ahead in Coochbehar

<p>The YSR Congress on Thursday appeared on course for an overwhelming victory in Andhra Pradesh with its candidates leading in 150 seats.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated YSR Congress chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy on the "remarkable" win in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly polls.</p>

<p>"Congratulations on the remarkable win in Andhra Pradesh. Best wishes to you for a successful tenure," Modi said.</p>

<p>The state results have spelt a knockout blow to the Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, in Odisha, incumbent Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/odisha-assembly-polls-result-bjd-registers-massive-gains-naveen-patnaik-set-for-another-term-as-chief-minister-220951">Naveen Patnaik is also set for another term</a>.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/ysjagan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ysjagan</a>,<br />
<br />
Congratulations on the remarkable win in Andhra Pradesh. Best wishes to you for a successful tenure.<br />
<br />
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.</p>
— 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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<p>The Biju Janata Dal, at the moment, leads in over 100 seats in the 147-member House.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Patnaik on the win.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Jaganmohan Reddy: Andhra's new kingmaker</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Watch: What went wrong with Congress this LS polls?</strong></p>

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<p>"Congratulations to Naveen Babu for yet another victory in Odisha. Wishing him the very best for the next term," PM's tweet read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has overtaken the tally board in the Lok Sabha polls results, <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;</p>


The YSR Congress on Thursday appeared on course for an overwhelming victory in Andhra Pradesh with its candidates leading in 150 seats. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated YSR Congress chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy on the "remarkable" win in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly polls.

The YSR Congress on Thursday appeared on course for an overwhelming victory in Andhra Pradesh with its candidates leading in 150 seats. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated YSR Congress chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy on the "remarkable" win in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly polls. "Congratulations on the remarkable win in Andhra Pradesh. Best wishes to you for a successful tenure," Modi said. The state results have spelt a knockout blow to the Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party. Meanwhile, in Odisha, incumbent Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is also set for another term. 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 × The Biju Janata Dal, at the moment, leads in over 100 seats in the 147-member House. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Patnaik on the win. Watch: Jaganmohan Reddy: Andhra's new kingmaker × Watch: What went wrong with Congress this LS polls? "Congratulations to Naveen Babu for yet another victory in Odisha. Wishing him the very best for the next term," PM's tweet read. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has overtaken the tally board in the Lok Sabha polls results, maintaining a strong lead in over 340 seats.

'Remarkable win in Andhra Pradesh,' PM Modi congratulates YSRC chief Jagan

<p>Elections Commission on Thursday began <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-result-2019-counting-of-votes-begins-with-bjp-looking-at-second-term-220731">counting of votes polled for 17th Lok Sabha elections</a> today, early trends showed Bharatiya Janata Party leading with 63 seats.</p>

<p>Congress party is currently at 24 seats while others got 8.</p>

<p>As per early trends, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a Varanasi candidate, was leading against Congress' Ajay Rai, while in Lucknow, Rajnath Singh was leading against Samajwadi Party's Poonam Sinha.&nbsp;See more updates: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-live-updates-220687">BJP-led NDA leads in early trends</a></p>

<p>In Madhya Pradesh, Sadhvi Pragya Thakur was leading&nbsp;against Congress' Digvijay Singh in Bhopal constituency by a margin of 3,105 votes.</p>

<p>BJP's Krishna Pal Singh Yadav is leading by a margin of 1165 votes against Congress' Jyotiraditya Scindia from Guna.</p>

<p>Congress candidate Nakul Nath, son of CM Kamal Nath, is ahead of BJP's Nathanshah Kawreti in Chhindwara seat by a margin of 1,520 votes.</p>

<p>In Delhi,&nbsp;sitting BJP MP Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma is leading against his AAP rival Balbir Singh Jakhar by 3,319 votes in the West Delhi Lok Sabha seat</p>

<p>Congress candidate Jasbir Singh Dimpa is leading by 721 votes over his nearest rival and SAD nominee Bibi Jagir Kaur from Punjab's Khadoor Sahib seat.</p>

<p>In Maharashtra, Parth Pawar, the grand-nephew of NCP chief Sharad Pawar, is leading in Maval Lok Sabha seat of Maharashtra.</p>

<p>Parth, son of former state deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, is leading by 1,173 votes over Shiv Sena's sitting MP Shrirang Barne.</p>

<p>In Shirur, NCP nominee Amol Kolhe is leading by 2,890 votes over Shiv Sena's sitting MP Shivaji Adhalrao Patil.</p>

<p>In Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur seat,&nbsp;sitting BJP MP Anurag Thakur is leading with 3,103 votes against his nearest rival Ram Lal Thakur of Congress.</p>

<p>The counting of hundreds of millions of votes in mega electoral battle began at 8:00 am and final results to be known by the evening.</p>

<p>More than 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats across the nation. Over 60 per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections.</p>

<p>The voting was held in seven phases with the first phase beginning from April 11.</p>

<p>The last phase of voting was held on May 19.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is suggested that the counting of votes and the announcement of results may get delayed due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count. The exercise will take place for the first time.</p>

<p>In general elections 2014, 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">BJP crossed the 272 mark comfortably on its own</a>, without allies, winning a majority of 282 seats - a gain of 166 compared to the previous general election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian National Congress of the UPA could only manage 44 seats, suffering one of its worst defeats ever.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Analysis of&nbsp;Impact of early trends on the big battles</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Elections Commission on Thursday began counting of votes polled for 17th Lok Sabha elections today, early trends showed Bharatiya Janata Party leading with 63 seats.

Elections Commission on Thursday began counting of votes polled for 17th Lok Sabha elections today, early trends showed Bharatiya Janata Party leading with 63 seats. Congress party is currently at 24 seats while others got 8. As per early trends, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a Varanasi candidate, was leading against Congress' Ajay Rai, while in Lucknow, Rajnath Singh was leading against Samajwadi Party's Poonam Sinha. See more updates: BJP-led NDA leads in early trends In Madhya Pradesh, Sadhvi Pragya Thakur was leading against Congress' Digvijay Singh in Bhopal constituency by a margin of 3,105 votes. BJP's Krishna Pal Singh Yadav is leading by a margin of 1165 votes against Congress' Jyotiraditya Scindia from Guna. Congress candidate Nakul Nath, son of CM Kamal Nath, is ahead of BJP's Nathanshah Kawreti in Chhindwara seat by a margin of 1,520 votes. In Delhi, sitting BJP MP Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma is leading against his AAP rival Balbir Singh Jakhar by 3,319 votes in the West Delhi Lok Sabha seat Congress candidate Jasbir Singh Dimpa is leading by 721 votes over his nearest rival and SAD nominee Bibi Jagir Kaur from Punjab's Khadoor Sahib seat. In Maharashtra, Parth Pawar, the grand-nephew of NCP chief Sharad Pawar, is leading in Maval Lok Sabha seat of Maharashtra. Parth, son of former state deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, is leading by 1,173 votes over Shiv Sena's sitting MP Shrirang Barne. In Shirur, NCP nominee Amol Kolhe is leading by 2,890 votes over Shiv Sena's sitting MP Shivaji Adhalrao Patil. In Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur seat, sitting BJP MP Anurag Thakur is leading with 3,103 votes against his nearest rival Ram Lal Thakur of Congress. The counting of hundreds of millions of votes in mega electoral battle began at 8:00 am and final results to be known by the evening. More than 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats across the nation. Over 60 per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections. The voting was held in seven phases with the first phase beginning from April 11. The last phase of voting was held on May 19. It is suggested that the counting of votes and the announcement of results may get delayed due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count. The exercise will take place for the first time. In general elections 2014, the BJP crossed the 272 mark comfortably on its own, without allies, winning a majority of 282 seats - a gain of 166 compared to the previous general election. The Indian National Congress of the UPA could only manage 44 seats, suffering one of its worst defeats ever. Watch: Analysis of Impact of early trends on the big battles × (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha election result 2019: BJP-led NDA sails ahead in vote count backed by north Indian parliamentary constituencies

<p>There’s nothing quite like the election fever as India’s general election reaches its final chapter with the counting of votes having started as of now. Indian author Chetan Bhagat took to his Twitter account to express his excitement for the results.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a first of his tweets, he wrote, “Extraordinary day! Who's up and waiting already? #ElectionResults2019. ”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Extraordinary day! Who's up and waiting already? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElectionResults2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElectionResults2019</a></p>
— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) <a href="https://twitter.com/chetan_bhagat/status/1131380827936346112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>He further tweeted that he got up pretty early in the morning as he wanted to be a part of the discussions around “winning, losing, analysing”. He wrote, “Woke up 4:45 am in over excitement. Numbers. Politics. India. People. Winning. Losing. Analysing. Celebrating. Democracy. Power - this day has it all. World, welcome to the climax of the greatest and biggest democracy in the world!”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Woke up 4:45 am in over excitement. Numbers. Politics. India. People. Winning. Losing. Analysing. Celebrating. Democracy. Power - this day has it all. World, welcome to the climax of the greatest and biggest democracy in the world! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElectionResults2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElectionResults2019</a></p>
— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) <a href="https://twitter.com/chetan_bhagat/status/1131382987570917376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Chetan Bhagat also tweeted, “Until today, the experts spoke. Today, the people will speak. And that will be the final word.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Until today, the experts spoke. Today, the people will speak. And that will be the final word. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/electionresults2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#electionresults2019</a></p>
— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) <a href="https://twitter.com/chetan_bhagat/status/1131384944876408832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>In another news, barely five days ahead of the results to country's general election on May 18, Chetan Bhagat was in Chennai to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-lok-sabha-polls-result-chetan-bhagat-launches-non-fiction-book-titled-india-positive-219707">launch</a> his latest non-fiction work ‘India Positive’.&nbsp;</p>


There’s nothing quite like the election fever as India’s general election reaches its final chapter with the counting of votes having started as of now. Indian author Chetan Bhagat took to his Twitter account to express his excitement for the results.

There’s nothing quite like the election fever as India’s general election reaches its final chapter with the counting of votes having started as of now. Indian author Chetan Bhagat took to his Twitter account to express his excitement for the results. In a first of his tweets, he wrote, “Extraordinary day! Who's up and waiting already? #ElectionResults2019. ” Extraordinary day! Who's up and waiting already? #ElectionResults2019 — Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) May 23, 2019 × He further tweeted that he got up pretty early in the morning as he wanted to be a part of the discussions around “winning, losing, analysing”. He wrote, “Woke up 4:45 am in over excitement. Numbers. Politics. India. People. Winning. Losing. Analysing. Celebrating. Democracy. Power - this day has it all. World, welcome to the climax of the greatest and biggest democracy in the world!” Woke up 4:45 am in over excitement. Numbers. Politics. India. People. Winning. Losing. Analysing. Celebrating. Democracy. Power - this day has it all. World, welcome to the climax of the greatest and biggest democracy in the world! #ElectionResults2019 — Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) May 23, 2019 × Chetan Bhagat also tweeted, “Until today, the experts spoke. Today, the people will speak. And that will be the final word.” Until today, the experts spoke. Today, the people will speak. And that will be the final word. #electionresults2019 — Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) May 23, 2019 × In another news, barely five days ahead of the results to country's general election on May 18, Chetan Bhagat was in Chennai to launch his latest non-fiction work ‘India Positive’.

Chetan Bhagat shares excitement for Lok Sabha election results, tweets 'today the people will speak'

Lok Sabha election results 2019: Star winners and losers

<p>Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday congratulated PM Modi as the Bharatiya Janata Party exhibited a <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">massive lead in Lok Sabha 2019 result</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his congratulatory message, Khan said that he looks forward to working with PM Modi "for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia".</p>

<p>"I congratulate Prime Minister Modi on the electoral victory of BJP and allies. Look forward to working with him for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia," Khan's tweet read.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I congratulate Prime Minister Modi on the electoral victory of BJP and allies. Look forward to working with him for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia</p>
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1131526476828893184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Wishes&nbsp;began pouring in earlier in the day for the PM Modi and the BJP as the party, along with allies maintained leads on over 280 Parliamentary seats as the counting of votes progressed today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later in the day, the leads for the NDA shot up on over 340 seats, unofficially pronouncing another term for PM Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chinese President Xi Jinping, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Russian President Vladimir Putin are among the first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-world-leaders-xi-putin-among-others-congratulate-pm-modi-on-victory-220936">world leaders to congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> 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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: PM Modi had predicted something over LS Polls results in interview and it turned true&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lok-sabha-election-2019-pm-modi-had-predicted-something-over-ls-polls-results-in-interview-and-it-turned-true-220977/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Putin also congratulated Modi on his party's convincing victory in general elections.</p>

<p>Similarly, Sri President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe felicitated PM Narendra Modi on his electoral victory.</p>

<p>PM Modi thanked the electors for placing trust in the party again and giving another chance.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you India! The faith placed in our alliance is humbling and gives us strength to work even harder to fulfil people's aspirations.<br />
<br />
I salute every BJP Karyakarta for their determination, perseverance &amp; hardwork. They went home to home, elaborating on our development agenda.</p>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1131527111804477440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Thank you India! The faith placed in our alliance is humbling and gives us the strength to work even harder to fulfil people's aspirations," the prime minister tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I salute every BJP Karyakarta for their determination, perseverance and hard work. They went home to home, elaborating on our development agenda," his tweet read.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday congratulated PM Modi as the Bharatiya Janata Party exhibited a massive lead in Lok Sabha 2019 result. In his congratulatory message, Khan said that he looks forward to working with PM Modi "for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia".

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday congratulated PM Modi as the Bharatiya Janata Party exhibited a massive lead in Lok Sabha 2019 result. In his congratulatory message, Khan said that he looks forward to working with PM Modi "for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia". "I congratulate Prime Minister Modi on the electoral victory of BJP and allies. Look forward to working with him for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia," Khan's tweet read. I congratulate Prime Minister Modi on the electoral victory of BJP and allies. Look forward to working with him for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 23, 2019 × Wishes began pouring in earlier in the day for the PM Modi and the BJP as the party, along with allies maintained leads on over 280 Parliamentary seats as the counting of votes progressed today. Later in the day, the leads for the NDA shot up on over 340 seats, unofficially pronouncing another term for PM Modi. 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. Watch: PM Modi had predicted something over LS Polls results in interview and it turned true Putin also congratulated Modi on his party's convincing victory in general elections. Similarly, Sri President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe felicitated PM Narendra Modi on his electoral victory. PM Modi thanked the electors for placing trust in the party again and giving another chance. Thank you India! The faith placed in our alliance is humbling and gives us strength to work even harder to fulfil people's aspirations. I salute every BJP Karyakarta for their determination, perseverance & hardwork. They went home to home, elaborating on our development agenda. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 23, 2019 × "Thank you India! The faith placed in our alliance is humbling and gives us the strength to work even harder to fulfil people's aspirations," the prime minister tweeted. "I salute every BJP Karyakarta for their determination, perseverance and hard work. They went home to home, elaborating on our development agenda," his tweet read.

Look forward to working for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia: Imran Khan congratulates PM Modi 

<p>India began&nbsp;counting hundreds of millions of votes in its general election today at 8:00 am, with a coalition led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party already preparing to form the next government.</p>

<p>The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Modi's <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">Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is expected to surpass the 272 seats</a> needed to command a majority in the lower house of parliament, six of seven exit polls showed on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Their predicted margin of victory is larger than surveys indicated in the run-up to the vote when most polls showed the NDA would be the largest alliance but would fall short of an overall majority.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Counting of votes began at 08:00 am and&nbsp;trends are expected to be known by noon because of the use of computerised voting machines. Final results in the polls, in which around 900 million Indians were eligible to vote, are due by the evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The voting was held in seven phases with first phase&nbsp;beginning from&nbsp;April 11.</p>

<p>The last phase of voting was held on May&nbsp;19. Over 67.11 crore voters exercised their right to vote.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Victory preparation</strong></p>

<p>The NDA held a meeting on Tuesday, at which Modi was garlanded with flowers by members of the alliance, to discuss its policy agenda for its second term in power. It has promised to double farmers'&nbsp;income and boost infrastructure spending over the next five years.</p>

<p>Several opposition leaders attempting to unseat Modi have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/time-to-switch-off-tv-how-politicians-reacted-to-exit-polls-2019-219956">urged voters to wait for the final results</a>, calling the exit polls "gossip".</p>

<p>"Do not get demoralised by the fake exit polls doing the rounds," Congress president Rahul Gandhi said in a message to party workers posted on social media on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The opposition alliance has also protested to India's Election Commission over the electronic voting machines (EVMs) used in the count, that they <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/evms-are-completely-tamper-proof-cannot-be-hacked-former-chief-election-commissioner-op-rawat-220663">alleged can be tampered with</a>, and requested a delay to counting while votes are tallied with a backup paper audit trail.</p>

<p>The commission rejected the opposition's demands on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Around 500 masked people carrying guns and machetes attacked a polling team and forcibly took away EVMs in the remote northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, Reuters reported on Wednesday, though elections in the country as a whole are widely considered to be free and fair by international observers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/sensex-surges-over-1000-points-may-cross-40000-as-exit-poll-predict-nda-win-220058">Indian stocks posted their biggest gain</a> since September 2013 on Monday after the exit polls and could rally further on Thursday if the trend is confirmed, according to a Reuters poll.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"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 financial services firm Prabhudas Lilladher.</p>


India began counting hundreds of millions of votes in its general election today at 8:00 am, with a coalition led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party already preparing to form the next government.

India began counting hundreds of millions of votes in its general election today at 8:00 am, with a coalition led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party already preparing to form the next government. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is expected to surpass the 272 seats needed to command a majority in the lower house of parliament, six of seven exit polls showed on Sunday. Their predicted margin of victory is larger than surveys indicated in the run-up to the vote when most polls showed the NDA would be the largest alliance but would fall short of an overall majority. Counting of votes began at 08:00 am and trends are expected to be known by noon because of the use of computerised voting machines. Final results in the polls, in which around 900 million Indians were eligible to vote, are due by the evening. The voting was held in seven phases with first phase beginning from April 11. The last phase of voting was held on May 19. Over 67.11 crore voters exercised their right to vote. Victory preparation The NDA held a meeting on Tuesday, at which Modi was garlanded with flowers by members of the alliance, to discuss its policy agenda for its second term in power. It has promised to double farmers' income and boost infrastructure spending over the next five years. Several opposition leaders attempting to unseat Modi have urged voters to wait for the final results, calling the exit polls "gossip". "Do not get demoralised by the fake exit polls doing the rounds," Congress president Rahul Gandhi said in a message to party workers posted on social media on Wednesday. The opposition alliance has also protested to India's Election Commission over the electronic voting machines (EVMs) used in the count, that they alleged can be tampered with, and requested a delay to counting while votes are tallied with a backup paper audit trail. The commission rejected the opposition's demands on Wednesday. Around 500 masked people carrying guns and machetes attacked a polling team and forcibly took away EVMs in the remote northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, Reuters reported on Wednesday, though elections in the country as a whole are widely considered to be free and fair by international observers. Indian stocks posted their biggest gain since September 2013 on Monday after the exit polls and could rally further on Thursday if the trend is confirmed, according to a Reuters poll. "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 financial services firm Prabhudas Lilladher.

Lok Sabha Election Result 2019: Counting of votes underway at over 4,000 counting centres across country

<p>The ruling BJP-JDU-LJP alliance in Bihar looks all set for a <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">resounding victory in the Lok Sabha elections</a> as suggest the counting trends.</p>

<p>BJP is leading on 16 seats, while its allies Janata Dal (United) (JDU) on 15 seats and Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) on six seats. In all, the alliance is leading on 37 seats.</p>

<p>Lalu Prasad Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is leading on two seats, while the Congress on one seat.</p>

<p>The others allies of RJD-led grand alliance are trailing as the counting advances towards the conclusion.</p>

<p>In Patna Sahib, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad is leading against Congress'&nbsp;Shatrughan Sinha by a margin of over 92,797 votes.</p>

<p>In Pataliputra seat, Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter and RJD candidate Misha Bharti is leading over BJP's Ram Kripal Yadav by a margin of 80,27 votes.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: PM Modi had predicted something over LS Polls results in interview and it turned true&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lok-sabha-election-2019-pm-modi-had-predicted-something-over-ls-polls-results-in-interview-and-it-turned-true-220977/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>At Arrah, RK Singh of BJP is ahead of Raju Yadav of CPI-M-L (Liberation) by a margin of 58,398 votes. At Jamui (SC) Chirag Kumar Paswan, son of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan of Lok Jan Shakti Party is ahead of Bhudeo Choudhary of Rashtriya Lok Samta Party by 160016 votes.</p>

<p>At Begusarai, Giriraj Singh of BJP is ahead of Kanhaiya Kumar, CPI by a huge margin of 1,99,350 votes. At Buxar, Ashwini Kumar Choubey of BJP is ahead of RJD's Jagadanand Singh by 41,144 votes.</p>

<p>At Munger Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh of JDU is ahead of Neelam Devi of the Congress party by 48,666 votes.</p>

<p>At Purvi Champaran, Union Minister Radha Mohan Singh of BJP is ahead of Akash Kumar Singh of the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party by 97,814 votes.</p>

<p>At Saran, Rajiv Pratap Rudy of BJP is leading Chandrika Roy of Rashtriya Janata Dal by 76,153 votes.</p>

<p>The opposition parties that contested the polls together were RJD, Congress, Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP), Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM), Mukesh Sahni's Vikasshil Insan Party (VIP), and Sharad Yadav's Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD).</p>

<p>In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA had won 31 seats in Bihar. The seven-phased Lok Sabha elections were held from April 11 to May 19.&nbsp;</p>


The ruling BJP-JDU-LJP alliance in Bihar looks all set for a resounding victory in the Lok Sabha elections as suggest the counting trends. BJP is leading on 16 seats, while its allies Janata Dal (United) (JDU) on 15 seats and Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) on six seats.

The ruling BJP-JDU-LJP alliance in Bihar looks all set for a resounding victory in the Lok Sabha elections as suggest the counting trends. BJP is leading on 16 seats, while its allies Janata Dal (United) (JDU) on 15 seats and Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) on six seats. In all, the alliance is leading on 37 seats. Lalu Prasad Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is leading on two seats, while the Congress on one seat. The others allies of RJD-led grand alliance are trailing as the counting advances towards the conclusion. In Patna Sahib, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad is leading against Congress' Shatrughan Sinha by a margin of over 92,797 votes. In Pataliputra seat, Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter and RJD candidate Misha Bharti is leading over BJP's Ram Kripal Yadav by a margin of 80,27 votes. Watch: PM Modi had predicted something over LS Polls results in interview and it turned true At Arrah, RK Singh of BJP is ahead of Raju Yadav of CPI-M-L (Liberation) by a margin of 58,398 votes. At Jamui (SC) Chirag Kumar Paswan, son of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan of Lok Jan Shakti Party is ahead of Bhudeo Choudhary of Rashtriya Lok Samta Party by 160016 votes. At Begusarai, Giriraj Singh of BJP is ahead of Kanhaiya Kumar, CPI by a huge margin of 1,99,350 votes. At Buxar, Ashwini Kumar Choubey of BJP is ahead of RJD's Jagadanand Singh by 41,144 votes. At Munger Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh of JDU is ahead of Neelam Devi of the Congress party by 48,666 votes. At Purvi Champaran, Union Minister Radha Mohan Singh of BJP is ahead of Akash Kumar Singh of the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party by 97,814 votes. At Saran, Rajiv Pratap Rudy of BJP is leading Chandrika Roy of Rashtriya Janata Dal by 76,153 votes. The opposition parties that contested the polls together were RJD, Congress, Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP), Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM), Mukesh Sahni's Vikasshil Insan Party (VIP), and Sharad Yadav's Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD). In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA had won 31 seats in Bihar. The seven-phased Lok Sabha elections were held from April 11 to May 19.

Lok Sabha election results 2019: Ruling coalition surges towards massive victory in Bihar

<p>Expressing gratitude over the overwhelming leads secured by the Bharatiya Janata Party for the Lok Sabha elections, <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">Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the electors</a> for placing trust in the party once again. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Thank you India! The faith placed in our alliance is humbling and gives us the strength to work even harder to fulfil people's aspirations," the prime minister tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I salute every BJP Karyakarta for their determination, perseverance and hard work. They went home to home, elaborating on our development agenda," his tweet read.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you India! The faith placed in our alliance is humbling and gives us strength to work even harder to fulfil people's aspirations.<br />
<br />
I salute every BJP Karyakarta for their determination, perseverance &amp; hardwork. They went home to home, elaborating on our development agenda.</p>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1131527111804477440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier in the day, the PM tweeted out, "<em>Sabka sath + sabka vikas + sabka vishwas = vijayi bharat</em>". "India wins yet again," his tweet read.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: PM Modi had predicted something over LS Polls results in interview and it turned true&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lok-sabha-election-2019-pm-modi-had-predicted-something-over-ls-polls-results-in-interview-and-it-turned-true-220977/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>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;</p>

<p>"Together we grow. Together we prosper. Together we will build a strong and inclusive India. India wins yet again!"</p>

<p>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 17th Lok Sabha election was underway.</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-2019-look-forward-to-working-for-peace-progress-and-prosperity-in-south-asia-imran-khan-congratulates-pm-modi-220992">Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday congratulated PM Modi</a> as the Bharatiya Janata Party exhibited a massive lead in Lok Sabha 2019 result.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his congratulatory message, Khan said that he looks forward to working with PM Modi "for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia".</p>

<p>"I congratulate Prime Minister Modi on the electoral victory of BJP and allies. Look forward to working with him for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia," Khan's tweet read.&nbsp;</p>


Expressing gratitude over the overwhelming leads secured by the Bharatiya Janata Party for the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the electors for placing trust in the party once again.

Expressing gratitude over the overwhelming leads secured by the Bharatiya Janata Party for the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the electors for placing trust in the party once again. "Thank you India! The faith placed in our alliance is humbling and gives us the strength to work even harder to fulfil people's aspirations," the prime minister tweeted. "I salute every BJP Karyakarta for their determination, perseverance and hard work. They went home to home, elaborating on our development agenda," his tweet read. Thank you India! The faith placed in our alliance is humbling and gives us strength to work even harder to fulfil people's aspirations. I salute every BJP Karyakarta for their determination, perseverance & hardwork. They went home to home, elaborating on our development agenda. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 23, 2019 × Earlier in the day, the PM tweeted out, "Sabka sath + sabka vikas + sabka vishwas = vijayi bharat". "India wins yet again," his tweet read. Watch: PM Modi had predicted something over LS Polls results in interview and it turned true 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!" 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 17th Lok Sabha election was underway. Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday congratulated PM Modi as the Bharatiya Janata Party exhibited a massive lead in Lok Sabha 2019 result. In his congratulatory message, Khan said that he looks forward to working with PM Modi "for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia". "I congratulate Prime Minister Modi on the electoral victory of BJP and allies. Look forward to working with him for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia," Khan's tweet read.

Thank you India! Faith placed in our alliance is humbling: PM Modi on poll result

<p>Lok Sabha election 2019&nbsp;results will come out today as counting of vote&nbsp;begins.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bhojpuri superstar Ravi Kishan is contesting from Gorakhpur seat of Uttar Pradesh that has been the stronghold of the UP CM Yogi Adityanath.</p>

<p>The actor-turned-politician had earlier contested on the ticket of Congress in 2014 from his hometown Jaunpur, a city in eastern UP. He was supposed to have a strong fan base in Jaunpur.&nbsp;In 2017, he joined the BJP and is now contesting from Gorakhpur.</p>

<p>Ravi Kishan was earlier in the morning spotted offering prayers.</p>

<p>See stills:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Actor Ravi Kishan, who is fighting on Gorakhpur Lok Sabha seat, offers prayers as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElectionResults2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElectionResults2019</a> will be announced today; counting of votes for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> to begin at 8 am. <a href="https://t.co/b1d38nuq02">pic.twitter.com/b1d38nuq02</a></p>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1131373745988415489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, here is a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/indian-actors-who-are-contesting-in-lok-sabha-elections-2019-213726"> list of&nbsp;Indian actors who are contesting in Lok Sabha elections 2019.&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Lok Sabha election 2019 results will come out today as counting of vote begins. Bhojpuri superstar Ravi Kishan is contesting from Gorakhpur seat of Uttar Pradesh that has been the stronghold of the UP CM Yogi Adityanath.

Lok Sabha election 2019 results will come out today as counting of vote begins. Bhojpuri superstar Ravi Kishan is contesting from Gorakhpur seat of Uttar Pradesh that has been the stronghold of the UP CM Yogi Adityanath. The actor-turned-politician had earlier contested on the ticket of Congress in 2014 from his hometown Jaunpur, a city in eastern UP. He was supposed to have a strong fan base in Jaunpur. In 2017, he joined the BJP and is now contesting from Gorakhpur. Ravi Kishan was earlier in the morning spotted offering prayers. See stills: Actor Ravi Kishan, who is fighting on Gorakhpur Lok Sabha seat, offers prayers as #ElectionResults2019 will be announced today; counting of votes for #LokSabhaElections2019 to begin at 8 am. pic.twitter.com/b1d38nuq02 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 23, 2019 × Meanwhile, here is a list of Indian actors who are contesting in Lok Sabha elections 2019.

Lok Sabha general elections 2019: Bhojpuri star Ravi Kishan spotted offering prayers as counting begins

<p>Counting of votes began Thursday for 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-result-2019-counting-of-votes-begins-with-bjp-looking-at-second-term-220731">trends are likely to start coming in by afternoon</a> while the final results are expected in the evening, officials said.</p>

<p>A total of 98,430 electronic voting machines (EVMs) were used for the four-phase polls in the state where counting is taking place at 48 counting centres in 38 locations from 8 am, an election official said.</p>

<p>"The trends are likely to start coming in by afternoon and results by 4 pm," he said. See live updates:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-live-updates-220687">BJP-led NDA leads in early trends</a></p>

<p>Over a lakh polling staff and around 50,000 police personnel have been deployed in the state, the official said.</p>

<p>Maharashtra, which has the second highest number of 48 Lok Sabha seats in the country after Uttar Pradesh's 80, went to polls in four phases on April 11, 18, 23 and 29 and a total of 867 candidates were in the fray.</p>

<p>The voter turnout this time was 60.80 per cent, up from 60.32 per cent in 2014.</p>

<p>According to officials, maximum counting rounds of 35 each will be held in Palghar and Bhiwandi seats, followed by 33 in Bhandara-Gondiya and Thane, and 32 in Beed and Shirur.</p>

<p>Hatkanangale will have the lowest 17 rounds of counting while there will be 18 rounds each in Amravati and Sangli, they said.</p>

<p>"Counting personnel will randomly select five EVMs from each Assembly segment for<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/election-commission-rejects-oppositions-demand-for-tallying-vvpat-slips-with-evm-220642"> VVPAT (voter-verified paper audit trail) checking</a>. If a candidate demands a particular EVM be chosen, it will be done and one of the voting machines randomly chosen will be dropped," the official said.</p>

<p>Information and trends would be uploaded on the website ceo.Maharashtra.Gov.In and would also be available on toll-free number 1950, he said, adding a control room was set up at the state secretariat for the media.</p>

<p>"Several digital hoardings have been set up at the state secretariat in Mumbai. For the first time, the election trends and results will be seen on digital signboards of the traffic police department. At the district level, the information will be provided after every round of counting," he said.</p>

<p>Union ministers Nitin Gadkari (Nagpur), Hansraj Ahir (Chandrapur), Subhash Bhamre (Dhule), Anant Geete (Raigad), Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan (Nanded) and former Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde (Solapur) were among the key contestants from the state.</p>

<p>Police are guarding three counting centres in Mumbai Thursday with the help of Central forces, officials said.</p>

<p>Counting of votes for six parliamentary constituencies in the city is being held at the NESCO Complex in Goregaon, Udayanchal School in Vikhroli and New Sewree Warehouse in Sewree East.</p>

<p>Strict security arrangements have been put in place in other parts of Maharashtra for the counting day, a police official said.</p>

<p>As many as 1,500 police officers and personnel are guarding the counting centres in Mumbai along with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Reserve Police Force, Quick Response Teams (QRT) and Riot Control Police, he said.&nbsp;</p>


Counting of votes began Thursday for 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra where trends are likely to start coming in by afternoon while the final results are expected in the evening, officials said.

Counting of votes began Thursday for 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra where trends are likely to start coming in by afternoon while the final results are expected in the evening, officials said. A total of 98,430 electronic voting machines (EVMs) were used for the four-phase polls in the state where counting is taking place at 48 counting centres in 38 locations from 8 am, an election official said. "The trends are likely to start coming in by afternoon and results by 4 pm," he said. See live updates: BJP-led NDA leads in early trends Over a lakh polling staff and around 50,000 police personnel have been deployed in the state, the official said. Maharashtra, which has the second highest number of 48 Lok Sabha seats in the country after Uttar Pradesh's 80, went to polls in four phases on April 11, 18, 23 and 29 and a total of 867 candidates were in the fray. The voter turnout this time was 60.80 per cent, up from 60.32 per cent in 2014. According to officials, maximum counting rounds of 35 each will be held in Palghar and Bhiwandi seats, followed by 33 in Bhandara-Gondiya and Thane, and 32 in Beed and Shirur. Hatkanangale will have the lowest 17 rounds of counting while there will be 18 rounds each in Amravati and Sangli, they said. "Counting personnel will randomly select five EVMs from each Assembly segment for VVPAT (voter-verified paper audit trail) checking. If a candidate demands a particular EVM be chosen, it will be done and one of the voting machines randomly chosen will be dropped," the official said. Information and trends would be uploaded on the website ceo.Maharashtra.Gov.In and would also be available on toll-free number 1950, he said, adding a control room was set up at the state secretariat for the media. "Several digital hoardings have been set up at the state secretariat in Mumbai. For the first time, the election trends and results will be seen on digital signboards of the traffic police department. At the district level, the information will be provided after every round of counting," he said. Union ministers Nitin Gadkari (Nagpur), Hansraj Ahir (Chandrapur), Subhash Bhamre (Dhule), Anant Geete (Raigad), Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan (Nanded) and former Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde (Solapur) were among the key contestants from the state. Police are guarding three counting centres in Mumbai Thursday with the help of Central forces, officials said. Counting of votes for six parliamentary constituencies in the city is being held at the NESCO Complex in Goregaon, Udayanchal School in Vikhroli and New Sewree Warehouse in Sewree East. Strict security arrangements have been put in place in other parts of Maharashtra for the counting day, a police official said. As many as 1,500 police officers and personnel are guarding the counting centres in Mumbai along with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Reserve Police Force, Quick Response Teams (QRT) and Riot Control Police, he said.

Maharashtra: Counting begins, results of 48 seats likely by evening

<p>Congress candidate from New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency, Ajay Maken said that&nbsp;election results will&nbsp;"definitely be in favour" of the party as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-election-commission-to-start-counting-of-votes-for-parliamentary-polls-in-542-seats-at-8-am-220717">counting of&nbsp;votes polled for 17th Lok Sabha elections</a>&nbsp;to take place today.</p>

<p>"The results will be definitely in favour of Congress. We're expecting that Congress will win and form a government and Rahul Gandhi will be the PM," Maken said.</p>

<p>"The fight in Delhi is between BJP and Congress," he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ajay Maken, Congress candidate from New Delhi LS seat, contesting against BJP MP Meenakashi Lekhi: The results will be definitely in favour of Congress. We're expecting that Congress will win &amp;form govt. Rahul Gandhi will be the PM. The fight in Delhi is between BJP and Congress. <a href="https://t.co/zhqUvqDIbH">pic.twitter.com/zhqUvqDIbH</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1131377075716206592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Ajay Maken is contesting against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/buoyed-by-exit-poll-projections-bjp-leaders-order-ladoos-motichoor-cakes-to-celebrate-win-220708">Bharatiya Janata Party</a>'s Meenakshi Lekhi and Aam Aadmi Party's Brajesh Goel.</p>

<p>In the 2014 elections, the BJP has registered a win on all seven seats in the national capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Sunday's exit polls as well, pollsters predicted a landslide win for the BJP.</p>

<p>As per Today's Chanakya, the BJP is predicted to keep all seven seats in the national capital with other major parties scoring nil.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Polster exit polls suggested AAP washed out in Delhi and the BJP to get all 7 seats. India TV also predicted that the BJP will bag all 7 seats out in the national capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All seven Lok Sabha constituencies in the national capital - Chandni Chowk, East Delhi, New Delhi, North East Delhi, North West Delhi, South Delhi and West Delhi - went to polls in the sixth leg of Lok Sabha polls on May 12.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>India Election Watch: UPA reaches out to regional parties</strong></p>

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Congress candidate from New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency, Ajay Maken said that election results will "definitely be in favour" of the party as counting of votes polled for 17th Lok Sabha elections to take place today.

Congress candidate from New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency, Ajay Maken said that election results will "definitely be in favour" of the party as counting of votes polled for 17th Lok Sabha elections to take place today. "The results will be definitely in favour of Congress. We're expecting that Congress will win and form a government and Rahul Gandhi will be the PM," Maken said. "The fight in Delhi is between BJP and Congress," he added. Ajay Maken, Congress candidate from New Delhi LS seat, contesting against BJP MP Meenakashi Lekhi: The results will be definitely in favour of Congress. We're expecting that Congress will win &form govt. Rahul Gandhi will be the PM. The fight in Delhi is between BJP and Congress. pic.twitter.com/zhqUvqDIbH — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2019 × Ajay Maken is contesting against Bharatiya Janata Party's Meenakshi Lekhi and Aam Aadmi Party's Brajesh Goel. In the 2014 elections, the BJP has registered a win on all seven seats in the national capital. On Sunday's exit polls as well, pollsters predicted a landslide win for the BJP. As per Today's Chanakya, the BJP is predicted to keep all seven seats in the national capital with other major parties scoring nil. Polster exit polls suggested AAP washed out in Delhi and the BJP to get all 7 seats. India TV also predicted that the BJP will bag all 7 seats out in the national capital. All seven Lok Sabha constituencies in the national capital - Chandni Chowk, East Delhi, New Delhi, North East Delhi, North West Delhi, South Delhi and West Delhi - went to polls in the sixth leg of Lok Sabha polls on May 12. India Election Watch: UPA reaches out to regional parties ×

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election results will 'definitely be in favour' of Congress, says Ajay Maken

<p>The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced today. Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections will begin at 8 am and the clear picture of who will lead the nation for the next five years will emerge in the evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Over 8,000 candidates</strong></p>

<p>More than 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats across the nation. Over 67&nbsp;per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections.</p>

<p><strong>Late result expected&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>It is suggested that the counting of votes and the announcement of results may get delayed due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count. The exercise will take place for the first time.</p>

<p>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, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>What happens in case of a mismatch?</p>

<p>In such a situation, the results based on paper slip count will be considered as final.</p>

<p>The entire exercise of EVM-Paper trail machine matching will take an additional four to five hours.</p>

<p><strong>What exit polls say</strong></p>

<p>With the final phase of polling of the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections coming to an end on May 19, exit polls predicted a thumping win for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The party, along with its allies, is predicted to sweep a lion's share of the Hindi heartland of the nation including states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar as well as the national capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pollsters predicted a considerable loss for Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in terms of seat share in the state, though she is predicted to keep the majority. The BJP, which fared poorly in 2014 in the state is suggested to win seats in double-digit. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>The opposition</strong></p>

<p>The opposition has dubbed the exit polls as wrong with many leaders rubbishing what the pollsters have predicted.</p>

<p>Eminent opposition leaders like Chandrababu Naidu, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Sitaram Yechury and Mayawati among others were seen scurrying around this week to meet one another and discuss post-poll strategy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>NDA's resolution</strong></p>

<p>PM Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah held a meeting with Union council of ministers on Tuesday which was later on followed by a dinner for NDA allies hoster by Shah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><strong>Election result and stock market</strong></p>

<p>Analysts suggest the stock markets soar further if PM Modi makes a comeback for the second term.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>


The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced today. Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections will begin at 8 am and the clear picture of who will lead the nation for the next five years will emerge in the evening.

The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced today. Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections will begin at 8 am and the clear picture of who will lead the nation for the next five years will emerge in the evening. Over 8,000 candidates More than 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats across the nation. Over 67 per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections. Late result expected It is suggested that the counting of votes and the announcement of results may get delayed due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count. The exercise will take place for the first time. 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, news agency PTI reported. What happens in case of a mismatch? In such a situation, the results based on 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. What exit polls say With the final phase of polling of the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections coming to an end on May 19, exit polls predicted a thumping win for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Lok Sabha polls. The party, along with its allies, is predicted to sweep a lion's share of the Hindi heartland of the nation including states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar as well as the national capital. Pollsters predicted a considerable loss for Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in terms of seat share in the state, though she is predicted to keep the majority. The BJP, which fared poorly in 2014 in the state is suggested to win seats in double-digit. The opposition The opposition has dubbed the exit polls as wrong with many leaders rubbishing what the pollsters have predicted. Eminent opposition leaders like Chandrababu Naidu, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Sitaram Yechury and Mayawati among others were seen scurrying around this week to meet one another and discuss post-poll strategy. NDA's resolution PM Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah held a meeting with Union council of ministers on Tuesday which was later on followed by a dinner for NDA allies hoster by Shah. 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. Election result and stock market Analysts suggest the stock markets soar further if PM Modi makes a comeback for the second term. 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.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election Commission to start counting of votes for parliamentary polls in 542 seats at 8 am

<p>India began&nbsp;counting hundreds of millions of votes in its general election today at 8:00 am, with a coalition led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party already preparing to form the next government.</p>

<p>The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Modi's <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">Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is expected to surpass the 272 seats</a> needed to command a majority in the lower house of parliament, six of seven exit polls showed on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Their predicted margin of victory is larger than surveys indicated in the run-up to the vote when most polls showed the NDA would be the largest alliance but would fall short of an overall majority.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Counting of votes begins at 08:00 am and&nbsp;trends are expected to be known by noon because of the use of computerised voting machines. Final results in the polls, in which around 900 million Indians were eligible to vote, are due by the evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The voting was held in seven phases with first phase&nbsp;beginning from&nbsp;April 11.</p>

<p>The last phase of voting was held on May&nbsp;19. Over 67.11 crore voters exercised their right to vote.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Victory preparation</strong></p>

<p>The NDA held a meeting on Tuesday, at which Modi was garlanded with flowers by members of the alliance, to discuss its policy agenda for its second term in power. It has promised to double farmers'&nbsp;income and boost infrastructure spending over the next five years.</p>

<p>Several opposition leaders attempting to unseat Modi have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/time-to-switch-off-tv-how-politicians-reacted-to-exit-polls-2019-219956">urged voters to wait for the final results</a>, calling the exit polls "gossip".</p>

<p>"Do not get demoralised by the fake exit polls doing the rounds," Congress president Rahul Gandhi said in a message to party workers posted on social media on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The opposition alliance has also protested to India's Election Commission over the electronic voting machines (EVMs) used in the count, that they <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/evms-are-completely-tamper-proof-cannot-be-hacked-former-chief-election-commissioner-op-rawat-220663">alleged can be tampered with</a>, and requested a delay to counting while votes are tallied with a backup paper audit trail.</p>

<p>The commission rejected the opposition's demands on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Around 500 masked people carrying guns and machetes attacked a polling team and forcibly took away EVMs in the remote northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, Reuters reported on Wednesday, though elections in the country as a whole are widely considered to be free and fair by international observers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/sensex-surges-over-1000-points-may-cross-40000-as-exit-poll-predict-nda-win-220058">Indian stocks posted their biggest gain</a> since September 2013 on Monday after the exit polls and could rally further on Thursday if the trend is confirmed, according to a Reuters poll.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"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 financial services firm Prabhudas Lilladher.</p>


India began counting hundreds of millions of votes in its general election today at 8:00 am, with a coalition led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party already preparing to form the next government. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is expected to surpass the 272 seats needed to command a majority in the lower house of parliament, six of seven exit polls showed on Sunday. Their predicted margin of victory is larger than surveys indicated in the run-up to the vote when most polls showed the NDA would be the largest alliance but would fall short of an overall majority. Counting of votes begins at 08:00 am and trends are expected to be known by noon because of the use of computerised voting machines. Final results in the polls, in which around 900 million Indians were eligible to vote, are due by the evening. The voting was held in seven phases with first phase beginning from April 11. The last phase of voting was held on May 19. Over 67.11 crore voters exercised their right to vote. Victory preparation The NDA held a meeting on Tuesday, at which Modi was garlanded with flowers by members of the alliance, to discuss its policy agenda for its second term in power. It has promised to double farmers' income and boost infrastructure spending over the next five years. Several opposition leaders attempting to unseat Modi have urged voters to wait for the final results, calling the exit polls "gossip". "Do not get demoralised by the fake exit polls doing the rounds," Congress president Rahul Gandhi said in a message to party workers posted on social media on Wednesday. The opposition alliance has also protested to India's Election Commission over the electronic voting machines (EVMs) used in the count, that they alleged can be tampered with, and requested a delay to counting while votes are tallied with a backup paper audit trail. The commission rejected the opposition's demands on Wednesday. Around 500 masked people carrying guns and machetes attacked a polling team and forcibly took away EVMs in the remote northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, Reuters reported on Wednesday, though elections in the country as a whole are widely considered to be free and fair by international observers. Indian stocks posted their biggest gain since September 2013 on Monday after the exit polls and could rally further on Thursday if the trend is confirmed, according to a Reuters poll. "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 financial services firm Prabhudas Lilladher.

Lok Sabha Election Result 2019: Counting of votes begins with BJP looking at second term

<p>From just two seats in Lok Sabha in 1984 to win two back-to-back majority in general elections, the BJP with its right-wing Hindutva ideology has firmly taken the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-live-updates-220687">centre-stage of India's political landscape</a>, displacing the Congress.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the Ram temple movement in 1990s, its graph started rising but its influence remained largely restricted to Hindi heartland and the party emerged as the single largest party in 1996 under the leadership of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The party for the first time formed government in 1996 for 13 days and then for 13 months in 1998 when its government lost by a single vote in Lok Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was Vajpayee's pragmatic leadership which helped the party shed its "untouchable" tag as it forged new alliances and led the first non-Congress government which completed its five-year tenure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It tasted stratospheric success with the emergence of Narendra Modi on national scene and the party won majority on its own for the first time in 2014 while expanding its footprint beyond Hindi heartland, especially in the Northeast region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Few had imagined the BJP would be able to travel this far when it was founded on April 6, 1980. The party originated from Jan Sangh, which had merged with the Janata Party 1n 1977 but three years later splintered.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When the saffron party contested its first election in 1984, it won only two Lok Sabha seats. Following which, then party president L K Advani made Hindutva as the core ideology of the party and used the rhetoric of "pseudo-secularism" and "Muslim appeasement" to great effect in winning popular support among the Hindus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The hardline Hindutva politics, which was in line with its ideological parent RSS's ideology, paid rich electoral dividends in the next general elections in 1989 when the BJP won 85 Lok Sabha seats. Following Advani's 'Ram Rath Yatra' in 1990, the party grew in strength and in the 1991 general elections, it increased its strength to 120.</p>

<p>The party's vote share went up to 20.1 per cent in 1991 from 11.4 per cent in 1989 and 7.4 per cent in 1984.</p>

<p>In the 1996 general elections, the BJP for the first time became the single largest party in Lok Sabha by winning 161 seats and staked claim to form the government.</p>

<p>The first ever BJP-led government, formed under the leadership of Vajpayee, lasted for only 13 days as it failed to attract allies to muster a majority.</p>

<p>In the next general polls in 1998, the BJP's tally increased and it got 182 seats in the Lok Sabha and formed a coalition government called the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which lasted 13 months when it lost a no-confidence motion by a single vote.</p>

<p>A year later, the BJP came back to power as the NDA won 270 seats in the general elections on its own, with the party again getting 182 seats. And Vajpayee became prime minister for the third time.</p>

<p>This time BJP's government lasted the full term until the next general polls in 2004, from where the BJP's decline started as it lost two back-to-back general elections.</p>

<p>A change of fortunes happened in 2014 with the emergence of Narendra Modi on the national scene as the face of the saffron party and under his leadership the BJP won 282 seats on its own. And this was perhaps the first party in three decade when any party had got majority on its own.</p>

<p>Following the BJP's massive victory and splendid performance in Uttar Pradesh, Amit Shah, who was in charge of the state, was rewarded with party's top post.</p>

<p>With this change of ranks in the party's leadership, a new era of Modi-Shah duo started which led to the party's victory in various state assembly elections and the BJP was ruling the 18 states at one point of time.</p>

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<p>The party, which is again all set to win, now occupies the centre-stage of Indian political landscape. With it being the strongest political entity in the country, the BJP has become the central focal point of Indian politics and become the common enemy of all the opposition parties.&nbsp;</p>


From just two seats in Lok Sabha in 1984 to win two back-to-back majority in general elections, the BJP with its right-wing Hindutva ideology has firmly taken the centre-stage of India's political landscape, displacing the Congress.

From just two seats in Lok Sabha in 1984 to win two back-to-back majority in general elections, the BJP with its right-wing Hindutva ideology has firmly taken the centre-stage of India's political landscape, displacing the Congress. With the Ram temple movement in 1990s, its graph started rising but its influence remained largely restricted to Hindi heartland and the party emerged as the single largest party in 1996 under the leadership of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The party for the first time formed government in 1996 for 13 days and then for 13 months in 1998 when its government lost by a single vote in Lok Sabha. It was Vajpayee's pragmatic leadership which helped the party shed its "untouchable" tag as it forged new alliances and led the first non-Congress government which completed its five-year tenure. It tasted stratospheric success with the emergence of Narendra Modi on national scene and the party won majority on its own for the first time in 2014 while expanding its footprint beyond Hindi heartland, especially in the Northeast region. Few had imagined the BJP would be able to travel this far when it was founded on April 6, 1980. The party originated from Jan Sangh, which had merged with the Janata Party 1n 1977 but three years later splintered. When the saffron party contested its first election in 1984, it won only two Lok Sabha seats. Following which, then party president L K Advani made Hindutva as the core ideology of the party and used the rhetoric of "pseudo-secularism" and "Muslim appeasement" to great effect in winning popular support among the Hindus. The hardline Hindutva politics, which was in line with its ideological parent RSS's ideology, paid rich electoral dividends in the next general elections in 1989 when the BJP won 85 Lok Sabha seats. Following Advani's 'Ram Rath Yatra' in 1990, the party grew in strength and in the 1991 general elections, it increased its strength to 120. The party's vote share went up to 20.1 per cent in 1991 from 11.4 per cent in 1989 and 7.4 per cent in 1984. In the 1996 general elections, the BJP for the first time became the single largest party in Lok Sabha by winning 161 seats and staked claim to form the government. The first ever BJP-led government, formed under the leadership of Vajpayee, lasted for only 13 days as it failed to attract allies to muster a majority. In the next general polls in 1998, the BJP's tally increased and it got 182 seats in the Lok Sabha and formed a coalition government called the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which lasted 13 months when it lost a no-confidence motion by a single vote. A year later, the BJP came back to power as the NDA won 270 seats in the general elections on its own, with the party again getting 182 seats. And Vajpayee became prime minister for the third time. This time BJP's government lasted the full term until the next general polls in 2004, from where the BJP's decline started as it lost two back-to-back general elections. A change of fortunes happened in 2014 with the emergence of Narendra Modi on the national scene as the face of the saffron party and under his leadership the BJP won 282 seats on its own. And this was perhaps the first party in three decade when any party had got majority on its own. Following the BJP's massive victory and splendid performance in Uttar Pradesh, Amit Shah, who was in charge of the state, was rewarded with party's top post. With this change of ranks in the party's leadership, a new era of Modi-Shah duo started which led to the party's victory in various state assembly elections and the BJP was ruling the 18 states at one point of time. × The party, which is again all set to win, now occupies the centre-stage of Indian political landscape. With it being the strongest political entity in the country, the BJP has become the central focal point of Indian politics and become the common enemy of all the opposition parties.

BJP's journey from just two seats in Lok Sabha in 1984 to winning two back-to-back majority

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that he respects people's&nbsp;verdict as he <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/in-a-neck-and-neck-battle-smriti-irani-defeats-rahul-gandhi-in-amethi-221025">conceded defeat in the Lok Sabha election</a>.</p>

<p>Addressing a press conference as <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">Modi's government returned to power</a> with a thumping majority, Rahul Gandhi said people of India decided Narendra Modi will be the Prime Minister and ''I respect their verdict''.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''I congratulate PM Modi and the BJP for their win,'' &nbsp;the Congress president said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''Our fight is ideological, he said and added there are two ideologies - one followed by Mr Narendra Modi and the other one followed by the Congress party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress president asked the people not to be scared as ''we are there''.</p>

<p>Congratulating BJP's Smriti Irani for her victory in Amethi, he said people of Amethi had given their mandate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Public is the boss, and through this mandate, it has given its order, he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: BJP party workers celebrate in West Bengal and Mumbai</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that he respects people's verdict as he conceded defeat in the Lok Sabha election. Addressing a press conference as Modi's government returned to power with a thumping majority, Rahul Gandhi said people of India decided Narendra Modi will be the Prime Minister and ''I respect their verdict''.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that he respects people's verdict as he conceded defeat in the Lok Sabha election. Addressing a press conference as Modi's government returned to power with a thumping majority, Rahul Gandhi said people of India decided Narendra Modi will be the Prime Minister and ''I respect their verdict''. ''I congratulate PM Modi and the BJP for their win,'' the Congress president said. ''Our fight is ideological, he said and added there are two ideologies - one followed by Mr Narendra Modi and the other one followed by the Congress party. The Congress president asked the people not to be scared as ''we are there''. Congratulating BJP's Smriti Irani for her victory in Amethi, he said people of Amethi had given their mandate. Public is the boss, and through this mandate, it has given its order, he added. Watch: BJP party workers celebrate in West Bengal and Mumbai ×

Lok Sabha election results 2019: Rahul Gandhi concedes defeat, asks Congress workers not to lose hope

<p>The Election Commission on Wednesday came up with a new IT-based initiative to provide real-time trends and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-counting-of-votes-to-take-place-on-thursday-fates-of-over-8000-candidates-to-be-decided-220612">results of the counting of the votes</a> on May 23.</p>

<p>"Trends and results will be available on the ECI website as well as on the Voter Helpline App available on both Android and iOS," said the Election Commission.</p>

<p>The dissemination of information will start from 8 am on the counting day and will be continuously updated, said the commission.</p>

<p>The app boasts of a number of innovative features including an option to bookmark one's favourite candidate from a constituency and track her/his result exclusively said the commission.</p>

<p>"Users with the help of filters can find out the winning/leading or trailing candidate details, along with the constituency-wise or state-wise results from the app," said the commission.</p>

<p>The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced today.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-fate-of-724-women-candidates-to-be-decided-tomorrow-220590">Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections</a>&nbsp;will begin at 8 am today and the clear picture of who will lead the nation for the next five years will emerge in the evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats across the nation. 67.11 per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections.</p>

<p>It is suggested that the counting of votes and the announcement of results may get delayed due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count. The exercise will take place for the first time.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Election Commission on Wednesday came up with a new IT-based initiative to provide real-time trends and results of the counting of the votes on May 23. "Trends and results will be available on the ECI website as well as on the Voter Helpline App available on both Android and iOS," said the Election Commission.

The Election Commission on Wednesday came up with a new IT-based initiative to provide real-time trends and results of the counting of the votes on May 23. "Trends and results will be available on the ECI website as well as on the Voter Helpline App available on both Android and iOS," said the Election Commission. The dissemination of information will start from 8 am on the counting day and will be continuously updated, said the commission. The app boasts of a number of innovative features including an option to bookmark one's favourite candidate from a constituency and track her/his result exclusively said the commission. "Users with the help of filters can find out the winning/leading or trailing candidate details, along with the constituency-wise or state-wise results from the app," said the commission. The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced today. Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections will begin at 8 am today and the clear picture of who will lead the nation for the next five years will emerge in the evening. More than 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats across the nation. 67.11 per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections. It is suggested that the counting of votes and the announcement of results may get delayed due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count. The exercise will take place for the first time.

Election Commission launches a special app for voters to track election results today

<p>Actress-turned-politician Urmila Matondkar suffered defeat on her maiden political outing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Contesting elections from the Mumbai North constituency, Urmila lost to Bhartiya Janta Party’s sure-shot bet, Gopal Chinayya Shetty. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Star campaigners are crucial in the Indian elections as they drive massive crowds. The fight between Congress’ Urmila and BJP’s Gopal grabbed eyeballs throughout their campaigns as the former joined the party when no one wanted to fight against BJP’s candidate.&nbsp;In 2014, Gopal had won with a victory margin of 4.46 lakh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many feel that by bringing in Urmila, Congress wanted to do what they did with Govinda as he won over BJP veteran Ram Naik. Some felt that Urmila could prove to be even better than Govinda as he did not really spend any time in the constituency after his victory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The actress congratulated Shetty on his win and stated that she had filed a complaints to the Election Commission over discripencies found in EVMs.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Urmila Matondkar, Congress candidate from Mumbai North parliamentary constituency: I congratulate Gopal Shetty. We have noticed discrepancies in EVMs, we have prepared a report on it that we will submit to Election Commission at the end of the day. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElectionResults2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElectionResults2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/nX2ONYA08d">pic.twitter.com/nX2ONYA08d</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1131514301733384192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On the form of EVM 17C from Magathane, the signatures and the machine numbers are different. A complaint has been filed with the Election Commission.</p>
— Urmila Matondkar (@OfficialUrmila) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialUrmila/status/1131442691219304448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Urmila is a well known Bollywood actress who is known for her performance in hit films like ‘Rangeela’, ‘Kaun’, ‘Ek Hasina Thi’, ‘Pinjar’ and more.&nbsp;</p>


Actress-turned-politician Urmila Matondkar suffered defeat on her maiden political outing. Contesting elections from the Mumbai North constituency, Urmila lost to Bhartiya Janta Party’s sure-shot bet, Gopal Chinayya Shetty.

Actress-turned-politician Urmila Matondkar suffered defeat on her maiden political outing. Contesting elections from the Mumbai North constituency, Urmila lost to Bhartiya Janta Party’s sure-shot bet, Gopal Chinayya Shetty. Star campaigners are crucial in the Indian elections as they drive massive crowds. The fight between Congress’ Urmila and BJP’s Gopal grabbed eyeballs throughout their campaigns as the former joined the party when no one wanted to fight against BJP’s candidate. In 2014, Gopal had won with a victory margin of 4.46 lakh. Many feel that by bringing in Urmila, Congress wanted to do what they did with Govinda as he won over BJP veteran Ram Naik. Some felt that Urmila could prove to be even better than Govinda as he did not really spend any time in the constituency after his victory. The actress congratulated Shetty on his win and stated that she had filed a complaints to the Election Commission over discripencies found in EVMs. Urmila Matondkar, Congress candidate from Mumbai North parliamentary constituency: I congratulate Gopal Shetty. We have noticed discrepancies in EVMs, we have prepared a report on it that we will submit to Election Commission at the end of the day. #ElectionResults2019 pic.twitter.com/nX2ONYA08d — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2019 × On the form of EVM 17C from Magathane, the signatures and the machine numbers are different. A complaint has been filed with the Election Commission. — Urmila Matondkar (@OfficialUrmila) May 23, 2019 × Urmila is a well known Bollywood actress who is known for her performance in hit films like ‘Rangeela’, ‘Kaun’, ‘Ek Hasina Thi’, ‘Pinjar’ and more.

Lok Sabha Election Result 2019: Urmila Matondkar loses from Mumbai North constituency

<p>The BJP and its ally Apna Dal (Sonelal) are leading in 61 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, according to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/">Election Commission trends</a> at 3.30 pm.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading by a huge margin of over 4 lakh votes in Varanasi against Samajwadi Party candidate Shalini Yadav.</p>

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi continued to trail in Amethi, where Union minister and BJP candidate Smriti Irani is leading by over 16,000 votes.</p>

<p>The BJP is ahead in 60 seats and Apna Dal (S) in one seat. The SP-BSP-RLD alliance is leading in 18 seats. Mayawati's BSP is ahead in 12 seats, while Akhilesh Yadav's SP is leading in six seats.</p>

<p>The Congress is leading on only one seat, Rae Bareli, where UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi is ahead of the BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh by over 1.16 lakh votes.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>RLD chief Ajit Singh and his son, Jayant Chowdhury, are trailing from Muzaffarnagar and Baghpat respectively.</p>

<p>It was mixed fortune for the Yadav clan, with two senior leaders Mulayam Singh and Akhilesh Yadav maintaining their leads.</p>

<p>SP chief Akhilesh Yadav is leading by over 1.2 lakh votes in Azamgarh, while his father and SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav is ahead by nearly 28,000 votes.</p>

<p>Akhilesh Yadav's cousins, Dharmendra Yadav and Akshay Yadav, and wife Dimple Yadav are trailing respectively from Badaun, Firozabad and Kannauj seats.</p>

<p>SP leader Azam Khan is leading in Rampur by over 1.4 lakh votes over BJP candidate Jaya Prada, who switched sides from the SP to join the saffron party ahead of the Lok Sabha election.</p>

<p>Kunwar Danish Ali, who joined the BSP after leaving the JDS, is leading by over 60,000 votes in Amroha.</p>

<p>State BJP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey is leading by more than 9,000 votes in Chandauli.</p>

<p>Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Santosh Gangwar are leading in their respective seats of Lucknow and Bareily. But another Union minister, Manoj Sinha, was trailing in Ghazipur, where mafia-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari's brother, Afzal Ansari, of the BSP is leading by over 45,000 votes.</p>

<p>In Gorakhpur and Phulpur, where the Opposition had unseated the BJP in bypolls, the saffron party appeared to be taking a sweet revenge by leading at both the places.</p>

<p>Kairana was, however, an exception where sitting Samajwadi Party MP Tabassum Begum is maintaining a lead over the BJP, which had lost in a bypoll to Begum.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;BJP workers welcome Amit Shah at party headquarters after BJP's stellar performance&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Sitting BJP MP Hema Malini is leading by 2 lakh votes against SP-BSP-RLD alliance candidate Kunwar Narendra Singh in Mathura.&nbsp;</p>


The BJP and its ally Apna Dal (Sonelal) are leading in 61 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, according to Election Commission trends at 3.30 pm. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading by a huge margin of over 4 lakh votes in Varanasi against Samajwadi Party candidate Shalini Yadav.

The BJP and its ally Apna Dal (Sonelal) are leading in 61 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, according to Election Commission trends at 3.30 pm. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading by a huge margin of over 4 lakh votes in Varanasi against Samajwadi Party candidate Shalini Yadav. Congress president Rahul Gandhi continued to trail in Amethi, where Union minister and BJP candidate Smriti Irani is leading by over 16,000 votes. The BJP is ahead in 60 seats and Apna Dal (S) in one seat. The SP-BSP-RLD alliance is leading in 18 seats. Mayawati's BSP is ahead in 12 seats, while Akhilesh Yadav's SP is leading in six seats. The Congress is leading on only one seat, Rae Bareli, where UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi is ahead of the BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh by over 1.16 lakh votes. In pics: BJP heads to historic win as Modi wave sweeps India RLD chief Ajit Singh and his son, Jayant Chowdhury, are trailing from Muzaffarnagar and Baghpat respectively. It was mixed fortune for the Yadav clan, with two senior leaders Mulayam Singh and Akhilesh Yadav maintaining their leads. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav is leading by over 1.2 lakh votes in Azamgarh, while his father and SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav is ahead by nearly 28,000 votes. Akhilesh Yadav's cousins, Dharmendra Yadav and Akshay Yadav, and wife Dimple Yadav are trailing respectively from Badaun, Firozabad and Kannauj seats. SP leader Azam Khan is leading in Rampur by over 1.4 lakh votes over BJP candidate Jaya Prada, who switched sides from the SP to join the saffron party ahead of the Lok Sabha election. Kunwar Danish Ali, who joined the BSP after leaving the JDS, is leading by over 60,000 votes in Amroha. State BJP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey is leading by more than 9,000 votes in Chandauli. Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Santosh Gangwar are leading in their respective seats of Lucknow and Bareily. But another Union minister, Manoj Sinha, was trailing in Ghazipur, where mafia-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari's brother, Afzal Ansari, of the BSP is leading by over 45,000 votes. In Gorakhpur and Phulpur, where the Opposition had unseated the BJP in bypolls, the saffron party appeared to be taking a sweet revenge by leading at both the places. Kairana was, however, an exception where sitting Samajwadi Party MP Tabassum Begum is maintaining a lead over the BJP, which had lost in a bypoll to Begum. Watch: BJP workers welcome Amit Shah at party headquarters after BJP's stellar performance × Sitting BJP MP Hema Malini is leading by 2 lakh votes against SP-BSP-RLD alliance candidate Kunwar Narendra Singh in Mathura.

Lok Sabha election results 2019: BJP, ally maintain lead over rivals in Uttar Pradesh

<p>Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia has lost the family bastion Guna Lok Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh to BJP's KP Yadav in his&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Guna constituency has been a Congress bastion seat as Jyotiraditya Scindia has been winning from this seat for the past three terms.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Guna Lok Sabha constituency comprises eight Vidhan Sabha or legislative assembly segments.</p>


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

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>"The entire country is 'Modi-may' (in thrall of Modi)," Raut, who edits the Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana', told reporters here.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;BJP workers welcome Amit Shah at party headquarters after BJP's stellar performance&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>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;</p>


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

<p>Even though the Bharatiya Janta Party is yet to declare its win, it can be safe to say that the party has got a clean sweep in 2019 general elections. And while BJP leaders are yet to make an official announcement, congratulatory messages for PM Narendra Modi have already started pouring in- including one from superstar Rajinikanth.</p>

<p>The superstar took to Twitter on Thursday afternoon to tweet a congratulatory message to the PM. "Respected dear @narendramodi ji hearty congratulations ... You made it !!! God bless.(sic)"&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Respected dear <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji<br />
hearty congratulations ... You made it !!! God bless.</p>
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajinikanth/status/1131479602000408576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The actor had in 2018 expressed his desire to join politics but he did not contest elections this time around. Unlike his contemporary, Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth is yet to announce his political party. The superstar is likely to contest during Assembly elections in 2020.&nbsp;</p>


Even though the Bharatiya Janta Party is yet to declare its win, it can be safe to say that the party has got a clean sweep in 2019 general elections. And while BJP leaders are yet to make an official announcement, congratulatory messages for PM Narendra Modi have already started pouring in- including one from superstar Rajinikanth.

Even though the Bharatiya Janta Party is yet to declare its win, it can be safe to say that the party has got a clean sweep in 2019 general elections. And while BJP leaders are yet to make an official announcement, congratulatory messages for PM Narendra Modi have already started pouring in- including one from superstar Rajinikanth. The superstar took to Twitter on Thursday afternoon to tweet a congratulatory message to the PM. "Respected dear @narendramodi ji hearty congratulations ... You made it !!! God bless.(sic)" Respected dear @narendramodi ji hearty congratulations ... You made it !!! God bless. — Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) May 23, 2019 × The actor had in 2018 expressed his desire to join politics but he did not contest elections this time around. Unlike his contemporary, Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth is yet to announce his political party. The superstar is likely to contest during Assembly elections in 2020.

Lok Sabha election results 2019: Rajinikanth congratulates PM Narendra Modi, says 'You made it'

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>Tiwari said they (BJP) were sure of victory but did not expect such a "huge" margin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"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;</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Tanveer Ahmed reacts on Lok Sabha poll results</strong></p>

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<p>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.</p>

<p>Incumbent MP from New Delhi Meenakshi Lekhi was also ahead of Congress' Ajay Maken by a margin of over 1.98 lakh votes.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>Counting is underway for seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;BJP workers welcome Amit Shah at party headquarters after BJP's stellar performance</strong></p>

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<p>"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;</p>


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

<p>BJP veteran L K Advani on Thursday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his election victory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''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.</p>

<p>BJP is set for a landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections as NDA&nbsp;is leading in 344 seats.</p>

<p>''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;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1131505885254225922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>May our great nation be blessed with a bright future ahead, he added.</p>

<p>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.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


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 

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