BJP President Amit Shah addresses hundreds of BJP workers at BJP HQ, New Delhi. Watch this video to get complete details.

BJP President Amit Shah addresses hundreds of BJP workers at BJP HQ, New Delhi

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. BJP's candidate Gautam Gambhir leading in East-Delhi

Lok Sabha 2019 Results: BJP's candidate Gautam Gambhir leading in East-Delhi

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country.BJP's Rajyavardhan Rathore leading in Jaipur; Congress' Raj Babbar trailing in Fatehpur-Sikri

BJP's Rajyavardhan Rathore leading in Jaipur; Congress' Raj Babbar trailing in Fatehpur-Sikri

<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'

<p>The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-guide-to-check-results-trends-on-election-commission-website-and-app-220713">counting for</a> 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal will be taken up Thursday along with the rest of the country.</p>

<p>A day before the counting, the BJP's state unit on Wednesday seemed upbeat about its performance in the state, with a senior leader saying people's desire for an "alternative" to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) may propel them to an even better position than the exit polls predictions.</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 <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">unprecedented surge of the BJP</a> 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>"Certainly the exit poll projections have made our workers optimistic. But we are hoping to do even better as people of Bengal are with us. We are hopeful that tomorrow's (Thursday's) result will upset many calculations. We are not sure if we will win 23 seats or even more," party's state general secretary Pratap Banerjee said on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The party leadership said no major programmes have been planned yet for Thursday as most of the senior leaders, who contested in the 2019 polls, will be in their respective constituencies when the results are announced.</p>

<p>Dubbing Mamata Banerjee's apprehensions over EVMs as "baseless", Banerjee said it was a "last ditch attempt" by her to pep up party workers.</p>

<p>He also said that a giant projection screen will be put up on the ground floor hall of the state party headquarters where local leaders and activists will watch the election results unfold.</p>

<p>The Trinamool Congress, 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: UPA reaches out to regional parties</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-election-watch-upa-reaches-out-to-regional-parties-220685/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Although West Bengal has been a Trinamool Congress bastion for the last several years, the state seems to have undergone a massive change in its political leanings during Lok Sabha election 2019. While it always been a direct contest between Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress and the Left Front with Congress also strong in a few pockets, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has gone out all guns blazing to become a major player in the state.</p>

<p>PM Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah have led the BJP charge, addressing several rallies in the state which was countered on every junction by the supremely combative Mamata Banerjee.</p>

<p>Trinamool Congress has swept aside the opposition in the 2014 Lok Sabha election by winning 34 seats. The Congress managed just four seats while the Left Front which ruled West Bengal for almost three-and-a-half decades till its rout at the hands of Trinamool Congress in the 2011 Assembly election, could win in only two seats. The BJP was also victorious in two Lok Sabha constituencies.</p>

<p>The state went to polls in all the seven phases of Lok Sabha election - April 11, April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19. West Bengal’s 10 seats out of 42 are reserved for Scheduled Caste while two are for Scheduled Tribe candidates.</p>


The counting for 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal will be taken up Thursday along with the rest of the country. A day before the counting, the BJP's state unit on Wednesday seemed upbeat about its performance in the state, with a senior leader saying people's desire for an "alternative" to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) may propel them to an even better position than the exit polls predictions.

The counting for 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal will be taken up Thursday along with the rest of the country. A day before the counting, the BJP's state unit on Wednesday seemed upbeat about its performance in the state, with a senior leader saying people's desire for an "alternative" to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) may propel them to an even better position than the exit polls predictions. 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. "Certainly the exit poll projections have made our workers optimistic. But we are hoping to do even better as people of Bengal are with us. We are hopeful that tomorrow's (Thursday's) result will upset many calculations. We are not sure if we will win 23 seats or even more," party's state general secretary Pratap Banerjee said on Wednesday. The party leadership said no major programmes have been planned yet for Thursday as most of the senior leaders, who contested in the 2019 polls, will be in their respective constituencies when the results are announced. Dubbing Mamata Banerjee's apprehensions over EVMs as "baseless", Banerjee said it was a "last ditch attempt" by her to pep up party workers. He also said that a giant projection screen will be put up on the ground floor hall of the state party headquarters where local leaders and activists will watch the election results unfold. The Trinamool Congress, 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: UPA reaches out to regional parties Although West Bengal has been a Trinamool Congress bastion for the last several years, the state seems to have undergone a massive change in its political leanings during Lok Sabha election 2019. While it always been a direct contest between Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress and the Left Front with Congress also strong in a few pockets, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has gone out all guns blazing to become a major player in the state. PM Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah have led the BJP charge, addressing several rallies in the state which was countered on every junction by the supremely combative Mamata Banerjee. Trinamool Congress has swept aside the opposition in the 2014 Lok Sabha election by winning 34 seats. The Congress managed just four seats while the Left Front which ruled West Bengal for almost three-and-a-half decades till its rout at the hands of Trinamool Congress in the 2011 Assembly election, could win in only two seats. The BJP was also victorious in two Lok Sabha constituencies. The state went to polls in all the seven phases of Lok Sabha election - April 11, April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19. West Bengal’s 10 seats out of 42 are reserved for Scheduled Caste while two are for Scheduled Tribe candidates.

Lok Sabha election results 2019: BJP hopes to improve tally in Trinamool Congress bastion West Bengal

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. Congress leader Sashi Tharoor trailing in Thiruvananthapuram

Lok Sabha 2019 Results: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor trailing in Thiruvananthapuram

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. Congress President Rahul Gandhi leading from Wayanad

Lok Sabha 2019 Results: Congress President Rahul Gandhi leading from Wayanad

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. BJP President Amit Shah leading from Gandhinagar

Lok Sabha 2019 Results: BJP President Amit Shah leading from Gandhinagar

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country.

Lok Sabha 2019 Results: BJP's Rajnath Singh leading from Lucknow over Congress' Pramod Krishnam

Lok Sabha 2019 Results: BJP's Sadhvi Pragya leading from Bhopal over Congress Digvijay Singh

PM Modi has arrived at BJP Headquarter at New Delhi after today result session of Lok Sabha Election 2019.

Breaking: PM Modi arrives at BJP Headquarter, New Delhi

Lok Sabha election results 2019: Star winners and losers

Lok Sabha 2019 Results: BJP+ leads in early trends of poll counting

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. Hundreds of BJP workers gathered for victory celebration at BJP HQ.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Hundreds of BJP workers gathered for victory celebration at BJP HQ

<p>The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference has swept all the three <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/this-is-a-mandate-to-form-new-india-pm-modi-delivers-first-address-after-lok-sabha-polls-result-221070">Lok Sabha</a> seats in Kashmir valley while the BJP continued its winning mark on Jammu, Udhampur and Ladakh parliamentary seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>National Conference President and four-time J&amp;K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, who sought re-election, won comfortably from Srinagar-Budgam parliamentary seat, defeating Peoples Democratic Party candidate Aga Syed Mohsin.</p>

<p>Speaking to media after winning the election, he said that "the Parliament will not be easy and several important issues including Article-35-A and 370 which will have to be fought to save them," he said while blaming BJP for creating a divide among Hindus and Muslims in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Flanked by his son Omar Abdullah, Farooq stressed on the need to restart dialogue between India and Pakistan. Omar while speaking at the party office blamed Congress for defeat on Ladakh parliamentary seat by fielding their candidate against an Independent candidate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We fought elections so that we find a replacement for the BJP &amp; NDA but the country hasn't accepted this. Yes, after Balakote, the opposition was on the backfoot. Now, we can question if slogans like 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' was right or not? Was it important to focus on Rafale?" Omar asked.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: WION in conversation with Omar Abdullah on Lok Sabha election results 2019</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-in-conversation-with-omar-abdullah-lok-sabha-election-results-2019-220922/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>In south Kashmir, Peoples Democratic Party President and former chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti tasted defeat in Anantnag parliamentary constituency. She was defeated by National Conference candidate and former judge Hasnain Masoodi in her bastion and stronghold.</p>

<p>This is Mehbooba's first big defeat after the death of her father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and fall of the PDP-BJP coalition government in the state.</p>

<p>"I’ve been fortunate to get the love &amp; affection of my people. They have every right to express their anger for my failings. Accept their verdict with humility. Congratulations to winning candidates from NC. I’m grateful to my party workers &amp; colleagues," Mehbooba wrote on Twitter.</p>

<p>Her defeat has also come at a time when several top leaders have left the party due to several reasons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The motormouth National Conference leader Akbar Lone defeated controversial leader Er. Rasheed and former cop turned politician Raja Aijaz Ali of the JK Peoples’ Conference. Lone was the education minister in Omar Abdullah's cabinet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While MoS, PMO, Jitendra Singh also won the Udhampur seat by defeating Vikramaditya Singh of the Congress despite having the backing of two big regional forces National Conference and PDP. In Jammu, BJP candidate Jugal Kishore won again, defeating the Congress candidate Raman Bhalla.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ladakh welcomed BJP once again, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal won the seat defeating independent candidate Asgar Ali Karbalai. Political parties are blaming Congress for the defeat by fielding a candidate against Asgar, dividing the vote.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference has swept all the three Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir valley while the BJP continued its winning mark on Jammu, Udhampur and Ladakh parliamentary seats.

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference has swept all the three Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir valley while the BJP continued its winning mark on Jammu, Udhampur and Ladakh parliamentary seats. National Conference President and four-time J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, who sought re-election, won comfortably from Srinagar-Budgam parliamentary seat, defeating Peoples Democratic Party candidate Aga Syed Mohsin. Speaking to media after winning the election, he said that "the Parliament will not be easy and several important issues including Article-35-A and 370 which will have to be fought to save them," he said while blaming BJP for creating a divide among Hindus and Muslims in India. Flanked by his son Omar Abdullah, Farooq stressed on the need to restart dialogue between India and Pakistan. Omar while speaking at the party office blamed Congress for defeat on Ladakh parliamentary seat by fielding their candidate against an Independent candidate. "We fought elections so that we find a replacement for the BJP & NDA but the country hasn't accepted this. Yes, after Balakote, the opposition was on the backfoot. Now, we can question if slogans like 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' was right or not? Was it important to focus on Rafale?" Omar asked. Watch: WION in conversation with Omar Abdullah on Lok Sabha election results 2019 In south Kashmir, Peoples Democratic Party President and former chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti tasted defeat in Anantnag parliamentary constituency. She was defeated by National Conference candidate and former judge Hasnain Masoodi in her bastion and stronghold. This is Mehbooba's first big defeat after the death of her father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and fall of the PDP-BJP coalition government in the state. "I’ve been fortunate to get the love & affection of my people. They have every right to express their anger for my failings. Accept their verdict with humility. Congratulations to winning candidates from NC. I’m grateful to my party workers & colleagues," Mehbooba wrote on Twitter. Her defeat has also come at a time when several top leaders have left the party due to several reasons. The motormouth National Conference leader Akbar Lone defeated controversial leader Er. Rasheed and former cop turned politician Raja Aijaz Ali of the JK Peoples’ Conference. Lone was the education minister in Omar Abdullah's cabinet. While MoS, PMO, Jitendra Singh also won the Udhampur seat by defeating Vikramaditya Singh of the Congress despite having the backing of two big regional forces National Conference and PDP. In Jammu, BJP candidate Jugal Kishore won again, defeating the Congress candidate Raman Bhalla. Ladakh welcomed BJP once again, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal won the seat defeating independent candidate Asgar Ali Karbalai. Political parties are blaming Congress for the defeat by fielding a candidate against Asgar, dividing the vote.

Lok Sabha election results 2019: National Conference sweeps Kashmir, BJP seals Jammu and Ladakh division

<p>As the counting begins on Thursday, all eyes will be on Uttar Pradesh which offers a massive chunk of 80 parliamentary constituencies. The strategic significance of the state in deciding the fate of the incumbent central government could never be undermined.</p>

<p>The state has given 10 prime ministers since independence. Going by the exit polls predictions, the BJP-led NDA is likely to get the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lions-share-of-uttar-pradeshs-seats-going-to-bjp-predict-exit-polls-219936">lion's share</a> of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats. Times Now-VMR said the NDA will get 58 seats in UP and C-Voter suggested 38 seats for the alliance. The poll of polls, a collection of various exit polls, predicted 43 seats for the NDA.</p>

<p>For Rahul Gandhi-led Congress, the pollsters painted a dismal picture giving just a couple of seats to the party in the state. The SP-BSP-RLD alliance is predicted to bag between 20 to 40 seats, pollsters said.</p>

<p>During the last Lok Sabha polls, the NDA registered a landslide win bagging 71 seats out of 80.</p>

<p>Along with its NDA constituents, the BJP won 336 out of 543 seats and formed the government at the Centre. It was for the first time in about three decades that a party won such a huge number of seats.</p>

<p>This time around, the exit polls show the BJP cornering over 300 seats and form a government at the Centre comfortably. 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.</p>

<p>With the counting of votes progressing on Thursday, fates of some of the political bigwigs will be sealed who are contesting from the key constituencies of Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p><strong>Varanasi:</strong> Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a second term from Varanasi Lok Sabha seat where he is in the contest with Congress' Ajai Rai.</p>

<p><strong>Amethi:</strong> Congress chief Rahul Gandhi is in a tough fight against BJP minister Smriti Irani.</p>

<p><strong>Rae Bareli:</strong> Sonia Gandhi is in a straight contest with BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh.</p>

<p><strong>Azamgarh:</strong> A traditional SP stronghold, Azamgarh will see a battle between chief Akhilesh Yadav and BJP's Dinesh Lal Yadav Nirahua.</p>

<p><strong>Mainpuri:</strong> Another SP bastion, party patriarch is set to lock horns here with BJP's Prem Singh Shakya.</p>

<p><strong>Lucknow:</strong> Union Home Minister is set to take on SP's Poonam Sinha and Congress' Acharya Pramod Krishnam.</p>

<p><strong>Gorakhpur:</strong> Here, the fight is mainly among Madhusudan Tripathi of the Congress, Ravindra Shyamnarayan Shukla alias Ravi Kishan of the BJP and Rambhual Nishad of the SP.</p>

<p><strong>Sultanpur:</strong> The seat will witness a close contest as the BJP's candidate is the Union minister Maneka Gandhi, who is replacing her son Varun Gandhi.</p>

<p>Congress candidate Sanjay Singh will give tough competition to Maneka Gandhi, as Congress has had a hold on this seat in 7 Lok Sabha elections against the BJP's 4 wins in this constituency.</p>

<p><strong>Allahabad:</strong> Rita Bahuguna Joshi is BJP's candidate on the Allahabad seat.</p>

<p>Joshi is fighting against Congress leader Yogesh Shukla and SP's Rajendra Singh Patel.</p>


As the counting begins on Thursday, all eyes will be on Uttar Pradesh which offers a massive chunk of 80 parliamentary constituencies. The strategic significance of the state in deciding the fate of the incumbent central government could never be undermined.

As the counting begins on Thursday, all eyes will be on Uttar Pradesh which offers a massive chunk of 80 parliamentary constituencies. The strategic significance of the state in deciding the fate of the incumbent central government could never be undermined. The state has given 10 prime ministers since independence. Going by the exit polls predictions, the BJP-led NDA is likely to get the lion's share of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats. Times Now-VMR said the NDA will get 58 seats in UP and C-Voter suggested 38 seats for the alliance. The poll of polls, a collection of various exit polls, predicted 43 seats for the NDA. For Rahul Gandhi-led Congress, the pollsters painted a dismal picture giving just a couple of seats to the party in the state. The SP-BSP-RLD alliance is predicted to bag between 20 to 40 seats, pollsters said. During the last Lok Sabha polls, the NDA registered a landslide win bagging 71 seats out of 80. Along with its NDA constituents, the BJP won 336 out of 543 seats and formed the government at the Centre. It was for the first time in about three decades that a party won such a huge number of seats. This time around, the exit polls show the BJP cornering over 300 seats and form a government at the Centre comfortably. 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. With the counting of votes progressing on Thursday, fates of some of the political bigwigs will be sealed who are contesting from the key constituencies of Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a second term from Varanasi Lok Sabha seat where he is in the contest with Congress' Ajai Rai. Amethi: Congress chief Rahul Gandhi is in a tough fight against BJP minister Smriti Irani. Rae Bareli: Sonia Gandhi is in a straight contest with BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh. Azamgarh: A traditional SP stronghold, Azamgarh will see a battle between chief Akhilesh Yadav and BJP's Dinesh Lal Yadav Nirahua. Mainpuri: Another SP bastion, party patriarch is set to lock horns here with BJP's Prem Singh Shakya. Lucknow: Union Home Minister is set to take on SP's Poonam Sinha and Congress' Acharya Pramod Krishnam. Gorakhpur: Here, the fight is mainly among Madhusudan Tripathi of the Congress, Ravindra Shyamnarayan Shukla alias Ravi Kishan of the BJP and Rambhual Nishad of the SP. Sultanpur: The seat will witness a close contest as the BJP's candidate is the Union minister Maneka Gandhi, who is replacing her son Varun Gandhi. Congress candidate Sanjay Singh will give tough competition to Maneka Gandhi, as Congress has had a hold on this seat in 7 Lok Sabha elections against the BJP's 4 wins in this constituency. Allahabad: Rita Bahuguna Joshi is BJP's candidate on the Allahabad seat. Joshi is fighting against Congress leader Yogesh Shukla and SP's Rajendra Singh Patel.

Lok Sabha election results 2019: Mahagathbandhan's fate to be decided today in Uttar Pradesh

<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>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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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>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<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

Finally, the Lok Sabha Elections 2019 process draws to a close with counting of votes for 542 Lok Sabha seats to begin shortly. Watch this video to know more.

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Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. Nitish kumar secures all 17 LS seats in Bihar.

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<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

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. Congress wishes PM Modi & BJP by posting a tweet.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Congress wishes PM Modi & BJP by posting a tweet

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. PM Modi's Tweet, 'Keep this spirit alive at every moment.'

Lok Sabha Election 2019: PM Modi's Tweet, 'Keep this spirit alive at every moment'