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<p>After winning the General Elections 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not give many details about his plans for the third term. However, he emphasised that he would keep working on strengthening the country’s military and its influence. This news will, possibly, please the US and its allies, who are increasingly focused on countering China’s expansive maritime claims and assertive actions in the Indo-Pacific region.</p>

<p>Modi told his supporters at the BJP headquarters soon after the election results that his government’s priority would be to boost defence production and exports. He emphasised his goal to enhance security by reducing India’s reliance on imported arms. He announced his intention to make India self-sufficient in the defence sector.</p>

<p>Under Modi, defence co-operation with the US has grown significantly, especially through the Quad security grouping, which also includes Australia and Japan. This relationship is mutually beneficial—the US gets a strong partner close to China, which it considers a significant challenge, while India enhances its defence strength against a much more powerful rival.</p>

<p>“India is now seen as a key frontline state by the Americans,” said New Delhi-based defence analyst Rahul Bedi, according to a report in&nbsp;<em>The Diplomat</em>. The Indian Navy’s role in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) was “crucial”, it said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/multi-layered-security-no-fly-zone-in-delhi-as-capital-gears-up-for-pms-swearing-in-ceremony-729854">Multi-layered security, no-fly zone in Delhi as capital gears up for PM's swearing-in ceremony</a></p>

<p>The IOR, encompassing waters from Africa to Australia, is vital for global trade and energy routes. It includes such significant nations as India, Indonesia and South Africa. This region is strategically important for maritime security, economic activities and geopolitical influence, playing a crucial role in global stability and commerce.</p>

<p>When US President Joe Biden congratulated Modi on the election results, strengthening defence relationship was a key point on his agenda. During a call, the two leaders vowed to strengthen Indo-US strategic partnership and promote a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, according to a White House statement. It also mentioned that National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan would soon visit New Delhi to discuss shared US-India priorities with the new government.</p>

<p>The Indo-Pacific region, spanning the Indian and Pacific Oceans, is crucial for global trade and security. It includes such key countries as India, China, Japan, Australia and the US. This area is strategically important due to its economic potential, shipping routes and geopolitical significance in maintaining regional stability.</p>

<p>About a year into Modi’s second term, India’s defence strategy had shifted significantly towards China. This change was prompted by a clash in 2020 between troops from the two countries in Galwan Valley, an area in northern Ladakh, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed.</p>

<p>“China poses a long-term strategic challenge for India, affecting both its border and its interests in the Indian Ocean,” Viraj Solanki, an expert from the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told&nbsp;<em>The Diplomat</em>&nbsp;in an interview. This had prompted India to adjust its defence partnerships, with an eye to countering China’s increasing clout in the Indo-Pacific region, he explained.</p>

<p>China was trying to expand its influence and presence in the region through greater engagement with these countries, Solanki said. This was a headache for New Delhi and was likely to result in greater competition in the Indian Ocean in future, he added. Beijing maintains close ties with Islamabad. China has also been boosting defence ties with such neighbouring countries of India as Nepal, Bangladesh, the Maldives and Sri Lanka.</p>

<p>When congratulating Modi on the election results, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said a “healthy and stable” relationship between India and China is beneficial for both countries and supports peace and development of the region. She also mentioned that China was “ready to work with India”, but her comments were much more reserved compared to the Foreign Ministry’s statements after Modi’s win in 2019 before the border clash. Back then, the Foreign Ministry referred to the two countries as “important neighbours” and expressed a desire to “deepen political trust, engage in mutually beneficial cooperation and strengthen the partnership between the two nations”.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;PM Narendra Modi swearing-in ceremony: Security increased for PM Modi's swearing-in</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-narendra-modi-swearing-in-ceremony-security-increased-for-pm-modis-swearing-in-729866/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Modi has always governed with his party holding a majority. But, after a weaker mandate in the recent elections compared to the earlier two, he will need to depend on coalition partners and will face a stronger, more energised opposition. The main Opposition party, the Congress, is unlikely to oppose Modi’s defence reforms, but had criticised his handling of the border issues with China and might push him on this matter, Bedi was quoted as saying.</p>

<p>Bedi echoed dissenting voices within the country, saying Modi had not been totally honest about the Ladakh situation. He mentioned a Defence Ministry document briefly posted online and then removed, which indicated that Chinese troops had entered Indian territory during the 2020 clash. The Opposition will, possibly, demand that the government give the true picture.</p>

<p>Under Modi’s military modernisation and reforms programme, his government has aimed to expand the private defence manufacturing sector, earlier dominated by government-run organisations. His government has also relaxed foreign investment rules to encourage companies to set up operations in India. In a major project, India launched its first home-built aircraft carrier in 2022. This is part of a plan to deploy two carrier battle groups to counter China’s growing naval power.</p>

<p>Much of India’s military equipment comes from Russia, but delays in delivery and issues with getting spare parts due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have pushed India to diversify its defence purchases. Now, India was looking more towards the US, France, Israel and other countries, Solanki said. To strengthen ties with India, Washington has agreed to a deal allowing General Electric to work with Hindustan Aeronautics to make fighter jet engines.</p>

<p>At the defence conference,&nbsp;Shangri-La Dialogue, held by the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Singapore last weekend, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said India and the US were also co-producing armoured vehicles.</p>

<p>He added that his country’s ties with India were the best it had ever been; it was “really strong”.</p>

<p><strong><em>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</em></strong></p>


After winning the General Elections 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not give many details about his plans for the third term. However, he emphasised that he would keep working on strengthening the country’s military and its influence.

After winning the General Elections 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not give many details about his plans for the third term. However, he emphasised that he would keep working on strengthening the country’s military and its influence. This news will, possibly, please the US and its allies, who are increasingly focused on countering China’s expansive maritime claims and assertive actions in the Indo-Pacific region. Modi told his supporters at the BJP headquarters soon after the election results that his government’s priority would be to boost defence production and exports. He emphasised his goal to enhance security by reducing India’s reliance on imported arms. He announced his intention to make India self-sufficient in the defence sector. Under Modi, defence co-operation with the US has grown significantly, especially through the Quad security grouping, which also includes Australia and Japan. This relationship is mutually beneficial—the US gets a strong partner close to China, which it considers a significant challenge, while India enhances its defence strength against a much more powerful rival. “India is now seen as a key frontline state by the Americans,” said New Delhi-based defence analyst Rahul Bedi, according to a report in The Diplomat. The Indian Navy’s role in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) was “crucial”, it said. Also Read: Multi-layered security, no-fly zone in Delhi as capital gears up for PM's swearing-in ceremony The IOR, encompassing waters from Africa to Australia, is vital for global trade and energy routes. It includes such significant nations as India, Indonesia and South Africa. This region is strategically important for maritime security, economic activities and geopolitical influence, playing a crucial role in global stability and commerce. When US President Joe Biden congratulated Modi on the election results, strengthening defence relationship was a key point on his agenda. During a call, the two leaders vowed to strengthen Indo-US strategic partnership and promote a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, according to a White House statement. It also mentioned that National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan would soon visit New Delhi to discuss shared US-India priorities with the new government. The Indo-Pacific region, spanning the Indian and Pacific Oceans, is crucial for global trade and security. It includes such key countries as India, China, Japan, Australia and the US. This area is strategically important due to its economic potential, shipping routes and geopolitical significance in maintaining regional stability. About a year into Modi’s second term, India’s defence strategy had shifted significantly towards China. This change was prompted by a clash in 2020 between troops from the two countries in Galwan Valley, an area in northern Ladakh, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed. “China poses a long-term strategic challenge for India, affecting both its border and its interests in the Indian Ocean,” Viraj Solanki, an expert from the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told The Diplomat in an interview. This had prompted India to adjust its defence partnerships, with an eye to countering China’s increasing clout in the Indo-Pacific region, he explained. China was trying to expand its influence and presence in the region through greater engagement with these countries, Solanki said. This was a headache for New Delhi and was likely to result in greater competition in the Indian Ocean in future, he added. Beijing maintains close ties with Islamabad. China has also been boosting defence ties with such neighbouring countries of India as Nepal, Bangladesh, the Maldives and Sri Lanka. When congratulating Modi on the election results, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said a “healthy and stable” relationship between India and China is beneficial for both countries and supports peace and development of the region. She also mentioned that China was “ready to work with India”, but her comments were much more reserved compared to the Foreign Ministry’s statements after Modi’s win in 2019 before the border clash. Back then, the Foreign Ministry referred to the two countries as “important neighbours” and expressed a desire to “deepen political trust, engage in mutually beneficial cooperation and strengthen the partnership between the two nations”. Watch: PM Narendra Modi swearing-in ceremony: Security increased for PM Modi's swearing-in Modi has always governed with his party holding a majority. But, after a weaker mandate in the recent elections compared to the earlier two, he will need to depend on coalition partners and will face a stronger, more energised opposition. The main Opposition party, the Congress, is unlikely to oppose Modi’s defence reforms, but had criticised his handling of the border issues with China and might push him on this matter, Bedi was quoted as saying. Bedi echoed dissenting voices within the country, saying Modi had not been totally honest about the Ladakh situation. He mentioned a Defence Ministry document briefly posted online and then removed, which indicated that Chinese troops had entered Indian territory during the 2020 clash. The Opposition will, possibly, demand that the government give the true picture. Under Modi’s military modernisation and reforms programme, his government has aimed to expand the private defence manufacturing sector, earlier dominated by government-run organisations. His government has also relaxed foreign investment rules to encourage companies to set up operations in India. In a major project, India launched its first home-built aircraft carrier in 2022. This is part of a plan to deploy two carrier battle groups to counter China’s growing naval power. Much of India’s military equipment comes from Russia, but delays in delivery and issues with getting spare parts due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have pushed India to diversify its defence purchases. Now, India was looking more towards the US, France, Israel and other countries, Solanki said. To strengthen ties with India, Washington has agreed to a deal allowing General Electric to work with Hindustan Aeronautics to make fighter jet engines. At the defence conference, Shangri-La Dialogue, held by the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Singapore last weekend, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said India and the US were also co-producing armoured vehicles. He added that his country’s ties with India were the best it had ever been; it was “really strong”. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Modi 3.0 Military Manoeuvre: Managing China, Courting US

<p>Pakistan on Saturday (June 8) said that it wished to forge cordial and "cooperative ties" with all neighbouring countries, which includes India and wishes to resolve disputes through discussions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch made the remarks a day before Narendra Modi is set to take oath as India's prime minister for a third consecutive term.</p>

<p>The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) headed by Narendra Modi won 293 seats in the Lok Sabha elections and is now headed to form the government for a record third term.</p>

<h2><strong>Here's how Pakistan reacted to NDA's victory in polls</strong></h2>

<p>When answering the question if Pakistan has congratulated Narendra Modi on winning the elections, Baloch said Indian citizens have the right to decide regarding their leadership.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/multi-layered-security-no-fly-zone-in-delhi-as-capital-gears-up-for-pms-swearing-in-ceremony-729854">Multi-layered security, no-fly zone in Delhi as capital gears up for PM's swearing-in ceremony</a></p>

<p>"We do not have any comments on their electoral process," Baloch said, further stating that since the new government has not been sworn in officially, it is "premature" to discuss congratulating Modi.</p>

<p>Speaking about Pakistan's ties with India, Baloch said that the country has always tried to resolve all disputes with its neighbouring nation via constructive dialogue.</p>

<p>"Pakistan has always desired cooperative relations with all its neighbours including India. We have consistently advocated constructive dialogue and engagement to resolve all outstanding issues, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir," she added.</p>

<p>India has always shown its desire to share cordial relations with Pakistan while emphasising the onus of creating an environment which is free of terror and hostility lies on Islamabad.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India: Congress working committee meet begins</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-congress-working-committee-meet-begins-729864/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>India's Foreign Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had earlier said that the country "never closed doors to talking to Pakistan" but the terrorism issue needs to be "fair, square at the centre of the conversation".</p>

<p>"We have never closed our doors on talking with Pakistan. The question is what to talk about ... If some guy has that many terrorist camps ... that should be the central part of the conversation," Jaishankar said.</p>

<p>Indian President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Prime Minister-in-waiting Narendra Modi along with the Union Council of Ministers at 7.15 pm on June 9.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan on Saturday (June 8) said that it wished to forge cordial and "cooperative ties" with all neighbouring countries, which includes India and wishes to resolve disputes through discussions.

Pakistan on Saturday (June 8) said that it wished to forge cordial and "cooperative ties" with all neighbouring countries, which includes India and wishes to resolve disputes through discussions. Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch made the remarks a day before Narendra Modi is set to take oath as India's prime minister for a third consecutive term. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) headed by Narendra Modi won 293 seats in the Lok Sabha elections and is now headed to form the government for a record third term. Here's how Pakistan reacted to NDA's victory in polls When answering the question if Pakistan has congratulated Narendra Modi on winning the elections, Baloch said Indian citizens have the right to decide regarding their leadership. Also Read: Multi-layered security, no-fly zone in Delhi as capital gears up for PM's swearing-in ceremony "We do not have any comments on their electoral process," Baloch said, further stating that since the new government has not been sworn in officially, it is "premature" to discuss congratulating Modi. Speaking about Pakistan's ties with India, Baloch said that the country has always tried to resolve all disputes with its neighbouring nation via constructive dialogue. "Pakistan has always desired cooperative relations with all its neighbours including India. We have consistently advocated constructive dialogue and engagement to resolve all outstanding issues, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir," she added. India has always shown its desire to share cordial relations with Pakistan while emphasising the onus of creating an environment which is free of terror and hostility lies on Islamabad. Watch: India: Congress working committee meet begins India's Foreign Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had earlier said that the country "never closed doors to talking to Pakistan" but the terrorism issue needs to be "fair, square at the centre of the conversation". "We have never closed our doors on talking with Pakistan. The question is what to talk about ... If some guy has that many terrorist camps ... that should be the central part of the conversation," Jaishankar said. Indian President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Prime Minister-in-waiting Narendra Modi along with the Union Council of Ministers at 7.15 pm on June 9. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan holds back from congratulating Modi on his third tenure as India's PM, calls it 'premature' talks

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<p>From Nitish Kumar and Congress to Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and India's PM Narendra Modi, the reactions on the internet after the Lok Sabha Elections results have ranged from brutally sarcastic to hilarious.&nbsp;</p>

<p>You open X these days, and are instantly bombarded with memes posted by everyone, from a novice with 40 followers to an 'influencer' with 4 million.</p>

<p>It makes one wonder if the meme, once the dominion of "le me, when Mom scolds" and the 'nervous frog' emoji, has now become a serious social currency with real-life political implications.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The Language of Memes&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>"Palat, palat, palat," Shah Rukh Khan's legendary dialogue from <em>Dil Waale Dulhania Le Jaayenge</em> is very popular right now. Nitish Kumar, the former Bihar chief minister infamous for frequently changing his political colours, is goaded to do so with the Modi 3.0 government by the King of Romance, in the popular quip.</p>

<p>On the other end of the ideological spectrum, supporters of PM Modi have been using memes from popular movies like 'Pushpa' to garner support for the NDA and shore up votes.</p>

<p>It is the new normal that the social media of all political parties use reels and memes to either disparage their opponents or glorify their leaders.</p>

<p>Indian National Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has often been the brunt of memes and jokes, as has Modi, the prime minister-designate.</p>

<p><em><strong>The questions that are now of essence are these:</strong></em></p>

<p><em><strong>Have memes become how we communicate our political leanings?</strong></em></p>

<p><em><strong>Will they survive the test of time?&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p>Let's take a deeper look.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Global allure of the meme</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Memes and pranks of this sort have been made across the world, either to protest against their leaders or to express the people's support for them.</p>

<p>Famously, former UK PM Liz Truss was compared to lettuce by the Daily Star, with her tenure ending before the vegetable rotted. She later said this had 'hurt her' while UK citizens revelled.</p>

<p>Similarly, when foes, friends, and now foes again, Tejashwi Yadav and Nitish Kumar sat on the same plane while travelling to New Delhi, the duo became 'meme fodder' for people comparing them to their exes at a wedding party, cordial but angry.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/it-billionaire-narayana-murthy-suggests-70-hour-work-week-for-indian-youth-and-internet-has-this-to-say-651689">IT billionaire Narayana Murthy suggests 70-hour work week for Indian youth, and internet has this to say</a></strong></p>

<p>Tech tycoon Narayana Murthy was also the target of memes when he advocated for a 70-hour workweek.</p>

<h2><strong>Harmless fun or real-life threat?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>But there are critics and a dark side to meme-making and sharing.</p>

<p>When MP-elect Kangana Ranaut won and was allegedly assaulted by a CISF official, a meme fest erupted on X, with people rejoicing over the incident.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-kangana-ranaut-slapped-by-a-cisf-guard-at-chandigarh-airport-watch-729388">Kangana Ranaut slapped by a CISF guard at Chandigarh airport, watch</a></strong></p>

<p>But some people, like comedian Mallika Dua, pointed out that this was nothing but the glorification of violence, and the officials who protect our nuclear reactors, cities, and communities must be sensitised to let go of their political opinions and act with strict indifference.</p>

<p>The internet does not exist in a vacuum and has real-life implications.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-Sushant-Singh-Rajput-death-case-What-we-know-so-far-318873">Sushant Singh Rajput death case: What we know so far</a></strong></p>

<p>After the tragic demise of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, memes and conspiracy theories proliferated and fueled a vapid media trial.</p>

<p>This left such a lasting impact that many of the daily top 10 trends on Indian X are still #JusticeForSSR or #CBIForSSR, four years after the incident!&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Good, bad or ugly?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>To explore the true impact of memes, let's consider what their creators and consumers think.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sanchita, a frequent Instagram user, says, "I think memes provide us, especially Gen Z, with much-needed comic relief during intense times such as elections because our future more often than not depends on the leaders that will be elected."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Varun says, "The meme makes complex issues like politics into a simple and relatable way to understand the situation better. It's going to evolve, and the internet is a vast medium, so it will survive."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tamanna, a millennial, says, "With people becoming increasingly intolerant of others' viewpoints, memes are a great method to defuse tensions and make everyone laugh. When the Modi-Meloni memes took over, people were giggling, enjoying, and sharing them like crazy with their peers. I have hardly seen anyone taking offence at them."</p>

<p>Anuradha, a new user of social media, says, "I do see some political memes, and I think it’s okay to portray your political preferences in a funny manner. A little laugh never hurts you. We live in a democratic country and have the right to say what we believe in. The recent elections have proven my point."</p>

<h2><strong>Here to stay</strong></h2>

<p>No one can predict the next meme fest, and we could all become fodder for it. But one thing is clear: memes are here to stay, for good and bad.</p>

<p>They say a picture paints a thousand words, but a sarcastic meme can now take down governments.</p>


From Nitish Kumar and Congress to Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and India's PM Narendra Modi, the reactions on the internet after the Lok Sabha Elections results have ranged from brutally sarcastic to hilarious.

From Nitish Kumar and Congress to Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and India's PM Narendra Modi, the reactions on the internet after the Lok Sabha Elections results have ranged from brutally sarcastic to hilarious. You open X these days, and are instantly bombarded with memes posted by everyone, from a novice with 40 followers to an 'influencer' with 4 million. It makes one wonder if the meme, once the dominion of "le me, when Mom scolds" and the 'nervous frog' emoji, has now become a serious social currency with real-life political implications. The Language of Memes "Palat, palat, palat," Shah Rukh Khan's legendary dialogue from Dil Waale Dulhania Le Jaayenge is very popular right now. Nitish Kumar, the former Bihar chief minister infamous for frequently changing his political colours, is goaded to do so with the Modi 3.0 government by the King of Romance, in the popular quip. On the other end of the ideological spectrum, supporters of PM Modi have been using memes from popular movies like 'Pushpa' to garner support for the NDA and shore up votes. It is the new normal that the social media of all political parties use reels and memes to either disparage their opponents or glorify their leaders. Indian National Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has often been the brunt of memes and jokes, as has Modi, the prime minister-designate. The questions that are now of essence are these: Have memes become how we communicate our political leanings? Will they survive the test of time? Let's take a deeper look. Global allure of the meme Memes and pranks of this sort have been made across the world, either to protest against their leaders or to express the people's support for them. Famously, former UK PM Liz Truss was compared to lettuce by the Daily Star, with her tenure ending before the vegetable rotted. She later said this had 'hurt her' while UK citizens revelled. Similarly, when foes, friends, and now foes again, Tejashwi Yadav and Nitish Kumar sat on the same plane while travelling to New Delhi, the duo became 'meme fodder' for people comparing them to their exes at a wedding party, cordial but angry. Also read | IT billionaire Narayana Murthy suggests 70-hour work week for Indian youth, and internet has this to say Tech tycoon Narayana Murthy was also the target of memes when he advocated for a 70-hour workweek. Harmless fun or real-life threat? But there are critics and a dark side to meme-making and sharing. When MP-elect Kangana Ranaut won and was allegedly assaulted by a CISF official, a meme fest erupted on X, with people rejoicing over the incident. Also read | Kangana Ranaut slapped by a CISF guard at Chandigarh airport, watch But some people, like comedian Mallika Dua, pointed out that this was nothing but the glorification of violence, and the officials who protect our nuclear reactors, cities, and communities must be sensitised to let go of their political opinions and act with strict indifference. The internet does not exist in a vacuum and has real-life implications. Also read | Sushant Singh Rajput death case: What we know so far After the tragic demise of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, memes and conspiracy theories proliferated and fueled a vapid media trial. This left such a lasting impact that many of the daily top 10 trends on Indian X are still #JusticeForSSR or #CBIForSSR, four years after the incident! Good, bad or ugly? To explore the true impact of memes, let's consider what their creators and consumers think. Sanchita, a frequent Instagram user, says, "I think memes provide us, especially Gen Z, with much-needed comic relief during intense times such as elections because our future more often than not depends on the leaders that will be elected." Varun says, "The meme makes complex issues like politics into a simple and relatable way to understand the situation better. It's going to evolve, and the internet is a vast medium, so it will survive." Tamanna, a millennial, says, "With people becoming increasingly intolerant of others' viewpoints, memes are a great method to defuse tensions and make everyone laugh. When the Modi-Meloni memes took over, people were giggling, enjoying, and sharing them like crazy with their peers. I have hardly seen anyone taking offence at them." Anuradha, a new user of social media, says, "I do see some political memes, and I think it’s okay to portray your political preferences in a funny manner. A little laugh never hurts you. We live in a democratic country and have the right to say what we believe in. The recent elections have proven my point." Here to stay No one can predict the next meme fest, and we could all become fodder for it. But one thing is clear: memes are here to stay, for good and bad. They say a picture paints a thousand words, but a sarcastic meme can now take down governments.

'Meme Fest' of Indian politics: From Nitish Kumar to Melodi, are memes the new political currency?

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)&nbsp;leader Narendra Modi&nbsp;met Indian President Droupadi Murmu and staked claim to form government at the centre on Friday (June 7). Following that, Modi told the media that the president had called him and asked to work as the PM delegate.</p>

<p>"The President called me just now and asked me to work as the PM delegate and she has informed me about the oath ceremony. I have told the President that we will be comfortable on the evening of the 9th of June. Now the Rashtrapati Bhavan will work out the rest of the details and by then we will hand over the list of the Council of Ministers to the President. After that, the oath ceremony will take place," Modi said.</p>

<p>"This is the first election after Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav...For the third time, the NDA government has been given a chance by the people to serve to country...I assure the people of the country that in the last two terms, the speed with which the country has moved forward, change is visible in every sector and for 25 crore people to move out of poverty is a proud moment for every Indiaṇ," he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Narendra Modi says, "This is the first election after Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav...For the third time, the NDA government has been given a chance by the people to serve to country...I assure the people of the country that in the last two terms, the speed with which the… <a href="https://t.co/FDmw61Iswr">pic.twitter.com/FDmw61Iswr</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1799067151791514022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The PM-designate also said the next five years are going to be very useful for India.</p>

<p>&nbsp;"... During this tenure of 10 years, India has emerged as a Vishwabandhu for the world. Its maximum advantage is starting now. And I am sure that the next 5 years are going to be very useful for India in the global environment as well. The world is going through many crises, many tensions, disasters...we Indians are fortunate that despite so many big crises, we are today known as the world's fastest-growing economy. We are also being praised in the world for growth..," he further said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | PM-designate Narendra Modi says, "... During this tenure of 10 years, India has emerged as a Vishwabandhu for the world. Its maximum advantage is starting now. And I am sure that the next 5 years are going to be very useful for India in the global environment as well.… <a href="https://t.co/Iwq2JVw8n1">pic.twitter.com/Iwq2JVw8n1</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1799068942717394948?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Narendra Modi also acknowledged the efforts of media persons during the election period in his address. "Just like us, media persons also have to work hard during elections, covering different locations. You all have taken a lot of pain, and I hope that the health of all my friends from the media world is good," he stated.</p>

<p>Reflecting on India's global standing, Modi noted, "During this tenure of 10 years, India has emerged as a Vishwabandhu for the world. Its maximum advantage is starting now. And I am sure that the next five years are going to be very useful for India in the global environment as well. The world is going through many crises, many tensions, disasters...we Indians are fortunate that despite so many big crises, we are today known as the world's fastest-growing economy. We are also being praised in the world for growth."</p>


Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Narendra Modi met Indian President Droupadi Murmu and staked claim to form government at the centre on Friday (June 7). Following that, Modi told the media that the president had called him and asked to work as the PM delegate.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Narendra Modi met Indian President Droupadi Murmu and staked claim to form government at the centre on Friday (June 7). Following that, Modi told the media that the president had called him and asked to work as the PM delegate. "The President called me just now and asked me to work as the PM delegate and she has informed me about the oath ceremony. I have told the President that we will be comfortable on the evening of the 9th of June. Now the Rashtrapati Bhavan will work out the rest of the details and by then we will hand over the list of the Council of Ministers to the President. After that, the oath ceremony will take place," Modi said. "This is the first election after Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav...For the third time, the NDA government has been given a chance by the people to serve to country...I assure the people of the country that in the last two terms, the speed with which the country has moved forward, change is visible in every sector and for 25 crore people to move out of poverty is a proud moment for every Indiaṇ," he added. #WATCH | Narendra Modi says, "This is the first election after Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav...For the third time, the NDA government has been given a chance by the people to serve to country...I assure the people of the country that in the last two terms, the speed with which the… pic.twitter.com/FDmw61Iswr — ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2024 × The PM-designate also said the next five years are going to be very useful for India. "... During this tenure of 10 years, India has emerged as a Vishwabandhu for the world. Its maximum advantage is starting now. And I am sure that the next 5 years are going to be very useful for India in the global environment as well. The world is going through many crises, many tensions, disasters...we Indians are fortunate that despite so many big crises, we are today known as the world's fastest-growing economy. We are also being praised in the world for growth..," he further said. #WATCH | PM-designate Narendra Modi says, "... During this tenure of 10 years, India has emerged as a Vishwabandhu for the world. Its maximum advantage is starting now. And I am sure that the next 5 years are going to be very useful for India in the global environment as well.… pic.twitter.com/Iwq2JVw8n1 — ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2024 × Narendra Modi also acknowledged the efforts of media persons during the election period in his address. "Just like us, media persons also have to work hard during elections, covering different locations. You all have taken a lot of pain, and I hope that the health of all my friends from the media world is good," he stated. Reflecting on India's global standing, Modi noted, "During this tenure of 10 years, India has emerged as a Vishwabandhu for the world. Its maximum advantage is starting now. And I am sure that the next five years are going to be very useful for India in the global environment as well. The world is going through many crises, many tensions, disasters...we Indians are fortunate that despite so many big crises, we are today known as the world's fastest-growing economy. We are also being praised in the world for growth."

PM-designate Modi meets President Murmu, stakes claim to form government at centre

<p>Seven countries have been invited to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oath-taking ceremony this weekend. The invited nations from India's neighbourhood and the Indian Ocean include—Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. PM Modi has personally reached out to several leaders from these countries, extending invitations that have now been formally sent. The grand event at Rashtrapati Bhawan will mark the beginning of Modi's third consecutive term.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Maldives:</strong> Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has been invited to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oath ceremony. President Muizzu, who took office last year, congratulated Prime Minister Modi and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for their victory in the 2024 Indian General Elections. In a social media message, he stated, "I look forward to working together to advance our shared interests in pursuit of shared prosperity and stability for our two countries."&nbsp;&nbsp;While no public confirmation has come from President Muizzu's office, if he travels to Delhi, this will mark his first visit to India since assuming office.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-president-muizzu-invited-to-indian-pm-modis-oath-taking-ceremony-729372">Maldives President Muizzu invited to Indian PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Sri Lanka:</strong> Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulated Prime Minister Modi on his electoral victory during a phone call between the 2 leaders. A statement from the Sri Lankan government said, "During the conversation, PM Modi invited President Wickremesinghe to his swearing-in ceremony, which the President accepted." During Wednesday's telephonic call, the two leaders noted the significant progress that has taken place in implementing the Vision Document issued during the visit of President Wickremesinghe to New Delhi in July 2023. The Sri Lankan President travels to Delhi on 9th June.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Bangladesh:</strong> Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accepted Modi's invitation during a telephone conversation. Noorelahi Mina, Deputy Press Secretary to the Bangladeshi Prime Minister, confirmed the acceptance who was quoted by United News of Bangladesh. Bangladesh PM was among the first world leaders to send a written congratulatory message to PM Modi on the election win. PM Hasina is expected to reach Delhi on Saturday and leave on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I thank Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her warm wishes. India and Bangladesh share historic relations, which have seen unprecedented growth in the last decade. I look forward to working together to further strengthen our people-centric partnership. <a href="https://twitter.com/BDMOFA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BDMOFA</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1798380737319846128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Bhutan:</strong> Bhutanese leadership has been invited to be guests at the ceremony. PM Modi has spoken to both Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Bhutan PM Dasho Tshering Tobgay. Earlier this year, PM Modi travelled to Bhutan, which was his last foreign visit during his 2nd term. India and Bhutan are working on rail connectivity.</p>

<p><strong>Nepal:</strong> Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, is also confirmed to attend the ceremony in Delhi. PM Prachanda had called Narendra Modi to wish him on the electoral success. An Indian readout of the talks said, "Nepal shares deep-rooted cultural and civilizational links with India and remains a special partner in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy".&nbsp;Congratulations&nbsp;poured in from all political parties, cutting across party lines in Nepal for PM Modi.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> on the electoral success of BJP and NDA in the Loksabha elections for the third consecutive term. We are happy to note the successful completion of the world’s largest democratic exercise with enthusiastic participation of the people of India.</p>
— ☭ Comrade Prachanda (@cmprachanda) <a href="https://twitter.com/cmprachanda/status/1798008853927456833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Mauritius:</strong> Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth called PM Modi on Wednesday, congratulating him on his election victory. Prime Minister Modi thanked his counterpart and "reaffirmed his continued commitment to further strengthen the special relationship between India and Mauritius", an Indian readout on the talks said. Prime Minister Jugnauth was the first global leader to congratulate Modi on his victory on June 4th.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Seychelles:</strong> The Indian Ocean Country has been invited to be the guest at the Modi 3.0 inauguration. The Indian Origin President of Seychelles Wavel Ramkalawan, sent a message of&nbsp;congratulations&nbsp;to Prime Minister Modi. In his message, he said, "This outcome is a testament to the confidence that the Indian people place in your visionary leadership and the remarkable progress that India has made under your stewardship, as well as the high regard in which you are held."</p>


Seven countries have been invited to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oath-taking ceremony this weekend. The invited nations from India's neighbourhood and the Indian Ocean include—Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.

Seven countries have been invited to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oath-taking ceremony this weekend. The invited nations from India's neighbourhood and the Indian Ocean include—Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. PM Modi has personally reached out to several leaders from these countries, extending invitations that have now been formally sent. The grand event at Rashtrapati Bhawan will mark the beginning of Modi's third consecutive term. Maldives: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has been invited to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oath ceremony. President Muizzu, who took office last year, congratulated Prime Minister Modi and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for their victory in the 2024 Indian General Elections. In a social media message, he stated, "I look forward to working together to advance our shared interests in pursuit of shared prosperity and stability for our two countries." While no public confirmation has come from President Muizzu's office, if he travels to Delhi, this will mark his first visit to India since assuming office. Also read | Maldives President Muizzu invited to Indian PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulated Prime Minister Modi on his electoral victory during a phone call between the 2 leaders. A statement from the Sri Lankan government said, "During the conversation, PM Modi invited President Wickremesinghe to his swearing-in ceremony, which the President accepted." During Wednesday's telephonic call, the two leaders noted the significant progress that has taken place in implementing the Vision Document issued during the visit of President Wickremesinghe to New Delhi in July 2023. The Sri Lankan President travels to Delhi on 9th June. Bangladesh: Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accepted Modi's invitation during a telephone conversation. Noorelahi Mina, Deputy Press Secretary to the Bangladeshi Prime Minister, confirmed the acceptance who was quoted by United News of Bangladesh. Bangladesh PM was among the first world leaders to send a written congratulatory message to PM Modi on the election win. PM Hasina is expected to reach Delhi on Saturday and leave on Monday. I thank Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her warm wishes. India and Bangladesh share historic relations, which have seen unprecedented growth in the last decade. I look forward to working together to further strengthen our people-centric partnership. @BDMOFA — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 5, 2024 × Bhutan: Bhutanese leadership has been invited to be guests at the ceremony. PM Modi has spoken to both Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Bhutan PM Dasho Tshering Tobgay. Earlier this year, PM Modi travelled to Bhutan, which was his last foreign visit during his 2nd term. India and Bhutan are working on rail connectivity. Nepal: Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, is also confirmed to attend the ceremony in Delhi. PM Prachanda had called Narendra Modi to wish him on the electoral success. An Indian readout of the talks said, "Nepal shares deep-rooted cultural and civilizational links with India and remains a special partner in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy". Congratulations poured in from all political parties, cutting across party lines in Nepal for PM Modi. Congratulations to PM @narendramodi on the electoral success of BJP and NDA in the Loksabha elections for the third consecutive term. We are happy to note the successful completion of the world’s largest democratic exercise with enthusiastic participation of the people of India. — ☭ Comrade Prachanda (@cmprachanda) June 4, 2024 × Mauritius: Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth called PM Modi on Wednesday, congratulating him on his election victory. Prime Minister Modi thanked his counterpart and "reaffirmed his continued commitment to further strengthen the special relationship between India and Mauritius", an Indian readout on the talks said. Prime Minister Jugnauth was the first global leader to congratulate Modi on his victory on June 4th. Seychelles: The Indian Ocean Country has been invited to be the guest at the Modi 3.0 inauguration. The Indian Origin President of Seychelles Wavel Ramkalawan, sent a message of congratulations to Prime Minister Modi. In his message, he said, "This outcome is a testament to the confidence that the Indian people place in your visionary leadership and the remarkable progress that India has made under your stewardship, as well as the high regard in which you are held."

EXCLUSIVE: Seven countries invited for Indian PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony this weekend

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<p>Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged on Thursday (June 6)&nbsp; that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and&nbsp;Home Minister Amit Shah gave investment advice to people during the campaign for the Lok Sabha elections which resulted in losses of billions to retail investors. Addressing a press conference, Gandhi said that following the exit polls, the stock markets rose and then crashed on June 4, which was the result day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The prime minister said that the stock market is rising at a great speed. the Union home minister said that on June 4 the stock market will be on the rise and you all should invest and similar was said by the finance minister...Amit Shah says to buy shares before June 4, 19 May PM Modi says the stock market will break records on June 4. Why did the PM, home minister give investment advice to investors," Gandhi questioned.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-hits-out-at-bjp-accuses-pm-modi-of-capturing-cbi-and-ed-728744">Rahul Gandhi hits out at BJP, accuses PM Modi of capturing CBI and ED</a></strong></p>

<p>Gandhi pointed out that retail investors lost $359.2 billion (around Rs 30 lakh crore) and this was the biggest stock market scam.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Rahul Gandhi demands JPC probe</strong></h2>

<p>Sharpening his attack on Modi and Shah, Gandhi told reporters on Thursday that a&nbsp;Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe should be launched into the matter.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says, "Why did the PM and Union Home Minister give specific investment advice to the five crore families investing in the stock market? Is it their job to give investment advice? Why were both interviews given to the same media owned by the… <a href="https://t.co/xyAayIxdXL">pic.twitter.com/xyAayIxdXL</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1798689728310706398?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"What is the connection between the BJP, the fake exit pollsters and the dubious foreign investors who invested one day before the exit polls were announced and made a huge profit at the cost of five crore salaries? We demand a JPC into this. We are convinced that this is a scam. Somebody has made thousands of crores of Rupees at the cost of Indian retail investors and the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister have given an indication to buy. So we demand today a joint parliamentary committee to investigate this," the Congress leader added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gandhi also demanded an inquiry against PM Modi, Home Minister Shah and those who carried out exit polls.</p>

<h2><strong>BJP reacts: No one suffered a loss</strong></h2>

<p>Reacting to Gandhi's allegation, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said, "In April and May, when the market was rising, foreigners sold in the market and Indian investors took advantage of it and bought it. The benefit of this rise in the last 2 months has been received by Indian investors. The day the exit poll came, foreigners bought at high prices and Indian investors sold at high prices and took profit."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | BJP leader Piyush Goyal says "In April and May, when the market was rising, foreigners sold in the market and Indian investors took advantage of it and bought it. The benefit of this rise in the last 2 months has been received by Indian investors. The day the exit poll… <a href="https://t.co/SxyOFpMm2c">pic.twitter.com/SxyOFpMm2c</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1798727754055348441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Rahul Gandhi talks about Rs 30 lakh crores. I understood why the people country have no faith in Rahul Gandhi because he does not even understand that it is valuation. Valuation does not mean anything. The purchase and sale is what matters," Union Minister Goyal added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Cong&nbsp;leaders want Gandhi to become LoP in LS</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, in the latest news from the formation of the&nbsp;government, Congress leaders including Shashi Tharoor&nbsp;want Rahul Gandhi to be the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | On demand for Rahul Gandhi as LoP in Parliament, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor says, "I have made the same demand myself in the number of interviews today. So, I hope that heeds it and I would be happy to recommend that...After the two Bharat Jodo Yatras and his… <a href="https://t.co/EEO1KVDaGd">pic.twitter.com/EEO1KVDaGd</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1798703132081602655?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I sought votes on the name of my leader, Rahul Gandhi. I think he should be the Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha. I hope elected Congress MPs also think the same. Let’s see how the Congress Parliamentary Party decides," Congress MP Manickam Tagore said in a post on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Rahul is duty-bound to lead the party as LOP in LS. He led the 2024 campaign &amp; was the face of our campaign. I came into politics because of Rahul Gandhi. Wish to be led by him. Like his parents, he is a benevolent human being. Time to bring sanity in public life," Congress MP Vivek Tankha said on the microblogging site.&nbsp;</p>


Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged on Thursday (June 6) that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah gave investment advice to people during the campaign for the Lok Sabha elections which resulted in losses of billions to retail investors.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged on Thursday (June 6) that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah gave investment advice to people during the campaign for the Lok Sabha elections which resulted in losses of billions to retail investors. Addressing a press conference, Gandhi said that following the exit polls, the stock markets rose and then crashed on June 4, which was the result day. "The prime minister said that the stock market is rising at a great speed. the Union home minister said that on June 4 the stock market will be on the rise and you all should invest and similar was said by the finance minister...Amit Shah says to buy shares before June 4, 19 May PM Modi says the stock market will break records on June 4. Why did the PM, home minister give investment advice to investors," Gandhi questioned. Also read | Rahul Gandhi hits out at BJP, accuses PM Modi of capturing CBI and ED Gandhi pointed out that retail investors lost $359.2 billion (around Rs 30 lakh crore) and this was the biggest stock market scam. Rahul Gandhi demands JPC probe Sharpening his attack on Modi and Shah, Gandhi told reporters on Thursday that a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe should be launched into the matter. #WATCH | Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says, "Why did the PM and Union Home Minister give specific investment advice to the five crore families investing in the stock market? Is it their job to give investment advice? Why were both interviews given to the same media owned by the… pic.twitter.com/xyAayIxdXL — ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2024 × "What is the connection between the BJP, the fake exit pollsters and the dubious foreign investors who invested one day before the exit polls were announced and made a huge profit at the cost of five crore salaries? We demand a JPC into this. We are convinced that this is a scam. Somebody has made thousands of crores of Rupees at the cost of Indian retail investors and the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister have given an indication to buy. So we demand today a joint parliamentary committee to investigate this," the Congress leader added. Gandhi also demanded an inquiry against PM Modi, Home Minister Shah and those who carried out exit polls. BJP reacts: No one suffered a loss Reacting to Gandhi's allegation, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said, "In April and May, when the market was rising, foreigners sold in the market and Indian investors took advantage of it and bought it. The benefit of this rise in the last 2 months has been received by Indian investors. The day the exit poll came, foreigners bought at high prices and Indian investors sold at high prices and took profit." #WATCH | BJP leader Piyush Goyal says "In April and May, when the market was rising, foreigners sold in the market and Indian investors took advantage of it and bought it. The benefit of this rise in the last 2 months has been received by Indian investors. The day the exit poll… pic.twitter.com/SxyOFpMm2c — ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2024 × "Rahul Gandhi talks about Rs 30 lakh crores. I understood why the people country have no faith in Rahul Gandhi because he does not even understand that it is valuation. Valuation does not mean anything. The purchase and sale is what matters," Union Minister Goyal added. Cong leaders want Gandhi to become LoP in LS Meanwhile, in the latest news from the formation of the government, Congress leaders including Shashi Tharoor want Rahul Gandhi to be the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha. #WATCH | On demand for Rahul Gandhi as LoP in Parliament, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor says, "I have made the same demand myself in the number of interviews today. So, I hope that heeds it and I would be happy to recommend that...After the two Bharat Jodo Yatras and his… pic.twitter.com/EEO1KVDaGd — ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2024 × "I sought votes on the name of my leader, Rahul Gandhi. I think he should be the Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha. I hope elected Congress MPs also think the same. Let’s see how the Congress Parliamentary Party decides," Congress MP Manickam Tagore said in a post on X. "Rahul is duty-bound to lead the party as LOP in LS. He led the 2024 campaign & was the face of our campaign. I came into politics because of Rahul Gandhi. Wish to be led by him. Like his parents, he is a benevolent human being. Time to bring sanity in public life," Congress MP Vivek Tankha said on the microblogging site.

Stock market scam: Modi, Shah gave investment advice during Lok Sabha polls, alleges Rahul; BJP reacts

<p>Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has been invited to attend Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oath taking ceremony for his third consecutive term in office. The event, scheduled for this weekend, will see several leaders from neighbouring countries present. President Muizzu, who took office last year, congratulated&nbsp;Modi and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for their victory in the 2024 Indian General Elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a social media message, he stated, "I look forward to working together to advance our shared interests in pursuit of shared prosperity and stability for our two countries."</p>

<p>While no public confirmation has come from Muizzu's office, if he travels to Delhi, this will be his first visit to India since assuming office. Neighbouring countries have been prominent among the invited foreign guests.</p>

<p>Official confirmations have been received from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulated Prime Minister Modi on his electoral victory during a phone call, subsequently accepting an invitation to the inauguration.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>, and the BJP and BJP-led NDA, on the success in the 2024 Indian General Election, for the third consecutive term.<br />
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I look forward to working together to advance our shared interests in pursuit of shared prosperity and stability for…</p>
— Dr Mohamed Muizzu (@MMuizzu) <a href="https://twitter.com/MMuizzu/status/1798056084147700110?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>A statement from the Sri Lankan government confirmed Wickremesinghe being invited for the oath-taking. Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accepted the invitation during a telephone conversation, confirmed by Noorelahi Mina, Deputy Press Secretary to the Bangladeshi Prime Minister.</p>

<p>Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, is also confirmed to attend the ceremony in Delhi. Over the past 24 hours, Indian Prime Minister Modi has spoken to several leaders in the region, including Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Bhutan PM Dasho Tshering Tobgay and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth. Prime Minister Jugnauth was the first global leader to congratulate Modi on his victory on June 4.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi's previous inaugurations have also featured regional leaders. In 2014, he invited leaders from SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries, and in 2019, from BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries.</p>

<p>The recent electoral victory of Narendra Modi and the BJP-led NDA alliance for a third consecutive term has prompted a wave of&nbsp;congratulations&nbsp;from over 100 world leaders. Messages of goodwill have poured in from a diverse array of countries and regions, including major global powers and key partners.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Leaders from nations such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, the European Union, France, Germany, Japan, the United States, and Russia have extended their best wishes to Prime Minister Modi.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Around 14 world leaders have called PM Modi to give congratulatory messages, which include Russian President Vladimir Putin, Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte, French Prez Emmanuel Macron, Thai PM Srettha Thavisin, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Australia PM Anthony Albanese.</p>


Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has been invited to attend Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oath taking ceremony for his third consecutive term in office.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has been invited to attend Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oath taking ceremony for his third consecutive term in office. The event, scheduled for this weekend, will see several leaders from neighbouring countries present. President Muizzu, who took office last year, congratulated Modi and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for their victory in the 2024 Indian General Elections. In a social media message, he stated, "I look forward to working together to advance our shared interests in pursuit of shared prosperity and stability for our two countries." While no public confirmation has come from Muizzu's office, if he travels to Delhi, this will be his first visit to India since assuming office. Neighbouring countries have been prominent among the invited foreign guests. Official confirmations have been received from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulated Prime Minister Modi on his electoral victory during a phone call, subsequently accepting an invitation to the inauguration. Congratulations to Prime Minister @narendramodi, and the BJP and BJP-led NDA, on the success in the 2024 Indian General Election, for the third consecutive term. I look forward to working together to advance our shared interests in pursuit of shared prosperity and stability for… — Dr Mohamed Muizzu (@MMuizzu) June 4, 2024 × A statement from the Sri Lankan government confirmed Wickremesinghe being invited for the oath-taking. Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accepted the invitation during a telephone conversation, confirmed by Noorelahi Mina, Deputy Press Secretary to the Bangladeshi Prime Minister. Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, is also confirmed to attend the ceremony in Delhi. Over the past 24 hours, Indian Prime Minister Modi has spoken to several leaders in the region, including Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Bhutan PM Dasho Tshering Tobgay and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth. Prime Minister Jugnauth was the first global leader to congratulate Modi on his victory on June 4. Prime Minister Modi's previous inaugurations have also featured regional leaders. In 2014, he invited leaders from SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries, and in 2019, from BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries. The recent electoral victory of Narendra Modi and the BJP-led NDA alliance for a third consecutive term has prompted a wave of congratulations from over 100 world leaders. Messages of goodwill have poured in from a diverse array of countries and regions, including major global powers and key partners. Leaders from nations such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, the European Union, France, Germany, Japan, the United States, and Russia have extended their best wishes to Prime Minister Modi. Around 14 world leaders have called PM Modi to give congratulatory messages, which include Russian President Vladimir Putin, Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte, French Prez Emmanuel Macron, Thai PM Srettha Thavisin, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Australia PM Anthony Albanese.

Maldives President Muizzu invited to Indian PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Union cabinet here on Tuesday to take stock of the Lok Sabha election results and likely government formation following the BJP-led NDA winning a majority of seats in the house.</p>

<p>The meeting at the prime minister's residence, a day after the results were declared, began at 11.30 am and will be followed by a meeting of the council of ministers, sources said.<br />
<br />
This is the last meeting of Modi 2.0's cabinet and council of ministers. The cabinet may also recommend the dissolution of the current Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>The term of the current 17th Lok Sabha ends on June 16.</p>

<p>The BJP on its own got 240 seats and the NDA a clear majority in the 543-member house, while the principal opposition party Congress bagged 99 seats.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Union cabinet here on Tuesday to take stock of the Lok Sabha election results and likely government formation following the BJP-led NDA winning a majority of seats in the house.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Union cabinet here on Tuesday to take stock of the Lok Sabha election results and likely government formation following the BJP-led NDA winning a majority of seats in the house. The meeting at the prime minister's residence, a day after the results were declared, began at 11.30 am and will be followed by a meeting of the council of ministers, sources said. This is the last meeting of Modi 2.0's cabinet and council of ministers. The cabinet may also recommend the dissolution of the current Lok Sabha. The term of the current 17th Lok Sabha ends on June 16. The BJP on its own got 240 seats and the NDA a clear majority in the 543-member house, while the principal opposition party Congress bagged 99 seats.

Modi cabinet meets for one last time after announcing third term in power

<p>The 'Melodi' bond between Prime Minister Meloni of Italy and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi has taken over post-election results development in India as the Italian leader took to social media to congratulate PM Modi for his third re-election in a row.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Congratulations to Narendra Modi on the new electoral victory and my warmest wishes for good work. Certain that we will continue to work together to strengthen the friendship that unites Italy and India and consolidate cooperation on the various issues that bind us, for the well-being of our Nations and our peoples," Giorgia Meloni wrote on X, formerly Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi won a third term in a row on June 4. But his Bharatiya Janata Party fell short by 32 seats of the majority mark of 272 seats in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian parliament directly elected by people. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won 294 seats against the Congress-led INDIA bloc’s 231 seats. The Congress won 99 seats compared to 52 in 2019. The BJP won 240 seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Melodi | Indian PM Modi's selfie with Italian PM Meloni goes viral</strong></p>

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<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to X to thank his Italian counterpart for the wishes.</p>

<p>"Thank you for your kind wishes PM Giorgia Meloni. We remain committed to deepening India-Italy strategic partnership which is underpinned by shared values and interests. Looking forward to working together for global good," Modi wrote on X while responding to Meloni's post.</p>

<p>The bilateral relationship between&nbsp;India and Italy stands elevated to the level of strategic partnership since March 2023, with Rome's naval experience in Adriatic Sea adding to India's strategic advantage in the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-the-bittersweet-melodi-in-india-italy-ties-during-swaraj-jaishankar-years-667672">Explained: The bittersweet 'melodi' in India-Italy ties during Swaraj-Jaishankar years</a></strong></p>

<p>Once Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance proves majority, Italy would be prime minister's first visit abroad upon taking office for a third term. Italy is hosting G7 summit this time around and New Delhi remains a regular invitee to the Group of Seven summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The 'Melodi' bond between Prime Minister Meloni of Italy and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi has taken over post-election results development in India as the Italian leader took to social media to congratulate PM Modi for his third re-election in a row.

The 'Melodi' bond between Prime Minister Meloni of Italy and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi has taken over post-election results development in India as the Italian leader took to social media to congratulate PM Modi for his third re-election in a row. "Congratulations to Narendra Modi on the new electoral victory and my warmest wishes for good work. Certain that we will continue to work together to strengthen the friendship that unites Italy and India and consolidate cooperation on the various issues that bind us, for the well-being of our Nations and our peoples," Giorgia Meloni wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Prime Minister Narendra Modi won a third term in a row on June 4. But his Bharatiya Janata Party fell short by 32 seats of the majority mark of 272 seats in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian parliament directly elected by people. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won 294 seats against the Congress-led INDIA bloc’s 231 seats. The Congress won 99 seats compared to 52 in 2019. The BJP won 240 seats. Also watch | Melodi | Indian PM Modi's selfie with Italian PM Meloni goes viral × Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to X to thank his Italian counterpart for the wishes. "Thank you for your kind wishes PM Giorgia Meloni. We remain committed to deepening India-Italy strategic partnership which is underpinned by shared values and interests. Looking forward to working together for global good," Modi wrote on X while responding to Meloni's post. The bilateral relationship between India and Italy stands elevated to the level of strategic partnership since March 2023, with Rome's naval experience in Adriatic Sea adding to India's strategic advantage in the Indo-Pacific. Also read | Explained: The bittersweet 'melodi' in India-Italy ties during Swaraj-Jaishankar years Once Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance proves majority, Italy would be prime minister's first visit abroad upon taking office for a third term. Italy is hosting G7 summit this time around and New Delhi remains a regular invitee to the Group of Seven summit. (With inputs from agencies)

'Melodi' vibe sets off to-and-fro of congratulations for PM Modi's expected third term

<p>Before the full results of the Lok Sabha Elections were declared, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 4 claimed victory for the&nbsp;National Democratic Alliance (NDA).</p>

<p>Even as BJP had no outright majority, the Modi government, along with its NDA partners is on its way to form&nbsp;the government once again.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a post on X, PM Modi thanked the voters and wrote,&nbsp;"People have placed their faith in NDA, for a third consecutive time! This is a historical feat in India’s history. I bow to the Janata Janardan for this affection and assure them that we will continue the good work done in the last decade to keep fulfilling the aspirations of people. I also salute all our Karyakartas for their hard work. Words will never do justice to their exceptional efforts."</p>

<p>The Prime Minister also addressed supporters in Odisha and celebrated&nbsp;BJP's success in the assembly elections.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-wins-from-varanasi-defeats-ajay-rai-of-congress-by-over-150000-votes-728709">PM Modi wins from Varanasi, defeats Ajay Rai of Congress by over 150,000 votes</a></p>

<p>"Thank you Odisha! It’s a resounding victory for good governance and celebrating Odisha’s unique culture. BJP will leave no stone unturned in fulfilling the dreams of people and taking Odisha to new heights of progress. I am very proud of all our hardworking Party Karyakartas for their efforts."</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended&nbsp;thanks to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) for its crucial support to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-results-2024-rahul-gandhis-resounding-victory-in-wayanad-defies-modis-predictions-728688">Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Rahul Gandhi's resounding victory in Wayanad defies Modi's predictions</a></p>

<p>"Andhra Pradesh has given an exceptional mandate to NDA! I thank the people of the state for their blessings. We will work for the all-round progress of AP and ensure the state prospers in the times to come."</p>

<p>BJP National President JP Nadda gave wishes to the people of Andhra Pradesh for their support and said that they "have chosen to march forward under the NDA governance and the guidance of PM Modi towards a brighter future, filled with hope, prosperity, and unity."</p>

<p>The Prime Minister later addressed party workers at the BJP headquarters.</p>

<p>Modi has secured the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat for the third time by defeating Congress candidate Ajay Rai by over 1.5 lakh votes. One of the most riveting contests&nbsp;unfolded in Uttar Pradesh, where the INDIA alliance secured the majority of the seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-election-results-eci-declares-pm-modi-winner-from-uttar-pradeshs-varanasi-728712">India Election Results: ECI declares PM Modi winner from Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi</a></strong></p>

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<p>This time the Lok Sabha election in UP saw a big shift from the 2019 elections when the NDA won 62 seats, BSP 10, SP 5, and INC 2.</p>

<p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah attributed the BJP's continued success to the dedication of its workers. "This victory of BJP for the third time is the result of the tireless hard work of our workers."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Before the full results of the Lok Sabha Elections were declared, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 4 claimed victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Before the full results of the Lok Sabha Elections were declared, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 4 claimed victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Even as BJP had no outright majority, the Modi government, along with its NDA partners is on its way to form the government once again. In a post on X, PM Modi thanked the voters and wrote, "People have placed their faith in NDA, for a third consecutive time! This is a historical feat in India’s history. I bow to the Janata Janardan for this affection and assure them that we will continue the good work done in the last decade to keep fulfilling the aspirations of people. I also salute all our Karyakartas for their hard work. Words will never do justice to their exceptional efforts." The Prime Minister also addressed supporters in Odisha and celebrated BJP's success in the assembly elections. Also Read | PM Modi wins from Varanasi, defeats Ajay Rai of Congress by over 150,000 votes "Thank you Odisha! It’s a resounding victory for good governance and celebrating Odisha’s unique culture. BJP will leave no stone unturned in fulfilling the dreams of people and taking Odisha to new heights of progress. I am very proud of all our hardworking Party Karyakartas for their efforts." Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended thanks to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) for its crucial support to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Andhra Pradesh. Also Read | Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Rahul Gandhi's resounding victory in Wayanad defies Modi's predictions "Andhra Pradesh has given an exceptional mandate to NDA! I thank the people of the state for their blessings. We will work for the all-round progress of AP and ensure the state prospers in the times to come." BJP National President JP Nadda gave wishes to the people of Andhra Pradesh for their support and said that they "have chosen to march forward under the NDA governance and the guidance of PM Modi towards a brighter future, filled with hope, prosperity, and unity." The Prime Minister later addressed party workers at the BJP headquarters. Modi has secured the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat for the third time by defeating Congress candidate Ajay Rai by over 1.5 lakh votes. One of the most riveting contests unfolded in Uttar Pradesh, where the INDIA alliance secured the majority of the seats. Watch | India Election Results: ECI declares PM Modi winner from Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi × This time the Lok Sabha election in UP saw a big shift from the 2019 elections when the NDA won 62 seats, BSP 10, SP 5, and INC 2. Union Home Minister Amit Shah attributed the BJP's continued success to the dedication of its workers. "This victory of BJP for the third time is the result of the tireless hard work of our workers." (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi thanks supporters as NDA on its way to form government for third consecutive term

<p><strong>Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha elections results 2024 Full Winners List:&nbsp; </strong>The Samajwadi Party (SP)&nbsp;shocked the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh after it won 37&nbsp;seats out of the total 80. This comes as a major disappointment for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which won 33 seats. The Congress,&nbsp;meanwhile, won six seats.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi emerged victorious in the Varanasi seat, winning a total of&nbsp;612,970&nbsp;votes. Prime Minister Modi defeated Congress' Ajay Rai by a margin of&nbsp;152,513 votes. In Rae Bareli, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi&nbsp;defeated BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh by a massive margin of 390,030 votes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian state of Uttar Pradesh voted in all seven phases of the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. With 80 constituencies in total, Uttar Pradesh&nbsp;undoubtedly becomes one of the most significant states during the elections.&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh has given India eight prime ministers, the highest in the country.</p>

<p>The most prominent candidates who contested polls from the state were Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Varanasi), Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (Rae Bareli), Union Ministers Smriti Irani (Amethi) and Rajnath Singh (Lucknow) and Akhilesh Yadav (Kannauj).&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Saturday (June 1), exit polls predicted that the BJP would again emerge victorious in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Uttat Pradesh Lok Sabha elections results 2024: Full list of winners&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td><strong>Sr No.</strong></td>
			<td><strong>Constituency</strong></td>
			<td><strong>Winning Candidate</strong></td>
			<td><strong>Party</strong></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1.</td>
			<td>Agra</td>
			<td>Prof SP Singh Baghel&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2.</td>
			<td>Akbarpur</td>
			<td>Devendra Singh&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3.</td>
			<td>Aligarh</td>
			<td>Satish Kumar Gautam&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4.</td>
			<td>Allahabad</td>
			<td>Ujjwal Raman Singh&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Congress (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5.</td>
			<td>Ambedkar Nagar</td>
			<td>Lalji Verma&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>6.</td>
			<td>Amethi</td>
			<td>Kishori Lal&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Congress (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>7.</td>
			<td>Amroha</td>
			<td>Kanwar Singh Tanwar&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>8.</td>
			<td>Aonla</td>
			<td>Neeraj Maurya&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>9.</td>
			<td>Azamgarh</td>
			<td>Dharmendra Yadav&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>10.</td>
			<td>Badaun</td>
			<td>Aditya Yadav</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>11.</td>
			<td>Baghpat</td>
			<td>Dr Rajkumar Sangwan</td>
			<td>RLD (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>12.</td>
			<td>Baharaich</td>
			<td>Anand Kumar&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>13.</td>
			<td>&nbsp;Ballia</td>
			<td>Sanatan Pandey&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>14.</td>
			<td>Banda</td>
			<td>Krishna Devi Shivshanker Patel&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>15.</td>
			<td>Bansgaon</td>
			<td>Kamlesh Paswan&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>16.</td>
			<td>Barabanki</td>
			<td>Tanuj Punia&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Congress (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>17.</td>
			<td>Bareilly</td>
			<td>Chhatra Pal Singh Gangwar&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>18.</td>
			<td>Basti</td>
			<td>Ram Prasad Chaudhary&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>19.</td>
			<td>Bhadohi</td>
			<td>Dr Vinod Kumar Bind&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>20.</td>
			<td>Bijnor</td>
			<td>Chandan Chauhan&nbsp;</td>
			<td>RLD (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>21.</td>
			<td>Bulandshahr</td>
			<td>Dr Bhola Singh&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>22.</td>
			<td>Chandauli</td>
			<td>Birendra Singh&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>23.</td>
			<td>Deoria</td>
			<td>Shashank Mani&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>24.</td>
			<td>Dhauraha</td>
			<td>Ananda Bhadauriya</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>25.</td>
			<td>Domariyaganj</td>
			<td>Jagdambika Pal&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>26.</td>
			<td>Etah</td>
			<td>Devesh Shakya</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>27.</td>
			<td>Etawah</td>
			<td>Jitendra Kumar Dohare</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>28.</td>
			<td>Faizabad</td>
			<td>Awadesh Prasad&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>29.</td>
			<td>Farrukhabad</td>
			<td>Mukesh Rajput&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>30.</td>
			<td>Fatehpur</td>
			<td>Naresh Chandra Uttam Patel&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>31.</td>
			<td>Fatehpur Sikri</td>
			<td>Rajkumar Chahar&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>32.</td>
			<td>Firozabad</td>
			<td>Akshaya Yadav&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>33.</td>
			<td>Gautam Buddha Nagar</td>
			<td>Dr Mahesh Sharma&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>34.</td>
			<td>Ghaziabad</td>
			<td>Atul Garg&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>35.</td>
			<td>Ghazipur</td>
			<td>Afzal Ansari&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>36.</td>
			<td>Ghosi</td>
			<td>Rajeev Rai&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>37.</td>
			<td>Gonda</td>
			<td>Kirtivardhan Singh&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>38.</td>
			<td>Gorakhpur</td>
			<td>Ravi Kishan&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>39.</td>
			<td>Hamirpur</td>
			<td>Ajendra Singh Lodhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>40.</td>
			<td>Hardoi</td>
			<td>Jai Prakash&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>41.</td>
			<td>Hathras</td>
			<td>Anoop Pradhan Balmiki&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>42.</td>
			<td>Jalaun</td>
			<td>Narayan Das Ahirwar&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>43.</td>
			<td>Jaunpur</td>
			<td>Babu Singh Kushwaha&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>44.</td>
			<td>Jhansi</td>
			<td>Anurag Sharma</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>45.</td>
			<td>Kairana</td>
			<td>Iqra Chaudhary&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>46.</td>
			<td>Kaiserganj</td>
			<td>Karan Bhushan Singh&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>47.</td>
			<td>Kannauj</td>
			<td>Akhilesh Yadav&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>48.</td>
			<td>Kanpur</td>
			<td>Ramesh Awasthi&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>49.</td>
			<td>Kaushambi</td>
			<td>Pushpendra Saroj&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>50.</td>
			<td>Kheri</td>
			<td>Utkarsh Verma&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>51.</td>
			<td>Kushi Nagar</td>
			<td>Vijay Kumar Dubay&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>52.</td>
			<td>Lalganj</td>
			<td>Daroga Prasad Saroj&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>53.</td>
			<td>Lucknow</td>
			<td>Rajnath Singh&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>54.</td>
			<td>Machhlishahr</td>
			<td>Priya Saroj&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>55.</td>
			<td>Maharajganj</td>
			<td>Pankaj Chaudhary&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>56.</td>
			<td>Mainpuri</td>
			<td>Dimple Yadav&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>57.</td>
			<td>Mathura</td>
			<td>Hema Malini&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>58.</td>
			<td>Meerut</td>
			<td>Arun Govil&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>59.</td>
			<td>Mirzapur</td>
			<td>Anupriya Patel&nbsp;</td>
			<td>(Apna Dal (S)- Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>60.</td>
			<td>Misrikh</td>
			<td>Ashok Kumar Rawat&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>61.</td>
			<td>Mohanlalganj</td>
			<td>R.K. Chaudhary&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>62.</td>
			<td>Moradabad</td>
			<td>Ruchi Vira&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>63.</td>
			<td>Muzaffarnagar</td>
			<td>Harendra Singh Malik&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>64.</td>
			<td>Nagina</td>
			<td>Chandrashekhar&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram)&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>65.</td>
			<td>Phulpur</td>
			<td>Praveen Patel&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>66.</td>
			<td>Pilibhit</td>
			<td>Jitin Prasada&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>67.</td>
			<td>Pratapgarh</td>
			<td>Shiv Pal Singh Patel&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>68.</td>
			<td>Rae Bareli</td>
			<td>Rahul Gandhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Congress (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>69.</td>
			<td>Rampur</td>
			<td>Mohibbullah&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>70.</td>
			<td>Robertsganj</td>
			<td>Chhotelal&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>71.</td>
			<td>Saharanpur</td>
			<td>Imran Masood&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Congress (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>72.</td>
			<td>Salempur</td>
			<td>Ramshankar Rajbhar&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>73.</td>
			<td>Sambhal</td>
			<td>Zia Ur Rehman&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>74.</td>
			<td>Sant Kabir Nagar</td>
			<td>Laxmikant Nishad&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>75.</td>
			<td>Shahjahanpur</td>
			<td>Arun Kumar Sagar&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>76.</td>
			<td>Shrawasti</td>
			<td>Ran Shiromani Verma&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>77.</td>
			<td>Sitapur</td>
			<td>Rakesh Rathor&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Congress (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>78.</td>
			<td>Sultanpur</td>
			<td>Rambhaul Nishad&nbsp;</td>
			<td>SP (Part of INDIA bloc)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>79.</td>
			<td>Unnao</td>
			<td>Swami Sachchidanand Hari Sakshi&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>80.</td>
			<td>Varanasi</td>
			<td>Narendra Modi</td>
			<td>BJP (Part of NDA)</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>


Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha elections results 2024 Full Winners List: The Samajwadi Party (SP) shocked the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh after it won 37 seats out of the total 80.

Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha elections results 2024 Full Winners List: The Samajwadi Party (SP) shocked the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh after it won 37 seats out of the total 80. This comes as a major disappointment for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which won 33 seats. The Congress, meanwhile, won six seats. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emerged victorious in the Varanasi seat, winning a total of 612,970 votes. Prime Minister Modi defeated Congress' Ajay Rai by a margin of 152,513 votes. In Rae Bareli, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi defeated BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh by a massive margin of 390,030 votes. The Indian state of Uttar Pradesh voted in all seven phases of the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. With 80 constituencies in total, Uttar Pradesh undoubtedly becomes one of the most significant states during the elections. Uttar Pradesh has given India eight prime ministers, the highest in the country. The most prominent candidates who contested polls from the state were Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Varanasi), Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (Rae Bareli), Union Ministers Smriti Irani (Amethi) and Rajnath Singh (Lucknow) and Akhilesh Yadav (Kannauj). On Saturday (June 1), exit polls predicted that the BJP would again emerge victorious in the state. Uttat Pradesh Lok Sabha elections results 2024: Full list of winners Sr No. Constituency Winning Candidate Party 1. Agra Prof SP Singh Baghel BJP (Part of NDA) 2. Akbarpur Devendra Singh BJP (Part of NDA) 3. Aligarh Satish Kumar Gautam BJP (Part of NDA) 4. Allahabad Ujjwal Raman Singh Congress (Part of INDIA bloc) 5. Ambedkar Nagar Lalji Verma SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 6. Amethi Kishori Lal Congress (Part of INDIA bloc) 7. Amroha Kanwar Singh Tanwar BJP (Part of NDA) 8. Aonla Neeraj Maurya SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 9. Azamgarh Dharmendra Yadav SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 10. Badaun Aditya Yadav SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 11. Baghpat Dr Rajkumar Sangwan RLD (Part of NDA) 12. Baharaich Anand Kumar BJP (Part of NDA) 13. Ballia Sanatan Pandey SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 14. Banda Krishna Devi Shivshanker Patel SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 15. Bansgaon Kamlesh Paswan BJP (Part of NDA) 16. Barabanki Tanuj Punia Congress (Part of INDIA bloc) 17. Bareilly Chhatra Pal Singh Gangwar BJP (Part of NDA) 18. Basti Ram Prasad Chaudhary SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 19. Bhadohi Dr Vinod Kumar Bind BJP (Part of NDA) 20. Bijnor Chandan Chauhan RLD (Part of NDA) 21. Bulandshahr Dr Bhola Singh BJP (Part of NDA) 22. Chandauli Birendra Singh BJP (Part of NDA) 23. Deoria Shashank Mani BJP (Part of NDA) 24. Dhauraha Ananda Bhadauriya SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 25. Domariyaganj Jagdambika Pal BJP (Part of NDA) 26. Etah Devesh Shakya SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 27. Etawah Jitendra Kumar Dohare SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 28. Faizabad Awadesh Prasad SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 29. Farrukhabad Mukesh Rajput BJP (Part of NDA) 30. Fatehpur Naresh Chandra Uttam Patel SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 31. Fatehpur Sikri Rajkumar Chahar BJP (Part of NDA) 32. Firozabad Akshaya Yadav SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 33. Gautam Buddha Nagar Dr Mahesh Sharma BJP (Part of NDA) 34. Ghaziabad Atul Garg BJP (Part of NDA) 35. Ghazipur Afzal Ansari SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 36. Ghosi Rajeev Rai SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 37. Gonda Kirtivardhan Singh BJP (Part of NDA) 38. Gorakhpur Ravi Kishan BJP (Part of NDA) 39. Hamirpur Ajendra Singh Lodhi SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 40. Hardoi Jai Prakash BJP (Part of NDA) 41. Hathras Anoop Pradhan Balmiki BJP (Part of NDA) 42. Jalaun Narayan Das Ahirwar SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 43. Jaunpur Babu Singh Kushwaha SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 44. Jhansi Anurag Sharma BJP (Part of NDA) 45. Kairana Iqra Chaudhary SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 46. Kaiserganj Karan Bhushan Singh BJP (Part of NDA) 47. Kannauj Akhilesh Yadav SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 48. Kanpur Ramesh Awasthi BJP (Part of NDA) 49. Kaushambi Pushpendra Saroj SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 50. Kheri Utkarsh Verma SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 51. Kushi Nagar Vijay Kumar Dubay BJP (Part of NDA) 52. Lalganj Daroga Prasad Saroj SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 53. Lucknow Rajnath Singh BJP (Part of NDA) 54. Machhlishahr Priya Saroj SP (Part of NDA) 55. Maharajganj Pankaj Chaudhary BJP (Part of NDA) 56. Mainpuri Dimple Yadav SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 57. Mathura Hema Malini BJP (Part of NDA) 58. Meerut Arun Govil BJP (Part of NDA) 59. Mirzapur Anupriya Patel (Apna Dal (S)- Part of NDA) 60. Misrikh Ashok Kumar Rawat BJP (Part of NDA) 61. Mohanlalganj R.K. Chaudhary SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 62. Moradabad Ruchi Vira SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 63. Muzaffarnagar Harendra Singh Malik SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 64. Nagina Chandrashekhar Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) 65. Phulpur Praveen Patel BJP (Part of NDA) 66. Pilibhit Jitin Prasada BJP (Part of NDA) 67. Pratapgarh Shiv Pal Singh Patel SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 68. Rae Bareli Rahul Gandhi Congress (Part of INDIA bloc) 69. Rampur Mohibbullah SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 70. Robertsganj Chhotelal SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 71. Saharanpur Imran Masood Congress (Part of INDIA bloc) 72. Salempur Ramshankar Rajbhar SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 73. Sambhal Zia Ur Rehman SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 74. Sant Kabir Nagar Laxmikant Nishad SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 75. Shahjahanpur Arun Kumar Sagar BJP (Part of NDA) 76. Shrawasti Ran Shiromani Verma SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 77. Sitapur Rakesh Rathor Congress (Part of INDIA bloc) 78. Sultanpur Rambhaul Nishad SP (Part of INDIA bloc) 79. Unnao Swami Sachchidanand Hari Sakshi BJP (Part of NDA) 80. Varanasi Narendra Modi BJP (Part of NDA)

Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Full list of winners

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidZ8QMXFNiFGLA" /></p>

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is currently the ruling government in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is facing major disappointment as the Samajwadi Party (SP) won&nbsp;37 seats, data from the Election Commission of India (ECI) showed. The latest data from the ECI shows the BJP won 33 seats while the Congress won six seats.</p>

<p>The Congress and the SP contested the elections together as part of the INDIA bloc.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Here's a look at&nbsp;the updates from Uttar Pradesh:</strong></p>

<p><strong>1) </strong>In the Varanasi constituency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi defeated Congress leader Ajay Rai by a margin of 152,513 votes. In the Kaiserganj constituency, BJP leader Karan Bhushan Singh defeated SP's Bhagat Ram by a margin of 148,843 votes.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-lok-sabha-elections-2024-full-list-of-winners-constituency-wise-party-wise-winners-727893">Click here to read the full list of winners in Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha elections&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>2) </strong>Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who won the Wayanad constituency in Kerala, also won in UP's Rae Bareli as he defeated BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh by a massive margin of 390,030 votes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>3) </strong>SP leader Dimple Yadav emerged victorious from the Mainpuri constituency, defeating BJP's Jayveer Singh by a margin of&nbsp;221,639 votes.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | After winning from Uttar Pradesh’s Mainpuri Lok Sabha constituency, SP leader Dimple Yadav says, "I thank the voters of Mainpuri Lok Sabha seat…The development of the Mainpuri Lok Sabha seat will be the priority of Samajwadi Party….The public of Uttar Pradesh has… <a href="https://t.co/rpb018nuAy">https://t.co/rpb018nuAy</a> <a href="https://t.co/pVw68BVEP6">pic.twitter.com/pVw68BVEP6</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1797986098872005013?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p><strong>4) </strong>Union Minister&nbsp;Smriti Irani has lost from Amethi. She was defeated by Congress leader Kishori Lal Sharma by a margin of&nbsp;167,196 votes.</p>

<p><strong>5)</strong> Accepting her defeat, Irani told reporters,&nbsp;"...I express my gratitude to all the BJP party workers and supporters, those who have worked in the service of the constituency and the party with utmost dedication and fidelity...Today, I am grateful to PM Narendra Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath that their governments have completed the pending works of 30 years in just 5 years. I congratulate those who win. I will continue to be in the service of the people of Amethi..."</p>

<p><strong>6) </strong>Former Uttar Praesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav defeated BJP's Subrat Pathak in the Kannauj constituency by a margin of 170,922 votes.&nbsp;</p>


The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is currently the ruling government in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is facing major disappointment as the Samajwadi Party (SP) won 37 seats, data from the Election Commission of India (ECI) showed.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is currently the ruling government in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is facing major disappointment as the Samajwadi Party (SP) won 37 seats, data from the Election Commission of India (ECI) showed. The latest data from the ECI shows the BJP won 33 seats while the Congress won six seats. The Congress and the SP contested the elections together as part of the INDIA bloc. Here's a look at the updates from Uttar Pradesh: 1) In the Varanasi constituency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi defeated Congress leader Ajay Rai by a margin of 152,513 votes. In the Kaiserganj constituency, BJP leader Karan Bhushan Singh defeated SP's Bhagat Ram by a margin of 148,843 votes. Also read | Click here to read the full list of winners in Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha elections 2) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who won the Wayanad constituency in Kerala, also won in UP's Rae Bareli as he defeated BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh by a massive margin of 390,030 votes. 3) SP leader Dimple Yadav emerged victorious from the Mainpuri constituency, defeating BJP's Jayveer Singh by a margin of 221,639 votes. #WATCH | After winning from Uttar Pradesh’s Mainpuri Lok Sabha constituency, SP leader Dimple Yadav says, "I thank the voters of Mainpuri Lok Sabha seat…The development of the Mainpuri Lok Sabha seat will be the priority of Samajwadi Party….The public of Uttar Pradesh has… https://t.co/rpb018nuAy pic.twitter.com/pVw68BVEP6 — ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2024 × 4) Union Minister Smriti Irani has lost from Amethi. She was defeated by Congress leader Kishori Lal Sharma by a margin of 167,196 votes. 5) Accepting her defeat, Irani told reporters, "...I express my gratitude to all the BJP party workers and supporters, those who have worked in the service of the constituency and the party with utmost dedication and fidelity...Today, I am grateful to PM Narendra Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath that their governments have completed the pending works of 30 years in just 5 years. I congratulate those who win. I will continue to be in the service of the people of Amethi..." 6) Former Uttar Praesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav defeated BJP's Subrat Pathak in the Kannauj constituency by a margin of 170,922 votes.

Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha elections results: Huge UPset for BJP in state, Rahul wins big in Rae Bareli

<p><strong>Lok Sabha election result 2024: </strong>The announcement of the Lok Sabha election results 2024 was keenly followed by global media agencies on Tuesday (June 4), with most of them expressing shock at the narrow lead of the incumbent PM Narendra Modi's National Democratic Alliance (NDA). His Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lost a decade-old majority in the lower house of the Indian Parliament as opposition INDIA bloc registered a&nbsp;surprising comeback. But INDIA's revival will still fail to thwart Modi's third term in office as the NDA alliance, which is expected to win over 290 seats, has&nbsp;crossed the 272 majority-mark. Here is how global media reacted to NDA's shocker performance in the Lok Sabha election results.</p>

<h2><strong>BBC</strong></h2>

<p>UK news broadcaster BBC writes, "India's Modi faces stunning blow as alliance heads for reduced majority." It suggested how INDIA bloc's stress on 'Save Democracy' slogan worked wonders for them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Opposition parties highlighted cost of living issues, high unemployment - especially for young people - and fears that constitutional changes could disempower the disadvantaged. They also promised to stop India’s “slide into autocracy”.</p>
<img alt="BBC" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79b036c3-435c-4848-ad6a-939dca44ae5d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/bbc_0.JPG" />
<h2><strong>CNN</strong></h2>

<p>American news broadcaster CNN writes, "Modi declares victory in election but his party faces shock losses". CNN reported how Modi’s BJP will now&nbsp;have to rely on coalition partners to form a government. It said BJP was hoping for a supermajority in the lower house of the parliament that would have enabled it to change the country's constitution.</p>
<img alt="CNN" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c0902779-c373-4884-962e-529af1055f18" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/cnn.JPG" />
<h2>&nbsp;<strong>AlJazeera</strong></h2>

<p>The Qatar-based news broadcaster wrote, "Allies to shape Modi’s fate after shock election setback for BJP".</p>

<p>The news channel wrote: "Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP is on course to lose its national majority after suffering major losses in key states, marking a dramatic shift in a political landscape it has dominated for the past decade." It also reported how exit polls didn't reflect on the reality on the ground. It highlighted BJP's shocking loss in Ayodhya.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The BJP concedes defeat in Faizabad constituency where Modi inaugurated a controversial Hindu temple in January."</p>
<img alt="AlJazeera" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c0c47cbb-9f7f-43f9-bcf2-526917028c62" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/aljazeera_0.JPG" />
<h2><strong>Guardian</strong></h2>

<p>The UK-based daily national wrote: "Narendra Modi claims ‘historical’ third term but projections show party unlikely to win outright majority".</p>

<p>The paper put spotlight on the resurgence of INDIA bloc, writing, "The opposition, INDIA alliance, led by&nbsp;<strong>Rahul Gandhi</strong>’s centrist Congress party, appeared to far outperform expectations, leading in just over 230 seats.</p>

<p>It highlighted how celebrations at the BJP headquarters in Delhi were 'bit muted' "with nothing like the size of the crowds seen on counting days at Narendra Modi’s previous election wins."</p>
<img alt="Guardian" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aeabace5-5318-4d78-9757-a716db1368f3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/guardian.JPG" />
<h2><strong>Newsweek</strong></h2>

<p>The US-based news website reported, "Indian Opposition Celebrates as Modi's BJP Faces Shock Election Setback"</p>

<p>"The opposition's strategy to focus on local issues and build a narrative around unity and justice appears to have resonated with voters," wrote&nbsp;Danish Manzoor Bhat for Newsweek.</p>

<p>"Political analysts had anticipated a huge win for the BJP, with some even predicting 400 plus out of the 543 seats in elections, but the scale of its losses has taken many by surprise."</p>
<img alt="Newsweek" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a5fd5526-abc3-4fd1-8a38-1cf64ce9d3fa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Newsweek.JPG" />
<p>&nbsp;</p>


Lok Sabha election result 2024: The announcement of the Lok Sabha election results 2024 was keenly followed by global media agencies on Tuesday (June 4), with most of them expressing shock at the narrow lead of the incumbent PM Narendra Modi's National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Lok Sabha election result 2024: The announcement of the Lok Sabha election results 2024 was keenly followed by global media agencies on Tuesday (June 4), with most of them expressing shock at the narrow lead of the incumbent PM Narendra Modi's National Democratic Alliance (NDA). His Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lost a decade-old majority in the lower house of the Indian Parliament as opposition INDIA bloc registered a surprising comeback. But INDIA's revival will still fail to thwart Modi's third term in office as the NDA alliance, which is expected to win over 290 seats, has crossed the 272 majority-mark. Here is how global media reacted to NDA's shocker performance in the Lok Sabha election results. BBC UK news broadcaster BBC writes, "India's Modi faces stunning blow as alliance heads for reduced majority." It suggested how INDIA bloc's stress on 'Save Democracy' slogan worked wonders for them. "Opposition parties highlighted cost of living issues, high unemployment - especially for young people - and fears that constitutional changes could disempower the disadvantaged. They also promised to stop India’s “slide into autocracy”. CNN American news broadcaster CNN writes, "Modi declares victory in election but his party faces shock losses". CNN reported how Modi’s BJP will now have to rely on coalition partners to form a government. It said BJP was hoping for a supermajority in the lower house of the parliament that would have enabled it to change the country's constitution. AlJazeera The Qatar-based news broadcaster wrote, "Allies to shape Modi’s fate after shock election setback for BJP". The news channel wrote: "Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP is on course to lose its national majority after suffering major losses in key states, marking a dramatic shift in a political landscape it has dominated for the past decade." It also reported how exit polls didn't reflect on the reality on the ground. It highlighted BJP's shocking loss in Ayodhya. "The BJP concedes defeat in Faizabad constituency where Modi inaugurated a controversial Hindu temple in January." Guardian The UK-based daily national wrote: "Narendra Modi claims ‘historical’ third term but projections show party unlikely to win outright majority". The paper put spotlight on the resurgence of INDIA bloc, writing, "The opposition, INDIA alliance, led by Rahul Gandhi’s centrist Congress party, appeared to far outperform expectations, leading in just over 230 seats. It highlighted how celebrations at the BJP headquarters in Delhi were 'bit muted' "with nothing like the size of the crowds seen on counting days at Narendra Modi’s previous election wins." Newsweek The US-based news website reported, "Indian Opposition Celebrates as Modi's BJP Faces Shock Election Setback" "The opposition's strategy to focus on local issues and build a narrative around unity and justice appears to have resonated with voters," wrote Danish Manzoor Bhat for Newsweek. "Political analysts had anticipated a huge win for the BJP, with some even predicting 400 plus out of the 543 seats in elections, but the scale of its losses has taken many by surprise."

‘Big blow to Modi,’ how world media reacted to BJP’s below par performance in India general elections

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (June 1) ended his spiritual sojourn at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>The prime minister started meditating on May 30 and continued it for nearly 45 hours till June 1. After concluding the meditation, the prime minister wrote an open letter in which he reflected upon his spiritual journey, the future of India and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-completes-his-two-day-meditation-at-kanniyakumari-as-poll-comes-to-an-end-727803">PM Modi completes 2-day meditation at Kanniyakumari, to return to Delhi as Lok Sabha polls end</a></p>

<p>He further wrote about the development trajectory of Bharat and emphasised the need to align with the aspirations of a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) by 2047.</p>

<h2><strong>Here's the complete text of PM Modi's open letter:</strong></h2>

<h3><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; New Sankalps from the Sadhana in Kanniyakumari</strong></h3>

<p>My fellow Indians,</p>

<p>The biggest festival of democracy, the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, are concluding today in our nation, the Mother of Democracy. After a three-day spiritual journey in Kanniyakumari, I have just boarded the plane for Delhi. Through the day, Kashi and numerous other seats have been in the midst of voting.</p>

<p>My mind is filled with so many experiences and emotions... I feel a boundless flow of energy within myself. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are the first in the Amrit Kaal. I began my campaign a few months ago from Meerut, the land of the First War of Independence of 1857. Since then, I have traversed across the length and breadth of our great nation. The final rally of these elections took me to Hoshiarpur in Punjab, the land of the great Gurus and a land associated with Sant Ravidas Ji. After that, I came to Kanniyakumari, at the feet of Maa Bharti.</p>

<p>It is natural that the fervour of the elections was echoing in my heart and mind. The multitude of faces seen in rallies and road shows came in front of my eyes. The blessings from our Nari Shakti...the trust, the affection, all of this was a very humbling experience. My eyes were getting moist... I entered into a 'sadhana' (meditative state). And then, the heated political debates, the attacks and counter-attacks, the voices and words of accusations which are so characteristic of an election...they all vanished into a void. A sense of detachment came to grow within me...my mind became completely detached from the external world.</p>

<p>Meditation becomes challenging amidst such huge responsibilities, but the land of Kanniyakumari and the inspiration of Swami Vivekananda made it effortless. As a candidate myself, I left my campaign in the hands of my beloved people of Kashi and came here.</p>

<p>I am also grateful God for instilling me with these values from birth which I have cherished and tried to live up to. I was also thinking about what Swami Vivekananda must have experienced during his meditation at this very place in Kanniyakumari! A part of my meditation was spent in a similar stream of thoughts.</p>

<p>Amidst this detachment, amidst the peace and silence, my mind was constantly thinking about the bright future of Bharat, the goals of Bharat. The rising sun at Kanniyakumari gave new heights to my thoughts, the vastness of the ocean expanded my ideas, and the expanse of the horizon continuously made me realize the unity, the Oneness, embedded in the depths of the universe. It seemed as if the observations and experiences undertaken in the lap of the Himalayas decades ago were being revived.</p>

<p>Friends,</p>

<p>Kanniyakumari has always been very close to my heart. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari was built under the leadership of Shri Eknath Ranade ji. I had the opportunity to travel extensively with Eknath ji. During the construction of this Memorial, I had the opportunity to spend some time in Kanniyakumari as well.</p>

<p>From Kashmir to Kanniyakumari... this is a common identity that is deeply ingrained in the heart of every citizen of the country. This is the 'Shakti Peeth' (seat of Shakti) where Maa Shakti incarnated as Kanya Kumari. At this Southern tip, Maa Shakti performed penance and waited for Bhagwan Shiva, who was residing in the Himalayas at the northernmost parts of Bharat.</p>

<p>Kanniyakumari is the land of confluences. The sacred rivers of our country flow into different seas, and here, those very seas converge. And here, we witness another great confluence-the ideological confluence of Bharat! Here, we find the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a grand statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar, Gandhi Mandapam, and Kamarajar Mani Mandapam. These streams of thought from these stalwarts converge here to form a confluence of national thought. This gives rise to great inspirations for nation-building. This land of Kanniyakumari gives an indelible message of unity, especially to any person who doubts Bharat's nationhood and the sense of unity.</p>

<p>The grand statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar in Kanniyakumari seems to be looking at the expanse of Maa Bharati from the sea. His work Thirukkural is one of the crown jewels of the beautiful Tamil language. It covers every aspect of life, inspiring us to give our best for ourselves and for the nation. It was my great fortune to pay my respects to such a great figure.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Exit Poll 2024: Narendra Modi predicted to return for third term</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/exit-poll-2024-narendra-modi-predicted-to-return-for-third-term-727885/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Friends,</p>

<p>Swami Vivekananda once said, 'Every nation has a message to deliver, a mission to fulfil, a destiny to reach.'<br />
For thousands of years, Bharat has been moving forward with this sense of meaningful purpose. Bharat has been a cradle of ideas for thousands of years. We have never considered what we have acquired as our personal wealth or measured it purely by economic or material parameters. Therefore, 'Idam-na-mama' (this is not mine) has become an inherent and natural part of the character of Bharat.</p>

<p>Bharat's welfare benefits our planet's journey to progress as well. Take the freedom movement as an example. Bharat gained independence on August 15, 1947. At that time, many countries around the world were under colonial rule. Bharat's independence journey inspired and empowered many of those countries to achieve their own freedom. That same spirit was seen decades later when the world came face to face with the once in a century COVID-19 pandemic. When concerns were raised about the poor and developing countries, Bharat's successful efforts provided courage and assistance to many nations.</p>

<p>Today, Bharat's governance model has become an example for many countries around the world. Empowering 25 crore people to rise above poverty in just 10 years is unprecedented. Innovative practices such as Pro-People Good Governance, aspirational districts, and aspirational blocks are being discussed globally today. Our efforts, from empowering the poor to last-mile delivery, have inspired the world by prioritizing individuals standing at the last rung of society.</p>

<p>Bharat's Digital India campaign is now an example for the entire world, showing how we can use technology to empower the poor, bring transparency, and ensure their rights. Inexpensive data in Bharat is becoming a means of social equality by ensuring the reach of information and services to the poor. The whole world is witnessing and studying the democratization of technology, and major global institutions are advising many countries to adopt elements from our model.</p>

<p>Today, Bharat's progress and rise are not just a significant opportunity for Bharat alone, but also a historic opportunity for all our partner countries around the world. Since the success of the G-20, the world has been increasingly envisioning a bigger role for Bharat. Today, Bharat is being acknowledged as a strong and important voice of the Global South. The African Union has become a part of the G-20 group at the initiative of Bharat. This is going to be a crucial turning point for the future of African countries.</p>

<p>Friends,</p>

<p>The development trajectory of Bharat fills us with pride and glory, but at the same time, it also reminds the 140 crore citizens of their responsibilities. Now, without wasting a single moment, we must step forward towards greater duties and larger goals. We need to dream new dreams, convert them into reality and begin living those dreams.</p>

<p>We must see Bharat's development in a global context, and for this, it is essential that we understand Bharat's internal capabilities. We must acknowledge Bharat's strengths, nurture them, and utilize them for the benefit of the world. In today's global scenario, Bharat's strength as a youthful nation is an opportunity from which we must not look back.</p>

<p>The world of the 21st century is looking towards Bharat with many hopes. And we will need to make several changes to move forward in the global scenario. We also need to change our traditional thinking regarding reform. Bharat cannot limit reform to just economic reforms. We must move forward in every aspect of life towards the direction of reform. Our reforms should also align with the aspirations of a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) by 2047.</p>

<p>We must also understand that reform can never be a unidimensional process for any country. Therefore, I have laid out the vision of reform, perform, and transform for the country. The responsibility of reform lies with leadership. Based on that, our bureaucracy performs, and when the people join in with the spirit of Jan Bhagidari, we witness a transformation taking place.</p>

<p>We must make excellence the fundamental principle to make our country a 'Viksit Bharat'. We need to work quickly in all four directions: Speed, Scale, Scope, and Standards. Alongside manufacturing, we must also focus on quality and adhere to the mantra of 'zero defect-zero effect'.</p>

<p>Friends,</p>

<p>We should take pride in every moment that God has blessed us with birth in the land of Bharat. God has chosen us to serve Bharat and fulfil our role in our country's journey towards excellence. We must redefine our heritage in a modern way while embracing ancient values in a modern context.</p>

<p>As a nation, we also need to reassess outdated thinking and beliefs. We need to free our society from the pressure of professional pessimists. We must remember that freedom from negativity is the first step towards achieving success. Success blossoms in the lap of positivity.</p>

<p>My faith, devotion, and belief in the infinite and eternal power of Bharat are growing day by day. Over the past 10 years, I have seen this capability of Bharat grow even more and have experienced it firsthand. Just as we utilised the fourth and fifth decades of the 20th century to impart a new momentum to the freedom movement, we must lay the foundation for a 'Viksit Bharat' in these 25 years of the 21st century. The freedom struggle was a time that called for great sacrifices. The present times call for great and sustained contributions from everyone.</p>

<p>Swami Vivekananda had said in 1897 that we must dedicate the next 50 years solely for the nation. Exactly 50 years after this call, Bharat gained independence in 1947. Today, we have the same golden opportunity. Let's dedicate the next 25 years solely for the nation. Our efforts will create a strong foundation for the coming generations and the coming centuries, taking Bharat to new heights. Looking at the energy and enthusiasm of the country, I can say that the goal is not far away now. Let us take swift steps...let us come together and create a Viksit Bharat.</p>

<p><em><strong>This letter was written by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 1 on his return flight from Kanniyakumari to Delhi.</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (June 1) ended his spiritual sojourn at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu. The prime minister started meditating on May 30 and continued it for nearly 45 hours till June 1.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (June 1) ended his spiritual sojourn at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu. The prime minister started meditating on May 30 and continued it for nearly 45 hours till June 1. After concluding the meditation, the prime minister wrote an open letter in which he reflected upon his spiritual journey, the future of India and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Also Read: PM Modi completes 2-day meditation at Kanniyakumari, to return to Delhi as Lok Sabha polls end He further wrote about the development trajectory of Bharat and emphasised the need to align with the aspirations of a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) by 2047. Here's the complete text of PM Modi's open letter: New Sankalps from the Sadhana in Kanniyakumari My fellow Indians, The biggest festival of democracy, the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, are concluding today in our nation, the Mother of Democracy. After a three-day spiritual journey in Kanniyakumari, I have just boarded the plane for Delhi. Through the day, Kashi and numerous other seats have been in the midst of voting. My mind is filled with so many experiences and emotions... I feel a boundless flow of energy within myself. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are the first in the Amrit Kaal. I began my campaign a few months ago from Meerut, the land of the First War of Independence of 1857. Since then, I have traversed across the length and breadth of our great nation. The final rally of these elections took me to Hoshiarpur in Punjab, the land of the great Gurus and a land associated with Sant Ravidas Ji. After that, I came to Kanniyakumari, at the feet of Maa Bharti. It is natural that the fervour of the elections was echoing in my heart and mind. The multitude of faces seen in rallies and road shows came in front of my eyes. The blessings from our Nari Shakti...the trust, the affection, all of this was a very humbling experience. My eyes were getting moist... I entered into a 'sadhana' (meditative state). And then, the heated political debates, the attacks and counter-attacks, the voices and words of accusations which are so characteristic of an election...they all vanished into a void. A sense of detachment came to grow within me...my mind became completely detached from the external world. Meditation becomes challenging amidst such huge responsibilities, but the land of Kanniyakumari and the inspiration of Swami Vivekananda made it effortless. As a candidate myself, I left my campaign in the hands of my beloved people of Kashi and came here. I am also grateful God for instilling me with these values from birth which I have cherished and tried to live up to. I was also thinking about what Swami Vivekananda must have experienced during his meditation at this very place in Kanniyakumari! A part of my meditation was spent in a similar stream of thoughts. Amidst this detachment, amidst the peace and silence, my mind was constantly thinking about the bright future of Bharat, the goals of Bharat. The rising sun at Kanniyakumari gave new heights to my thoughts, the vastness of the ocean expanded my ideas, and the expanse of the horizon continuously made me realize the unity, the Oneness, embedded in the depths of the universe. It seemed as if the observations and experiences undertaken in the lap of the Himalayas decades ago were being revived. Friends, Kanniyakumari has always been very close to my heart. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari was built under the leadership of Shri Eknath Ranade ji. I had the opportunity to travel extensively with Eknath ji. During the construction of this Memorial, I had the opportunity to spend some time in Kanniyakumari as well. From Kashmir to Kanniyakumari... this is a common identity that is deeply ingrained in the heart of every citizen of the country. This is the 'Shakti Peeth' (seat of Shakti) where Maa Shakti incarnated as Kanya Kumari. At this Southern tip, Maa Shakti performed penance and waited for Bhagwan Shiva, who was residing in the Himalayas at the northernmost parts of Bharat. Kanniyakumari is the land of confluences. The sacred rivers of our country flow into different seas, and here, those very seas converge. And here, we witness another great confluence-the ideological confluence of Bharat! Here, we find the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a grand statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar, Gandhi Mandapam, and Kamarajar Mani Mandapam. These streams of thought from these stalwarts converge here to form a confluence of national thought. This gives rise to great inspirations for nation-building. This land of Kanniyakumari gives an indelible message of unity, especially to any person who doubts Bharat's nationhood and the sense of unity. The grand statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar in Kanniyakumari seems to be looking at the expanse of Maa Bharati from the sea. His work Thirukkural is one of the crown jewels of the beautiful Tamil language. It covers every aspect of life, inspiring us to give our best for ourselves and for the nation. It was my great fortune to pay my respects to such a great figure. Watch: Exit Poll 2024: Narendra Modi predicted to return for third term Friends, Swami Vivekananda once said, 'Every nation has a message to deliver, a mission to fulfil, a destiny to reach.' For thousands of years, Bharat has been moving forward with this sense of meaningful purpose. Bharat has been a cradle of ideas for thousands of years. We have never considered what we have acquired as our personal wealth or measured it purely by economic or material parameters. Therefore, 'Idam-na-mama' (this is not mine) has become an inherent and natural part of the character of Bharat. Bharat's welfare benefits our planet's journey to progress as well. Take the freedom movement as an example. Bharat gained independence on August 15, 1947. At that time, many countries around the world were under colonial rule. Bharat's independence journey inspired and empowered many of those countries to achieve their own freedom. That same spirit was seen decades later when the world came face to face with the once in a century COVID-19 pandemic. When concerns were raised about the poor and developing countries, Bharat's successful efforts provided courage and assistance to many nations. Today, Bharat's governance model has become an example for many countries around the world. Empowering 25 crore people to rise above poverty in just 10 years is unprecedented. Innovative practices such as Pro-People Good Governance, aspirational districts, and aspirational blocks are being discussed globally today. Our efforts, from empowering the poor to last-mile delivery, have inspired the world by prioritizing individuals standing at the last rung of society. Bharat's Digital India campaign is now an example for the entire world, showing how we can use technology to empower the poor, bring transparency, and ensure their rights. Inexpensive data in Bharat is becoming a means of social equality by ensuring the reach of information and services to the poor. The whole world is witnessing and studying the democratization of technology, and major global institutions are advising many countries to adopt elements from our model. Today, Bharat's progress and rise are not just a significant opportunity for Bharat alone, but also a historic opportunity for all our partner countries around the world. Since the success of the G-20, the world has been increasingly envisioning a bigger role for Bharat. Today, Bharat is being acknowledged as a strong and important voice of the Global South. The African Union has become a part of the G-20 group at the initiative of Bharat. This is going to be a crucial turning point for the future of African countries. Friends, The development trajectory of Bharat fills us with pride and glory, but at the same time, it also reminds the 140 crore citizens of their responsibilities. Now, without wasting a single moment, we must step forward towards greater duties and larger goals. We need to dream new dreams, convert them into reality and begin living those dreams. We must see Bharat's development in a global context, and for this, it is essential that we understand Bharat's internal capabilities. We must acknowledge Bharat's strengths, nurture them, and utilize them for the benefit of the world. In today's global scenario, Bharat's strength as a youthful nation is an opportunity from which we must not look back. The world of the 21st century is looking towards Bharat with many hopes. And we will need to make several changes to move forward in the global scenario. We also need to change our traditional thinking regarding reform. Bharat cannot limit reform to just economic reforms. We must move forward in every aspect of life towards the direction of reform. Our reforms should also align with the aspirations of a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) by 2047. We must also understand that reform can never be a unidimensional process for any country. Therefore, I have laid out the vision of reform, perform, and transform for the country. The responsibility of reform lies with leadership. Based on that, our bureaucracy performs, and when the people join in with the spirit of Jan Bhagidari, we witness a transformation taking place. We must make excellence the fundamental principle to make our country a 'Viksit Bharat'. We need to work quickly in all four directions: Speed, Scale, Scope, and Standards. Alongside manufacturing, we must also focus on quality and adhere to the mantra of 'zero defect-zero effect'. Friends, We should take pride in every moment that God has blessed us with birth in the land of Bharat. God has chosen us to serve Bharat and fulfil our role in our country's journey towards excellence. We must redefine our heritage in a modern way while embracing ancient values in a modern context. As a nation, we also need to reassess outdated thinking and beliefs. We need to free our society from the pressure of professional pessimists. We must remember that freedom from negativity is the first step towards achieving success. Success blossoms in the lap of positivity. My faith, devotion, and belief in the infinite and eternal power of Bharat are growing day by day. Over the past 10 years, I have seen this capability of Bharat grow even more and have experienced it firsthand. Just as we utilised the fourth and fifth decades of the 20th century to impart a new momentum to the freedom movement, we must lay the foundation for a 'Viksit Bharat' in these 25 years of the 21st century. The freedom struggle was a time that called for great sacrifices. The present times call for great and sustained contributions from everyone. Swami Vivekananda had said in 1897 that we must dedicate the next 50 years solely for the nation. Exactly 50 years after this call, Bharat gained independence in 1947. Today, we have the same golden opportunity. Let's dedicate the next 25 years solely for the nation. Our efforts will create a strong foundation for the coming generations and the coming centuries, taking Bharat to new heights. Looking at the energy and enthusiasm of the country, I can say that the goal is not far away now. Let us take swift steps...let us come together and create a Viksit Bharat. This letter was written by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 1 on his return flight from Kanniyakumari to Delhi. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi hails India's progress in spiritual letter following 45-hour meditation in Kanniyakumari

<p>"It is the duty of every citizen according to his best capacities to give validity to his convictions in political affairs."&nbsp;This popular quote by Albert Einstein has inspired people worldwide, including India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India has voted. People have done their job&nbsp;by participating in the world's biggest exercise in democracy with enthusiasm and fervour, battling adverse weather, and other difficulties. Participation was in various forms besides casting votes: researching, writing reports, discussions, debates helped the voters at great length. Nothing stopped India from electing its government for the next five years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha election concluded on Saturday (Jun 1), wrapping up the mammoth polling across 543 Parliamentary constituencies with 968 million eligible voters.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exit-poll-results-2024-predict-nda-winning-most-seats-in-indias-northeast-727864">Exit Poll Results 2024 predict NDA winning most seats in India's northeast</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Is Modi 3.0 confirmed?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Exit polls are giving a landslide victory to Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government. National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by Modi's BJP is projected to win a two-thirds majority in the lower house of parliament as per most exit polls. A two-thirds majority means the government will be able to make wide-ranging amendments to the constitution.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The party needed 272 for a simple majority, but some exit polls even predict that the NDA would win 400+ seats–similar to what BJP and allies have reiterated throughout the campaigning through their slogan 'Abki baar 400 paar', meaning this time, beyond 400.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exit-poll-2024-how-accurate-were-the-predictions-in-2014-and-2019-lok-sabha-polls-727847">Exit Poll 2024: How accurate were the predictions in 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>At least six exit polls projected the NDA could win between 355 and 380 seats. The NDA won 353 seats in the 2019 general election, of which BJP accounted for 303. Meanwhile, the opposition INDIA alliance led by Rahul Gandhi's Indian National Congress party was projected to win between 125 to 165 seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi thanked the voters. "A heartfelt thank you to all those who exercised their franchise. Their active participation is the cornerstone of our democracy. Their commitment and dedication ensures that the democratic spirit thrives in our nation," Modi wrote on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also praised women and young voters, saying, "I would also like to specially appreciate India’s Nari Shakti and Yuva Shakti. Their strong presence at the polls is a very encouraging sign."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exit-polls-predict-nda-winning-up-to-34-of-42-seats-in-andhra-telangana-bjp-to-debut-in-kerala-tamil-nadu-727852">Exit Polls predict NDA winning up to 34 of 42 seats in Andhra, Telangana; BJP to debut in Kerala, Tamil Nadu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Some are not relying solely on exit polls, which have a patchy record in India and waiting for the final verdict to come on June 4. The opposition dismissed the exit polls, calling it "prefixed".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pawan Khera, spokesperson of Congress, on Exit Polls said, "INDIA parties met and decided to expose the BJP and its ecosystem on the prefixed exit polls."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress leader Supriya Shrinate reacted to the exit poll. She said, "These are Narendra Modi's exit polls. The exit poll from the public gives 295 seats to INDIA, and this number will only increase."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exit-poll-2024-states-where-bjp-is-likely-to-clean-sweep-in-lok-sabha-elections-727831">Exit Poll 2024: States where BJP is likely to make a clean sweep in Lok Sabha elections</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Jail, bail and drama</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Just a few days before the first phase of the election, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Excise Policy money laundering case. He was sent to judicial custody. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) claimed that the arrest was politically motivated - a move to keep Kejriwal away from campaigning. On May 10, the Supreme Court granted him interim bail till June 1 as he was out and addressed several rallies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Hemant Soren of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha was also arrested by the ED on January 31 in connection with a money laundering case linked to alleged land fraud. He was chief minister of the state, but had resigned from the post before the arrest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had slammed the Centre, saying: "Hemant Soren was sent to jail for refusing to part ways with the INDIA bloc. Hemant Soren is a brave person who preferred going to jail rather than bowing down. BJP will be wiped out if it continues to terrorise tribals."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prajwal Revanna's case remained in the limelight during the election period as the suspended JDS MP was arrested at Bengaluru airport upon his arrival from Germany on May 31. He is accused of sexual harassment charges.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Violence during final phase&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Several incidents of violence were recorded in the seventh phase of elections in West Bengal's nine parliamentary constituencies. In particular, reports from Jadavpur and Diamond Harbour were concerning, where All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), Indian Secular Front (ISF) and BJP supporters clashed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Election Commission of India took note and provided central forces to various states beyond the June 4 counting day to prevent any incidents based on the assessment provided by them as well as central observers, the news agency PTI reported citing sources.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Deadly heatwaves</strong></h2>

<p>The voting lasted in seven phases for over six weeks. The aim was to ease the process and logistical burden considering the population of the nation but the fag end of the voting was marred by deadly heatwaves.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As compared to the 2019 general election, the voter turnout was down, with some of the experts saying that it's because of heatwaves, especially in the northern states.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India on Friday (May 31) reported at least 40 suspected heat-related deaths, 25 of them of staff deployed on Lok Sabha poll duty in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


"It is the duty of every citizen according to his best capacities to give validity to his convictions in political affairs." This popular quote by Albert Einstein has inspired people worldwide, including India.

"It is the duty of every citizen according to his best capacities to give validity to his convictions in political affairs." This popular quote by Albert Einstein has inspired people worldwide, including India. India has voted. People have done their job by participating in the world's biggest exercise in democracy with enthusiasm and fervour, battling adverse weather, and other difficulties. Participation was in various forms besides casting votes: researching, writing reports, discussions, debates helped the voters at great length. Nothing stopped India from electing its government for the next five years. The seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha election concluded on Saturday (Jun 1), wrapping up the mammoth polling across 543 Parliamentary constituencies with 968 million eligible voters. Also read: Exit Poll Results 2024 predict NDA winning most seats in India's northeast Is Modi 3.0 confirmed? Exit polls are giving a landslide victory to Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government. National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by Modi's BJP is projected to win a two-thirds majority in the lower house of parliament as per most exit polls. A two-thirds majority means the government will be able to make wide-ranging amendments to the constitution. The party needed 272 for a simple majority, but some exit polls even predict that the NDA would win 400+ seats–similar to what BJP and allies have reiterated throughout the campaigning through their slogan 'Abki baar 400 paar', meaning this time, beyond 400. Also read: Exit Poll 2024: How accurate were the predictions in 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections At least six exit polls projected the NDA could win between 355 and 380 seats. The NDA won 353 seats in the 2019 general election, of which BJP accounted for 303. Meanwhile, the opposition INDIA alliance led by Rahul Gandhi's Indian National Congress party was projected to win between 125 to 165 seats. PM Modi thanked the voters. "A heartfelt thank you to all those who exercised their franchise. Their active participation is the cornerstone of our democracy. Their commitment and dedication ensures that the democratic spirit thrives in our nation," Modi wrote on X. He also praised women and young voters, saying, "I would also like to specially appreciate India’s Nari Shakti and Yuva Shakti. Their strong presence at the polls is a very encouraging sign." Also read: Exit Polls predict NDA winning up to 34 of 42 seats in Andhra, Telangana; BJP to debut in Kerala, Tamil Nadu Some are not relying solely on exit polls, which have a patchy record in India and waiting for the final verdict to come on June 4. The opposition dismissed the exit polls, calling it "prefixed". Pawan Khera, spokesperson of Congress, on Exit Polls said, "INDIA parties met and decided to expose the BJP and its ecosystem on the prefixed exit polls." Congress leader Supriya Shrinate reacted to the exit poll. She said, "These are Narendra Modi's exit polls. The exit poll from the public gives 295 seats to INDIA, and this number will only increase." Also read: Exit Poll 2024: States where BJP is likely to make a clean sweep in Lok Sabha elections Jail, bail and drama Just a few days before the first phase of the election, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Excise Policy money laundering case. He was sent to judicial custody. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) claimed that the arrest was politically motivated - a move to keep Kejriwal away from campaigning. On May 10, the Supreme Court granted him interim bail till June 1 as he was out and addressed several rallies. Watch this report: × Hemant Soren of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha was also arrested by the ED on January 31 in connection with a money laundering case linked to alleged land fraud. He was chief minister of the state, but had resigned from the post before the arrest. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had slammed the Centre, saying: "Hemant Soren was sent to jail for refusing to part ways with the INDIA bloc. Hemant Soren is a brave person who preferred going to jail rather than bowing down. BJP will be wiped out if it continues to terrorise tribals." Prajwal Revanna's case remained in the limelight during the election period as the suspended JDS MP was arrested at Bengaluru airport upon his arrival from Germany on May 31. He is accused of sexual harassment charges. Violence during final phase Several incidents of violence were recorded in the seventh phase of elections in West Bengal's nine parliamentary constituencies. In particular, reports from Jadavpur and Diamond Harbour were concerning, where All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), Indian Secular Front (ISF) and BJP supporters clashed. The Election Commission of India took note and provided central forces to various states beyond the June 4 counting day to prevent any incidents based on the assessment provided by them as well as central observers, the news agency PTI reported citing sources. Deadly heatwaves The voting lasted in seven phases for over six weeks. The aim was to ease the process and logistical burden considering the population of the nation but the fag end of the voting was marred by deadly heatwaves. As compared to the 2019 general election, the voter turnout was down, with some of the experts saying that it's because of heatwaves, especially in the northern states. India on Friday (May 31) reported at least 40 suspected heat-related deaths, 25 of them of staff deployed on Lok Sabha poll duty in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. (With inputs from agencies)

Jail and bail, violence and heat: Voting ends in India election, all eyes on June 4

<p>As the Exit Polls predicted a sure shot win for the BJ-led NDA soon after the polling for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections concluded on Saturday (June&nbsp;1), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader&nbsp;Somnath Bharti vowed to shave off his head if Narendra Modi retained the position of India's prime minister.</p>

<p>Bharti took to his official X handle and in posting said that all the exit poll projections will be proven wrong on June 4 when results will be declared.</p>

<p>The Exit Poll projections on Saturday (June 1) showed Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP&nbsp;returning to power for the third term in a row.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I will shave off my head if Mr Modi becomes PM for the third time. Mark my words! All exit polls will be proven wrong on 4th June and Modi ji will not become prime minister for the third time,” Bharti said.</p>

<p>“In Delhi, all seven seats will go to India ALLIANCE. Fear of Mr Modi does not allow exit polls to show him loose (lose). Hence we all need to wait for actual results scheduled to be delivered on June 4th. People have voted very heavily against BJP,” he added.</p>

<p>Bharti is the AAP candidate from the New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exit-poll-2024-how-accurate-were-the-predictions-in-2014-and-2019-lok-sabha-polls-727847">Exit Poll 2024: How accurate were the predictions in 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I will shave off my head if Mr Modi becomes PM for the third time.<br />
<br />
Mark my word!<br />
<br />
All exit polls will be proven wrong on 4th June and Modi ji will not become prime minister for the third time.<br />
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In Delhi, all seven seats will go to India ALLIANCE.<br />
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Fear of Mr Modi does not allow…</p>
— Adv. Somnath Bharti: इंसानियत से बड़ा कुछ नहीं! (@attorneybharti) <a href="https://twitter.com/attorneybharti/status/1796906053587873817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bloc-leaders-to-participate-in-exit-poll-debates-on-tv-kharge-says-alliance-will-win-at-least-295-seats-727779">In U-turn, INDIA leaders to participate in exit poll debates; Kharge claims bloc will win 295+ seats</a></p>

<h2><strong>'INDIA bloc will win more than 295 seats,' says Kejriwal</strong></h2>

<p>Delhi Chief Minister and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, following a meeting with senior leaders of the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence, exuded confidence stating that the bloc would win more than 295 seats in the Lok Sabha polls.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | INDIA alliance leaders meet in Delhi. They have decided that all the INDIA parties will participate in the exit poll debates on television today evening. <a href="https://t.co/D51KqHWyke">pic.twitter.com/D51KqHWyke</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1796868042615623689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>“INDIA bloc is headed towards forming a strong and stable government,” he asserted.</p>

<p>Kharge also said that the INDIA alliance would emerge victorious on at least 295 seats.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: After the INDIA alliance leaders meet, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge says, "... INDIA Alliance will win at least 295 seats." <a href="https://t.co/ROy2n1EnOa">pic.twitter.com/ROy2n1EnOa</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1796870690949193807?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>“INDIA bloc will win at least 295 seats. This is not based on our survey. This is what people have told us," Kharge said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the Exit Polls predicted a sure shot win for the BJ-led NDA soon after the polling for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections concluded on Saturday (June 1), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Somnath Bharti vowed to shave off his head if Narendra Modi retained the position of India's prime minister.

As the Exit Polls predicted a sure shot win for the BJ-led NDA soon after the polling for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections concluded on Saturday (June 1), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Somnath Bharti vowed to shave off his head if Narendra Modi retained the position of India's prime minister. Bharti took to his official X handle and in posting said that all the exit poll projections will be proven wrong on June 4 when results will be declared. The Exit Poll projections on Saturday (June 1) showed Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP returning to power for the third term in a row. “I will shave off my head if Mr Modi becomes PM for the third time. Mark my words! All exit polls will be proven wrong on 4th June and Modi ji will not become prime minister for the third time,” Bharti said. “In Delhi, all seven seats will go to India ALLIANCE. Fear of Mr Modi does not allow exit polls to show him loose (lose). Hence we all need to wait for actual results scheduled to be delivered on June 4th. People have voted very heavily against BJP,” he added. Bharti is the AAP candidate from the New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency. Also read: Exit Poll 2024: How accurate were the predictions in 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections I will shave off my head if Mr Modi becomes PM for the third time. Mark my word! All exit polls will be proven wrong on 4th June and Modi ji will not become prime minister for the third time. In Delhi, all seven seats will go to India ALLIANCE. Fear of Mr Modi does not allow… — Adv. Somnath Bharti: इंसानियत से बड़ा कुछ नहीं! (@attorneybharti) June 1, 2024 × Also read: In U-turn, INDIA leaders to participate in exit poll debates; Kharge claims bloc will win 295+ seats 'INDIA bloc will win more than 295 seats,' says Kejriwal Delhi Chief Minister and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, following a meeting with senior leaders of the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence, exuded confidence stating that the bloc would win more than 295 seats in the Lok Sabha polls. #WATCH | INDIA alliance leaders meet in Delhi. They have decided that all the INDIA parties will participate in the exit poll debates on television today evening. pic.twitter.com/D51KqHWyke — ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024 × “INDIA bloc is headed towards forming a strong and stable government,” he asserted. Kharge also said that the INDIA alliance would emerge victorious on at least 295 seats. #WATCH | Delhi: After the INDIA alliance leaders meet, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge says, "... INDIA Alliance will win at least 295 seats." pic.twitter.com/ROy2n1EnOa — ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024 × “INDIA bloc will win at least 295 seats. This is not based on our survey. This is what people have told us," Kharge said. (With inputs from agencies)

'Will shave off head if Modi becomes PM for third time', says AAP's Somnath Bharti dismissing exit polls

<p><strong>Lok Sabha Election 2024:</strong> On January 22, 2024, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a milestone in India's socio-political history by helming over the consecration of Ram Temple in northern India's Ayodhya, it appeared to set the ground for General Elections later in the summer. Weeks later, on February 5, 2024, in his nearly 100-minute reply to the motion of thanks to the President’s address, the prime minister talked about "Modi’s guarantee" — a catchphrase the Bharatiya Janata Party deployed all across India to brand PM Modi's political promises while campaigning for a record third consecutive term in power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This country will definitely give NDA more than 400 seats and the BJP at least 370 seats," PM Modi said in parliament on Feb 5 in a moment that rang the bell of General Elections across the party lines.</p>

<p>A little over a month later, on March 7, 2024, PM Modi addressed a rally in Srinagar for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370. "<em>Main dil jeetne aaya hu</em> (I have come to win over hearts)," Modi said in a speech at Srinagar's Bakshi stadium, which unlike his addresses later on during election campaign, was entirely pitched on the plank of development of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even before the Election Commission of India had announced the official schedule of 18th Lok Sabha elections — on March 16, 2024 — the BJP under Modi had managed to establish the purported success of two of its core ideological convictions: the abrogation of Article 370 and construction of Ram Temple at the Hindu deity's birthplace in Ayodhya.</p>

<p><img alt="PM Modi Jan to March" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5281150-a6e9-41bb-9493-ac3295c3ced7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/LokSabhaElectionsWrap.png" /></p>

<p><em>From Left to Right: Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Ram Temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on Jan 22, 2024; inside Lok Sabha on Feb 5, 2024; and at Srinagar's Bakshi stadium on March 7, 2024 | Agencies</em></p>

<p>As the election campaign gathered steam and PM Modi tried to steer&nbsp;his way through to claim a third term in power, a united Opposition led a formidable campaign. While facing stumbles on the potholed road of politics, the Opposition — under leaders such as Arvind Kejriwal — often returned to the driving seat of India's election vehicle this summer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here's what the key milestones of 18th Lok Sabha elections looked like:&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Nitish Kumar's return to NDA</strong></h2>

<p>On Feb 8, 2024, the Opposition led by Congress party was taken aback by its first key setback from the eastern state of Bihar, where Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of Janata Dal (United) — the fulcrum of Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) — returned to the tent of BJP-led National Development Alliance.</p>

<p><img alt="Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at an event in Begusarai, Bihar on March 2, 2024" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a97b65f-7ae5-43b0-b03d-f0e1be7204cc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/NitishModi.png" /></p>

<p><em>Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at an event in Begusarai, Bihar on March 2, 2024 | X/@NitishKumar</em></p>

<p>The BJP under PM Modi succeeded in courting a former ally from a state that remains deeply divided on caste lines.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Arvind Kejriwal's arrest</strong></h2>

<p>Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate after not responding to nine summons from the central agency in connection with the Delhi liquor policy money laundering case. Kejriwal's arrest was widely condemned by Opposition parties.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Kejriwal jailed less than 3 weeks before voting begins | WION</strong></p>

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<p>On March 31, 2024, 'INDIA' bloc rallied at Delhi's historic Ramlila Maidan alongside Sunita Kejriwal and Kalpana Soren — &nbsp;the spouses of arrested leaders Arvind Kejriwal and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren.</p>

<p><img alt="Former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren's spouse Kalpana Soren, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's spouse Sunita Kejriwal alongside top Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan during opposition 'INDIA' bloc's 'Save Democracy' rally on March 31, 2024 | ANI" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fcfe7754-ec8f-48af-b6e7-8ce591fd7b70" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/INDIArally.png" /></p>

<p><em>Former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren's spouse Kalpana Soren, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's spouse Sunita Kejriwal alongside top Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan during opposition 'INDIA' bloc's 'Save Democracy' rally on March 31, 2024 | ANI</em></p>

<p>The moment emerged as key to Opposition unity for the rest of India's raging election summer.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi's controversial speech</strong></h2>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks at an election rally in Rajasthan's Banswara on April 21 remained at the center of campaign for the rest of the election season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, <em>“Pehle jab unki sarkar thi, unhone kaha tha ki desh ki sampati par pehla adhikar Musalmano ka hai. Iska matlab, ye sampati ikatthi karke kisko baatenge? Jinke zyada bacche hain, unko baatenge, ghuspaithiyon ko baatenge. Kya aapki mehnat ki kamayi ka paisa ghuspaithiyon ko diya jayega? Aapko manzoor hai yeh?</em> (Earlier, when they (the Congress) were in power, they had said Muslims have the first right to the wealth of the nation. This means they will distribute this wealth to those who have more children, to infiltrators. Should your hard-earned money be given to infiltrators? Do you agree to this)?”</p>

<p>Modi was accused of describing Muslim citizens as "infiltrators", a charge he later denied in a TV interview. But from April 21, the wealth redistribution issue as well as the Opposition's promise to limited reservation on religious lines, became central to the BJP's campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Prajwal Revanna sexual assault row</strong></h2>

<p>Days before the Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka’s Hassan (April 26), obscene videos of BJP ally Janata Dal (Secular) leader Prajwal Revanna involving several women were circulated in his constituency. Revanna was reportedly seen assaulting women. Shortly after Hassan Lok Sabha elections, Revanna, also the grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, fled the country.&nbsp;<img alt="Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Prajwal Revanna (third from left) at an election rally on April 14, 2024 | X/@narendramodi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0d09b8c1-e628-4cb9-b745-eb6e61ce2d5a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/RevannaRow.png" /></p>

<p><em>Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Prajwal Revanna (third from left) at an election rally on April 14, 2024 | X/@narendramodi</em></p>

<p>The investigation into Revanna's sexual assault row remained at the centre of Opposition's agenda throughout the election season. Upon his grandfather Deve Gowda's appeal, Revanna returned to the country during early hours of Friday, May 31 and was&nbsp;arrested at Bengaluru airport upon his arrival from Germany.</p>

<h2><strong>Arvind Kejriwal's release</strong></h2>

<p>On May 10, 2024, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was released from the national capital's Tihar jail after the Supreme Court granted him interim bail until June 1 to campaign for the Lok Sabha election.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-launches-modi-ka-parivar-campaign-after-lalu-yadavs-he-has-no-family-jibe-696418">BJP launches ‘Modi Ka Parivar’ campaign to counter Lalu Yadav’s ‘he has no family’ jibe</a></strong></p>

<p>Upon his release, Kejriwal launched Opposition's strongest-ever election-time assault on Prime Minister Modi. The Delhi chief minister claimed that if re-elected, Modi will remain prime minister just for a year &nbsp;— as he will turn 75 in September 2026 and Modi in past is credited to have ensured that leaders beyond 75 years of age no longer get elected designations of power. Kejriwal added that after Modi turns 75, &nbsp;the Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be allowed to remain the PM for the rest of the tenure of the 18th Lok Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kejriwal's claim immediately put the BJP on&nbsp;defensive as it ended up showing off PM Modi as BJP's leader in control even "after 2029".&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Arvind Kejriwal's election offensive was damaged by the row that erupted after his Personal Assistant Bibhav Kumar allegedly assaulted AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, reputed as the flagbearer of women's rights within the Aam Aadmi Party. Bibhav Kumar was arrested upon Maliwal's First Information Report (FIR), and the details of alleged physical assault kept the political pot boiling for Kejriwal's limited political stamina ahead of his imminent return to prison on June 2.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, as the final phase of&nbsp;voting closed in,&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed his 45-hour-long meditation at&nbsp;the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Tamil Nadu's Kanniyakumari on Saturday, June 1. He was on a spiritual visit where he had been meditating at the Dhyan Mandapam, the place where revered Hindu philosopher Swami Vivekananda is believed to have had a divine vision about 'Bharat Mata'.</p>

<p>India voted to elect 543 members of Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian parliament where the party or alliance in majority elects its prime minister. More than 968 million people out of a population of 1.4 billion&nbsp;were eligible to vote.&nbsp;</p>


Lok Sabha Election 2024: On January 22, 2024, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a milestone in India's socio-political history by helming over the consecration of Ram Temple in northern India's Ayodhya, it appeared to set the ground for General Elections later in the summer.

Lok Sabha Election 2024: On January 22, 2024, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a milestone in India's socio-political history by helming over the consecration of Ram Temple in northern India's Ayodhya, it appeared to set the ground for General Elections later in the summer. Weeks later, on February 5, 2024, in his nearly 100-minute reply to the motion of thanks to the President’s address, the prime minister talked about "Modi’s guarantee" — a catchphrase the Bharatiya Janata Party deployed all across India to brand PM Modi's political promises while campaigning for a record third consecutive term in power. "This country will definitely give NDA more than 400 seats and the BJP at least 370 seats," PM Modi said in parliament on Feb 5 in a moment that rang the bell of General Elections across the party lines. A little over a month later, on March 7, 2024, PM Modi addressed a rally in Srinagar for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370. "Main dil jeetne aaya hu (I have come to win over hearts)," Modi said in a speech at Srinagar's Bakshi stadium, which unlike his addresses later on during election campaign, was entirely pitched on the plank of development of Jammu and Kashmir. Even before the Election Commission of India had announced the official schedule of 18th Lok Sabha elections — on March 16, 2024 — the BJP under Modi had managed to establish the purported success of two of its core ideological convictions: the abrogation of Article 370 and construction of Ram Temple at the Hindu deity's birthplace in Ayodhya. From Left to Right: Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Ram Temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on Jan 22, 2024; inside Lok Sabha on Feb 5, 2024; and at Srinagar's Bakshi stadium on March 7, 2024 | Agencies As the election campaign gathered steam and PM Modi tried to steer his way through to claim a third term in power, a united Opposition led a formidable campaign. While facing stumbles on the potholed road of politics, the Opposition — under leaders such as Arvind Kejriwal — often returned to the driving seat of India's election vehicle this summer. Here's what the key milestones of 18th Lok Sabha elections looked like: Nitish Kumar's return to NDA On Feb 8, 2024, the Opposition led by Congress party was taken aback by its first key setback from the eastern state of Bihar, where Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of Janata Dal (United) — the fulcrum of Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) — returned to the tent of BJP-led National Development Alliance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at an event in Begusarai, Bihar on March 2, 2024 | X/@NitishKumar The BJP under PM Modi succeeded in courting a former ally from a state that remains deeply divided on caste lines. Arvind Kejriwal's arrest Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate after not responding to nine summons from the central agency in connection with the Delhi liquor policy money laundering case. Kejriwal's arrest was widely condemned by Opposition parties. Also watch | Gravitas | Kejriwal jailed less than 3 weeks before voting begins | WION × On March 31, 2024, 'INDIA' bloc rallied at Delhi's historic Ramlila Maidan alongside Sunita Kejriwal and Kalpana Soren — the spouses of arrested leaders Arvind Kejriwal and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren's spouse Kalpana Soren, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's spouse Sunita Kejriwal alongside top Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan during opposition 'INDIA' bloc's 'Save Democracy' rally on March 31, 2024 | ANI The moment emerged as key to Opposition unity for the rest of India's raging election summer. PM Modi's controversial speech Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks at an election rally in Rajasthan's Banswara on April 21 remained at the center of campaign for the rest of the election season. He said, “Pehle jab unki sarkar thi, unhone kaha tha ki desh ki sampati par pehla adhikar Musalmano ka hai. Iska matlab, ye sampati ikatthi karke kisko baatenge? Jinke zyada bacche hain, unko baatenge, ghuspaithiyon ko baatenge. Kya aapki mehnat ki kamayi ka paisa ghuspaithiyon ko diya jayega? Aapko manzoor hai yeh? (Earlier, when they (the Congress) were in power, they had said Muslims have the first right to the wealth of the nation. This means they will distribute this wealth to those who have more children, to infiltrators. Should your hard-earned money be given to infiltrators? Do you agree to this)?” Modi was accused of describing Muslim citizens as "infiltrators", a charge he later denied in a TV interview. But from April 21, the wealth redistribution issue as well as the Opposition's promise to limited reservation on religious lines, became central to the BJP's campaign. Prajwal Revanna sexual assault row Days before the Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka’s Hassan (April 26), obscene videos of BJP ally Janata Dal (Secular) leader Prajwal Revanna involving several women were circulated in his constituency. Revanna was reportedly seen assaulting women. Shortly after Hassan Lok Sabha elections, Revanna, also the grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, fled the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Prajwal Revanna (third from left) at an election rally on April 14, 2024 | X/@narendramodi The investigation into Revanna's sexual assault row remained at the centre of Opposition's agenda throughout the election season. Upon his grandfather Deve Gowda's appeal, Revanna returned to the country during early hours of Friday, May 31 and was arrested at Bengaluru airport upon his arrival from Germany. Arvind Kejriwal's release On May 10, 2024, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was released from the national capital's Tihar jail after the Supreme Court granted him interim bail until June 1 to campaign for the Lok Sabha election. Also read | BJP launches ‘Modi Ka Parivar’ campaign to counter Lalu Yadav’s ‘he has no family’ jibe Upon his release, Kejriwal launched Opposition's strongest-ever election-time assault on Prime Minister Modi. The Delhi chief minister claimed that if re-elected, Modi will remain prime minister just for a year — as he will turn 75 in September 2026 and Modi in past is credited to have ensured that leaders beyond 75 years of age no longer get elected designations of power. Kejriwal added that after Modi turns 75, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be allowed to remain the PM for the rest of the tenure of the 18th Lok Sabha. Kejriwal's claim immediately put the BJP on defensive as it ended up showing off PM Modi as BJP's leader in control even "after 2029". But Arvind Kejriwal's election offensive was damaged by the row that erupted after his Personal Assistant Bibhav Kumar allegedly assaulted AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, reputed as the flagbearer of women's rights within the Aam Aadmi Party. Bibhav Kumar was arrested upon Maliwal's First Information Report (FIR), and the details of alleged physical assault kept the political pot boiling for Kejriwal's limited political stamina ahead of his imminent return to prison on June 2. Meanwhile, as the final phase of voting closed in, Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed his 45-hour-long meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Tamil Nadu's Kanniyakumari on Saturday, June 1. He was on a spiritual visit where he had been meditating at the Dhyan Mandapam, the place where revered Hindu philosopher Swami Vivekananda is believed to have had a divine vision about 'Bharat Mata'. India voted to elect 543 members of Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian parliament where the party or alliance in majority elects its prime minister. More than 968 million people out of a population of 1.4 billion were eligible to vote.

Ayodhya to Kashmir to Kanyakumari: Key milestones of Lok Sabha election 2024

<p>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (June 1) ended his meditation after 45 hours at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari in the southern Tamil Nadu state. He will now return to Delhi and await the results of the Lok Sabha elections, which have come to a close after seven phases of voting.</p>

<p>PM Modi also paid floral tributes to Tamil saint poet Thiruvalluvar. From May 30 evening to June 1 evening, the prime minister remained on a spiritual sojourn for nearly two days.</p>

<p>The prime minister meditated for the entire day and night at the same place where earlier Swami Vivekananda had meditated. This place is called the Dhyan Mandapam.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>PM Modi's meditation coincides with the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 which concluded on Saturday (June 1).</p>

<p>The prime minister reached Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari on Thursday (May 30). There, Modi performed the 'Surya Arghya' during sunrise.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/watch-pm-modi-meditates-at-vivekananda-rock-memorial-in-kanyakumari-727346">PM Modi meditates at Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari</a></p>

<p>Bihar's former deputy chief minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav dismissed the spiritual activity of PM Modi as mere "photo shoots."</p>

<p>"Modi ji isn't doing any meditation, only photo shoots are happening. Once the photo shoot ends, they will come back," Yadav said.</p>

<h2><strong>All about Dhyan Mandapam and its spiritual significance&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>It is believed that the Dhyan Mandapam is the place where the revered Hindu philosopher Swami Vivekananda had a divine vision about 'Bharat Mata'.</p>

<p>As per mythology, Goddess Parvati had meditated on one foot at the same location while waiting for Lord Shiva. This place is located at the Southernmost tip of India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is the same place where India's Eastern and Western coastlines meet each other. This is also the meeting of Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India General Elections: PM Modi looking for a hat trick from Varanasi seat</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-general-elections-pm-modi-looking-for-a-hat-trick-from-varanasi-seat-727711/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>By meditating in Kanniyakumari, the prime minister is trying to send a signal of national unity.</p>

<p>During the Lok Sabha 2024 elections, PM Modi led nearly 206 election campaign events, which included rallies and roadshows. He also gave 80 interviews to various news organisations.</p>

<p>The prime minister had even earlier undertaken spiritual journeys after ending the election campaigns. He visited Kedarnath in 2019 and Shivaji's Pratapgarh in 2014.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (June 1) ended his meditation after 45 hours at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari in the southern Tamil Nadu state.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (June 1) ended his meditation after 45 hours at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari in the southern Tamil Nadu state. He will now return to Delhi and await the results of the Lok Sabha elections, which have come to a close after seven phases of voting. PM Modi also paid floral tributes to Tamil saint poet Thiruvalluvar. From May 30 evening to June 1 evening, the prime minister remained on a spiritual sojourn for nearly two days. The prime minister meditated for the entire day and night at the same place where earlier Swami Vivekananda had meditated. This place is called the Dhyan Mandapam. #WATCH | PM Modi ends two-day-long meditation at Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu pic.twitter.com/TY7snigzZI — ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024 × PM Modi's meditation coincides with the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 which concluded on Saturday (June 1). The prime minister reached Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari on Thursday (May 30). There, Modi performed the 'Surya Arghya' during sunrise. Also Read: PM Modi meditates at Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari Bihar's former deputy chief minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav dismissed the spiritual activity of PM Modi as mere "photo shoots." "Modi ji isn't doing any meditation, only photo shoots are happening. Once the photo shoot ends, they will come back," Yadav said. All about Dhyan Mandapam and its spiritual significance It is believed that the Dhyan Mandapam is the place where the revered Hindu philosopher Swami Vivekananda had a divine vision about 'Bharat Mata'. As per mythology, Goddess Parvati had meditated on one foot at the same location while waiting for Lord Shiva. This place is located at the Southernmost tip of India. It is the same place where India's Eastern and Western coastlines meet each other. This is also the meeting of Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Watch: India General Elections: PM Modi looking for a hat trick from Varanasi seat By meditating in Kanniyakumari, the prime minister is trying to send a signal of national unity. During the Lok Sabha 2024 elections, PM Modi led nearly 206 election campaign events, which included rallies and roadshows. He also gave 80 interviews to various news organisations. The prime minister had even earlier undertaken spiritual journeys after ending the election campaigns. He visited Kedarnath in 2019 and Shivaji's Pratapgarh in 2014. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi completes 2-day meditation at Kanniyakumari, to return to Delhi as Lok Sabha polls end

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<p>Former Indian prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh accused current PM Narendra Modi of indulging in the most vicious form of hate speeches, which are purely divisive in nature. With just one phase of voting left for the Lok Sabha elections, Dr Singh addressed a letter to the voters in the Indian state of Punjab. In the letter, which was shared by the Congress on X on Thursday (May 30), Singh said, "Modi is the first prime minister to lower the dignity of public discourse, and thereby the gravity of the office of the PM.</p>

<p>"No prime minister in the past has uttered such hateful, unparliamentary and coarse terms, meant to target either a specific section of the society or the opposition," Singh said, adding, that Modi attributed false statements to him.</p>

<p>Modi had accused Singh of saying that Muslims have the first right to the country’s resources.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-gives-witty-response-to-pm-modis-god-remark-says-will-build-you-a-temple-offer-dhokla-726837">Mamata Banerjee gives witty twist to PM Modi’s ‘God’ remark, says will ‘build you a temple, offer dhokla’</a></strong></p>

<p>"I have never in my life singled out one community from the other. That is the sole copyright of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)," Singh said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'BJP left no stone unturned in castigating Punjab'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Singh further said in his letter that in the last 10 years, the BJP left no stone unturned in "castigating Punjab, Punjabis and Punjabiyat." Talking about the 2020-2021 farmers'&nbsp; protest against the Centre's farm laws which have now been scrapped, Singh said that most of the farmers who died belonged to Punjab.</p>

<p>"As if the lathis and the rubber bullets were not enough, none less than the Prime Minister verbally assaulted our farmers by calling them "Andolanjeevis" and "Parjeevi" (Parasites) on the floor of the Parliament," the former prime minister added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">“In the past ten years, the BJP government has left no stone unturned in castigating Punjab, Punjabis and Punjabiyat.<br />
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750 farmers, mostly belonging to Punjab, were martyred while incessantly waiting at Delhi borders, for months together. As if the lathis and the rubber bullets… <a href="https://t.co/xJZQrsT3f8">pic.twitter.com/xJZQrsT3f8</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1796066685083930669?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Their only demand was the withdrawal of the three farm laws imposed on them without consulting them,” he further said and pointed out that Modi's policies in the last 10 years eroded the earnings of farmers.</p>

<p>The former PM further appealed to Punjab's voters to vote for the Congress.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Only the Congress can ensure a growth-oriented progressive future, where democracy and the Constitution shall be safeguarded.'</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former Indian prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh accused current PM Narendra Modi of indulging in the most vicious form of hate speeches, which are purely divisive in nature.

Former Indian prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh accused current PM Narendra Modi of indulging in the most vicious form of hate speeches, which are purely divisive in nature. With just one phase of voting left for the Lok Sabha elections, Dr Singh addressed a letter to the voters in the Indian state of Punjab. In the letter, which was shared by the Congress on X on Thursday (May 30), Singh said, "Modi is the first prime minister to lower the dignity of public discourse, and thereby the gravity of the office of the PM. "No prime minister in the past has uttered such hateful, unparliamentary and coarse terms, meant to target either a specific section of the society or the opposition," Singh said, adding, that Modi attributed false statements to him. Modi had accused Singh of saying that Muslims have the first right to the country’s resources. Also read | Mamata Banerjee gives witty twist to PM Modi’s ‘God’ remark, says will ‘build you a temple, offer dhokla’ "I have never in my life singled out one community from the other. That is the sole copyright of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)," Singh said. 'BJP left no stone unturned in castigating Punjab' Singh further said in his letter that in the last 10 years, the BJP left no stone unturned in "castigating Punjab, Punjabis and Punjabiyat." Talking about the 2020-2021 farmers' protest against the Centre's farm laws which have now been scrapped, Singh said that most of the farmers who died belonged to Punjab. "As if the lathis and the rubber bullets were not enough, none less than the Prime Minister verbally assaulted our farmers by calling them "Andolanjeevis" and "Parjeevi" (Parasites) on the floor of the Parliament," the former prime minister added. “In the past ten years, the BJP government has left no stone unturned in castigating Punjab, Punjabis and Punjabiyat. 750 farmers, mostly belonging to Punjab, were martyred while incessantly waiting at Delhi borders, for months together. As if the lathis and the rubber bullets… pic.twitter.com/xJZQrsT3f8 — Congress (@INCIndia) May 30, 2024 × "Their only demand was the withdrawal of the three farm laws imposed on them without consulting them,” he further said and pointed out that Modi's policies in the last 10 years eroded the earnings of farmers. The former PM further appealed to Punjab's voters to vote for the Congress. "Only the Congress can ensure a growth-oriented progressive future, where democracy and the Constitution shall be safeguarded.' (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls: Modi indulged in most vicious form of hate speeches, says ex-Indian PM Manmohan Singh

<p>Mamata Banerjee, chief minister of the east Indian state of West Bengal, on Wednesday (May 29) gave a witty twist to&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent "God" remark.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an interview, PM Modi had said that he was sent by the "Parmatma for a purpose". Banerjee said that God (Parmatma) should refrain from doing politics and instigating riots.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prajwal-revanna-sexual-assault-bengaluru-court-denies-prajwal-revannas-request-for-pre-arrest-bail-726794">Karnataka sex scandal case: Bengaluru court denies Prajwal Revanna’s request for pre-arrest bail</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Earlier, Sambit Patra, who is Bharatiya Janata Party's Lok Sabha candidate from Puri, had made a gaffe and said that Lord Jagannath was a "bhakt of Modi". Patra apologised for his controversial remark, and fasted for three days in penance for what he called&nbsp;a slip of tongue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"One says he (PM Modi) is the God of the gods... one leader says Lord Jagannath is his devotee... if he is God, then God should not do politics. God should not instigate riots. We will build a temple for him and worship him there, offer prasad, flowers and if he wishes, we will also offer him dhokla," the Trinamool Congress chief said while addressing a rally in Kolkata.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/swati-maliwal-assault-case-kejriwals-aide-bibhav-kumar-challenges-arrest-in-delhi-high-court-726759">Swati Maliwal assault case: Kejriwal’s aide Bibhav Kumar challenges arrest in Delhi High Court</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>"I have worked with so many Prime Ministers, like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who used to love me a lot. I worked with Manmohan Singh, Rajiv Gandhi, Narasimha Rao, and Deve Gowda... I have never seen anyone like him, such a Prime Minister is not needed,"&nbsp;Banerjee added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday, both Mamata and PM Modi held roadshows in Kolkata ahead of the final phase of voting on June 1. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"They are saying that Prabhu Jagannath Dev is the devotee of him ( PM Modi). Should i laugh or cry after hearing this? If they think that he is above God then let us build a temple and let him stay there where we will offer flowers, Chandan, Bhogs to him"<br />
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-CM Mamata Banerjee <a href="https://t.co/1uCFviKZrg">pic.twitter.com/1uCFviKZrg</a></p>
— Sourav || সৌরভ (@Sourav_3294) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sourav_3294/status/1793275731386028154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Banerjee targets PM Modi's govt over cyclone Remal rescue efforts</strong></h2>

<p>The West Bengal chief minister also accused PM Modi of not being truthful about the Centre's role in monitoring cyclone Remal and rescue efforts. She claimed that it was her government which took measures to save the lives of people from the cyclone that hit the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We shifted nearly 46 lakh people (to safer places) and saved their lives," Banerjee said while addressing an election rally at Behala in Kolkata.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, PM Modi during a rally in Barasat said that the Centre was providing all help to the West Bengal government to handle the situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Mamata Banerjee, chief minister of the east Indian state of West Bengal, on Wednesday (May 29) gave a witty twist to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent "God" remark.

Mamata Banerjee, chief minister of the east Indian state of West Bengal, on Wednesday (May 29) gave a witty twist to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent "God" remark. In an interview, PM Modi had said that he was sent by the "Parmatma for a purpose". Banerjee said that God (Parmatma) should refrain from doing politics and instigating riots. Also read: Karnataka sex scandal case: Bengaluru court denies Prajwal Revanna’s request for pre-arrest bail Earlier, Sambit Patra, who is Bharatiya Janata Party's Lok Sabha candidate from Puri, had made a gaffe and said that Lord Jagannath was a "bhakt of Modi". Patra apologised for his controversial remark, and fasted for three days in penance for what he called a slip of tongue. "One says he (PM Modi) is the God of the gods... one leader says Lord Jagannath is his devotee... if he is God, then God should not do politics. God should not instigate riots. We will build a temple for him and worship him there, offer prasad, flowers and if he wishes, we will also offer him dhokla," the Trinamool Congress chief said while addressing a rally in Kolkata. Also read: Swati Maliwal assault case: Kejriwal’s aide Bibhav Kumar challenges arrest in Delhi High Court "I have worked with so many Prime Ministers, like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who used to love me a lot. I worked with Manmohan Singh, Rajiv Gandhi, Narasimha Rao, and Deve Gowda... I have never seen anyone like him, such a Prime Minister is not needed," Banerjee added. On Tuesday, both Mamata and PM Modi held roadshows in Kolkata ahead of the final phase of voting on June 1. "They are saying that Prabhu Jagannath Dev is the devotee of him ( PM Modi). Should i laugh or cry after hearing this? If they think that he is above God then let us build a temple and let him stay there where we will offer flowers, Chandan, Bhogs to him" -CM Mamata Banerjee pic.twitter.com/1uCFviKZrg — Sourav || সৌরভ (@Sourav_3294) May 22, 2024 × Banerjee targets PM Modi's govt over cyclone Remal rescue efforts The West Bengal chief minister also accused PM Modi of not being truthful about the Centre's role in monitoring cyclone Remal and rescue efforts. She claimed that it was her government which took measures to save the lives of people from the cyclone that hit the state. "We shifted nearly 46 lakh people (to safer places) and saved their lives," Banerjee said while addressing an election rally at Behala in Kolkata. Meanwhile, PM Modi during a rally in Barasat said that the Centre was providing all help to the West Bengal government to handle the situation. (With inputs from agencies)

Mamata Banerjee gives witty twist to PM Modi’s ‘God’ remark, says will ‘build you a temple, offer dhokla’

<p>The Lok Sabha elections are in full swing in India. In the next few days, the world's biggest democracy will have its new government. Whether the current ruling government will extend its reign or the opposition will take the helm remains to be seen. Whatever the results, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already announced his schedule just before the election results, set to be announced on June 4.</p>

<p>As per reports, PM Modi will travel to Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari and meditate at the famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial after the culmination of his Lok Sabha election campaign.</p>

<h2><strong>Dhyan aka meditation</strong></h2>

<p>As per reports, the PM will meditate day and night from May 30 evening to June 1, evening at the same place where Swami Vivekananda did meditation — the Dhyan Mandapam.</p>

<p>The rock where Modi will meditate also has huge significance, as it had a major impact on Swami Vivekananda's life.</p>

<p>Kanyakumari, as per ANI, is the place where Swami Vivekananda had a vision of Bharat Mata. It was there that Swami Vivekananda arrived after wandering across the country and mediated for three days — attaining a vision for a developed India.</p>

<p>Not only that, legend goes that the goddess Parvati also meditated at the same place on one foot as she waited for Lord Shiva.</p>

<p>In conversation with PTI, a BJP leader said, "Meditating at the same place shows Prime Minister Modi's commitment to bringing Swami ji's vision of a Viksit Bharat to life."</p>

<p>"Prime Minister Modi is giving a signal of national unity by going to Kanyakumari," added another leader, remarking that the visit also shows the PM's deep commitment and affection for Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi is known to undertake spiritual journeys at the end of election campaigns. In line with this, he will reach Kanyakumari on May 30 and stay there till June 1. Previously, after the 2019 election campaign, he had retreated to Kedarnath, and in 2014 he had visited Shivaji's Pratapgarh.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Lok Sabha elections are in full swing in India. In the next few days, the world's biggest democracy will have its new government. Whether the current ruling government will extend its reign or the opposition will take the helm remains to be seen.

The Lok Sabha elections are in full swing in India. In the next few days, the world's biggest democracy will have its new government. Whether the current ruling government will extend its reign or the opposition will take the helm remains to be seen. Whatever the results, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already announced his schedule just before the election results, set to be announced on June 4. As per reports, PM Modi will travel to Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari and meditate at the famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial after the culmination of his Lok Sabha election campaign. Dhyan aka meditation As per reports, the PM will meditate day and night from May 30 evening to June 1, evening at the same place where Swami Vivekananda did meditation — the Dhyan Mandapam. The rock where Modi will meditate also has huge significance, as it had a major impact on Swami Vivekananda's life. Kanyakumari, as per ANI, is the place where Swami Vivekananda had a vision of Bharat Mata. It was there that Swami Vivekananda arrived after wandering across the country and mediated for three days — attaining a vision for a developed India. Not only that, legend goes that the goddess Parvati also meditated at the same place on one foot as she waited for Lord Shiva. In conversation with PTI, a BJP leader said, "Meditating at the same place shows Prime Minister Modi's commitment to bringing Swami ji's vision of a Viksit Bharat to life." "Prime Minister Modi is giving a signal of national unity by going to Kanyakumari," added another leader, remarking that the visit also shows the PM's deep commitment and affection for Tamil Nadu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is known to undertake spiritual journeys at the end of election campaigns. In line with this, he will reach Kanyakumari on May 30 and stay there till June 1. Previously, after the 2019 election campaign, he had retreated to Kedarnath, and in 2014 he had visited Shivaji's Pratapgarh. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Narendra Modi reveals plans post campaigning; this is what he'll do while awaiting Lok Sabha polls results

<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has received over 3,000 applications for the post of head coach of the men's senior team after opening the process earlier this month. The deadline to apply for the position was May 27 and according to reports, several fake applicants have used the names of&nbsp;famous personalities such as Sachin Tendulkar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah&nbsp;and former captain MS Dhoni to apply for the position.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BCCI had invited applications for the job on Google Forms and immediately witnessed&nbsp;a large number of fake&nbsp;applications for the post on a daily basis, according to a report in <em>The Indian Express</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, it was the same case last year when BCCI was looking for Rahul Dravid's replacement before giving him an extension. The officials of the richest cricket board in the world said using Google Forms allowed for easy scrutiny of the applications but it also came with its own set of challenges.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dravid's contract as the head coach of the men's senior national team expires after the T20 World Cup and the former Indian captain is not looking to extend his tenure this time.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bcci-eyeing-csk-head-coach-stephen-fleming-as-rahul-dravids-successor-report-721424"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;BCCI eyeing CSK head coach Stephen Fleming as Rahul Dravid’s successor: Report</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Long-term coach required</strong></h2>

<p>In the job application,&nbsp;BCCI stipulated that the candidate should be below 60 years of age and must have played a minimum of 30 Tests or 50 ODIs. It added that the applicant should have performed a similar role as a full member of Test nation for a minimum of two years.</p>

<p>"The selection process will include a thorough review of applications, followed by personal interviews and assessments of shortlisted candidates," the job description added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, has made it clear that there will be no split coaching duties - meaning any former player who takes up the job, will have to be on the road for 10 months a year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are looking for a long-term coach for three years. There is no precedent of different coaches for different formats in Indian cricket. Besides, we have a number of all-format players. Ultimately, it will be the Cricket Advisory Committee's (CAC) call. I have to implement what they decide," said Shah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently, former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir and Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming are being touted as the favourites to take over the job.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has received over 3,000 applications for the post of head coach of the men's senior team after opening the process earlier this month.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has received over 3,000 applications for the post of head coach of the men's senior team after opening the process earlier this month. The deadline to apply for the position was May 27 and according to reports, several fake applicants have used the names of famous personalities such as Sachin Tendulkar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and former captain MS Dhoni to apply for the position. BCCI had invited applications for the job on Google Forms and immediately witnessed a large number of fake applications for the post on a daily basis, according to a report in The Indian Express. Notably, it was the same case last year when BCCI was looking for Rahul Dravid's replacement before giving him an extension. The officials of the richest cricket board in the world said using Google Forms allowed for easy scrutiny of the applications but it also came with its own set of challenges. Dravid's contract as the head coach of the men's senior national team expires after the T20 World Cup and the former Indian captain is not looking to extend his tenure this time. Also read | BCCI eyeing CSK head coach Stephen Fleming as Rahul Dravid’s successor: Report Long-term coach required In the job application, BCCI stipulated that the candidate should be below 60 years of age and must have played a minimum of 30 Tests or 50 ODIs. It added that the applicant should have performed a similar role as a full member of Test nation for a minimum of two years. "The selection process will include a thorough review of applications, followed by personal interviews and assessments of shortlisted candidates," the job description added. Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, has made it clear that there will be no split coaching duties - meaning any former player who takes up the job, will have to be on the road for 10 months a year. "We are looking for a long-term coach for three years. There is no precedent of different coaches for different formats in Indian cricket. Besides, we have a number of all-format players. Ultimately, it will be the Cricket Advisory Committee's (CAC) call. I have to implement what they decide," said Shah. Currently, former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir and Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming are being touted as the favourites to take over the job. (With inputs from agencies)

Narendra Modi, MS Dhoni, Amit Shah: Fake applicants use famous names for India cricket head coach job

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again accused the 'INDIA' bloc of indulging in "vote bank politics"&nbsp;in yet another veiled dig at the Congress party's purported minority-centric policy viewpoints. Modi accused Congress of undermining the constitutional rights of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in an interview with news agency ANI.</p>

<p>"I want to alert the SC, ST and Other Backward Class people because by keeping them in darkness they (Opposition) are looting them. Election is such a time, that I should make the countrymen aware of the biggest crisis that is coming. Therefore, I have been explaining this to the people. The basic spirit of the Constitution of India is being violated and that too for the sake of vote bank politics. Those who call themselves the well-wishers of Dalits, Tribals, are in reality their staunch enemies. There is an imprint of the Muslim League in their manifesto. Do you want to destroy the coming generations also for the sake of vote bank? I will fight for the rights of my Dalit, Tribal, and OBC brothers and sisters. And that's why I am fighting the battle," he told ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-pm-modi-son-of-ganga-files-nomination-in-varanasi-seeking-3rd-term-as-mp-721246">Lok Sabha elections 2024: PM Modi, 'son of Ganga', files nomination in Varanasi seeking 3rd term as MP</a></strong></p>

<p>Asked about personal attacks during&nbsp;election campaigns, PM Modi said, "As far as Modi is concerned, after being continuously abused for the last 24 years, I have become 'gaali proof' (abuse proof). Who called me the 'maut ka saudaagar' (merchant of death) and 'gandi naali ka keeda' (vermin)? Our party member in the parliament did the calculation and counted 101 abuses, so whether there is election or no election, these people (Opposition) believe that only they have the right to abuse and they have become so frustrated that now abusing has become their nature..."</p>

<p>On the Opposition's allegations that PM Modi will end reservation, the PM said, "They have committed this sin. I am speaking against that and that's why they have to use such things to lie."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India Elections 2024: Demographics to play a bigger role in investment decisions? | WION Pollnomics</strong></p>

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<p>Referring to the state of affairs in Odisha where parliamentary and state assembly polls are being held simultaneously, Modi said, "The fate of Odisha is about to change, the government is changing. I have said that the expiry date of the current Odisha government is June 4 and on June 10, the BJP CM will take oath in Odisha"</p>

<p>On Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's allegation that PM Modi decides who will go to jail, PM Narendra Modi said, "It would be better if these people read the Constitution, read the law of the country, I do not need to say anything to anyone."</p>

<p>The voting for six of India's seven-phase elections has concluded. The last and seventh phase of polling is set to be held on June 1. The counting of votes is scheduled to take place on June 4.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again accused the 'INDIA' bloc of indulging in "vote bank politics" in yet another veiled dig at the Congress party's purported minority-centric policy viewpoints.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again accused the 'INDIA' bloc of indulging in "vote bank politics" in yet another veiled dig at the Congress party's purported minority-centric policy viewpoints. Modi accused Congress of undermining the constitutional rights of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in an interview with news agency ANI. "I want to alert the SC, ST and Other Backward Class people because by keeping them in darkness they (Opposition) are looting them. Election is such a time, that I should make the countrymen aware of the biggest crisis that is coming. Therefore, I have been explaining this to the people. The basic spirit of the Constitution of India is being violated and that too for the sake of vote bank politics. Those who call themselves the well-wishers of Dalits, Tribals, are in reality their staunch enemies. There is an imprint of the Muslim League in their manifesto. Do you want to destroy the coming generations also for the sake of vote bank? I will fight for the rights of my Dalit, Tribal, and OBC brothers and sisters. And that's why I am fighting the battle," he told ANI. Also read | Lok Sabha elections 2024: PM Modi, 'son of Ganga', files nomination in Varanasi seeking 3rd term as MP Asked about personal attacks during election campaigns, PM Modi said, "As far as Modi is concerned, after being continuously abused for the last 24 years, I have become 'gaali proof' (abuse proof). Who called me the 'maut ka saudaagar' (merchant of death) and 'gandi naali ka keeda' (vermin)? Our party member in the parliament did the calculation and counted 101 abuses, so whether there is election or no election, these people (Opposition) believe that only they have the right to abuse and they have become so frustrated that now abusing has become their nature..." On the Opposition's allegations that PM Modi will end reservation, the PM said, "They have committed this sin. I am speaking against that and that's why they have to use such things to lie." Also watch | India Elections 2024: Demographics to play a bigger role in investment decisions? | WION Pollnomics × Referring to the state of affairs in Odisha where parliamentary and state assembly polls are being held simultaneously, Modi said, "The fate of Odisha is about to change, the government is changing. I have said that the expiry date of the current Odisha government is June 4 and on June 10, the BJP CM will take oath in Odisha" On Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's allegation that PM Modi decides who will go to jail, PM Narendra Modi said, "It would be better if these people read the Constitution, read the law of the country, I do not need to say anything to anyone." The voting for six of India's seven-phase elections has concluded. The last and seventh phase of polling is set to be held on June 1. The counting of votes is scheduled to take place on June 4. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian PM Modi says Opposition's '101 abuses' have made him 'gaali proof'

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack against the Congress on Friday (May 24) stating that the grand old party allowed the "massacre of Sikhs" and protected the rioters.</p>

<p>While addressing a rally in Punjab's Jalandhar, PM Modi also hit out at the grand old party over its stance on the Citizenship Amendment Act stating that the opposition does not want to give citizenship to the ones who endured the horrors of partition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Hindu-Sikh brothers who were left on the other side during the partition, they are our own. BJP-NDA government brought CAA to give them citizenship. But Congress had a problem with it. They are saying that they will withdraw the CAA if they come to power," he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Punjab: Addressing a public rally in Jalandhar, PM Modi says, "The Hindu-Sikh brothers who were left on the other side during the partition, they are our own. BJP-NDA government brought CAA to give them citizenship. But Congress had a problem with it. They are saying… <a href="https://t.co/VcCfbu2IFe">pic.twitter.com/VcCfbu2IFe</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1793990153767358540?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>He then took a jibe at the grand old party and said that the 'royal family' removed Amarinder Singh from CM's post when he refused to obey orders</p>

<p>"When Congress was in power in Punjab, Congress wanted to run the government of Punjab through remote control. But Captain Amarinder Singh refused to obey the orders of the 'Shehzada' of Delhi (Rahul Gandhi). He gave priority to national security being a border state. The result was that the royal family of Congress and the 'Shehzada' removed him from the post of Chief Minister. Can anyone ever forget this insult to Punjab?," he said in a separate rally in Punjab's Gurdaspur.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-says-he-would-have-taken-kartarpur-sahib-from-pakistan-if-he-was-pm-in-1971-724769">Modi says he would have taken Kartarpur Sahib from Pakistan if he was PM in 1971</a></p>

<h2><strong>'AAP leaders sitting in Delhi controlling Punjab,' says PM Modi</strong></h2>

<p>PM Modi also attacked the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had to visit Tihar Jail in Delhi to take orders from party supremo Arvind Kejriwal as he cannot make decisions on his own.</p>

<p>"Unfortunately, Punjab is being governed via remote control. The Durbaris of Delhi are governing Punjab. The CM of Punjab cannot make a single decision on his own... The CM had to go to Tihar Jail to take new orders to run his government... After 1st June, the corrupt will go to jail again. Will the Punjab government function from the jail again?" he said in Gurdaspur.</p>

<p>He also accused the AAP leaders of being "wholesale traders of drugs", referring to the alleged liquor scam.</p>

<p>"The people of Punjab have understood that the 'jharoo' (broomstick, the poll symbol of the AAP) party people are themselves wholesale traders of drugs. Why will those who perpetrated such a big liquor scam (in Delhi) not dive into the black money of drugs in Punjab?" he said while addressing a large&nbsp;gathering.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack against the Congress on Friday (May 24) stating that the grand old party allowed the "massacre of Sikhs" and protected the rioters.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack against the Congress on Friday (May 24) stating that the grand old party allowed the "massacre of Sikhs" and protected the rioters. While addressing a rally in Punjab's Jalandhar, PM Modi also hit out at the grand old party over its stance on the Citizenship Amendment Act stating that the opposition does not want to give citizenship to the ones who endured the horrors of partition. "The Hindu-Sikh brothers who were left on the other side during the partition, they are our own. BJP-NDA government brought CAA to give them citizenship. But Congress had a problem with it. They are saying that they will withdraw the CAA if they come to power," he said. #WATCH | Punjab: Addressing a public rally in Jalandhar, PM Modi says, "The Hindu-Sikh brothers who were left on the other side during the partition, they are our own. BJP-NDA government brought CAA to give them citizenship. But Congress had a problem with it. They are saying… pic.twitter.com/VcCfbu2IFe — ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2024 × He then took a jibe at the grand old party and said that the 'royal family' removed Amarinder Singh from CM's post when he refused to obey orders "When Congress was in power in Punjab, Congress wanted to run the government of Punjab through remote control. But Captain Amarinder Singh refused to obey the orders of the 'Shehzada' of Delhi (Rahul Gandhi). He gave priority to national security being a border state. The result was that the royal family of Congress and the 'Shehzada' removed him from the post of Chief Minister. Can anyone ever forget this insult to Punjab?," he said in a separate rally in Punjab's Gurdaspur. Also read: Modi says he would have taken Kartarpur Sahib from Pakistan if he was PM in 1971 'AAP leaders sitting in Delhi controlling Punjab,' says PM Modi PM Modi also attacked the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had to visit Tihar Jail in Delhi to take orders from party supremo Arvind Kejriwal as he cannot make decisions on his own. "Unfortunately, Punjab is being governed via remote control. The Durbaris of Delhi are governing Punjab. The CM of Punjab cannot make a single decision on his own... The CM had to go to Tihar Jail to take new orders to run his government... After 1st June, the corrupt will go to jail again. Will the Punjab government function from the jail again?" he said in Gurdaspur. He also accused the AAP leaders of being "wholesale traders of drugs", referring to the alleged liquor scam. "The people of Punjab have understood that the 'jharoo' (broomstick, the poll symbol of the AAP) party people are themselves wholesale traders of drugs. Why will those who perpetrated such a big liquor scam (in Delhi) not dive into the black money of drugs in Punjab?" he said while addressing a large gathering. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi attacks Congress over 1984 riots, alleges it 'allowed massacre of Sikhs'

<p>The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday (May 25) released the constituency-wise voting data from the first five phases of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This comes amid a public discourse over the lack of official voter turnout data.</p>

<p>Coming out with the data, the ECI asserted that there was a pattern in the creation of false narratives, and that it was done with the mischievous design to destroy the legal validity of the electoral process. The electoral agency also asserted that the alteration of the number of votes polled was not possible.</p>

<h2><strong>Why did the ECI release data now?</strong></h2>

<p>The poll panel has come out with the absolute number of voters on its own. This comes a day after the Supreme Court of India refused to issue directions to ECI on the plea of an NGO&nbsp;— Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) — seeking polling booth-wise voter turnout data.</p>

<p>As per the PTI news agency, the ECI said it has decided to further expand the format of turnout data to include the absolute number of voters in every parliamentary constituency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The absolute numbers are discernable parliamentary constituency-wise by all citizens by applying the turnout percentage to total electors, both already made available in the public domain, said the poll panel.</p>

<p>Here electors are those who are part of the electoral roll and eligible to voters and 'voters' refers to those that have actually cast their vote in an election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the EC had been issuing turnout percentage, there had been demands to make public the actual number of voters in every phase.</p>

<p>Previously, the Election Commission, hitting out at the plea of the petitioner, had said there are "certain elements with vested interests" who keep throwing baseless and false allegations, "creating an unwarranted atmosphere of suspicion" to discredit the Election Commission of India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is most humbly submitted that there is a consistent malafide campaign/design/efforts to keep on raising suspicion and doubt in every possible manner and by misleading assertions and baseless," it added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday (May 25) released the constituency-wise voting data from the first five phases of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday (May 25) released the constituency-wise voting data from the first five phases of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This comes amid a public discourse over the lack of official voter turnout data. Coming out with the data, the ECI asserted that there was a pattern in the creation of false narratives, and that it was done with the mischievous design to destroy the legal validity of the electoral process. The electoral agency also asserted that the alteration of the number of votes polled was not possible. Why did the ECI release data now? The poll panel has come out with the absolute number of voters on its own. This comes a day after the Supreme Court of India refused to issue directions to ECI on the plea of an NGO — Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) — seeking polling booth-wise voter turnout data. As per the PTI news agency, the ECI said it has decided to further expand the format of turnout data to include the absolute number of voters in every parliamentary constituency. The absolute numbers are discernable parliamentary constituency-wise by all citizens by applying the turnout percentage to total electors, both already made available in the public domain, said the poll panel. Here electors are those who are part of the electoral roll and eligible to voters and 'voters' refers to those that have actually cast their vote in an election. While the EC had been issuing turnout percentage, there had been demands to make public the actual number of voters in every phase. Previously, the Election Commission, hitting out at the plea of the petitioner, had said there are "certain elements with vested interests" who keep throwing baseless and false allegations, "creating an unwarranted atmosphere of suspicion" to discredit the Election Commission of India. "It is most humbly submitted that there is a consistent malafide campaign/design/efforts to keep on raising suspicion and doubt in every possible manner and by misleading assertions and baseless," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Election Commission of India releases constituency-wise voting data, slams critics

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 25) launched a scathing attack on the Opposition INDIA bloc, saying that even if they perform "mujra" (dance) before their purported vote bank, he will not let them snatch away the reservation benefits constitutionally accorded to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Communities (OBCs).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Addressing an election rally in Bihar's Patliputra, Prime Minister Modi said the INDIA bloc is free to be at the service of their vote bank but for him the Constitution is supreme.</p>

<p>"I am giving the guarantee to Bihar, SC/ST/OBC communities, till Modi is alive, I will not let them snatch away their rights. For Modi, Constitution is supreme, for Modi, Babasaheb Ambedkar's sentiments are supreme... if the INDIA bloc wants to accept the servitude of their vote bank, they are free to do so...if they want to perform mujra (dance), they are free to do... I will still stand with the SC/ST/OBC reservation staunchly," he said.</p>

<p>Mujra is a dance by women that was performed in the past for the entertainment of elite class and local rulers like the nawabs of the Indian society. Currently, it is performed in certain areas of Pakistan.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India General Election 2024: Prominent leaders cast their votes in phase 6</strong></p>

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<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Congress of changing the law linked to minority institutions to make their vote bank happy.</p>

<p>"After this, thousands of institutions were declared minority institutions. Earlier, SC/ST/OBC used to get full reservations during admission to these institutions," he said, as reported by ANI news agency.</p>

<p>PM Modi claimed that the Rashtriya Janata Dal-Congress alliance intend to provide their vote bank reservation on the basis of religion.</p>

<p>"Our constitution says that there will be no reservation based on religion in India. Babasaheb Ambedkar used to say that there would be no reservation based on religion...But RJD-Congress want to give reservation to their vote bank based on religion by ending the quota of SC/ST/OBC," he told ANI.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-jammu-and-kashmir-to-have-over-34-lakh-first-time-voters-700052">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Jammu and Kashmir to have over 3.4 lakh first-time voters</a></strong></p>

<p>PM Modi also took a jibe at Lalu Yadav's RJD, whose election symbol is a lantern.</p>

<p>"This is the era of LED bulbs and people in Bihar are roaming around with a lantern. This is a lantern that lights up just one house. This lantern has spread darkness all over Bihar," he said.</p>

<p>Reacting to the prime minister's remarks, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said&nbsp;in an X post written in Hindi: “Today, I heard the word 'Mujra' from the mouth of the Prime Minister. Modiji, what is this state of mind? Why don’t you take something? Amit Shah and JP Nadda ji should get him treated immediately. Perhaps delivering speeches under the Sun has had too much of an effect on his brain.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 25) launched a scathing attack on the Opposition INDIA bloc, saying that even if they perform "mujra" (dance) before their purported vote bank, he will not let them snatch away the reservation benefits constitutionally accorded to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Communities (OBCs).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 25) launched a scathing attack on the Opposition INDIA bloc, saying that even if they perform "mujra" (dance) before their purported vote bank, he will not let them snatch away the reservation benefits constitutionally accorded to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Communities (OBCs). Addressing an election rally in Bihar's Patliputra, Prime Minister Modi said the INDIA bloc is free to be at the service of their vote bank but for him the Constitution is supreme. "I am giving the guarantee to Bihar, SC/ST/OBC communities, till Modi is alive, I will not let them snatch away their rights. For Modi, Constitution is supreme, for Modi, Babasaheb Ambedkar's sentiments are supreme... if the INDIA bloc wants to accept the servitude of their vote bank, they are free to do so...if they want to perform mujra (dance), they are free to do... I will still stand with the SC/ST/OBC reservation staunchly," he said. Mujra is a dance by women that was performed in the past for the entertainment of elite class and local rulers like the nawabs of the Indian society. Currently, it is performed in certain areas of Pakistan. Also watch | India General Election 2024: Prominent leaders cast their votes in phase 6 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Congress of changing the law linked to minority institutions to make their vote bank happy. "After this, thousands of institutions were declared minority institutions. Earlier, SC/ST/OBC used to get full reservations during admission to these institutions," he said, as reported by ANI news agency. PM Modi claimed that the Rashtriya Janata Dal-Congress alliance intend to provide their vote bank reservation on the basis of religion. "Our constitution says that there will be no reservation based on religion in India. Babasaheb Ambedkar used to say that there would be no reservation based on religion...But RJD-Congress want to give reservation to their vote bank based on religion by ending the quota of SC/ST/OBC," he told ANI. Also read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Jammu and Kashmir to have over 3.4 lakh first-time voters PM Modi also took a jibe at Lalu Yadav's RJD, whose election symbol is a lantern. "This is the era of LED bulbs and people in Bihar are roaming around with a lantern. This is a lantern that lights up just one house. This lantern has spread darkness all over Bihar," he said. Reacting to the prime minister's remarks, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said in an X post written in Hindi: “Today, I heard the word 'Mujra' from the mouth of the Prime Minister. Modiji, what is this state of mind? Why don’t you take something? Amit Shah and JP Nadda ji should get him treated immediately. Perhaps delivering speeches under the Sun has had too much of an effect on his brain.” (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: PM Modi throws 'mujra' jibe at Opposition over reservation row

<p>In his first election rally in northern India's Punjab state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the past spectre of 1971 war with Pakistan and added that had he been the prime minister, he would have taken Kartarpur Sahib in return for the release of over 90,000 Pakistani soldiers who surrendered to Indian forces then.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kartarpur Sahib, the resting place of the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev, is regarded as the holiest shrine of Sikh faith. After British India's division on religious lines in 1947, Kartarpur Sahib became part of the present-day Pakistan. Indian citizens and People of Indian Origin (PIOs) are able to access the shrine through a 4.7 km corridor between India and Pakistan that came into being in 2019 — an event that PM Modi himself had linked to the fall of Berlin wall amid growing hostilities between India and Pakistan over latter's consistent support for terrorism inside Indian territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress party of dividing the nation for its hunger for power.</p>

<p>"For 70 years, the people of Punjab could get only a glimpse of the Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara (in Pakistan) through telescopes. It was humiliating for everyone," Modi said in his first election rally at Patiala, widely considered a stronghold of former Chief Minister Captain (retd) Amarinder Singh of the Congress party. Singh quit the party in 2022 and now his wife Preneet Kaur is contesting on a BJP ticket from Patiala.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Punjab is set to vote on June 1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When the Bangladesh war ended more than 90,000 Pakistani soldiers had surrendered and were in India’s captivity. We had the ‘hukam ka patta (bargaining power)’. Had Modi been there then, I would have taken Kartarpur from them (Pakistan) and only then returned their soldiers."</p>

<p>"Since that cannot be done, I have served this land of the Gurus in the manner I could and opened the Kartarpur corridor that devotees are able to visit with pride," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Why Punjab matters for Indian polls</strong></p>

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<p>Modi linked the Gujarati origins of one of the 'Panj Pyare' of last Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, with his own Gujarati origins and said that it made him and Punjabi people blood relatives.</p>

<p>Guru Gobind Singh created the institution of the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib in 1699. As part of the ceremony, he first baptised five persons from among the devotees — Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Himmat Singh, Bhai Mohkam Singh and Bhai Sahib Singh — who were ready to sacrifice their lives for him. Bhai Mohkam Singh was from present-day Dwarika in Gujarat.</p>

<h2><strong>Punjab Lok Sabha Elections: First visit since alleged security breach</strong></h2>

<p>Modi's visit to Punjab came more than two years after&nbsp;an alleged security breach ahead of 2022 state elections.</p>

<p>The BJP has struggled to make inroads in Punjab. Of all the states in northern India, Punjab remains the only state where the Opposition parties -- Congress and Aam Aadmi Party -- run strong. The BJP's Punjab ally, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), broke off its alliance in 2021&nbsp;in opposition to the now-rescinded three farm laws.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prime minister also recalled his days spent in Patiala as a BJP worker posted in Punjab. "I remember walking in the morning in the Baradari Gardens and chatting with friends in the Bhatia chowk area to chit chat," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/punjab-lok-sabha-elections-2024-schedule-phase-seats-candidates-and-all-you-need-to-know-710534">Punjab Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, phase, seats, candidates and all you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>Describing the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann a "paper chief minister", Modi said that Bhagwant Mann had nothing better to do than be on duty to wait on at the Delhi darbar of his party.</p>

<p>"Those who can deceive their own guru Anna Hazare and lie 10 times in a day can do no good to this state or the nation," Modi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our Sikh brothers were in trouble in Afghanistan; we rehabilitated them and our minister specially went to bring back the Guru Granth Sahib from there," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In his first election rally in northern India's Punjab state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the past spectre of 1971 war with Pakistan and added that had he been the prime minister, he would have taken Kartarpur Sahib in return for the release of over 90,000 Pakistani soldiers who surrendered to Indian forces then.

In his first election rally in northern India's Punjab state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the past spectre of 1971 war with Pakistan and added that had he been the prime minister, he would have taken Kartarpur Sahib in return for the release of over 90,000 Pakistani soldiers who surrendered to Indian forces then. Kartarpur Sahib, the resting place of the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev, is regarded as the holiest shrine of Sikh faith. After British India's division on religious lines in 1947, Kartarpur Sahib became part of the present-day Pakistan. Indian citizens and People of Indian Origin (PIOs) are able to access the shrine through a 4.7 km corridor between India and Pakistan that came into being in 2019 — an event that PM Modi himself had linked to the fall of Berlin wall amid growing hostilities between India and Pakistan over latter's consistent support for terrorism inside Indian territory. Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress party of dividing the nation for its hunger for power. "For 70 years, the people of Punjab could get only a glimpse of the Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara (in Pakistan) through telescopes. It was humiliating for everyone," Modi said in his first election rally at Patiala, widely considered a stronghold of former Chief Minister Captain (retd) Amarinder Singh of the Congress party. Singh quit the party in 2022 and now his wife Preneet Kaur is contesting on a BJP ticket from Patiala. Punjab is set to vote on June 1. "When the Bangladesh war ended more than 90,000 Pakistani soldiers had surrendered and were in India’s captivity. We had the ‘hukam ka patta (bargaining power)’. Had Modi been there then, I would have taken Kartarpur from them (Pakistan) and only then returned their soldiers." "Since that cannot be done, I have served this land of the Gurus in the manner I could and opened the Kartarpur corridor that devotees are able to visit with pride," he said. Also watch | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Why Punjab matters for Indian polls × Modi linked the Gujarati origins of one of the 'Panj Pyare' of last Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, with his own Gujarati origins and said that it made him and Punjabi people blood relatives. Guru Gobind Singh created the institution of the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib in 1699. As part of the ceremony, he first baptised five persons from among the devotees — Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Himmat Singh, Bhai Mohkam Singh and Bhai Sahib Singh — who were ready to sacrifice their lives for him. Bhai Mohkam Singh was from present-day Dwarika in Gujarat. Punjab Lok Sabha Elections: First visit since alleged security breach Modi's visit to Punjab came more than two years after an alleged security breach ahead of 2022 state elections. The BJP has struggled to make inroads in Punjab. Of all the states in northern India, Punjab remains the only state where the Opposition parties -- Congress and Aam Aadmi Party -- run strong. The BJP's Punjab ally, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), broke off its alliance in 2021 in opposition to the now-rescinded three farm laws. The prime minister also recalled his days spent in Patiala as a BJP worker posted in Punjab. "I remember walking in the morning in the Baradari Gardens and chatting with friends in the Bhatia chowk area to chit chat," he said. Also read | Punjab Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, phase, seats, candidates and all you need to know Describing the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann a "paper chief minister", Modi said that Bhagwant Mann had nothing better to do than be on duty to wait on at the Delhi darbar of his party. "Those who can deceive their own guru Anna Hazare and lie 10 times in a day can do no good to this state or the nation," Modi said. "Our Sikh brothers were in trouble in Afghanistan; we rehabilitated them and our minister specially went to bring back the Guru Granth Sahib from there," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi says he would have taken Kartarpur Sahib from Pakistan if he was PM in 1971

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<p>BJP leader&nbsp;Sambit Patra, in an apparent slip of tongue, said the revered Hindu god Jagannath is the "bhakt" (devotee) of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While interacting with media personnel after the roadshow of Prime Minister Modi in Odisha's Puri on Monday (May 21), Patra made the gaffe which triggered a fierce backlash from the opposition, especially Odisha Chief Minister&nbsp;Naveen Patnaik's Biju Janata Dal (BJD).</p>

<p>"Lakhs of people have gathered here to see PM Modi. Jagannath is Modi's bhakt and we are all PM Modi's family. I cannot control my emotions and I think today is a momentous day for all Odias," Patra, who is BJP's candidate in Puri, said in haste, causing a political storm.</p>

<h2><strong>Opposition launches attack on Patra's comment</strong></h2>

<p>The comment was immediately condemned by Odisha Chief Minister&nbsp;Naveen Patnaik who is planning a sixth consecutive term in the Indian state.</p>

<p>Taking to X, Patnaik&nbsp;wrote, "Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannatha is the Lord of Universe. Calling Mahaprabhu a bhakt of another human being is an insult to the Lord. This has hurt the sentiments and demeaned the faith of crores of Jagannatha bhaktas and Odias across the world."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannatha is the Lord of Universe.<br />
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Calling Mahaprabhu a bhakt of another human being is an insult to the Lord. This has hurt the sentiments and demeaned the faith of crores of Jagannatha bhaktas and Odias across the world.<br />
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The Lord is the greatest Symbol of…</p>
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) <a href="https://twitter.com/Naveen_Odisha/status/1792552775722950889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Calling Mahaprabhu a bhakt of another human being is totally condemnable. I strongly denounce the statement made by the BJP Puri Lok Sabha candidate and I appeal to the BJP to keep the Lord above any political discourse. By this you have deeply hurt Odia Asmita and this will be remembered and condemned by people of Odisha for a very long time," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-bjp-has-started-operation-jhaadu-so-that-aap-doesnt-become-big-says-kejriwal-723031">Lok Sabha polls: BJP started ‘Operation Jhaadu’ so that AAP doesn’t grow, become a challenge, says Kejriwal</a></p>

<p>Congress leader&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister&nbsp;Arvind Kejriwal and other opposition leaders joined in criticising the arrogance of the BJP leader.</p>

<p>Kejriwal said that the statement of Patra is an "insult to God". Congress further demanded an apology from the prime minister himself.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Sambit Patra,&nbsp;who&nbsp;is&nbsp;immersed&nbsp;in Modi Bhakti, should not have committed this sin. Narendra Modi should apologise for this disgusting statement," stated the Congress's official communication.</p>

<h2><strong>Sambit Patra tenders apology, fasts in atonement</strong></h2>

<p>In the wake of backlash from leaders of the Opposition, Patra wrote on social media, "I gave&nbsp;a number of&nbsp;bytes today to multiple media channels...by mistake&nbsp;during&nbsp;one of the&nbsp;bytes&nbsp;I pronounced just the opposite. I know you&nbsp;too&nbsp;know&nbsp;and understand this. Sir, let's not make an issue out of a nonexistent issue. We all have a slip of the tongue sometimes."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Naveen Ji Namaskar!<br />
I gave number of bytes today to multiple media channels after the massive success of Shri Narendra Modiji’s Road Show in Puri today, everywhere I mentioned that Modi ji is an ardent “Bhakt” of Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhu ..by mistake during one of the bytes I… <a href="https://t.co/6Q1Kuj5E6O">https://t.co/6Q1Kuj5E6O</a></p>
— Sambit Patra (Modi Ka Parivar) (@sambitswaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/sambitswaraj/status/1792556150958981396?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>However, the matter was not defused and continued to escalate which forced the BJP leader to mark a period of "upvaas" (fasting) in atonement.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India General Elections 2024: 49 seats vote in Phase five of Lok Sabha elections</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-general-elections-2024-49-seats-vote-in-phase-five-of-lok-sabha-elections-723659/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"Today, a statement made by me had created a controversy.&nbsp;After PM Narendra Modi's roadshow in Puri, I gave byte to many media channels&nbsp;and&nbsp;everywhere&nbsp;I said the same thing, that PM&nbsp;Narendra Modi is an ardent devotee of Mahaprabhu Jagannath...&nbsp;In the end, when another channel took my byte, it was&nbsp;extremely hot, crowded and noisy.&nbsp;Unknowingly, while giving the byte, I said the opposite, that Mahaprabhu&nbsp;is a devotee of PM Narendra Modi.&nbsp;This&nbsp;can never be true, and a person in his senses can never say such things that god is a devotee of a human. I have made this mistake unintentionally. I know some people must have&nbsp;been hurt&nbsp;but&nbsp;even god forgives mistakes made unintentionally...&nbsp;I need to seek forgiveness from Mahaprabhu Jagannath for this slip of the tongue&nbsp;and&nbsp;I have decided to do a 'upvaas'," said Patra.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">आज महाप्रभु श्री जगन्नाथ जी को लेकर मुझसे जो भूल हुई है, उस विषय को लेकर मेरा अंतर्मन अत्यंत पीड़ित है।<br />
<br />
मैं महाप्रभु श्री जगन्नाथ जी के चरणों में शीश झुकाकर क्षमा याचना करता हूँ। अपने इस भूल सुधार और पश्चाताप के लिए अगले 3 दिन मैं उपवास पर रहूँगा।<br />
<br />
जय जगन्नाथ। 🙏<br />
<br />
ଆଜି ଶ୍ରୀ… <a href="https://t.co/rKavOxMjIq">pic.twitter.com/rKavOxMjIq</a></p>
— Sambit Patra (Modi Ka Parivar) (@sambitswaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/sambitswaraj/status/1792636303030272340?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Even though Patra extended an apology, the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) filed a formal complaint and alleged that the statement made by Patra was aimed at insulting religious sentiments.</p>

<p>He was also accused of violating the model code of conduct.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


BJP leader Sambit Patra, in an apparent slip of tongue, said the revered Hindu god Jagannath is the "bhakt" (devotee) of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While interacting with media personnel after the roadshow of Prime Minister Modi in Odisha's Puri on Monday (May 21), Patra made the gaffe which triggered a fierce backlash from the opposition, especially Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

BJP leader Sambit Patra, in an apparent slip of tongue, said the revered Hindu god Jagannath is the "bhakt" (devotee) of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While interacting with media personnel after the roadshow of Prime Minister Modi in Odisha's Puri on Monday (May 21), Patra made the gaffe which triggered a fierce backlash from the opposition, especially Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's Biju Janata Dal (BJD). "Lakhs of people have gathered here to see PM Modi. Jagannath is Modi's bhakt and we are all PM Modi's family. I cannot control my emotions and I think today is a momentous day for all Odias," Patra, who is BJP's candidate in Puri, said in haste, causing a political storm. Opposition launches attack on Patra's comment The comment was immediately condemned by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik who is planning a sixth consecutive term in the Indian state. Taking to X, Patnaik wrote, "Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannatha is the Lord of Universe. Calling Mahaprabhu a bhakt of another human being is an insult to the Lord. This has hurt the sentiments and demeaned the faith of crores of Jagannatha bhaktas and Odias across the world." Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannatha is the Lord of Universe. Calling Mahaprabhu a bhakt of another human being is an insult to the Lord. This has hurt the sentiments and demeaned the faith of crores of Jagannatha bhaktas and Odias across the world. The Lord is the greatest Symbol of… — Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) May 20, 2024 × "Calling Mahaprabhu a bhakt of another human being is totally condemnable. I strongly denounce the statement made by the BJP Puri Lok Sabha candidate and I appeal to the BJP to keep the Lord above any political discourse. By this you have deeply hurt Odia Asmita and this will be remembered and condemned by people of Odisha for a very long time," he added. Also Read: Lok Sabha polls: BJP started ‘Operation Jhaadu’ so that AAP doesn’t grow, become a challenge, says Kejriwal Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other opposition leaders joined in criticising the arrogance of the BJP leader. Kejriwal said that the statement of Patra is an "insult to God". Congress further demanded an apology from the prime minister himself. "Sambit Patra, who is immersed in Modi Bhakti, should not have committed this sin. Narendra Modi should apologise for this disgusting statement," stated the Congress's official communication. Sambit Patra tenders apology, fasts in atonement In the wake of backlash from leaders of the Opposition, Patra wrote on social media, "I gave a number of bytes today to multiple media channels...by mistake during one of the bytes I pronounced just the opposite. I know you too know and understand this. Sir, let's not make an issue out of a nonexistent issue. We all have a slip of the tongue sometimes." Naveen Ji Namaskar! I gave number of bytes today to multiple media channels after the massive success of Shri Narendra Modiji’s Road Show in Puri today, everywhere I mentioned that Modi ji is an ardent “Bhakt” of Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhu ..by mistake during one of the bytes I… https://t.co/6Q1Kuj5E6O — Sambit Patra (Modi Ka Parivar) (@sambitswaraj) May 20, 2024 × However, the matter was not defused and continued to escalate which forced the BJP leader to mark a period of "upvaas" (fasting) in atonement. Watch: India General Elections 2024: 49 seats vote in Phase five of Lok Sabha elections "Today, a statement made by me had created a controversy. After PM Narendra Modi's roadshow in Puri, I gave byte to many media channels and everywhere I said the same thing, that PM Narendra Modi is an ardent devotee of Mahaprabhu Jagannath... In the end, when another channel took my byte, it was extremely hot, crowded and noisy. Unknowingly, while giving the byte, I said the opposite, that Mahaprabhu is a devotee of PM Narendra Modi. This can never be true, and a person in his senses can never say such things that god is a devotee of a human. I have made this mistake unintentionally. I know some people must have been hurt but even god forgives mistakes made unintentionally... I need to seek forgiveness from Mahaprabhu Jagannath for this slip of the tongue and I have decided to do a 'upvaas'," said Patra. आज महाप्रभु श्री जगन्नाथ जी को लेकर मुझसे जो भूल हुई है, उस विषय को लेकर मेरा अंतर्मन अत्यंत पीड़ित है। मैं महाप्रभु श्री जगन्नाथ जी के चरणों में शीश झुकाकर क्षमा याचना करता हूँ। अपने इस भूल सुधार और पश्चाताप के लिए अगले 3 दिन मैं उपवास पर रहूँगा। जय जगन्नाथ। 🙏 ଆଜି ଶ୍ରୀ… pic.twitter.com/rKavOxMjIq — Sambit Patra (Modi Ka Parivar) (@sambitswaraj) May 20, 2024 × Even though Patra extended an apology, the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) filed a formal complaint and alleged that the statement made by Patra was aimed at insulting religious sentiments. He was also accused of violating the model code of conduct. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP's Sambit Patra fasts in atonement after calling Lord Jagannath 'bhakt' of PM Modi

<p><strong>Iran President Ebrahim Raisi death news updates</strong>: Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi died in a plane crash reported on the evening of Sunday (May 19). Indian&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first in the world to express condolences.&nbsp;Raisi was accompanied by Foreign Minister&nbsp;Hossein Amir-Abdollahian who too did not survive in what so far is being described as an 'accident'.</p>

<p>"Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise of Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. His contribution to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran. India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow," Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-iran-ties-in-ebrahim-raisi-years-between-brics-chabahar-and-central-asia-connectivity-723365">India-Iran ties in Ebrahim Raisi years: Between BRICS, Chabahar and Central Asia connectivity</a></strong></p>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday hailed &nbsp;Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi as an "outstanding politician" and said his death in a helicopter crash was an "irreplaceable loss."</p>

<p>"Raisi was an outstanding politician whose entire life was dedicated to serving his homeland," Putin said. "As a true friend of Russia, he made an invaluable personal contribution to the development of good-neighbourly relations between our countries."</p>

<p>The European Union also expressed its "sincere condolences" over the death of Iranian&nbsp;President Ebrahim Raisi and other officials in a helicopter crash.</p>

<p>"Our thoughts go to the families," EU council president Charles Michel said in a statement.</p>

<h2><strong>Ebrahim Raisi death: South Africa, Turkey react</strong></h2>

<p>South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed deep regret over the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.</p>

<p>"This is an extraordinary, unthinkable tragedy that has claimed a remarkable leader of a nation with whom South Africa enjoys strong bilateral relations," Ramaphosa said.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Raisi helicopter crash: Indian PM Modi reacts to Iran President Raisi's death</strong></p>

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<p>Iran became a full member of the intergovernmental forum BRICS in January, along with Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Turkey said it was "deeply saddened" by the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.</p>

<p>Turkey "shares the pain of the friendly and brotherly Iranian people," Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><b>Ebrahim Raisi death: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad reacts</b></h2>

<p>Syrian President Bashar al-Assad expressed solidarity with close ally Tehran, which has backed him during years of war, after Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other officials died in a helicopter crash. Assad "affirmed Syria's solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Iran and with the families of the late deceased and his comrades," the Syrian presidency said in a statement, adding: "We worked with the late President to ensure that strategic relations between Syria and Iran flourish always".</p>

<h2><strong>Ebrahim Raisi death: Malaysia PM Anwar Ibrahim reacts</strong></h2>

<p>Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Monday he was "deeply saddened" by the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other officials in a helicopter crash, noting their shared commitment to bolstering ties. "I am deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and several other officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Ibrahim said in a statement on social media.</p>

<p>Iran's Gulf neighbours the United Arab Emirates and Qatar also mourned the deaths of president Ebrahim Raisi and foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in a helicopter crash.</p>

<p>The oil-rich UAE, which has mended ties with Tehran after years of rift&nbsp;"stands in solidarity with Iran at this difficult time", said Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. "I extend my deepest condolences to the Iranian government and people over the passing of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and those accompanying them following a tragic accident," Sheikh Mohammed posted on social media platform X.</p>

<p>In another statement on X, Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, called the news "painful", expressing his "sincere condolences to the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-saudi-arabia-restore-ties-as-china-brokered-deal-outfoxes-west-570766">Iran, Saudi Arabia restore ties as China-brokered deal outfoxes West</a></strong></p>

<p>The UAE and Saudi Arabia for long had strained ties with Iran because of its nuclear program and support to militant groups across the region.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared a day of mourning following Ebrahim Raisi's death</p>

<p>"Pakistan will observe a day of mourning and the flag will fly at half mast as a mark of respect for President Raisi and his companions and in solidarity with Brotherly Iran," the Pakistani PM posted on X</p>

<p>"I along with the government and people of Pakistan extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Iranian nation on this terrible loss," he said.</p>

<p>"The great Iranian nation will overcome this tragedy with customary courage,"&nbsp;Sharif added.</p>

<h2><strong>US expresses condolences</strong></h2>

<p>The United States expressed condolences on Monday over the Iranian president's death stating, "The United States expresses its official condolences for the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian, and other members of their delegation in a helicopter crash in northwest Iran," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.</p>

<p>"As Iran selects a new president, we reaffirm our support for the Iranian people and their struggle for human rights and fundamental freedoms," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>Turkish president announces day of mourning</strong></h2>

<p>Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday his country would observe a day of mourning over the death of&nbsp;Raisi.</p>

<p>"During our cabinet meeting, we have decided to declare a day of mourning in our country to share the deep pain of the Iranian people," Erdogan said during a televised speech.</p>

<p>"We once again offer our condolences to our Iranian brothers," added Erdogan, who earlier called Raisi a "dear colleague and brother".</p>


Iran President Ebrahim Raisi death news updates: Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi died in a plane crash reported on the evening of Sunday (May 19). Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first in the world to express condolences.

Iran President Ebrahim Raisi death news updates: Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi died in a plane crash reported on the evening of Sunday (May 19). Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first in the world to express condolences. Raisi was accompanied by Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian who too did not survive in what so far is being described as an 'accident'. "Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise of Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. His contribution to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran. India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow," Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X. Also read | India-Iran ties in Ebrahim Raisi years: Between BRICS, Chabahar and Central Asia connectivity Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday hailed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi as an "outstanding politician" and said his death in a helicopter crash was an "irreplaceable loss." "Raisi was an outstanding politician whose entire life was dedicated to serving his homeland," Putin said. "As a true friend of Russia, he made an invaluable personal contribution to the development of good-neighbourly relations between our countries." The European Union also expressed its "sincere condolences" over the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other officials in a helicopter crash. "Our thoughts go to the families," EU council president Charles Michel said in a statement. Ebrahim Raisi death: South Africa, Turkey react South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed deep regret over the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. "This is an extraordinary, unthinkable tragedy that has claimed a remarkable leader of a nation with whom South Africa enjoys strong bilateral relations," Ramaphosa said. Also watch | Raisi helicopter crash: Indian PM Modi reacts to Iran President Raisi's death × Iran became a full member of the intergovernmental forum BRICS in January, along with Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, Turkey said it was "deeply saddened" by the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. Turkey "shares the pain of the friendly and brotherly Iranian people," Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said. Ebrahim Raisi death: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad reacts Syrian President Bashar al-Assad expressed solidarity with close ally Tehran, which has backed him during years of war, after Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other officials died in a helicopter crash. Assad "affirmed Syria's solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Iran and with the families of the late deceased and his comrades," the Syrian presidency said in a statement, adding: "We worked with the late President to ensure that strategic relations between Syria and Iran flourish always". Ebrahim Raisi death: Malaysia PM Anwar Ibrahim reacts Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Monday he was "deeply saddened" by the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other officials in a helicopter crash, noting their shared commitment to bolstering ties. "I am deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and several other officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Ibrahim said in a statement on social media. Iran's Gulf neighbours the United Arab Emirates and Qatar also mourned the deaths of president Ebrahim Raisi and foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in a helicopter crash. The oil-rich UAE, which has mended ties with Tehran after years of rift "stands in solidarity with Iran at this difficult time", said Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. "I extend my deepest condolences to the Iranian government and people over the passing of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and those accompanying them following a tragic accident," Sheikh Mohammed posted on social media platform X. In another statement on X, Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, called the news "painful", expressing his "sincere condolences to the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran". Also read | Iran, Saudi Arabia restore ties as China-brokered deal outfoxes West The UAE and Saudi Arabia for long had strained ties with Iran because of its nuclear program and support to militant groups across the region. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared a day of mourning following Ebrahim Raisi's death "Pakistan will observe a day of mourning and the flag will fly at half mast as a mark of respect for President Raisi and his companions and in solidarity with Brotherly Iran," the Pakistani PM posted on X "I along with the government and people of Pakistan extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Iranian nation on this terrible loss," he said. "The great Iranian nation will overcome this tragedy with customary courage," Sharif added. US expresses condolences The United States expressed condolences on Monday over the Iranian president's death stating, "The United States expresses its official condolences for the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian, and other members of their delegation in a helicopter crash in northwest Iran," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement. "As Iran selects a new president, we reaffirm our support for the Iranian people and their struggle for human rights and fundamental freedoms," he said. Turkish president announces day of mourning Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday his country would observe a day of mourning over the death of Raisi. "During our cabinet meeting, we have decided to declare a day of mourning in our country to share the deep pain of the Iranian people," Erdogan said during a televised speech. "We once again offer our condolences to our Iranian brothers," added Erdogan, who earlier called Raisi a "dear colleague and brother".

Ebrahim Raisi no more: PM Modi, Russia's Putin, other world leaders remember late Iranian president

<p>India will observe a one-day state mourning on Tuesday (May 21) as a mark of respect to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who passed away in a helicopter crash, the Union Home Ministry announced.</p>

<p>The national flag will be flown at half-mast throughout the country on all buildings where it is regularly flown and there will be no official entertainment during the period.</p>

<p>"As a mark of respect to the departed dignitaries, the government of India has decided that there will be one day's state mourning on May 21 (Tuesday) throughout India," the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said.</p>

<p>"On the day of mourning, the national flag will be flown at half-mast throughout India on all buildings where the national flag is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment on the day," the statement further added.</p>

<p>Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences on the Iranian president's passing.</p>

<p>He took to his official X handle and wrote, "Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise of Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. His contribution to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran. India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise of Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. His contribution to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran.…</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1792418659803038064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Raisi died in a plane crash reported on Sunday (May 19) evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ebrahim Raisi, had an accident while serving and performing his duty for the people of Iran and was martyred," stated the local Mehr news agency.</p>

<p>As per the report, the helicopter carrying Raisi met with an accident in the Jolfa region of East Azerbaijan province as it flew in bad weather conditions.</p>

<p>The accident took place in Dizmar's mountainous protected forest area near the town of Varzaghan, as reported by the official IRNA news agency.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ebrahim-raisi-death-vp-mokhber-to-serve-as-interim-president-nuclear-negotiator-bagheri-as-acting-fm-of-iran-723510">Ebrahim Raisi death: VP Mokhber to serve as interim President, nuclear negotiator Bagheri as acting FM of Iran</a></p>

<h2><strong>Iran announces 5 days of mourning</strong></h2>

<p>Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei offered condolences to the people of his country and announced five days of public mourning for Raisi.</p>

<p>"I announce five days of public mourning and offer my condolences to the dear people of Iran," Khamenei said in a statement carried by the official news agency IRNA.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Lebanon and Syria also announced three days of national mourning for Raisi and foreign minister who lost their lives in the crash.</p>

<p>"I can't tell you how sorry I am about this incident that happened. Especially that the foreign minister had become a friend," Lebanon's Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib told reporters on Monday.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India will observe a one-day state mourning on Tuesday (May 21) as a mark of respect to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who passed away in a helicopter crash, the Union Home Ministry announced.

India will observe a one-day state mourning on Tuesday (May 21) as a mark of respect to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who passed away in a helicopter crash, the Union Home Ministry announced. The national flag will be flown at half-mast throughout the country on all buildings where it is regularly flown and there will be no official entertainment during the period. "As a mark of respect to the departed dignitaries, the government of India has decided that there will be one day's state mourning on May 21 (Tuesday) throughout India," the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said. "On the day of mourning, the national flag will be flown at half-mast throughout India on all buildings where the national flag is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment on the day," the statement further added. Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences on the Iranian president's passing. He took to his official X handle and wrote, "Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise of Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. His contribution to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran. India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow." Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise of Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. His contribution to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran.… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 20, 2024 × Raisi died in a plane crash reported on Sunday (May 19) evening. "The president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ebrahim Raisi, had an accident while serving and performing his duty for the people of Iran and was martyred," stated the local Mehr news agency. As per the report, the helicopter carrying Raisi met with an accident in the Jolfa region of East Azerbaijan province as it flew in bad weather conditions. The accident took place in Dizmar's mountainous protected forest area near the town of Varzaghan, as reported by the official IRNA news agency. Also read: Ebrahim Raisi death: VP Mokhber to serve as interim President, nuclear negotiator Bagheri as acting FM of Iran Iran announces 5 days of mourning Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei offered condolences to the people of his country and announced five days of public mourning for Raisi. "I announce five days of public mourning and offer my condolences to the dear people of Iran," Khamenei said in a statement carried by the official news agency IRNA. Meanwhile, Lebanon and Syria also announced three days of national mourning for Raisi and foreign minister who lost their lives in the crash. "I can't tell you how sorry I am about this incident that happened. Especially that the foreign minister had become a friend," Lebanon's Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib told reporters on Monday. (With inputs from agencies)

India declares one-day state mourning on Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s demise in helicopter crash

<p>The political drama amid the ongoing Lok Sabha polls took&nbsp;a new turn with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's open challenge to the Union government to "put in jail whosoever" it wants to.</p>

<p>The AAP supremo said that "he would go to the BJP headquarters tomorrow along with his party's top leaders, MLAs and MPs at 12 noon and PM Modi can arrest anyone he wants to".</p>

<p>"You can see how they (BJP) are after AAP. One after another, they are putting AAP leaders behind bars. They put me, Manish Sisodia, Satyendra Jain, and Sanjay Singh behind bars. Today they put my PA in jail. Now they are saying they will put Raghav Chadha, Atishi, and Saurabh Bharadwaj in jail. Maybe our fault is that we built schools and mohalla clinics, we provided free electricity, but they are unable to do it," Kejriwal said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I would like to tell the Prime Minister - you are playing this 'jail ka khel'. Tomorrow, I am coming to the BJP headquarters with all my top leaders, MLAs, and MPs at 12 noon. You can put in jail whoever you want," he added.</p>

<p>He then said that his party could not be crushed as Aam Aadmi Party was not just a political party but an "ideology".</p>

<p>"You might be thinking that by putting AAP leaders in jail, you will be able to crush AAP but AAP is an ideology that has touched the hearts of people," he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says, "You can see how they are after AAP...I would like to tell the Prime Minister - you are playing this 'jail ka khel'...Tomorrow, I am coming to the BJP HQ with all my top leaders, MLAs, MPs at 12 noon. You can put in jail whoever you… <a href="https://t.co/7Hpau6REeu">pic.twitter.com/7Hpau6REeu</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1791793452281446888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kejriwal's remarks came after his aide Bibhav Kumar was arrested following accusations of assault on AAP MP Swati Maliwal.</p>

<p>Maliwal, the former chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), had alleged that she was “slapped, hit on the stomach, and kicked” by Kumar at the Delhi CM’s residence on May 13.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-swati-maliwal-an-indian-mp-who-was-allegedly-assaulted-at-delhi-cms-residence-722699">Who is Swati Maliwal,&nbsp;Indian MP who was allegedly assaulted at Delhi CM's residence?</a></p>

<p>The arrest comes a day after Maliwal said that Kumar assaulted her in the drawing room of the Delhi CM’s official residence on the morning of May 13 when Kejriwal was present in the house.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Rajya Sabha MP also claims that she had informed the staff about her presence and was asked to wait when Kumar suddenly ran into the room and began verbally abusing her.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I made noise and said ‘Let me go,’ but he kept beating me continuously and abusing me in Hindi. He threatened, ‘We will see, we will deal with it’. I informed him that I was menstruating and in considerable pain, begging him to leave me alone,” Maliwal said, as per the FIR.</p>

<p>The Delhi CM’s aide was also summoned by the National Commission for Women (NCW), on Friday concerning the allegations levelled against him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reacting to Kumar's arrest, the chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW) Rekha Sharma took to her official X handle and in a posting wrote, "Delhi CM's aide Bibhav Kumar was arrested from his house. So, the CM was giving shelter to an alleged criminal."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The political drama amid the ongoing Lok Sabha polls took a new turn with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's open challenge to the Union government to "put in jail whosoever" it wants to.

The political drama amid the ongoing Lok Sabha polls took a new turn with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's open challenge to the Union government to "put in jail whosoever" it wants to. The AAP supremo said that "he would go to the BJP headquarters tomorrow along with his party's top leaders, MLAs and MPs at 12 noon and PM Modi can arrest anyone he wants to". "You can see how they (BJP) are after AAP. One after another, they are putting AAP leaders behind bars. They put me, Manish Sisodia, Satyendra Jain, and Sanjay Singh behind bars. Today they put my PA in jail. Now they are saying they will put Raghav Chadha, Atishi, and Saurabh Bharadwaj in jail. Maybe our fault is that we built schools and mohalla clinics, we provided free electricity, but they are unable to do it," Kejriwal said. "I would like to tell the Prime Minister - you are playing this 'jail ka khel'. Tomorrow, I am coming to the BJP headquarters with all my top leaders, MLAs, and MPs at 12 noon. You can put in jail whoever you want," he added. He then said that his party could not be crushed as Aam Aadmi Party was not just a political party but an "ideology". "You might be thinking that by putting AAP leaders in jail, you will be able to crush AAP but AAP is an ideology that has touched the hearts of people," he said. #WATCH | Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says, "You can see how they are after AAP...I would like to tell the Prime Minister - you are playing this 'jail ka khel'...Tomorrow, I am coming to the BJP HQ with all my top leaders, MLAs, MPs at 12 noon. You can put in jail whoever you… pic.twitter.com/7Hpau6REeu — ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2024 × Kejriwal's remarks came after his aide Bibhav Kumar was arrested following accusations of assault on AAP MP Swati Maliwal. Maliwal, the former chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), had alleged that she was “slapped, hit on the stomach, and kicked” by Kumar at the Delhi CM’s residence on May 13. Also read: Who is Swati Maliwal, Indian MP who was allegedly assaulted at Delhi CM's residence? The arrest comes a day after Maliwal said that Kumar assaulted her in the drawing room of the Delhi CM’s official residence on the morning of May 13 when Kejriwal was present in the house. The Rajya Sabha MP also claims that she had informed the staff about her presence and was asked to wait when Kumar suddenly ran into the room and began verbally abusing her. “I made noise and said ‘Let me go,’ but he kept beating me continuously and abusing me in Hindi. He threatened, ‘We will see, we will deal with it’. I informed him that I was menstruating and in considerable pain, begging him to leave me alone,” Maliwal said, as per the FIR. The Delhi CM’s aide was also summoned by the National Commission for Women (NCW), on Friday concerning the allegations levelled against him. Reacting to Kumar's arrest, the chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW) Rekha Sharma took to her official X handle and in a posting wrote, "Delhi CM's aide Bibhav Kumar was arrested from his house. So, the CM was giving shelter to an alleged criminal." (With inputs from agencies)

Kejriwal throws arrest challenge to govt: ‘Will come to BJP HQ tomorrow, put in jail whoever you want to’

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