National Conference leader Omar Abdullah took oath as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar today (October 16). Along with the new CM, five new ministers also took oath.

India: Omar Abdullah Returns As Jammu-Kashmir's Chief Minister

Jammu-Kashmir: Omar Abdullah Takes Oath As Chief Minister, Congress To Provide Outside Support

According to persons familiar with the situation, India is expected to invite the leaders of several of its neighbors, including Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in event this coming weekend.

Modi 3.0: Who are the neighboring leaders of India invited to Narendra Modi's third swearing-in

After announcing the new Afghanistan government, the Taliban will reportedly hold an oath taking ceremony on September 11- the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in the US.

Reports: Taliban led govt in Afghanistan to hold oath taking ceremony on 9/11 anniversary

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that he will work for everyone, be it from any party, any religion, caste or strata of society.

''Elections are over, it doesn't matter who you voted for, now all Delhiites are my family. I will work for everyone, be it from any party, any religion, caste or strata of society,'' he said after taking oath as Delhi chief minister for the third consecutive term.

Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party swept the Delhi polls winning 62 out of 70 seats in Delhi Assembly.&nbsp;

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'Little Mufflerman', the boy dressed as Arvind Kejriwal whose images went viral on counting day(Feb 11), also present at the oath-taking ceremony. He was officially invited by AAP <a href="https://t.co/k8E9Q8Um1M">pic.twitter.com/k8E9Q8Um1M</a>
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''In the last five years, our only effort has been to bring happiness and relief to every Delhiite. This is not my win, this is the victory of every Delhiite, of every family,'' he added.

The Delhi chief minister said he invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the oath taking ceremony.&nbsp;

''I had sent an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji for this event. He could not come maybe he is busy at some other event. But through this platform, I want to take blessings from PMji and the central government to develop Delhi andtake it forward,'' he said.

Kejriwal also hit out at the critics who accused him of freebies and said, ''some people say Kejriwal is giving everything for free. Nature has ensured every valuable thing in the world is free, be it Mother's love, father's blessings or Shravan Kumar's dedication. So, Kejriwal loves his people and hence this love is free'', he further said.&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that he will work for everyone, be it from any party, any religion, caste or strata of society. ''Elections are over, it doesn't matter who you voted for, now all Delhiites are my family.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that he will work for everyone, be it from any party, any religion, caste or strata of society. ''Elections are over, it doesn't matter who you voted for, now all Delhiites are my family. I will work for everyone, be it from any party, any religion, caste or strata of society,'' he said after taking oath as Delhi chief minister for the third consecutive term. Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party swept the Delhi polls winning 62 out of 70 seats in Delhi Assembly. 'Little Mufflerman', the boy dressed as Arvind Kejriwal whose images went viral on counting day(Feb 11), also present at the oath-taking ceremony. He was officially invited by AAP pic.twitter.com/k8E9Q8Um1M — ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2020 × ''In the last five years, our only effort has been to bring happiness and relief to every Delhiite. This is not my win, this is the victory of every Delhiite, of every family,'' he added. The Delhi chief minister said he invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the oath taking ceremony. ''I had sent an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji for this event. He could not come maybe he is busy at some other event. But through this platform, I want to take blessings from PMji and the central government to develop Delhi andtake it forward,'' he said. Kejriwal also hit out at the critics who accused him of freebies and said, ''some people say Kejriwal is giving everything for free. Nature has ensured every valuable thing in the world is free, be it Mother's love, father's blessings or Shravan Kumar's dedication. So, Kejriwal loves his people and hence this love is free'', he further said.

I will work for everyone, says Kejriwal after taking oath as Delhi CM 

Leaders of the BIMSTEC member countries attended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oath ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan

Gravitas: PM Modi renews push for 'Neighbourhood' first

In a balancing act, two dominant communities of Karnataka--Lingayats and Vokkaligas-- have been accommodated in the Narendra Modi-led new council of ministers.

D V Sadananda Gowda and Pralhad Joshi, who were Karnataka BJP presidents, along with Belgaum MP Suresh Angadi have found place in the new ministry.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/narendra-modi-takes-oath-as-prime-minister-for-second-time-222847">Narendra Modi takes oath as PM for second term, joined by Rajnath, Shah, others in Cabinet</a>

Induction of Joshi and Angadi is seen as a move to further consolidate the BJP's base in north Karnataka, where it is already strong.

In the recent Lok Sabha polls, the BJP had made deep inroads into the south also, which was considered the stronghold of the Congress and the JDS.

The BJP had won 25 of the 28 seats in Karnataka.

While Sadananda Gowda is a former Karnataka Chief Minister and had served as the minister in the previous Modi government, for Joshi and Angadi, both four-time MPs, it will be their first stint as ministers.

Meanwhile, Nirmala Sitharaman, who served as Defence Minister in the previous government, also was inducted into Modi's new Ministry.

She represents Karnataka in the Rajya Sabha.

With the induction of Gowda and Angadi, representation has been given to two dominant communities in the state- Vokkaligas and Lingayats respectively.

Joshi is a Brahmin, the community though does not form larger vote base has been loyal to BJP for long.

Sitharaman too is a Brahmin.

Region wise, prominence has been given to Mumbai Karnataka in the northern part of the state, considered as a strong bastion of the BJP, as both Joshi and Angadi hail from the region.

While Gowda originally belongs to coastal part of the state, he represents Bangalore North seat.

However, it is to be noted that though Lingayats were considered as the vote bank of BJP and Vokkaligas for JD(S) and to an extent Congress, what was seen in this Lok Sabha polls is larger consolidation of Hindu votes in favour of the BJP, including backward classes.

Also, region wise BJP that was considered to be strong in Mumbai Karnataka and coastal belt and to an extent in Hyderabad Karnataka, has made inroads distinctively into old Mysuru region this time, which was earlier said to be a battlefield reserved for the Congress and JD(S).

With the BJP winning 25 of the total 28 seats in the state, there was expectation in the Karnataka unit that members elected from the state would get more representation in the Narendra Modi ministry.

The state unit's feelings were clearly articulated by Karnataka chief B S Yeddyurappa a day ahead of the swearing-inof Modi as prime minister after a landslide win.

"I'm going to Delhi, I don't know what is in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mind. As 25 MPs have got elected from here, Karnataka should get more representation is the expectation of every one, 6.5 crore people of Karnataka.

I will try to convince them about this," Yeddyurappa had told reporters in response to a question.

With expectation of more representation from Karnataka, there is also feeling expecting additional ministerial berth for Lingayat community, since more number of seats were won by Lingayats- nine in all.

Also, there is no representation to the SC community for now.

D V Sadananda Gowda (Vokkaliga), G M Siddeshwara (Lingayat), along with Ananth Kumar (Brahmin) had found place in the Modi government-1 cabinet in 2014.

Later when the cabinet rejig happened, Ramesh Jigajinagi, a dalit leader, was inducted dropping Siddeshwara.

Also inducted was Ananth Kumar Hegde (Brahmin).

M Venkaiah Naidu, now Vice President of India, and Nirmala Sitharaman had also served as ministers in the previous Modi government.

All the three MPs, who were inducted into the ministry Thursday, had defeated their opponents by a huge margin.

While Gowda had defeated his opponent Congress' Krishna Byre Gowda from Bangalore North by a margin of 1,47,518 votes, Joshi won the Dharwad Lok Sabha seat by a margin of 2,05,072, defeating Congress' Vinay Kulkarni, a former minister.

Angadi too had defeated Congress' Sadhunavar in Belgaum by a margin of 3,91,304 votes.

In a balancing act, two dominant communities of Karnataka--Lingayats and Vokkaligas-- have been accommodated in the Narendra Modi-led new council of ministers. D V Sadananda Gowda and Pralhad Joshi, who were Karnataka BJP presidents, along with Belgaum MP Suresh Angadi have found place in the new ministry.

In a balancing act, two dominant communities of Karnataka--Lingayats and Vokkaligas-- have been accommodated in the Narendra Modi-led new council of ministers. D V Sadananda Gowda and Pralhad Joshi, who were Karnataka BJP presidents, along with Belgaum MP Suresh Angadi have found place in the new ministry. Also read: Narendra Modi takes oath as PM for second term, joined by Rajnath, Shah, others in Cabinet Induction of Joshi and Angadi is seen as a move to further consolidate the BJP's base in north Karnataka, where it is already strong. In the recent Lok Sabha polls, the BJP had made deep inroads into the south also, which was considered the stronghold of the Congress and the JDS. The BJP had won 25 of the 28 seats in Karnataka. While Sadananda Gowda is a former Karnataka Chief Minister and had served as the minister in the previous Modi government, for Joshi and Angadi, both four-time MPs, it will be their first stint as ministers. Meanwhile, Nirmala Sitharaman, who served as Defence Minister in the previous government, also was inducted into Modi's new Ministry. She represents Karnataka in the Rajya Sabha. With the induction of Gowda and Angadi, representation has been given to two dominant communities in the state- Vokkaligas and Lingayats respectively. Joshi is a Brahmin, the community though does not form larger vote base has been loyal to BJP for long. Sitharaman too is a Brahmin. Region wise, prominence has been given to Mumbai Karnataka in the northern part of the state, considered as a strong bastion of the BJP, as both Joshi and Angadi hail from the region. While Gowda originally belongs to coastal part of the state, he represents Bangalore North seat. However, it is to be noted that though Lingayats were considered as the vote bank of BJP and Vokkaligas for JD(S) and to an extent Congress, what was seen in this Lok Sabha polls is larger consolidation of Hindu votes in favour of the BJP, including backward classes. Also, region wise BJP that was considered to be strong in Mumbai Karnataka and coastal belt and to an extent in Hyderabad Karnataka, has made inroads distinctively into old Mysuru region this time, which was earlier said to be a battlefield reserved for the Congress and JD(S). With the BJP winning 25 of the total 28 seats in the state, there was expectation in the Karnataka unit that members elected from the state would get more representation in the Narendra Modi ministry. The state unit's feelings were clearly articulated by Karnataka chief B S Yeddyurappa a day ahead of the swearing-inof Modi as prime minister after a landslide win. "I'm going to Delhi, I don't know what is in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mind. As 25 MPs have got elected from here, Karnataka should get more representation is the expectation of every one, 6.5 crore people of Karnataka. I will try to convince them about this," Yeddyurappa had told reporters in response to a question. With expectation of more representation from Karnataka, there is also feeling expecting additional ministerial berth for Lingayat community, since more number of seats were won by Lingayats- nine in all. Also, there is no representation to the SC community for now. D V Sadananda Gowda (Vokkaliga), G M Siddeshwara (Lingayat), along with Ananth Kumar (Brahmin) had found place in the Modi government-1 cabinet in 2014. Later when the cabinet rejig happened, Ramesh Jigajinagi, a dalit leader, was inducted dropping Siddeshwara. Also inducted was Ananth Kumar Hegde (Brahmin). M Venkaiah Naidu, now Vice President of India, and Nirmala Sitharaman had also served as ministers in the previous Modi government. All the three MPs, who were inducted into the ministry Thursday, had defeated their opponents by a huge margin. While Gowda had defeated his opponent Congress' Krishna Byre Gowda from Bangalore North by a margin of 1,47,518 votes, Joshi won the Dharwad Lok Sabha seat by a margin of 2,05,072, defeating Congress' Vinay Kulkarni, a former minister. Angadi too had defeated Congress' Sadhunavar in Belgaum by a margin of 3,91,304 votes.

Two dominant communities given representation in Modi ministry

As Prime Minister Modi and the new council of ministers took oath for the Modi government&nbsp;2.0 on Thursday,&nbsp;here's taking a look at the&nbsp;NDA allies who successfully&nbsp;clinched&nbsp;Cabinet portfolios for the new term.&nbsp;

JD(U) and LJP

Lok Janshakti Party (LJP)'s Ram Vilas Paswan took oath as the new Union Minister in the Modi 2.0 cabinet held in the national capital at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Paswan, one of the most veteran parliamentarians, was a Cabinet minister in the last government. His party has won all the six seats that it had contested in 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

BJP's other ally JD(U) which&nbsp;clinched over 16 seats in the Lok Sabha has announced its absence from the new government.

Ahead of the oath-taking ceremony, Nitish Kumar said he was not going to be part of the new cabinet as it would just be "symbolic participation".

Speaking to reporters, Kumar said, "They (BJP) wanted only one person from JDU in the cabinet, so it would have been just symbolic participation. We informed them that it is okay we don't need it. It is not a big issue, we are fully in NDA and not upset at all. We are working together,no confusion."

PM Modi led BJP and its allies&nbsp;Janata Dal (United) and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) swept away all the seats in Bihar leaving one for the Congress. The NDA got 39 out of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

Shiromani Akali Dal

Harsimrat Kaur Badal also took oath as the Union Minister in the new Modi led NDA government.

She was the food processing minister during the previous tenure of the government.

The BJP-SAD alliance won only four out of the 13 seats in Punjab in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Earlier reporters had suggested that&nbsp;Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal will not hold any ministerial berth in the Cabinet adding that Harsimrat Kaur Badal will be part of it.

Shiv Sena&nbsp;

Shiv Sena leader Arvind Sawant&nbsp;who defeated Congress heavyweight Milind Deora from Mumbai will also be part of the new Modi Cabinet. Sawant took oath as the new Union Minister in the swearing-in ceremony today.

BJP's ally from Maharashtra won 18 seats of the 48 in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Republican Party of India

BJP's other alliance from Maharashtra, Republican Party of India chief Ramdas Bandu Athawale was also inducted&nbsp;in the Modi 2.0 Cabinet. Athawala was appointed in&nbsp;the Union Minister of State.

The popular Dalit face served as the minister for social justice and empowerment in the previous Narendra Modi Cabinet.

&nbsp;

As Prime Minister Modi and the new council of ministers took oath for the Modi government 2.0 on Thursday, here's taking a look at the NDA allies who successfully clinched Cabinet portfolios for the new term.

As Prime Minister Modi and the new council of ministers took oath for the Modi government 2.0 on Thursday, here's taking a look at the NDA allies who successfully clinched Cabinet portfolios for the new term. JD(U) and LJP Lok Janshakti Party (LJP)'s Ram Vilas Paswan took oath as the new Union Minister in the Modi 2.0 cabinet held in the national capital at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Paswan, one of the most veteran parliamentarians, was a Cabinet minister in the last government. His party has won all the six seats that it had contested in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. BJP's other ally JD(U) which clinched over 16 seats in the Lok Sabha has announced its absence from the new government. Ahead of the oath-taking ceremony, Nitish Kumar said he was not going to be part of the new cabinet as it would just be "symbolic participation". Speaking to reporters, Kumar said, "They (BJP) wanted only one person from JDU in the cabinet, so it would have been just symbolic participation. We informed them that it is okay we don't need it. It is not a big issue, we are fully in NDA and not upset at all. We are working together,no confusion." PM Modi led BJP and its allies Janata Dal (United) and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) swept away all the seats in Bihar leaving one for the Congress. The NDA got 39 out of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Shiromani Akali Dal Harsimrat Kaur Badal also took oath as the Union Minister in the new Modi led NDA government. She was the food processing minister during the previous tenure of the government. The BJP-SAD alliance won only four out of the 13 seats in Punjab in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Earlier reporters had suggested that Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal will not hold any ministerial berth in the Cabinet adding that Harsimrat Kaur Badal will be part of it. Shiv Sena Shiv Sena leader Arvind Sawant who defeated Congress heavyweight Milind Deora from Mumbai will also be part of the new Modi Cabinet. Sawant took oath as the new Union Minister in the swearing-in ceremony today. BJP's ally from Maharashtra won 18 seats of the 48 in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Republican Party of India BJP's other alliance from Maharashtra, Republican Party of India chief Ramdas Bandu Athawale was also inducted in the Modi 2.0 Cabinet. Athawala was appointed in the Union Minister of State. The popular Dalit face served as the minister for social justice and empowerment in the previous Narendra Modi Cabinet.

NDA's allies who are part of the Modi 2.0 Cabinet

According to Sources, S Jaishankar will be the part of the cabinet.

Breaking News: Ex-Foreign secy S Jaishankar at PMO

Confirmed! BJP President to be given a cabinet position. Amit Shah to take oath today.

Breaking News: Amit Shah to take oath today

PM Modi will be visiting the Maldives on Saturday to take part in the oath-taking ceremony of new president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. He will be leaving Delhi around noon time. The oath-taking ceremony will be taking place at 5 pm local time. Among the foreign leaders present in the oath ceremony, India's representation is amongst the highest level.&nbsp;

Announcing the visit MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had last week said, "Prime Minister has accepted the invitation with pleasure. In keeping with her Neighborhood First policy, India looks forward to closely working with the Maldives in further deepening our partnership. PM will return to New Delhi on the same night"&nbsp;

Welcoming Indian PM's participation, Mariya Didi, Spokesperson of President-elect Solih had tweeted - "Delighted to hear that the Indian PM @narendramodi @PMOIndia has accepted President-Elect @ibusolih’s invitation and will attend the Presidential inauguration. We look forward to a new era of friendship and co-operation with India in the years ahead @PresElectMv @AkhileshIFS"

PM Modi had called Solih after his election victory and congratulated him on his victory in the Presidential elections. Prime Minister Modi also conveyed his "good wishes for the strengthening of democracy, peace and prosperity in the Maldives" under the leadership of Solih.&nbsp;

Experts believe visit by India PM to the Maldives sends a message. A message that India fully backs in new government in the Maldives. Interestingly, Maldives is the only SAARC country that Modi has not visited since taking over in 2014. The 2nd Quad meeting that took place in Singapore this year also discussed the Maldives with statements from Washington, Canberra and Tokyo all calling to support the new govt in the Maldives.&nbsp;

Sigh of relief for Delhi

Since the change in Maldives due to the elections, its a sigh of relief in Delhi because India-Maldives relations under President Yameen had suffered. President Yameen junked "India First" policy and was pro-China. Yameen allowed a number of Chinese Infrastructure projects in the country and gave a go-ahead to Maldives China Free trade agreement.&nbsp;

Under Yameen, people to people ties also suffered from visas and work permit being denied to Indians. Former President Nasheed speaking to WION had slammed Yameen's informal ban on Indians and said, "that will have a negative impact on the Maldives as most of the skilled force come from India". &nbsp;

Indians are the second largest expatriate community in the Maldives with an approximate strength of around 22,000. Of the country’s approximately 400 doctors, over 125 are Indians. Similarly, around 25 per cent of teachers in the Maldives are Indians

Recently Dunya Maumoon, daughter of Abdul Gayoom who was the longest-serving president of Maldives and architect of democracy in the country visited New Delhi.

She met India's external affairs minister during the visit. Speaking to WION during her Delhi visit, she lambasted Yameen and said, "While he brought some development, mostly a lot of people lived in fear and in an environment of a lot of political persecution. Using the court he was able to lock up and convict a lot of innocent people under various charges this included my father who at his age and given his health, it was a difficult time for him personally. My mother, my family. My brother, my brother in law were imprisoned. And many many other political figures with whom he was threatened were put in jail."

China, Japan to send representatives&nbsp;

Both China &amp; Japan are also sending representatives. China will be sending President Xi Jinping's Special Envoy and Minister of Culture and Tourism Luo Shugang who is already in the country.

Japan will be sending the member of the House of Representatives and President of the Japan-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship League, Wataru Takeshita. He is going to Male as Special Envoy of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

PM Modi will be visiting the Maldives on Saturday to take part in the oath-taking ceremony of new president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. He will be leaving Delhi around noon time.

PM Modi will be visiting the Maldives on Saturday to take part in the oath-taking ceremony of new president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. He will be leaving Delhi around noon time. The oath-taking ceremony will be taking place at 5 pm local time. Among the foreign leaders present in the oath ceremony, India's representation is amongst the highest level. Announcing the visit MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had last week said, "Prime Minister has accepted the invitation with pleasure. In keeping with her Neighborhood First policy, India looks forward to closely working with the Maldives in further deepening our partnership. PM will return to New Delhi on the same night" Welcoming Indian PM's participation, Mariya Didi, Spokesperson of President-elect Solih had tweeted - "Delighted to hear that the Indian PM @narendramodi @PMOIndia has accepted President-Elect @ibusolih’s invitation and will attend the Presidential inauguration. We look forward to a new era of friendship and co-operation with India in the years ahead @PresElectMv @AkhileshIFS" PM Modi had called Solih after his election victory and congratulated him on his victory in the Presidential elections. Prime Minister Modi also conveyed his "good wishes for the strengthening of democracy, peace and prosperity in the Maldives" under the leadership of Solih. Experts believe visit by India PM to the Maldives sends a message. A message that India fully backs in new government in the Maldives. Interestingly, Maldives is the only SAARC country that Modi has not visited since taking over in 2014. The 2nd Quad meeting that took place in Singapore this year also discussed the Maldives with statements from Washington, Canberra and Tokyo all calling to support the new govt in the Maldives. Sigh of relief for Delhi Since the change in Maldives due to the elections, its a sigh of relief in Delhi because India-Maldives relations under President Yameen had suffered. President Yameen junked "India First" policy and was pro-China. Yameen allowed a number of Chinese Infrastructure projects in the country and gave a go-ahead to Maldives China Free trade agreement. Under Yameen, people to people ties also suffered from visas and work permit being denied to Indians. Former President Nasheed speaking to WION had slammed Yameen's informal ban on Indians and said, "that will have a negative impact on the Maldives as most of the skilled force come from India". Indians are the second largest expatriate community in the Maldives with an approximate strength of around 22,000. Of the country’s approximately 400 doctors, over 125 are Indians. Similarly, around 25 per cent of teachers in the Maldives are Indians Recently Dunya Maumoon, daughter of Abdul Gayoom who was the longest-serving president of Maldives and architect of democracy in the country visited New Delhi. She met India's external affairs minister during the visit. Speaking to WION during her Delhi visit, she lambasted Yameen and said, "While he brought some development, mostly a lot of people lived in fear and in an environment of a lot of political persecution. Using the court he was able to lock up and convict a lot of innocent people under various charges this included my father who at his age and given his health, it was a difficult time for him personally. My mother, my family. My brother, my brother in law were imprisoned. And many many other political figures with whom he was threatened were put in jail." China, Japan to send representatives Both China & Japan are also sending representatives. China will be sending President Xi Jinping's Special Envoy and Minister of Culture and Tourism Luo Shugang who is already in the country. Japan will be sending the member of the House of Representatives and President of the Japan-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship League, Wataru Takeshita. He is going to Male as Special Envoy of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

In PM Modi's presence at Solih's oath taking ceremony Delhi sends a message