Narendra Modi relected as India's PM with a heavy mandate. The stats are very huge and sweeps away each and every opposition party in India. Looks like today India shows that they had choose development over the 'Dynasty' rule.

IEW: BJP scripts history, wins over 300 seats

Lok Sabha election 2019 results re-elected BJP to rule again for 5 years. The massive mandate BJP won had put the whole opposition in a great depression for sure. 354 seats out of 543 broke all records from the last election results in 2014. But have a look on some of the major loosers and winners in these polls.

Lok Sabha Elections 2019: Watch out some winners and Loosers in these polls

<p>The BJP and its ally Apna Dal(S) have won 63&nbsp;of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats, demolishing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-up-numbers-show-mahagathbandhan-a-failed-experiment-221047">challenge posed by the SP-BSP alliance</a>, which has managed to get 15&nbsp;seats between them.</p>

<p>The counting of votes is still underway in the state, which sends the highest number of MPs in the Lower House, and the Election Commission has declared results of 77 seats as of 6:20 AM Friday.</p>

<p>Of these, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-modi-wave-sweeps-india-again-nda-poised-to-win-lok-sabha-elections-221034">BJP</a> has won 60 seats and its NDA ally Apna Dal (S) two. The BJP is also leading on two seats.</p>

<p>The party's most remarkable victory came in Amethi where Union minister Smriti Irani unseated Congress president Rahul Gandhi from his party's bastion.</p>

<p>The NDA tally was just 11 short of the 73, the number of seats the two parties won in the Hindi heartland state in 2014. This gap is set to come down to nine.</p>

<p>The opposition SP-BSP alliance bagged 14 seats, with nine going to Mayawati's BSP.</p>

<p>The party is also leading in one seat.</p>

<p>The Congress just managed to open its account in the state as UPA chairperson and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi won the Rae Bareli seat.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: 'There is no place for dynasty rulers, corrupt leaders in this nation' says Yogi Adityanath</strong></p>

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The BJP and its ally Apna Dal(S) have won 63 of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats, demolishing the challenge posed by the SP-BSP alliance, which has managed to get 15 seats between them.

The BJP and its ally Apna Dal(S) have won 63 of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats, demolishing the challenge posed by the SP-BSP alliance, which has managed to get 15 seats between them. The counting of votes is still underway in the state, which sends the highest number of MPs in the Lower House, and the Election Commission has declared results of 77 seats as of 6:20 AM Friday. Of these, the BJP has won 60 seats and its NDA ally Apna Dal (S) two. The BJP is also leading on two seats. The party's most remarkable victory came in Amethi where Union minister Smriti Irani unseated Congress president Rahul Gandhi from his party's bastion. The NDA tally was just 11 short of the 73, the number of seats the two parties won in the Hindi heartland state in 2014. This gap is set to come down to nine. The opposition SP-BSP alliance bagged 14 seats, with nine going to Mayawati's BSP. The party is also leading in one seat. The Congress just managed to open its account in the state as UPA chairperson and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi won the Rae Bareli seat. Also read: 'There is no place for dynasty rulers, corrupt leaders in this nation' says Yogi Adityanath ×

In UP, BJP+ gets 63 and counting, SP-BSP struggles to touch 15

The dysnasty rule fails too from the Royal seat of Amethi. BJP's candidate Smriti Irani mangages to do so. Rahul Gandhi ain't saw that coming that turned every single vote in favour of Mrs. Irani. All those campaings of Mrs. Irani in Amethi makes people to trust her more rather choosing the 'Missing prince'.

BJP's Smriti Irani manages to let Rahul's bastions down

The 2019 Lok Sabha election is the worst possible memory oppostion will ever remember. It broked dreams of many MP's to become Prime MInister but one thing more what these results broked are the records. The Modi-wave this time maybe inaudible but hits harder than 2014 elections.

PM Modi led BJP breaks 2014 election records; Silent wave turns crisis for oppostion this time

<p>The Congress party is at the crossroads of its 134-year-old existence. Despite a rousing electoral campaign, aided by liberal photo-ops and larger-than-life sound-bytes, it is abundantly clear that Rahul Gandhi is not a saleable commodity.</p>

<p>Had there been anyone else in Rahul’s place, minus a Congress lineage as distinguished as his, he would have long been shown the door and pushed into political oblivion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, fact is that Rahul has continued merrily since March 2004 when he first announced his entry into politics. Fifteen years down the line, this is his time of denouement. Where does Congress go from here? Indeed, where does Rahul go from here?</p>

<p>Rahul’s ‘chowkidar chor hai’ slogan is going to come haunt him and surely will go down as one of the most ill-conceived pieces of poll-time sloganeering — one that may well have signed the epitaph of India’s oldest political party.</p>

<p>The larger question is whether in an aspirational India, entitlement itself is under the hammer as suddenly, even the lowest of the low is feeling the pangs of empowerment. After all, for over six decades, India has invested in democracy and it has to show somewhere. Birth may no longer be enough to win public office, even though there are political scions who have won elections this time as well.</p>

<p>Since his debut in 2004, Rahul has been held out as the great Congress hope to pull the party’s chestnuts out of the fire. It has not played out that way. The party was vanquished out of India’s most politically crucial state, Uttar Pradesh, in 1989, and it has not come back to the Congress. Thereafter, despite being repeatedly projected as the Congress’ prime ministerial aspirant, Rahul has come a cropper, including in a couple of Assembly elections in UP, where the party has been all but marginalised.</p>

<p>A few years ago, there was hope. From winning 10 Lok Sabha seats in 2004 in UP to 21 out of 80 seats in 2009, there seemed promise, but since then, the Modi tsunami has simply swept aside whatever was left of the fight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2019, it has been no different. This time, the Congress pulled out another supposed ace — Priyanka Gandhi — from its pack of cards to make a dent into proceedings. However, Priyanka’s foray into UP politics in poll 2019 is another classic example of what has gone wrong with Congress politics. First, came the coy announcement — not so much an announcement as a mealy-mouthed hint — that she may contest from Varanasi. It energised a demoralised Congress cadre, lying dormant for decades in the state. But only temporarily. Within days came a less-than-upfront denial that she had no such plans. Potentially, a Modi-Priyanka standoff was a mouth-watering contest, which would have compelled the prime minister to stay put in his constituency, without travelling too much. But the prospect of defeat is simply too much to stomach for the Gandhi family and Priyanka backed out at the last minute.</p>

<p>Congress’s first family is obviously out of touch. Rahul, who had the opportunity of acquiring experience under the Manmohan Singh dispensation as a minister, simply let go of the opportunity — apparently he was made for better things like being prime minister, which has not come to be till now. It would have been a chance of a lifetime to work in a government and see how things function from inside the system. He does not know how a government works, while arch rival Narendra Modi does, having served three terms as Gujarat chief minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Likewise, Priyanka backed out from a straight fight against the PM in Varanasi. In the worst case scenario, she would have lost, but the mileage gained would have been worth its weight in gold. For the Gandhi family, no public offices are now given — they will have to fight for it tooth and nail.</p>

<p>Rahul’s rise in the party organisation has been steady. In a reshuffle, he was appointed general secretary of the All India Congress Committee in September 2007. In 2013, he was elevated to the position of party vice-president. But tragically, Congress under his leadership slumped to its lowest-ever tally of 43 Lok Sabha seats. In 2019, it is only an incremental improvement. Rahul’s tally of fancy party designations has led to a corresponding decline in the fortunes of his party.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-gandhi-family-s-hold-takes-congress-down-the-drain-2753025">original article</a>)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Congress party is at the crossroads of its 134-year-old existence. Despite a rousing electoral campaign, aided by liberal photo-ops and larger-than-life sound-bytes, it is abundantly clear that Rahul Gandhi is not a saleable commodity.

The Congress party is at the crossroads of its 134-year-old existence. Despite a rousing electoral campaign, aided by liberal photo-ops and larger-than-life sound-bytes, it is abundantly clear that Rahul Gandhi is not a saleable commodity. Had there been anyone else in Rahul’s place, minus a Congress lineage as distinguished as his, he would have long been shown the door and pushed into political oblivion. However, fact is that Rahul has continued merrily since March 2004 when he first announced his entry into politics. Fifteen years down the line, this is his time of denouement. Where does Congress go from here? Indeed, where does Rahul go from here? Rahul’s ‘chowkidar chor hai’ slogan is going to come haunt him and surely will go down as one of the most ill-conceived pieces of poll-time sloganeering — one that may well have signed the epitaph of India’s oldest political party. The larger question is whether in an aspirational India, entitlement itself is under the hammer as suddenly, even the lowest of the low is feeling the pangs of empowerment. After all, for over six decades, India has invested in democracy and it has to show somewhere. Birth may no longer be enough to win public office, even though there are political scions who have won elections this time as well. Since his debut in 2004, Rahul has been held out as the great Congress hope to pull the party’s chestnuts out of the fire. It has not played out that way. The party was vanquished out of India’s most politically crucial state, Uttar Pradesh, in 1989, and it has not come back to the Congress. Thereafter, despite being repeatedly projected as the Congress’ prime ministerial aspirant, Rahul has come a cropper, including in a couple of Assembly elections in UP, where the party has been all but marginalised. A few years ago, there was hope. From winning 10 Lok Sabha seats in 2004 in UP to 21 out of 80 seats in 2009, there seemed promise, but since then, the Modi tsunami has simply swept aside whatever was left of the fight. In 2019, it has been no different. This time, the Congress pulled out another supposed ace — Priyanka Gandhi — from its pack of cards to make a dent into proceedings. However, Priyanka’s foray into UP politics in poll 2019 is another classic example of what has gone wrong with Congress politics. First, came the coy announcement — not so much an announcement as a mealy-mouthed hint — that she may contest from Varanasi. It energised a demoralised Congress cadre, lying dormant for decades in the state. But only temporarily. Within days came a less-than-upfront denial that she had no such plans. Potentially, a Modi-Priyanka standoff was a mouth-watering contest, which would have compelled the prime minister to stay put in his constituency, without travelling too much. But the prospect of defeat is simply too much to stomach for the Gandhi family and Priyanka backed out at the last minute. Congress’s first family is obviously out of touch. Rahul, who had the opportunity of acquiring experience under the Manmohan Singh dispensation as a minister, simply let go of the opportunity — apparently he was made for better things like being prime minister, which has not come to be till now. It would have been a chance of a lifetime to work in a government and see how things function from inside the system. He does not know how a government works, while arch rival Narendra Modi does, having served three terms as Gujarat chief minister. Likewise, Priyanka backed out from a straight fight against the PM in Varanasi. In the worst case scenario, she would have lost, but the mileage gained would have been worth its weight in gold. For the Gandhi family, no public offices are now given — they will have to fight for it tooth and nail. Rahul’s rise in the party organisation has been steady. In a reshuffle, he was appointed general secretary of the All India Congress Committee in September 2007. In 2013, he was elevated to the position of party vice-president. But tragically, Congress under his leadership slumped to its lowest-ever tally of 43 Lok Sabha seats. In 2019, it is only an incremental improvement. Rahul’s tally of fancy party designations has led to a corresponding decline in the fortunes of his party. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Lok Sabha election result 2019: Gandhi family’s hold takes Congress down the drain

<p>BJP leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/nothing-is-impossible-giantslayer-smriti-irani-topples-rahul-gandhi-in-amethi-221132">Smriti Irani</a>, who defeated Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Amethi, thanked the people of her constituency in a tweet on Friday morning.</p>

<p>"It's a new morning for Amethi, a new resolve. Thank you Amethi. You placed your trust in development and helped lotus bloom. Grateful for that," Irani said in her tweet in Hindi.</p>

<p>Irani defeated the sitting Amethi MP Rahul Gandhi by a margin of 55,120 votes, uprooting the Congress president from his family bastion. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Gandhi had defeated Irani by 1,07,903 votes.</p>

<p>Irani had cultivated a strong voter base in the constituency with her numerous visits and using central development schemes in past five years which helped her inn reversal of fortune.</p>

<p>She shared a silhouette picture of a direwolf on the backdrop of the moon with a quote from popular TV series Game of Thrones "The North Remembers" on her Instagram account.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx0gNhJHc4J/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">❤️</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/smritiiraniofficial/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Smriti Irani</a> (@smritiiraniofficial) on <time datetime="2019-05-23T21:36:32+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">May 23, 2019 at 2:36pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>Acknowledging Smriti's win in the North and adding that there is love from the South too, an Instagram user commented, "Don't worry mam there is love from south kerala too just that we need better speakers communicators and planing in kerala we tried our best but not enough follow up or action was there suresh ji kumanam ji and k surendran ji are awsome candidates who if there was proper planing and time with resources could have yielded results."</p>

<p>Soon after Gandhi conceded defeat and congratulated her on Thursday, Irani tweeted a line out of Hindi poet Dushyant Kumar. "<em>Kaun kehta hai aasmaan mein suraakh nahin ho sakata</em>", she tweeted. It translates to mean "Nothing is impossible."</p>

<p>From featuring in one of the most watched soap operas in Indian history, to tirelessly campaigning through the streets of Amethi, it was a long journey for the actor-turned-politician. Needless to say, she has owned every bit of the success she has tasted.</p>

<p>At the national level, BJP whose campaign was spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on nationalism and a strident anti-Congress plank, has won 303 seats and is leading on 15 as per the latest details updated on the website of the Election Commission.</p>


BJP leader Smriti Irani, who defeated Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Amethi, thanked the people of her constituency in a tweet on Friday morning. "It's a new morning for Amethi, a new resolve.

BJP leader Smriti Irani, who defeated Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Amethi, thanked the people of her constituency in a tweet on Friday morning. "It's a new morning for Amethi, a new resolve. Thank you Amethi. You placed your trust in development and helped lotus bloom. Grateful for that," Irani said in her tweet in Hindi. Irani defeated the sitting Amethi MP Rahul Gandhi by a margin of 55,120 votes, uprooting the Congress president from his family bastion. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Gandhi had defeated Irani by 1,07,903 votes. Irani had cultivated a strong voter base in the constituency with her numerous visits and using central development schemes in past five years which helped her inn reversal of fortune. She shared a silhouette picture of a direwolf on the backdrop of the moon with a quote from popular TV series Game of Thrones "The North Remembers" on her Instagram account. View this post on Instagram ❤️ A post shared by Smriti Irani (@smritiiraniofficial) on May 23, 2019 at 2:36pm PDT Acknowledging Smriti's win in the North and adding that there is love from the South too, an Instagram user commented, "Don't worry mam there is love from south kerala too just that we need better speakers communicators and planing in kerala we tried our best but not enough follow up or action was there suresh ji kumanam ji and k surendran ji are awsome candidates who if there was proper planing and time with resources could have yielded results." Soon after Gandhi conceded defeat and congratulated her on Thursday, Irani tweeted a line out of Hindi poet Dushyant Kumar. "Kaun kehta hai aasmaan mein suraakh nahin ho sakata", she tweeted. It translates to mean "Nothing is impossible." From featuring in one of the most watched soap operas in Indian history, to tirelessly campaigning through the streets of Amethi, it was a long journey for the actor-turned-politician. Needless to say, she has owned every bit of the success she has tasted. At the national level, BJP whose campaign was spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on nationalism and a strident anti-Congress plank, has won 303 seats and is leading on 15 as per the latest details updated on the website of the Election Commission.

'The North Remembers': Smriti Irani's dig at Rahul Gandhi after Amethi win

<p>Narendra Modi-led BJP is back with thumping majority whereas Congress suffered a humiliating defeat with most of its strategies turning out to be electorally disastrous.</p>

<p>Although I insist, it was hard to ignore Congress president Rahul Gandhi this election who tried hard to revamp his own image and the organisational structure of the grand old party. The Gandhi scion appeared&nbsp;confident and mature&nbsp;on the campaign trail.</p>

<p>In fact, under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, the party also swept 2019 Assembly elections with victory in three Hindi heartland states.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite the hard work, Congress failed to stay in sync with the other opposition parties and take on the BJP in an effective manner. Priyanka Gandhi and NYAY scheme came in little too late. Moreover, Rafael jet deal allegations and 'Chowkidar Chor Hai campaign' also backfired for the party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Let's analyse what all&nbsp;went wrong for the party.</p>

<p><strong>Soft-Hindutva Push&nbsp;and Hasty Campaigns</strong></p>

<p>Rahul and Priyanka were seen visiting various temples in the run-up to Lok Sabha elections. Congress, which accuses BJP of being a pro-Hindu party and positions itself as minority leaning party, was attacked by political pundits for deviating from its secular ideas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress's 'soft-Hindutva' card pitted against BJP's 'Hindutva' push did not go well with people. It was seen as a move to win Hindu votes.</p>

<p>Moreover, the 'Chowkidar Chor Hai Campaign' of the grand old party (targetting Narendra Modi as a corrupt leader) was countered with 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign of BJP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The campaign boomeranged and the Supreme Court asked Gandhi scion to apologise for attributing the slogan 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' to the Supreme Court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, while playing the Rafale blame game, Congress could not provide any reliable evidence for corruption against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>As a final push to bring the focus back on economic crisis and jobs, Congress, belatedly, introduced the NYAY scheme towards the end of campaign. However, the scheme&nbsp;failed to leave any impact on electorates.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>Priyanka's Entry: Too Little, Too Late</strong></p>

<p>Post-2014 defeat, political pundits and well-wishers of Congress party considered Priyanka Gandhi a&nbsp;'Brahmastra', someone who could revive the party. &nbsp;She had campaigned for Congress earlier but made an official entry into politics this election.</p>

<p>Priyanka proved to be a crowd puller in Uttar Pradesh and won hearts but her entry came too late to create a strong vote bank. Also, Priyanka and Rahul messed up by creating speculations about her possible candidature from Varanasi against PM Modi.</p>

<p>The fiasco reflected lack of seriousness and sent out a signal that Priyanka wasn't ready to take on Modi. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Failure in Forging Alliances</strong></p>

<p>In Uttar Pradesh, which sends maximum seat- 80- &nbsp;to Lok Sabha, SP President Akhilesh Yadav and BSP Supremo Mayawati refused to tie-up with Congress following differences over seat-sharing ratio. Consequently, it ended up as a three-way battle of ballots in the state and Congress performed poorly.</p>

<p>In Delhi too, Congress failed to stitch an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party, and hence, giving an edge to BJP. They could have stopped the splitting of votes by jointly taking on the Saffron party. According to political observers, the alliance had the potential to defeat BJP.</p>

<p>On the national level too, Mamata Banerjee didn't approve&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi as the PM face of 'Mahagathbandhan'. Both of them reportedly wanted to be in the driver's seat. Sharad Pawar and Chandrababu Naidu requested Mamata and Congress leadership to reach an electoral understanding keeping aside their differences but all efforts went in vain.</p>

<p>Congress knew that in terms of leadership and share of seats, regional parties held the key yet it refused to compromise on its national party image, giving a major dent to the prospects of 'Mahagathbandhan'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some Congress leaders insist&nbsp;that the party had decided to go alone in the Lok Sabha elections for its long-term revival. However, Congress's reluctance to become a minority partner to regional parties made it easier for the BJP to sweep the elections.<br />
<br />
The question that arises now is - what next for Rahul Gandhi and Congress?&nbsp;Rahul is unlikely to face a leadership challenge immediately, but Congress`s continued slide has raised questions about its future.<br />
<br />
<em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Narendra Modi-led BJP is back with thumping majority whereas Congress suffered a humiliating defeat with most of its strategies turning out to be electorally disastrous.

Narendra Modi-led BJP is back with thumping majority whereas Congress suffered a humiliating defeat with most of its strategies turning out to be electorally disastrous. Although I insist, it was hard to ignore Congress president Rahul Gandhi this election who tried hard to revamp his own image and the organisational structure of the grand old party. The Gandhi scion appeared confident and mature on the campaign trail. In fact, under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, the party also swept 2019 Assembly elections with victory in three Hindi heartland states. Despite the hard work, Congress failed to stay in sync with the other opposition parties and take on the BJP in an effective manner. Priyanka Gandhi and NYAY scheme came in little too late. Moreover, Rafael jet deal allegations and 'Chowkidar Chor Hai campaign' also backfired for the party. Let's analyse what all went wrong for the party. Soft-Hindutva Push and Hasty Campaigns Rahul and Priyanka were seen visiting various temples in the run-up to Lok Sabha elections. Congress, which accuses BJP of being a pro-Hindu party and positions itself as minority leaning party, was attacked by political pundits for deviating from its secular ideas. Congress's 'soft-Hindutva' card pitted against BJP's 'Hindutva' push did not go well with people. It was seen as a move to win Hindu votes. Moreover, the 'Chowkidar Chor Hai Campaign' of the grand old party (targetting Narendra Modi as a corrupt leader) was countered with 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign of BJP. The campaign boomeranged and the Supreme Court asked Gandhi scion to apologise for attributing the slogan 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' to the Supreme Court. Furthermore, while playing the Rafale blame game, Congress could not provide any reliable evidence for corruption against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As a final push to bring the focus back on economic crisis and jobs, Congress, belatedly, introduced the NYAY scheme towards the end of campaign. However, the scheme failed to leave any impact on electorates. Priyanka's Entry: Too Little, Too Late Post-2014 defeat, political pundits and well-wishers of Congress party considered Priyanka Gandhi a 'Brahmastra', someone who could revive the party. She had campaigned for Congress earlier but made an official entry into politics this election. Priyanka proved to be a crowd puller in Uttar Pradesh and won hearts but her entry came too late to create a strong vote bank. Also, Priyanka and Rahul messed up by creating speculations about her possible candidature from Varanasi against PM Modi. The fiasco reflected lack of seriousness and sent out a signal that Priyanka wasn't ready to take on Modi. Failure in Forging Alliances In Uttar Pradesh, which sends maximum seat- 80- to Lok Sabha, SP President Akhilesh Yadav and BSP Supremo Mayawati refused to tie-up with Congress following differences over seat-sharing ratio. Consequently, it ended up as a three-way battle of ballots in the state and Congress performed poorly. In Delhi too, Congress failed to stitch an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party, and hence, giving an edge to BJP. They could have stopped the splitting of votes by jointly taking on the Saffron party. According to political observers, the alliance had the potential to defeat BJP. On the national level too, Mamata Banerjee didn't approve Rahul Gandhi as the PM face of 'Mahagathbandhan'. Both of them reportedly wanted to be in the driver's seat. Sharad Pawar and Chandrababu Naidu requested Mamata and Congress leadership to reach an electoral understanding keeping aside their differences but all efforts went in vain. Congress knew that in terms of leadership and share of seats, regional parties held the key yet it refused to compromise on its national party image, giving a major dent to the prospects of 'Mahagathbandhan'. Some Congress leaders insist that the party had decided to go alone in the Lok Sabha elections for its long-term revival. However, Congress's reluctance to become a minority partner to regional parties made it easier for the BJP to sweep the elections. The question that arises now is - what next for Rahul Gandhi and Congress? Rahul is unlikely to face a leadership challenge immediately, but Congress`s continued slide has raised questions about its future. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Lok Sabha election result 2019: Congress has nobody other than itself to blame for the debacle

<p>In the wake of the Congress' dismal performance in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-bjp-ally-maintain-lead-over-rivals-in-up-220995">Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh</a>, state party president Raj Babbar has sent his resignation to Rahul Gandhi.</p>

<p>Babbar has sent his resignation to Congress president Rahul Gandhi, a spokesman of the party's state unit Rajiv Bakshi told PTI here.</p>

<p>He has sent his resignation taking responsibility for the party's showing in the just-concluded polls, Bakshi said.</p>

<p>Babbar tweeted in Hindi on Friday," The results are depressing for the Uttar Pradesh Congress. I find myself guilty of not discharging my responsibility in a proper manner."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I will meet the leadership and apprise it of my views. Congratulations to the winners for winning the confidence of the people," he said.</p>

<p>Of the 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh, Congress managed to win only the Rae Bareli seat of Sonia Gandhi and Raj Babbar, who contested from Fatehpur Sikri , lost by a margin of over 4,95,065 votes to BJP's Rajkumar Chahar.</p>

<p>The BJP and its ally Apna Dal(S) have won 64 seats, while the SP-BSP alliance won 15 seats between them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read: 'There is no place for dynasty rulers, corrupt leaders in this nation' says Yogi Adityanath</strong></p>

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In the wake of the Congress' dismal performance in the Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh, state party president Raj Babbar has sent his resignation to Rahul Gandhi.

In the wake of the Congress' dismal performance in the Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh, state party president Raj Babbar has sent his resignation to Rahul Gandhi. Babbar has sent his resignation to Congress president Rahul Gandhi, a spokesman of the party's state unit Rajiv Bakshi told PTI here. He has sent his resignation taking responsibility for the party's showing in the just-concluded polls, Bakshi said. Babbar tweeted in Hindi on Friday," The results are depressing for the Uttar Pradesh Congress. I find myself guilty of not discharging my responsibility in a proper manner." "I will meet the leadership and apprise it of my views. Congratulations to the winners for winning the confidence of the people," he said. Of the 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh, Congress managed to win only the Rae Bareli seat of Sonia Gandhi and Raj Babbar, who contested from Fatehpur Sikri , lost by a margin of over 4,95,065 votes to BJP's Rajkumar Chahar. The BJP and its ally Apna Dal(S) have won 64 seats, while the SP-BSP alliance won 15 seats between them. Also read: 'There is no place for dynasty rulers, corrupt leaders in this nation' says Yogi Adityanath ×

Lok Sabha election result 2019: UP Congress chief Raj Babbar sends resignation to Rahul Gandhi

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


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

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

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

<p>Congress President Rahul Gandhi is leading in Wayanad but trailing in Amethi as counting of votes polled for 17th Lok Sabha elections is underway.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi is leading in Wayanad by 10,910 votes against CPI's P&nbsp;P Suneer, according to the Election Commission.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi is contesting from Amethi against Bharatiya Janata Party's Smriti Irani that has been a stronghold of the Congress.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-live-updates-220687">Tap for live updates here.</a></p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi decided to contest from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala besides his traditional stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Congress President Rahul Gandhi leading from Wayanad</strong></p>

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<p>The Wayanad Lok Sabha Constituency of Kerala state is currently held by M I Shanavas of Indian National Congress. In the 2014 Lok Sabha Elections, M I Shanavas beat Sathyan Mokeri of CPI by receiving 41.20 per cent of the votes cast in this constituency.</p>

<p>The key candidates in the Wayanad constituency for Lok Sabha Elections 2019 are Rahul Gandhi of Congress and P P Suneer of Communist Party of India.</p>

<p>Exit polls predicted&nbsp;that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA is coming back to power at the Centre with close to 300 seats.</p>


Congress President Rahul Gandhi is leading in Wayanad but trailing in Amethi as counting of votes polled for 17th Lok Sabha elections is underway. Rahul Gandhi is leading in Wayanad by 10,910 votes against CPI's P P Suneer, according to the Election Commission.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi is leading in Wayanad but trailing in Amethi as counting of votes polled for 17th Lok Sabha elections is underway. Rahul Gandhi is leading in Wayanad by 10,910 votes against CPI's P P Suneer, according to the Election Commission. Rahul Gandhi is contesting from Amethi against Bharatiya Janata Party's Smriti Irani that has been a stronghold of the Congress. Tap for live updates here. Rahul Gandhi decided to contest from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala besides his traditional stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh. Watch: Congress President Rahul Gandhi leading from Wayanad The Wayanad Lok Sabha Constituency of Kerala state is currently held by M I Shanavas of Indian National Congress. In the 2014 Lok Sabha Elections, M I Shanavas beat Sathyan Mokeri of CPI by receiving 41.20 per cent of the votes cast in this constituency. The key candidates in the Wayanad constituency for Lok Sabha Elections 2019 are Rahul Gandhi of Congress and P P Suneer of Communist Party of India. Exit polls predicted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA is coming back to power at the Centre with close to 300 seats.

Lok Sabha Election Result 2019: Congress president Rahul Gandhi leading in Wayanad, trailing in Amethi in early trends

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

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

In a big blow to the opposition parties, the Election Commission has rejected their demand regarding VVPAT slips saying that the counting will take place as planned. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: Election commission rejects VVPAT demand

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

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Rahul Gandhi concedes defeat in Amethi

<p>India began&nbsp;counting hundreds of millions of votes in its general election today at 8:00 am, with a coalition led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party already preparing to form the next government.</p>

<p>The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Modi's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/exit-polls-2019-pm-modi-returning-to-power-with-300-plus-seats-say-pollsters-219927">Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is expected to surpass the 272 seats</a> needed to command a majority in the lower house of parliament, six of seven exit polls showed on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Their predicted margin of victory is larger than surveys indicated in the run-up to the vote when most polls showed the NDA would be the largest alliance but would fall short of an overall majority.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Counting of votes begins at 08:00 am and&nbsp;trends are expected to be known by noon because of the use of computerised voting machines. Final results in the polls, in which around 900 million Indians were eligible to vote, are due by the evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The voting was held in seven phases with first phase&nbsp;beginning from&nbsp;April 11.</p>

<p>The last phase of voting was held on May&nbsp;19. Over 67.11 crore voters exercised their right to vote.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Victory preparation</strong></p>

<p>The NDA held a meeting on Tuesday, at which Modi was garlanded with flowers by members of the alliance, to discuss its policy agenda for its second term in power. It has promised to double farmers'&nbsp;income and boost infrastructure spending over the next five years.</p>

<p>Several opposition leaders attempting to unseat Modi have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/time-to-switch-off-tv-how-politicians-reacted-to-exit-polls-2019-219956">urged voters to wait for the final results</a>, calling the exit polls "gossip".</p>

<p>"Do not get demoralised by the fake exit polls doing the rounds," Congress president Rahul Gandhi said in a message to party workers posted on social media on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The opposition alliance has also protested to India's Election Commission over the electronic voting machines (EVMs) used in the count, that they <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/evms-are-completely-tamper-proof-cannot-be-hacked-former-chief-election-commissioner-op-rawat-220663">alleged can be tampered with</a>, and requested a delay to counting while votes are tallied with a backup paper audit trail.</p>

<p>The commission rejected the opposition's demands on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Around 500 masked people carrying guns and machetes attacked a polling team and forcibly took away EVMs in the remote northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, Reuters reported on Wednesday, though elections in the country as a whole are widely considered to be free and fair by international observers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/sensex-surges-over-1000-points-may-cross-40000-as-exit-poll-predict-nda-win-220058">Indian stocks posted their biggest gain</a> since September 2013 on Monday after the exit polls and could rally further on Thursday if the trend is confirmed, according to a Reuters poll.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Markets will have a big sigh of relief as it favours continuity and familiarity in terms of roll-out of policies," said Ajay Bodke, CEO at financial services firm Prabhudas Lilladher.</p>


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

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

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

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. Rahul Gandhi congratulates PM Modi & accepts defeat.

Congress Press Conference: Rahul Gandhi congratulates PM Modi & accepts defeat

<p>It was the mother-of-all battle, the most-watched contest of this <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-thank-you-india-faith-placed-in-our-alliance-is-humbling-pm-modi-221011">Lok Sabha elections</a>, which was ultimately won by the challenger.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The battleground was Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, a dusty little town widely known as the Congress bastion and stronghold of the Gandhi family. Congress president Rahul Gandhi - who won from Amethi in 2004, 2009 and 2014 - was pitted against BJP's Smriti Irani whom he had defeated in 2014. The 2014 victory margin of one lakh votes was narrow, going by the fact that Amethi is Gandhis' family bastion, but Rahul successfully defended the seat.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/congratulations-to-the-winners-but-all-losers-are-not-losers-how-opposition-reacted-to-lok-sabha-2019-election-results-220926">fortunes were reversed</a> and Irani emerged victorious though by a thin margin of 35,899 votes. But the win had its share of nervous moments in the form of seesaw battle during counting of votes. As soon as the counting began on Thursday morning, early trends showed Smriti Irani leading. But Gandhi was again in the driver’s seat as counting progressed. As times passed, Irani took the lead and eventually won the contest.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">कौन कहता है आसमां में सुराख नहीं हो सकता ...</p>
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<p>What makes this battle significant is that a Gandhi had not been defeated from Amethi since 1980, barring 1998. The reversal is surely going to cast a shadow on the future of Rahul Gandhi, who is leading the Congress during its most tumultous phase.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
"We have to introspect, that is for sure. But let the complete result come and let us examine it first," Congress leader Brijesh Kalappa told WION. "We can then go to the drawing board and create a new plan of action," he added.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The voice of the people is the voice of the god. We will have to listen to it and accept the mandate, Kalappa said.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Congress's overall performance has not been up to the mark in UP. It is leading on just one seat in the state; in 2014, the party had won two.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The Congress was not part of the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) of Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and had fielded its own candidates. This year's result has also raised questions on Congress's future which has suffered yet another defeat at the hands of the BJP. From winning 430 Lok Sabha seats in 1989, India's Grand Old Party was reduced to just 44 seats in 2014 elections. And this year's setback will make the things worse for it.</p>


It was the mother-of-all battle, the most-watched contest of this Lok Sabha elections, which was ultimately won by the challenger. The battleground was Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, a dusty little town widely known as the Congress bastion and stronghold of the Gandhi family.

It was the mother-of-all battle, the most-watched contest of this Lok Sabha elections, which was ultimately won by the challenger. The battleground was Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, a dusty little town widely known as the Congress bastion and stronghold of the Gandhi family. Congress president Rahul Gandhi - who won from Amethi in 2004, 2009 and 2014 - was pitted against BJP's Smriti Irani whom he had defeated in 2014. The 2014 victory margin of one lakh votes was narrow, going by the fact that Amethi is Gandhis' family bastion, but Rahul successfully defended the seat. In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the fortunes were reversed and Irani emerged victorious though by a thin margin of 35,899 votes. But the win had its share of nervous moments in the form of seesaw battle during counting of votes. As soon as the counting began on Thursday morning, early trends showed Smriti Irani leading. But Gandhi was again in the driver’s seat as counting progressed. As times passed, Irani took the lead and eventually won the contest. कौन कहता है आसमां में सुराख नहीं हो सकता ... — Chowkidar Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) May 23, 2019 × What makes this battle significant is that a Gandhi had not been defeated from Amethi since 1980, barring 1998. The reversal is surely going to cast a shadow on the future of Rahul Gandhi, who is leading the Congress during its most tumultous phase. "We have to introspect, that is for sure. But let the complete result come and let us examine it first," Congress leader Brijesh Kalappa told WION. "We can then go to the drawing board and create a new plan of action," he added. The voice of the people is the voice of the god. We will have to listen to it and accept the mandate, Kalappa said. Congress's overall performance has not been up to the mark in UP. It is leading on just one seat in the state; in 2014, the party had won two. The Congress was not part of the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) of Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and had fielded its own candidates. This year's result has also raised questions on Congress's future which has suffered yet another defeat at the hands of the BJP. From winning 430 Lok Sabha seats in 1989, India's Grand Old Party was reduced to just 44 seats in 2014 elections. And this year's setback will make the things worse for it.

In neck and neck battle, Smriti Irani defeats Rahul Gandhi in Amethi

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