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“Mandate reflection of trust in our alliance”: TDP Chief Chandrababu Naidu congratulates PM Modi, party leader says no question of supporting I.N.D.I. Alliance

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“Mandate reflection of trust in our alliance”: TDP Chief Chandrababu Naidu congratulates PM Modi, party leader says no question of supporting I.N.D.I. Alliance

In a first reaction after the announcement of the results, Telugu Desam Party Chief Chandrababu Naidu congratulated the Prime Minister for the NDA’s victory in Lok Sabha and Andra Pradesh state assembly elections. Quoting PM Modi’s tweet, he asserted that the public mandate is a reflection of their trust in the NDA alliance and its vision for the state. Notably, there have been reports that the opposition has been trying to court and poach NDA partners as no party attained a majority on its own. Amidst such reports and an apparent rejection of the same, the TDP Chief emphasised that NDA will work together to rebuild Andra Pradesh and restore its glory.   

TDP Chief wrote, “Thank you, @narendramodi Ji! On behalf of the people of Andhra Pradesh, I congratulate you on the NDA’s victory in the Lok Sabha and Andhra Pradesh Assembly Elections. Our people of Andhra Pradesh have blessed us with a remarkable mandate. This mandate is a reflection of their trust in our alliance and its vision for the state. Together with our people, we shall rebuild Andhra Pradesh and restore its glory.”

Additionally, a senior leader of the TDP categorically noted that there is no question of supporting the I.N.D.I. Alliance asserting that “it’s a matter of credibility”. 

A senior leader of the TDP, Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar told the news agency PTI, “Our pre-poll pact with the BJP and Janasena in Andhra Pradesh isn’t just political arithmetic; it’s a matter of credibility.” He categorically stated, “We will remain part of the NDA. There is absolutely no question of supporting the India bloc.”

Earlier, PM Modi thanked the people of the state for giving an exceptional mandate for NDA in Andra Pradesh. He also congratulated his alliance partners TDP Chief Naidu, Jana Sena Chief Pawan Kalyan, and BJP karyakartas for the emphatic victory. 

PM Modi tweeted, “Andhra Pradesh has given an exceptional mandate to NDA! I thank the people of the state for their blessings. I congratulate @ncbn Garu, @PawanKalyan Garu, and the Karyakartas of @JaiTDP, @JanaSenaParty, and @BJP4Andhra for this emphatic victory. We will work for the all-round progress of AP and ensure the state prospers in the times to come.”

Furthermore, while addressing party workers in state headquarters in New Delhi, PM Modi said that NDA has done stellar performance in Andra Pradesh under the leadership of TDP Chief Chandrababu Naidu, who is seemingly poised to become the next state Chief Minister.

According to the Election Commission of India website, the NDA alliance is leading/won 21 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Additionally, Andra Pradesh went for assembly elections simultaneously, and the alliance is leading/won 163 out of 175 assembly seats. As per the breakdown, TDP is leading on 134 seats, Jana Sena on 21 seats and BJP is ahead on 8 seats. Meanwhile, the incumbent ruling state, YSRCP is ahead on 12 seats. 

While BJP alone won more seats than INDI Alliance, Mamata Banerjee demands PM Modi’s resignation as NDA could not cross 400

OpIndia Staff
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While BJP alone won more seats than INDI Alliance, Mamata Banerjee demands PM Modi’s resignation as NDA could not cross 400

After ECI trends showed that BJP would not be able to form government on its own at the centre, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee demanded resignation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that he has lost his credibility since he had said that he would cross 400 seats but could not.

TMC chairperson Banerjee said, “The Prime Minister has lost credibility, he should resign immediately because he had said that this time they would cross 400 seats. I had said that there is a doubt that the BJP would cross even 200 seats. Now they have to hold the feet of Janata Dal (United) chief Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP.”

She said that even after spending so much money they have lost in Ayodhya which comes under Faizabad Lok Sabha constituency.

CM Mamata Banerjee further said, “Even after committing so many atrocities, spending so much money, so much arrogance of Modi ji and Amit Shah, INDIA has won and Modi has lost. He threatened everyone. In my state all leaders were threatened over the phone. All councillors and MLAs were threatened by the BJP. Many of them were offered money in 2 to 3 seats. Even after so many atrocities they have even lost in Ayodhya. So much arrogance is not good for anyone.”

While CM Mamata Banerjee is trying to taunt NDA for not reaching 400 seats, the fact remains that NDA is returning to power with Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister for the third consecutive term. Moreover, the INDI Alliance partners are celebrating that the BJP and NDA are not reaching their projected targets. However, NDA as a whole has comfortable majority.

Most importantly, while I.N.D.I. Alliance has done well, they are nowhere near forming the govt. In fact, the seats secured by the the entire opposition alliance is less than the seats won by BJP alone.

The Trinamool Congress is leading on 30 seats in West Bengal as the counting of votes in the Lok Sabha polls is progressing, as per the Election Commission.

West Bengal contributes 42 Lok Sabha seats in the 543-member Parliament. The Bharatiya Janata Party’s main focus was to dislodge Mamata Banerjee from West Bengal and even targeted the TMC government over Sandeshkhali, but the trends till 7 pm showed that BJP is leading on 12 seats.

The Trinamool Congress has already won 3 seats and is leading on 26 seats, BJP on 12 and Congress on 1, as per the ECI.

BJP, during its election campaign, attacked the TMC government for corruption and indulging in appeasement politics.

Earlier NDA had predicted above 400 seats in the Lok Sabha polls 2024 before the campaigning commenced.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the TMC had won 22 of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state, and the BJP won 18. Congress won only 2 seats.

(With inputs from ANI)

Lok Sabha Constituencies: Here is how the voters voted in Muslim-majority constituencies

OpIndia Staff
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Lok Sabha Constituencies: Here is how the voters voted in Muslim-majority constituencies

On 4th June 2024, the results of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 were announced. By evening the results of most of the seats were clear with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) being the largest political party in the elections. National Democratic Alliance or NDA will soon be invited by the President of India to form a new government at the Centre. Though Muslims are around 14% of the population of the country, fourteen constituencies in the country are Muslim majority. Here is how these constituencies performed in the General Elections.

Jammu and Kashmir

There are three Muslim-majority seats in Jammu and Kashmir, that were converted into Union Territory in 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370.

Baramulla

In Baramulla, Independent candidate Abdul Rashid Sheikh has emerged victorious, defeating Jammu and Kashmir National Conference’s Omar Abdullah. Sheikh’s victory came as a shock to Omar Abdullah’s party. It highlighted the electorate’s desire to have a fresh representation in the region.

Srinagar

Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference triumphed over the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party.

Anantnag

Mian Altah Ahmed of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference defeated Mehbooba Mufti of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party in a highly contested race. It is a notable setback for former Chief Minister of the state, Mehbooba Mufti.

Lakshadweep

In Lakshadweep, the battle between Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed of the Indian National Congress and Mohammed Faizal PP of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) was intense. Both candidates are locked in a neck-and-neck fight, with results eagerly awaited by their supporters.

Bihar

Kishanganj

Mohammad Jawed of the Indian National Congress secured a decisive victory over Mujahid Alam of JD(U).

West Bengal

Maldaha Dakshin

Isha Khan Choudhury of the Indian National Congress defeated BJP’s Sreerupa Mitra Chaudhury.

Jangipur

Khalilur Rahaman of the TMC emerged victorious against Congress’s Murtoja Hossain Bokul. His victory showcased TMC’s influence in Muslim-majority regions in the state.

Baharampur

Pathan Yusuf of the TMC defeated Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury of the Congress which came as a shock for the grand old party. Notably, Chowdhury was the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha.

Murshidabad

Abu Tehar Khan of the TMC triumphed over MD Salim of the Communist Party of India (Marxist).

Kerala

Malappuram

ET Mohammed Basheer of the Indian Union Muslim League defeated V Vaseef of the Community Party of India (Marxist). Basheer’s win reiterated IUML’s stronghold in Malappuram.

Ponnani

Dr MP Abdussamad Samadani of IUML secured a win against KS Hamza of CPI(M).

Telangana

Hyderabad

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi retained his traditional bastion, defeating BJP’s Madhavi Lata by over 3 lakh votes.

Assam

Dhubri

Rakibul Hussain of the Indian National Congress defeated Mohammed Badruddin Ajmal, the chief of AIUDF.

Karimganj

Kripanath Mallah of BJP triumphed over Hafiz Rashid Ahmed Choudhury of Congress. Mallah’s win highlights the BJP’s growing influence even in Muslim-majority constituencies of Assam.

Barpeta

Phani Bhusan Choudhury of Asom Gana Parishad defeated Deep Bayan of Congress. AGP is an ally of NDA, therefore, two NDA candidates have won from Muslim majority seats in Assam.

It is notable that though the BJP-led Government of India’s schemes were never discriminatory towards Muslims during two terms from 2014, the Muslim population chose not to vote for the saffron party across the country in Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik loses from Kantabanji as BJD loses to BJP, falls 74 days short of breaking the record for longest-serving CM in the history of India

OpIndia Staff
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Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik loses from Kantabanji as BJD loses to BJP, falls 74 days short of breaking the record for longest-serving CM in the history of India

In a surprising political setback, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was defeated in the Kantabanji seat during the state assembly elections even as the BJP created history by leading on 77 seats out of 147 seats and all set to form a government in the state.

Laxman Bag of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) defeated Patnaik in Kantabanji.

Patnaik’s loss occurs as his party, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), faces significant challenges from the BJP in the Odisha assembly elections.

Out of Odisha’s 147 seats, the latest figures show the BJP leading with 77 seats, compared to the BJD’s 52.

Even in the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP has swept Odisha, leading on an unprecedented 19 out of the 21 seats.

Odisha experienced an intense political campaign marked by the BJP and the BJD, once allies, exchanging sharp criticisms. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP focused their attacks on Naveen Patnaik’s health, criticized his aide VK Pandian for not being a native of Odia, and emphasized Odia pride.

Conversely, the BJD based its campaign on the welfare initiatives and programs implemented by Naveen Patnaik’s administration.

However, the loss means Naveen Patnaik has fallen 74 days short of breaking the record for the longest-serving CM in the history of India.

Naveen has already spent 24 years and 91 days in the Chief Minister’s Office in Odisha. Pawan Kumar Chamling, who served as the CM of Sikkim from December 12, 1994, to May 26, 2019, held office for 24 years and 165 days.

Having been in power since 2000 and winning the past five elections convincingly, Naveen faced a formidable challenger this time in Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite announcing a team of 40-star campaigners to counter the PM’s high-profile campaign team, Naveen largely relied on his political acumen and the expertise of his close aide V. Karthikeyan Pandian. Together, they conducted extensive campaigns across the 147 assembly seats and 21 parliamentary constituencies.

Richest candidate in Lok Sabha 2024: NRI Dr Chandrasekhar Pemmasani wins from Guntur parliamentary constituency

OpIndia Staff
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Richest candidate in Lok Sabha 2024: NRI Dr Chandrasekhar Pemmasani wins from Guntur parliamentary constituency

With declared family assets worth Rs 5,705 crore, NRI Dr Chandrasekhar Pemmasani, the richest candidate in the Lok Sabha elections 2024, is set to win from the Guntur parliamentary constituency. He has taken an unassailable lead of over 3 lakh votes and secured over 60% vote share in the constituency. 

According to the Election Commission of India website, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) candidate Pemmasani has secured 829271 votes (60.79%) and is leading by 332740 votes. YSRCP candidate KILARI VENKATA ROSAIAH got 505263 votes (36.49%). 

It is pertinent to note that while the richest candidate, Chandrasekhar Pemmasani made his political debut in this election, he came from a political background. In 2014, he had planned to contest from Narasaraopet due to various reasons he did not get the ticket.

Pemmasani (48) is a native of Guntur district. He is a medical doctor who completed his MBBS from the Dr NTR University of Health Sciences in 1999. In 2005, he went on to receive an MD in internal medicine from the Geisinger Medical Centre in Pennsylvania, USA.

When just 25 years of age and working at Johns Hopkins University, he founded UWorld, an online learning platform that assists students in preparing for examinations like the SAT, MCAT and the United States Medical Licensing Examination. In 2020, he won the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and remains the CEO of UWorld. 

Incidentally, in Guntur, Pemmasani will be replacing another rich candidate of the TDP Galla Jayadev. Jayadev was the MD of Amara Raja Group who had declared assets worth Rs 680 crore in 2019. He had announced his retirement from politics ahead of the elections.

According to TDP leaders, in Narasaopet, Pemmasani is renowned for his philanthropic endeavours, including the establishment of a school and the coordination of various social events. As per TDP leaders, he began actively participating in political campaigns during the 2014 elections and remained engaged in the 2019 elections as well. Additionally, he is also active in the TDP’s non-resident Indian cell. 

According to his affidavit, Pemmasani has investments in over 100 companies and has reported income in both India and the US. His movable assets include two Mercedes cars, one Tesla, and a Rolls Royce. Additionally, he possesses land and property in Hyderabad, Tenali, and the US. Pemmasani also bears liabilities totalling Rs 1,038 crore and faces one pending FIR against him for IPC offences concerning illegal payments and bribery in connection with an election.

The Guntur Lok Sabha seat in Andhra Pradesh went for to polls on 13th May. 

Delhi court dismisses Tahir Hussain’s plea seeking statements of witness in 2020 northeast Delhi riots

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi court dismisses Tahir Hussain’s plea seeking statements of witness in 2020 northeast Delhi riots

A Delhi Court recently dismissed a petition by Tahir Hussain seeking specific documents in a case related to an alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 northeast Delhi riots. Hussain and several others face charges under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai noted that Hussain’s request was aimed at obtaining statements from a witness, Rahul Kasana, recorded in separate rioting and money-laundering cases against him.

Judge Bajpai also considered the response from Special Public Prosecutor Amit Prasad, who argued that the petition sought to gather defence documents prematurely, even before charges had been framed.

The court observed that the case is still in its initial stages, with charges yet to be framed. Consequently, the court held that the requested statements could not be considered at this time.

The court noted that Hussain’s plea did not clarify how the statements would benefit his defence, stating that it was neither necessary nor desirable to call for the witness statements as requested.

Background of the case

The Karkardooma Court previously denied bail to Tahir Hussain in the larger conspiracy case related to the 2020 North-East Delhi riots. The court found reasonable grounds to believe the accusations against Hussain were prima facie true. The court also observed that Hussain had recently acquired a licensed revolver and a significant amount of cash, suspected to have been used in the rioting.

The court emphasized that bail should be denied if there are reasonable grounds to believe the accusations are prima facie true. The judge noted that the legal constraints under Section 43(D)(5) of the UAPA made Hussain’s case unsuitable for bail. Additionally, the court rejected Hussain’s bail request, contrasting it with the bail granted to co-accused Ishrat Jahan, stating that gender was not a relevant factor in Hussain’s case.

Meet Suresh Gopi, the new Thrissur MP who created history for BJP by delivering the first Lok Sabha seat for the party in Kerala

OpIndia Staff
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Meet Suresh Gopi, the new Thrissur MP who created history for BJP by delivering the first Lok Sabha seat for the party in Kerala

The 2024 Lok Sabha election witnessed several historic events, from all the anti-BJP parties coming together with one sole aim to dethrone Prime Minister Narendra Modi to BJP winning its first-ever Lok Sabha seat in Kerala. On the 4th of June, actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi created history for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which has long struggled to gain a foothold in Kerala’s political arena. Suresh Gopi is set to win the Thrissur seat against CPI’s VS Sunilkumar.

Source: ECI website

Suresh Gopi’s entry into politics was as dramatic as his film roles. He joined the BJP in 2016 and was nominated as a Rajya Sabha MP the same year. His candidature was seen as a strategic move by the BJP to leverage his popularity and appeal to a broader demographic in Kerala, a state traditionally dominated by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF).

Interestingly, Gopi’s journey was not without challenges. Kerala’s political scene is fiercely competitive, and the BJP’s ideology often faces resistance in the state. However, Gopi’s popularity and his image as a clean, hardworking person played a crucial role in overcoming these barriers. His victory is seen as a testament to his dedication towards his people and party as well as the changing political dynamics in Kerala.

Beyond star power, how Suresh Gopi became an approachable and dedicated leader

While Suresh Gopi’s popularity and widespread recognition helped draw large crowds to his campaign events, making his presence felt across the constituency, his previous stint as a Rajya Sabha MP also bolstered his political credibility. Gopi’s personal involvement in welfare activities, such as funding medical expenses for needy families and contributing to local causes, further strengthened his image as a compassionate and approachable leader​.

Suresh Gopi at a roadshow in Thrissur (Source: Kerala Kaumudi)

The BJP’s campaign under Gopi’s leadership was primarily centred on local issues, particularly the Karuvannur Cooperative Bank scandal, which contributed to widespread dissatisfaction with the CPI(M) among Thrissur residents. Gopi’s padayatra, dedicated to scam victims, emphasised his dedication to addressing local concerns and corruption, which resonated strongly with voters. His ability to pivot towards pressing needs and provide direct assistance, including visiting impacted families and offering financial support, was critical in earning voter support.​  

Beyond his political and cinematic achievements, Suresh Gopi is known for his philanthropic efforts. He has been actively involved in various social causes, including education and healthcare. The actor-turned-politician also runs a charitable trust which works towards the welfare of the underprivileged, further cementing his image as a public servant committed to social justice.

BJP’s national leadership strongly backed Suresh Gopi

It is essential for a party, especially in BJP’s case, to strongly back its candidate on a turf where the possibility of a positive outcome is seemingly less. Suresh Gopi received robust backing from the BJP’s national leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP’s central government’s achievements and national policies were central to Gopi’s campaign, reinforcing the party’s message of development and good governance. PM Modi’s visit to Thrissur underscored the party’s support, boosting Gopi’s campaign visibility and credibility​.

PM Modi at actor Suresh Gopi’s daughter’s wedding in January 2024

Suresh Gopi’s inclusive approach helped him win hearts across communities and make the “lotus” bloom

The 2024 election in Thrissur was characterized by a triangular contest between Gopi, CPI’s V S Sunil Kumar, and Congress’s K Muraleedharan. Gopi’s efforts to appeal to a broad spectrum of voters, including the Christian community through symbolic but significant gestures like offering a golden crown to a church, helped him navigate the diverse demographic landscape. Additionally, the anti-incumbency sentiment against the ruling Left Front in Kerala, coupled with internal strife within rival parties, played to Gopi’s advantage​.

Moreover, extensive grassroots campaigning, where Suresh Gopi visited every constituency in Thrissur, ensured direct voter engagement. His efforts to address both significant issues and minor local disputes showcased his dedication to his constituents, fostering a strong personal connection with the electorate. This hands-on approach, combined with the BJP’s strategic intervention in local disputes, helped shift traditional CPI(M) strongholds towards the BJP.

Suresh Gopi’s victory in Thrissur resulted from a well-planned campaign that included his personal appeal, effective addressing of local issues, strong party support, and deliberate voter involvement. This multifaceted approach helped the BJP win its first Lok Sabha seat in Kerala, marking a historic breakthrough for the party in the state.

“Who can be a better PM than Nitish Kumar?” JD-U MLC Khalid Anwar asks as Lok Sabha results pour in

ANI
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“Who can be a better PM than Nitish Kumar?” JD-U MLC Khalid Anwar asks as Lok Sabha results pour in

Janata Dal-United (JDU) MLC Dr Khalid Anwar hailed Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and said that he is a seasoned politician who understands the country and there is nobody who can be a better Prime Minister than Nitish Kumar.

“Who can be a better PM than Nitish Kumar?… Nitish Kumar is a seasoned politician who understands the society and the country. And he respects all the democratic institutions… We are a part of the NDA Alliance as of now, but earlier and today, people wanted Nitish Kumar to be the PM. The expectations of the people have increased after today’s result…” said Khalid Anwar.

“The way he has taken the state of Bihar ahead. The agriculture roadmap he made for the country when he was agriculture minister is followed till today. He is also remembered for the work he has done for the railway sector of the country,” he added.

Notably, the NDA alliance, which includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) and Janta Dal (United), are leading in Bihar, according to the latest trends issued by the Election Commission of India.

Janata Dal (United) is ahead on 14 seats in Bihar, while Bharatiya Janata Party is leading on 11 seats, as per the Election Commission of India.

With 40 Lok Sabha constituencies, the fourth highest among all States and Union Territories, Bihar holds a crucial position in shaping Indian politics.

Meanwhile, Lok Janshakti Party(Ram Vilas) is leading on 5 seats, Rashtriya Janata Dal on five seats, Congress on two seats, Communist Party of India on 1 seat and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) on 1 seat.

Under the INDIA alliance agreement in Bihar, the RJD contested 26 seats, the Congress nine, and the Left parties contested five out of the state’s 40 Lok Sabha constituencies.

While, in the NDA, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) contested on 17 seats, Janata Dal-United (JDU) on 16 seats, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) (Ram Vilas) on 5 seats, Hindustani Awam Morcha and Rashtriya Lok Morcha on one seat each in 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

‘Queen’ defeats the ‘prince’: Actor Kangana Ranaut beats Congress’ Vikramaditya Singh in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi

OpIndia Staff
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‘Queen’ defeats the ‘prince’: Actor Kangana Ranaut beats Congress’ Vikramaditya Singh in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi

Actor Kangana Ranaut has defeated Congress candidate Vikramaditya Singh, heir of the Rampur royal family and son of the late Virbhadra Singh, a six-time Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, in her political debut as a candidate from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi constituency in the Lok Sabha elections 2024. 

As per the Election Commission of India’s website, Kangana polled 5,27,463 votes as of 4:30 PM as against Singh’s 4,53,760 votes.

Source: Election Commission of India

Of the four Lok Sabha constituencies in the state, Mandi registered the highest voter turnout at 82.3 percent, followed by Kangra at 80.9 percent, with Hamirpur and Shimla (SC) each at 79.9 percent.

Mandi in Himachal Pradesh is renowned for its abundance of ancient temples and stands out for electing former royals more often than any other area. It is also the largest constituency in the state by geographical area.

The Mandi Lok Sabha seat, once dominated by Congress, has shifted towards the BJP in the last two elections. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, BJP’s Ram Swaroop Sharma defeated Congress’s Pratibha Singh, a former two-time MP, by 39,000 votes.

In the 2019 elections, Ram Swaroop Sharma retained the seat with a substantial margin, securing 647,189 votes. After the death of MP Ram Sharma, his wife Pratibha chose not to run for office following Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut’s announcement of her candidacy from Mandi.

NOTA scripts history, becomes runner up in Indore Lok Sabha seat securing over 2 lakh votes, BJP registers clean sweep in Madhya Pradesh

OpIndia Staff
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NOTA scripts history, becomes runner up in Indore Lok Sabha seat securing over 2 lakh votes, BJP registers clean sweep in Madhya Pradesh

None of the above (candidates) or NOTA has scripted history as it became the runner-up in the Indore Lok Sabha constituency. With over 78% vote share in the constituency, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Shankar Lalwani has won securing over 12 lakh votes (12,23746), registering the biggest victory for any candidate in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections 2024.

According to official data on ECI’s website, Shankar Lalwani has received 78.54% of the votes polled while NOTA secured the second position with 14% vote share (2,18,355) votes. Bahujan Samaj Party’s candidate Sanjay received 49,277, the third-highest votes (3.29%). 

(ECI declares result for Indore, Lalwani registers biggest victory in Lok Sabha elections 2024, Source – ECI Website)

Notably, the Congress, as part of the I.N.D.I. Alliance, had fielded Akshya Kanti Bam from the Indore seat against BJP’s sitting MP Lalwani. Bam had initially filed his nomination papers in the office of the Indore District Collector. However, he later went to the DC’s office along with senior BJP leader and Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya on 29th April and withdrew his nomination. He then joined the BJP. 

Following the development, the Madhya Pradesh Congress announced that rather than supporting any other candidates in the fray, they would campaign for NOTA on this seat. Indore voted on 13th May and saw a turnout of around 61.75% of the 25.27 lakh electors exercising their franchise. 

For those unversed, NOTA allows voters to reject all the candidates contesting from that constituency. According to the news agency PTI, the Lok Sabha seat in Bihar’s Gopalganj recorded the maximum NOTA votes at 51,660, about 5 percent of the total votes polled in the constituency, other than NOTA backed by Congress in Indore. 

Meanwhile, the saffron party which is poised to form government for the third time with their pre-poll alliance, NDA, has swept the state securing all 29 seats of Madhya Pradesh. 

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