LIVE
Fri, 16 May 2014
High security in Varanasi ahead of Modi visit on Saturday
Timeline Refresh
22:39 High security in Varanasi ahead of Modi visit on Saturday
Security was stepped up today in the temple town ahead of BJP prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi's first visit as an elected MP of Varanasi on Saturday.
SP (city) Rahul Raj told PTI that high security arrangements have been put in place in and out of Kashi Vishwanath temple premises and the Dashashwamedh ghat.
22:10 Over 4 lakh voters opted NOTA in Maharashtra
A total of 4,31,992 people or 0.9 per cent of the 60.42 per cent electorate in Maharashtra have opted for None of the Above (NOTA) option in this elections.
The highest number of NOTA users are in Gadchiroli where 24,488 voters opted for the option, while at least 2503 people in Dhule in north Maharashtra chose this option, as per the data available with the Election Commission.
22:09 Hyderabad clashes: Brief relaxation in curfew on Saturday
The indefinite curfew in Rajendranagar police station limits here will be relaxed for four hours tomorrow, Cyberabad police said today.
The curfew was clamped on May 14 under section 144 of CrPC in the wake of communal clashes and death of three persons in police firing in Kishanbagh area of Old City.
21:57 SPG gets ready to take over Narendra Modis security
With BJP-led NDA sweeping the Lok Sabha polls and Narendra Modi set to occupy the Prime Minister's chair, the Special Protection Group (SPG) is waiting for formal orders to take over his security cover. As of now, Modi gets security cover from the National Security Guard (NSG) and the Gujarat police.
The Intelligence Bureau (IB) has already assessed the threat perception to Modi, who has 'Z-plus' security.SPG Director General K Durga Prasad told The Indian Express, "We will be in touch with the present security set-up, the National Security Guard (NSG) and Gujarat Police.'
21:56 Man with gun shot by police at north Utah hospital
Police shot a man wielding a gun inside a hospital emergency room in the northern Utah city of North Logan on Friday morning, officials said.
Authorities could not say whether there were any other injuries or what prompted the shooting at Cache Valley Hospital, located about 85 miles north of Salt Lake City.
21:39 Traffic Advisory for Modi's roadshow in Delhi
Delhi Police today issued a traffic advisory asking commuters to avoid certain roads which fall on or around the route of BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi's proposed roadshow from IGI airport to the party's headquarters in Central Delhi tomorrow.
According to the advisory, from 10 am onwards no traffic exiting from Terminal-3 shall be allowed to go on Central Spine Road and Tunnel Road, Aerocity and all traffic shall be diverted straight toward Centaur Hotel and Mahipal Pur on NH-8.
21:38 In Kashmir 31,529 voters use NOTA option
As many as 31,529 voters have rejected all the candidates in the fray for the six Lok Sabha seats in Jammu and Kashmir by pressing the 'None Of The Above' (NOTA) option during polling in the state.
Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency had the highest number of voters using the NOTA option with 10,478 voters rejecting all the candidates contesting from this seat, according to official records.
21:36 Kiran Reddy's outfit remains a non-starter
The Jai Samaikyandhra Party (JSP) of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy formed on the plank of "united Andhra" came a cropper in the elections to Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly in Seemandhra.
The JSP drew a blank, with only results of a handful seats yet to come in, in Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema (collectively known as Seemandhra).
21:06 Our win has created history: Modi in Ahmedabad
Narendra Modi is addressing another rally in Ahmedabad in Gujarat.
A few hours back he spoke to large gathering in Vadodara from where he won with a landslide margin.
20:54 Cameron invites Modi to visit Britain
Britain today became the first European country to invite Narendra Modi to visit the country after his resounding victory in the Lok Sabha polls, nearly two years after it had ended a decade-long boycott of the BJP leader in the wake of the 2002 Gujarat riots.
BJP's Prime Minister-designate accepted British Prime Minister David Cameron's invitation to visit the UK when the latter called Modi to felicitate him on his party's victory.
20:34 Family Lalu loses in Bihar
Ram Kripal Yadav wins Pataliputra by 41,000 votes defeating RJD chief Lalu Yadav's daughter Misa.
Rajiv Pratap Rudy wins in Saran by 41,000 votes. Rabri Devi polled 14469.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Rajiv Pratap Rudy wins in Saran by 41,000 votes. Rabri Devi polled 14469.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
20:28 I write with note with great excitement...
"I write this congratulatory note with great excitement and anticipation. I can only imagine your sense of accomplishment. The hard work of three terms as Chief Minister and the hundreds of rallies carried out across India will now hopefully allow you some brief respite to reflect on the historic mandate delivered to you by the Indian electorate."
Ron Summers, Founder and CEO, India First Group, LLC, writes to Narendra Modi, three days before Modi actually won. Read the full letter here.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Ron Summers, Founder and CEO, India First Group, LLC, writes to Narendra Modi, three days before Modi actually won. Read the full letter here.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
20:21 Maharashtra CM accepts moral responsibility for poll debacle
Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan today described the unprecedented defeat of the Congress in the Lok Sabha elections as "unexpected" and said that he accepted full moral responsibility for the debacle.
"The results are unexpected and we accept the mandate of the people. UPA initiated several welfare measures but the Congress did not get the expected results. I take full responsibility for the defeat. I thank people who voted for the UPA and congratulate Narendra Modi," he said.
Congress which had 17 Lok Sabha seats was reduced to 2 Lok Sabha in the results that have been declared so far.
"The results are unexpected and we accept the mandate of the people. UPA initiated several welfare measures but the Congress did not get the expected results. I take full responsibility for the defeat. I thank people who voted for the UPA and congratulate Narendra Modi," he said.
Congress which had 17 Lok Sabha seats was reduced to 2 Lok Sabha in the results that have been declared so far.
20:19
AIADMK candidate Gopalakrishnan defeats DMK'S Velusamy by a margin of 1,99,424 votes in Madurai.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
20:15 Modi wave played a part in our defeat, says YSR Congress chief
YSR Congress Party chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy today said the wave in favour of Narendra Modi played a role in his party's defeat in the Seemandhra region, where the TDP-BJP combine was swept to power.
"Narendra Modi factor did play a role and people believed (TDP president) Chandrababu Naidu's false promises," he said. "We will be in the opposition. We will fight for the cause of the people," he said.
He indicated that the party was eyeing the 2019 elections. He said that the YSR Congress started its political journey with merely one MP and one MLA after which it enhanced its strength to 20 MLAs and two MPs.
"Today, we have 10 MPs and 70 MLAs. So, in another five years, we are going to come back. This is my message to y cadre".
He conceded that fielding his mother who is also YSR Congress honorary president Vijayamma, from the Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha seat was a wrong move.
"Narendra Modi factor did play a role and people believed (TDP president) Chandrababu Naidu's false promises," he said. "We will be in the opposition. We will fight for the cause of the people," he said.
He indicated that the party was eyeing the 2019 elections. He said that the YSR Congress started its political journey with merely one MP and one MLA after which it enhanced its strength to 20 MLAs and two MPs.
"Today, we have 10 MPs and 70 MLAs. So, in another five years, we are going to come back. This is my message to y cadre".
He conceded that fielding his mother who is also YSR Congress honorary president Vijayamma, from the Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha seat was a wrong move.
19:57 The BBC on: Who is Narendra Modi?
What will Narendra Modi's India look like? The country's prime minister-in-waiting -- a staunch Hindu nationalist and the Chief Minister of the western state of Gujarat since 2001 -- is a deeply polarizing figure and an unproven commodity on the international stage. Read the full story
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
19:53 Gandhis are obviously not going anywhere
Cong's Jyotiraditya Scindia: "Congress lost the trust of the people. No reason for Cong to change leadership. We have not been successful in building leadership at the state level. I admit things went wrong under UPA2."
Scindia won the Guna seat.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Scindia won the Guna seat.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
19:48 Jagan wins, Purandeswari loses
Final tallies: YSR Congress Party chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy wins Pulivedula Assembly seat in Kadapa district by a margin of more than 75,000 votes, defeating TDP nominee Satish Kumar Reddy.
Former Union Minister and BJP candidate D Purandeswari loses from Rajampet Lok Sabha seat by over 1.75 lakh votes to YSR Congress Party's Mithun Reddy.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Former Union Minister and BJP candidate D Purandeswari loses from Rajampet Lok Sabha seat by over 1.75 lakh votes to YSR Congress Party's Mithun Reddy.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
19:45 It's a sad day: Somnath Chatterjee
"It's a sad day,'" said Somnath Chatterjee while analysing the results of the Lok Sabha elections on Friday.
"With the BJP at the helm at the Centre and the Trinamool in Bengal, an old man like me can only feel concerned. Are we heading towards a regressive society?" Chatterjee said as Rediff.com's Indrani Roy caught up with the former Lok Sabha Speaker at his South Kolkata residence.
Dissecting the Left parties' rout in Bengal, he said, "The Left parties are suffering from a crisis in leadership. No Left leader has his ear to the ground."
He just acts like a distant speech-giving machine with no understanding of the public pulse. "And then there are some who are old and weak and are not left with any vitality to fight against an Opposition," he said.
The Left was decimated in Bengal today. Here are the results:
TMC: 34, Cong: 4, Left: 2, BJP: 2.
"With the BJP at the helm at the Centre and the Trinamool in Bengal, an old man like me can only feel concerned. Are we heading towards a regressive society?" Chatterjee said as Rediff.com's Indrani Roy caught up with the former Lok Sabha Speaker at his South Kolkata residence.
Dissecting the Left parties' rout in Bengal, he said, "The Left parties are suffering from a crisis in leadership. No Left leader has his ear to the ground."
He just acts like a distant speech-giving machine with no understanding of the public pulse. "And then there are some who are old and weak and are not left with any vitality to fight against an Opposition," he said.
The Left was decimated in Bengal today. Here are the results:
TMC: 34, Cong: 4, Left: 2, BJP: 2.
19:24
Updates at this hour:
The Congress Working Committee to meet on May 19 in the wake of its worst ever electoral performance in Lok Sabha polls
Swapan Dasgupta: The resounding mandate has given NaMo the necessary elbow room to choose his dream team without being forced into needless compromises.
In Ladakh, BJP's Thupstan Chhewang has won by a wafer thin 36 votes.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
The Congress Working Committee to meet on May 19 in the wake of its worst ever electoral performance in Lok Sabha polls
Swapan Dasgupta: The resounding mandate has given NaMo the necessary elbow room to choose his dream team without being forced into needless compromises.
In Ladakh, BJP's Thupstan Chhewang has won by a wafer thin 36 votes.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
19:20
At this juncture Javed Anand's 2011 piece on: Why I didn't join Anna Hazare. Read
19:16
Congress turncoat Jagdambika Pal retained his Domariyaganj seat on BJP ticket defeating his nearest rival BSP's Mohammed Muqueem by a margin of 1.03 lakh votes. Pal had won the seat in 2009 on Congress ticket.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
19:15 Exclusive! Amit Shah on Friday
LK Advani is on his way to meet Atal Behari Vajpayee.
Meanwhile, this is what Amit Shah did on this historic day. Sheela Bhatt/Rediff.com talks to Modi's key aide on waking up late, poha and a chat with Modi. Read
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Meanwhile, this is what Amit Shah did on this historic day. Sheela Bhatt/Rediff.com talks to Modi's key aide on waking up late, poha and a chat with Modi. Read
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
19:05 On D-day development remains firmly on agenda for Modi
Narendra Modi hasn't budged from 'development' agenda and his 'development for all' promise. "Desh ki janta ne apna verdict de diya hai, aur yeh verdict yeh bhi kehta hai ki humein Hindustan ko aagey le jana hai."
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
19:02 Congress wins 35 Assembly seats in Arunachal Pradesh
Facing a rout all over the country, Congress retained power in Arunachal Pradesh by winning 35 seats and securing a majority in the 60-member Assembly. According to the results declared so far, Congress has bagged 35 seats, including 11 uncontested, and leading in 5. BJP won four seats and was leading in five.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
18:58 'This government will be for all the people of India'
"This government will be the government for all the people of India. I bow before you for giving us such a historic mandate. I bow to the workers, the lakhs of party workers who went from door to door asking people to vote for us, even though people told them, 'don't bother, we will vote for you'.
Children who can barely say Ma, pappa, are saying Ab ki baar Modi Sarkar. This is the power of democracy. "
That's a pic doing the rounds on Twitter.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Children who can barely say Ma, pappa, are saying Ab ki baar Modi Sarkar. This is the power of democracy. "
That's a pic doing the rounds on Twitter.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
18:50 With all and development for all: Modi
"It is my responsibility to take all of you together to run the nation. To run the government is easier. I will move ahead based on trust. 'With all and development for all' will be my government's motto and not an empty slogan.
"I vow to work with my opponents to better the nation. Aapne Modi ko Vadodara ka nahin rehne diya, desh ka bana diya. Elections are over, now is the time to work for nation building."
"I vow to work with my opponents to better the nation. Aapne Modi ko Vadodara ka nahin rehne diya, desh ka bana diya. Elections are over, now is the time to work for nation building."
18:45
Ab ki baar, this is Amul's take on the BJP victory
18:44 LIVE! Modi's V-day speech: I'm mazdoor #1, I assure you I will work hard for you
"I am mazdoor #1. Do any of you doubt my ability to work hard. Nobody, not my worst detractors will deny that I'm a hard working person. You have elected me as CM four times. I assure you I will work hard for you. That is why the people have chosen me and the NDA. By this victory I assure you it will be sabka saath, sabka vikas."
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
18:39
"We never got the honor to fight the battle for Independence or die for Swaraj but in this independent India we will live for Swaraj: Modi
Ajay Maken tweets: Congratulations to the winners and my best wishes to the new Government. I hope India marches ahead as a strong and united country.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Ajay Maken tweets: Congratulations to the winners and my best wishes to the new Government. I hope India marches ahead as a strong and united country.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
18:37 LIVE! Modi's V-day speech: First time country will be run by those born post-independence
"I never got a chance to speak in Kashi, but voters still elected me," says Modi. "In this land of Sayajirao Gaekwad, for the first time this country will be led by a party born post-Independence.
"I have never got the opportunity to die for the freedom of the country, but I will always uphold the country's freedom," says Modi.
Whistles, screams, claps interrupt his speech every few minutes.
"I have never got the opportunity to die for the freedom of the country, but I will always uphold the country's freedom," says Modi.
Whistles, screams, claps interrupt his speech every few minutes.
18:31 'Grateful to the people of Gujarat for giving us 26 out of 26 seats'
Modi: I'm grateful to the people of Gujarat for giving us 26 out of 26 seats. After independence, apart from the Congress, if any party has come to power with a pure mandate, it's the BJP.
Chants of Modi, Modi, interrupt his speech.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Chants of Modi, Modi, interrupt his speech.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
18:25
Modi: 1st time in history of India a candidate was not allowed to reach its people, but people of Benaras put a stamp of victory on Modi's silence.
18:24
Narendra Modi: Benaras ne Modi ke maun par mohar laga di hai
18:23 LIVE! Modi's victory speech: Spent just 50 minutes in Vadodara won by 5 lakh votes
Narendra Modi's first speech post win: "So, how does it feel," he asks to resounding cheers. "Achche din..." he says and the crowd shouts "Aa gaye hain."
Each one of you have worked like you were Narendra Modi. I bow before you, I thank you for all the efforts you have put in. I spent just 50 minutes in Vadodara but won by a vote margin 5 lakh votes.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Each one of you have worked like you were Narendra Modi. I bow before you, I thank you for all the efforts you have put in. I spent just 50 minutes in Vadodara but won by a vote margin 5 lakh votes.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
18:13 LIVE! World leaders congratulate India's next PM: Want to work with you
Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu to Narendra Modi: Looking forward to work together, enhance bilateral relationship.
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to Narendra Modi: Expressed hope that India and Sri Lanka will work closely, strengthen ties.
Australian PM Tony Abbott: Looking forward to meet Narendra Modi at upcoming G20 Summit to be held in Australiam?
UK PM David Cameron extends invitation to Narendra Modi to visit UK on his way to BRICS summit to be held in August 2014 in Brazil.
President Karzai extends his warm Congratulations to Narendra Modi on victory in elections. Afghans always regard India as a true friend.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to Narendra Modi: Expressed hope that India and Sri Lanka will work closely, strengthen ties.
Australian PM Tony Abbott: Looking forward to meet Narendra Modi at upcoming G20 Summit to be held in Australiam?
UK PM David Cameron extends invitation to Narendra Modi to visit UK on his way to BRICS summit to be held in August 2014 in Brazil.
President Karzai extends his warm Congratulations to Narendra Modi on victory in elections. Afghans always regard India as a true friend.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
18:00
Joke doing the rounds on Twitter:
Kejriwal : Even NOTA got more votes than you in Chandni Chowk. Ashutosh : Who is Nota? where can I find him?
Kejriwal : Even NOTA got more votes than you in Chandni Chowk. Ashutosh : Who is Nota? where can I find him?
17:56
Rahul Gandhi leads by 78431 votes over Smriti Irani. Counting still on.
17:51 SP only retains seats by Mulayam's family
Fantastic showing in UP: Out of 80 seats: BJP+ leads in 73, SP in 5. Of these five seats: 2 seats are won by Mulayam Singh Yadav, one by his daughter-in-law Dimple Yadav, one by Dharmendra Yadav, his nephew, and another by Akshay Yadav.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
17:39
An undated picture of the Gandhi family, which has spearheaded the truly dismal innings of the party in the LS polls.
17:37 LIVE! Can't congratulate Modi, I'm not an opportunist: Lalu
I can't offer congratulations to Modi. I am not an opportunist: Lalu Prasad Yadav.
Rabri Devi, the RJD candidate from Saran, Bihar, is trailing.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Rabri Devi, the RJD candidate from Saran, Bihar, is trailing.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
17:31
We stand by our commitment, we are going to Delhi to address the issues of J&K: PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti.
After their brief speeches accepting responsibility for defeat, Sonia, Rahul and Omar are now deep in introspection...
Praveen Swami: I'm a bit puzzled about what the Congress is going to introspect about: they didn't know inflation and corruption aren't vote-getters?
After their brief speeches accepting responsibility for defeat, Sonia, Rahul and Omar are now deep in introspection...
Praveen Swami: I'm a bit puzzled about what the Congress is going to introspect about: they didn't know inflation and corruption aren't vote-getters?
17:27
Kiran Bedi: Indian voter this time has come out of the clutches of vote banks of caste or religion. Voters have voted for development and performance
17:25 In Amethi...
Rahul Gandhi: 264788
Smriti Irani: 198500
Dharmendra Pratap Singh: (BSP) 34860DR.
Kumar Vishvas: 14161
Smriti Irani: 198500
Dharmendra Pratap Singh: (BSP) 34860DR.
Kumar Vishvas: 14161
17:17 India's mandate: Narendrabhai, please deliver!
It's a mandate of young India, for young India, by young India, says Sheela Bhatt/Rediff.com, in her 43rd and concluding column on Election 2014. Read
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
17:15 LIVE! Rajnath meets Vajpayee before leaving for Lucknow
Rajnath Singh: Had Shri Atalji's blessings after BJP's historic win in General Elections. Now leaving Delhi for my constituency in Lucknow.
Elated over its performance in West Bengal, the BJP today said it would prepare for the 2016 Assembly election by strengthening the party base in the state capitalizing on the performance.
The BJP leadership also felt that the Trinamool's dream run in the Lok Sabha polls, in which it is clearly leading in 34 out of 42 seats, is due to the division of anti-TMC votes between opposition parties.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Elated over its performance in West Bengal, the BJP today said it would prepare for the 2016 Assembly election by strengthening the party base in the state capitalizing on the performance.
The BJP leadership also felt that the Trinamool's dream run in the Lok Sabha polls, in which it is clearly leading in 34 out of 42 seats, is due to the division of anti-TMC votes between opposition parties.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
17:01 Read this?
BJP's comic books on Narendra Modi's journey from his childhood to becoming the prime ministerial candidate of the party. The cover of one such book. The man has become a legend in his own lifetime.
16:57
Arun Jaitley tweets his defeat: "Congratulations to Capt. Amarinder Singh for his victory in Amritsar Parliamentary Constituency."
16:56 Nawaz Sharief congratulates Modi, invites him to Pakistan
Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif calls Narendra Modi to congratulate him and invites him to Pakistan.
Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina was the first to wish Modi.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina was the first to wish Modi.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
16:53 MS Aiyar comes fourth
"I promise you in 21st Century Narendra Modi will never become the prime minister of the country. ...But if he wants to distribute tea here, we will find a place for him," Mani Shankar Aiyar at the venue of the All India Congress Committee meeting in January. Aiyar came fourth from Mayailaduthurai. If he wasn't so full arrogance, he would be eating humble pie.
16:48
Rahul Gandhi is smiling. Hehe! I think somebody told him that Congress won by a huge margin, not lost by a huge one. @jhunjhunwala
16:43
Kejriwal in Varanasi: I will keep visiting Kashi. During an election it is not clear whether the support you see actually translates into votes.
16:42 LIVE! Gandhis accept 'full responsibility' for Congress defeat
Rahul at the presser: I hold myself responsible for the defeat.
Sonia at the presser: Victory and loss common in politics. I take responsibility as the party president. Winning and losing all a part in a democracy, respect people's verdict with all humility and I wish the new government all the best. We hope that the new Govt will not compromise on the country's unity and integrity.
Neither Rahul nor Sonia take questions from the press.
Sonia at the presser: Victory and loss common in politics. I take responsibility as the party president. Winning and losing all a part in a democracy, respect people's verdict with all humility and I wish the new government all the best. We hope that the new Govt will not compromise on the country's unity and integrity.
Neither Rahul nor Sonia take questions from the press.
16:32
Amethi so far: Rahul Gandhi has 2.11 lakh votes, Smriti Irani has 1.62 lakh. Kumar Vishvas has 11655 votes.
She may have lost, but AAP's Chandigarh candidate Gul Panag is gracious in defeat: "I congratulate Kirron Kherji, am sure she will work for Chandigarh. Also congratulate Narendra Modiji & BJP/NDA. We will continue to conscientiously serve the people of Chandigarh and remain committed to our fight for a corruption free India."
She may have lost, but AAP's Chandigarh candidate Gul Panag is gracious in defeat: "I congratulate Kirron Kherji, am sure she will work for Chandigarh. Also congratulate Narendra Modiji & BJP/NDA. We will continue to conscientiously serve the people of Chandigarh and remain committed to our fight for a corruption free India."
16:27 48 lakh NOTA voters
Sonia, Rahul presser any time now.
FYI: Of the votes counted so far, a staggering 48 lakh voters chose the NOTA option.
EC has officially declared results on 61 seats. BJP gets 44, INC has 5.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
FYI: Of the votes counted so far, a staggering 48 lakh voters chose the NOTA option.
EC has officially declared results on 61 seats. BJP gets 44, INC has 5.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
16:23 LIVE! Kejriwal: We made a good beginning, not disappointed
Omar Abdullah tweets: Victory & defeat are part of any contest but if lessons aren't learnt from defea,t victory becomes an impossible ask. I will learn from this.
Arvind Kejriwal who is trailing Narendra Modi by 2.38 lakh votes, says the verdict, despite no clear wins for AAP, is a good beginning. "We gave the country a platform. There is a huge churning in the country. The win or loss is the peoples and there is no question of disappointment. I am thankful to the people of Kashi."
Arvind Kejriwal who is trailing Narendra Modi by 2.38 lakh votes, says the verdict, despite no clear wins for AAP, is a good beginning. "We gave the country a platform. There is a huge churning in the country. The win or loss is the peoples and there is no question of disappointment. I am thankful to the people of Kashi."
16:14
Nandan Nilekani: I want to thank the voters who participated in the election. My message to the people of Bengaluru, our great city. Read
16:12
Ambika Soni, Sachin Pilot and Jaswant Singh lose.
All state cabinet ministers gather at the BJP office in Gandhinagar.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
All state cabinet ministers gather at the BJP office in Gandhinagar.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
16:00 Sonia presser at 4:30 pm
Congress President Sonia Gandhi to hold a press conference at 4:30 pm at the AICC HQ today.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
15:59 Omar: Important lessons to be learnt from this verdict, not the end of NC
Presser after presser... Omar Abdullah 's turn now: "This is not the press conference I expected myself to be giving today. There were ample positives that were done in the last five years that should have been part of the election campaign, but we didn't do it. It is time for me to accept total responsibility. We hope the PDP and th BJP can adequately represent the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in Parliament. There are important lessons to be learnt from this verdict. This is not the end of the National Conference."
The results for J-K of a total of 6 seats: PDP: 3, BJP: 2, NC: 0, Others: 1.
Pic: That's J-K CM Omar Abdullah at the presser today. A picture of consternation.
The results for J-K of a total of 6 seats: PDP: 3, BJP: 2, NC: 0, Others: 1.
Pic: That's J-K CM Omar Abdullah at the presser today. A picture of consternation.
15:55
Actor Dev Adhikari wins from Ghatal.
15:54 'Advani was never offered Speaker's post'
Rediff.com's Sheela Bhatt reports: Sources say that the talk of LK Advani becoming speaker of the Lok Sabha was floated by a Advani crony and it's not an offer made by the party. Advani has not been offered the Speaker's post, nor is he going to become the LS Speaker.
15:51
In Varanasi: Modi is leading Kejriwal by 2.38 lakh votes.
Rae Bareli: Sonia Gandhi leading by 3.29 lakh votes.
Rae Bareli: Sonia Gandhi leading by 3.29 lakh votes.
15:43
AAP's Yogendra Yadav addresses a presser. The big picture is that despite not winning a single seat, the vote share is considerable.
15:40
Narendra Modi should thank Mani Shankar Aiyar for his chaiwallah quip. Modi's chai pe charchas were part of the stupendous success of the BJP's PR exercise.
15:36 Advani, Vajpayee instrumental in taking the BJP to where it is: Rajnath
Rajnath Singh on LK Advani: Advani is a mentor, a guardian, a senior leader, of the party. He and Vajpayee-ji are instrumental in taking the party to where it is today," he says.
He says the party will take everyone along with it and cautions party workers: "Let us maintain dignity, calm during celebrations. Don't say anything against any community."
He says the party will take everyone along with it and cautions party workers: "Let us maintain dignity, calm during celebrations. Don't say anything against any community."
15:31
Party senior leaders will meet and decide on who gets which ministry. It will be done on the basis of a consensus, says Rajnath Singh.
15:30 'I feel that Atal-ji's 'Andhera Chattega Kamal Khilega' is coming true'
Rajnath says that the massive win is a people's mandate for change. The results mark a new era in Indian politics. "I feel that Atal ji's "Andhera Chattega Kamal Khilega" is coming true," says Rajnath Singh.
He thanks the 25 allies of the party, party workers, poll booth workers and congratulates other winners from other parties as well. He says the BJP did not win on a negative agenda.
The tone is humble, gracious in victory. At 12:30 pm, there will be a Central Parliamentary Committee meet at the party HQ in Delhi, says Rajnath.
Meanwhile, Ghulan Nabi Azad loses Udhampur seat to BJP's Dr Jitendra Singh.
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He thanks the 25 allies of the party, party workers, poll booth workers and congratulates other winners from other parties as well. He says the BJP did not win on a negative agenda.
The tone is humble, gracious in victory. At 12:30 pm, there will be a Central Parliamentary Committee meet at the party HQ in Delhi, says Rajnath.
Meanwhile, Ghulan Nabi Azad loses Udhampur seat to BJP's Dr Jitendra Singh.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
15:21 Mandate is a win for Narendra Modi
Rajnath Singh asks BJP workers to leave the meet. The exit polls in India rightly projected the winner, but underestimated the extent of Congress's defeat. Modi polls 5.70 lakh votes in Vadodara.
Rajnath says this is perhaps the first time since 1984 that a party has won by a clear majority. The Congress won the elections by a clear majority after Indira Gandhi's assassination in 1984.
In independent India, says Rajnath, nobody has attended as many rallies or road shows, says Rajnath.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Rajnath says this is perhaps the first time since 1984 that a party has won by a clear majority. The Congress won the elections by a clear majority after Indira Gandhi's assassination in 1984.
In independent India, says Rajnath, nobody has attended as many rallies or road shows, says Rajnath.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
15:14 To the sound of conch shells, BJP presser begins
The BJP is readying to address a presser any minute now. Ravi Shankar Prasad, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and Venkaiah Naidu. Conch shells blowing at the HQ before the presser begins.
Modi wins in Vadodara with more than 5.70 lakh votes.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Modi wins in Vadodara with more than 5.70 lakh votes.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
15:10 UK PM congratulates Modi: Keen to work together
UK Prime Minister David Cameron tweets his congratulations to Modi: Congratulations @narendramodi on victory in India's elections. Keen to work together to get the most from UK-India relationship.
And that's a picture of our PM congratulating the PM in waiting today...
And that's a picture of our PM congratulating the PM in waiting today...
15:02 Quick takes
Quick takes: RJD's Pappu Yadav defeats JD(U)'s Sharad Yadav in Madhepura.
Farooq Abdullah has been defeated from Srinagar. Unimaginable!
Ananth Kumar, who defeated Nandan Nilekani, says: "I am overwhelmed, I dedicate this victory to people of Bangalore."
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Farooq Abdullah has been defeated from Srinagar. Unimaginable!
Ananth Kumar, who defeated Nandan Nilekani, says: "I am overwhelmed, I dedicate this victory to people of Bangalore."
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
14:53 Rajini congratulates 'dear Narendra Modi'
Rajinikant has got his priorities right. First, a wish for Jaya and then Modi.
"Hearty Congratulations dear @narendramodi Ji on your historic win. Best wishes."
Read: Even Narendra Modi needs Rajinikanth!
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
"Hearty Congratulations dear @narendramodi Ji on your historic win. Best wishes."
Read: Even Narendra Modi needs Rajinikanth!
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
14:49 Rajinikant congratulates Amma
Rajinikanth tweets: My congratulations to Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalitha-ji on her landslide victory.
14:46
Rory Medcalf: So parochial ... outcome of largest democratic election in history did not make headlines in ABC TV 7pm news here in Sydney.
14:45 7/7: BJP celebrates massive win in Delhi
The Delhi BJP office wore a festive mood with party workers soaking themselves in celebrations. The state unit headquarters at 14, Pandit Pant Marg were packed with workers who raised slogans in favour of Modi and its state chief Harsh Vardhan.
Amid bursting of firecrackers and drum beats, party cadres broke into a dance.
Many party workers were seen wearing T-shirts that read 'I MODIfied India' with a picture of Modi printed on it while many others were busy applying colour on each other.
"You can see it for yourself," an elated Vardhan said when asked to respond to the poll results which indicated victory for him from the prestigious Chandni Chowk constituency.
By afternoon, BJP candidates Ramesh Bidhuri from South, Udit Raj from North West, actor Manoj Tiwari from North East, Mahesh Giri from East, Meenakshi Lekhi from New Delhi, Parvesh Verma from West Delhi constituency were maintaining a healthy lead over their nearest rivals.
And yes, BJP's Meenakshi Lekhi wins from New Delhi seat
Amid bursting of firecrackers and drum beats, party cadres broke into a dance.
Many party workers were seen wearing T-shirts that read 'I MODIfied India' with a picture of Modi printed on it while many others were busy applying colour on each other.
"You can see it for yourself," an elated Vardhan said when asked to respond to the poll results which indicated victory for him from the prestigious Chandni Chowk constituency.
By afternoon, BJP candidates Ramesh Bidhuri from South, Udit Raj from North West, actor Manoj Tiwari from North East, Mahesh Giri from East, Meenakshi Lekhi from New Delhi, Parvesh Verma from West Delhi constituency were maintaining a healthy lead over their nearest rivals.
And yes, BJP's Meenakshi Lekhi wins from New Delhi seat
14:37
Priya Dutt concedes: "With great humility, I accept defeat. Congratulate Poonam Mahajan and BJP for this huge win.
NOTA numbers continue to rise: 37.85 lakh so far.
Amit Shah arrives at Ashoka Road. Crowds go berserk. Showered with rose petals.
Pic: No, it's not a cricket match. That's commuters watching the election results at Chhattrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
NOTA numbers continue to rise: 37.85 lakh so far.
Amit Shah arrives at Ashoka Road. Crowds go berserk. Showered with rose petals.
Pic: No, it's not a cricket match. That's commuters watching the election results at Chhattrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
14:21 LIVE! Amethi teaches Rahul a lesson: Wins with 1/3 of 2009 margin
Just in: All Congress CMs have offered to resign.
Bastar: BJP's Dinesh Kashyap wins by 1,25,000 votes
Amethi so far: Rahul Gandhi has 1.14 lakh votes, Smriti Irani has 86807. Kumar Vishvas 6368.
BJP sweeps Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra.
Pic: That's Air India's advertisement in papers today, a naughty nudge at the Congress debacle.
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Bastar: BJP's Dinesh Kashyap wins by 1,25,000 votes
Amethi so far: Rahul Gandhi has 1.14 lakh votes, Smriti Irani has 86807. Kumar Vishvas 6368.
BJP sweeps Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra.
Pic: That's Air India's advertisement in papers today, a naughty nudge at the Congress debacle.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
14:07
That's Air India's advertisement in papers today, a naughty nudge at the Congress debacle.
14:04 So, what will Modi do with Advani?
As per reports, LK Advani is said to have rejected the offer made by BJP president Rajnath Singh. Advani is reportedly interested in a political role, maybe the NDA chairman's post. He was Deputy PM in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. The party had offered him the post of Speaker.
14:00
Congress's Shashi Tharoor wins from Thiruvananthapuram. Tharoor is the sitting MP.
13:57 Mere paas ma hai
This is the picture tweeted by Modi a few minutes ago. India's PM in waiting, met his mother after leads suggested that the BJP was sweeping the polls.
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Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
13:54 Advani refuses to give Modi full credit for BJP's historical victory
LK Advani, who won from Gandhinagar, says it needs to be assessed as to how much contribution has been made by Narendra Modi's leadership, RSS and BJP towards the party's victory. "We are winning in areas where we have never won before. Credit goes to Narendra Modi and RSS," says Advani.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
13:48 'Chop Modi' Cong leader leads in Saharanpur
Narayan Rane's son Nilesh Rane trailing by 70000 votes in Sindhudurg.
Imran Masood of Congress, who made the 'chop Modi' remark, leads in Saharanpur
Another hate leader, Giriraj Singh "terrorists come from one community" wins from Nawada, Bihar.
Sanjay Patil of BJP leads by over 1 lakh. This is first time in the history of Maharastra that the Cong looks at defeat in Sangli.
Aam Aadmi Party gets 33.2 % vote share in Delhi, 24.5 % in Punjab in the counting held so far.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Imran Masood of Congress, who made the 'chop Modi' remark, leads in Saharanpur
Another hate leader, Giriraj Singh "terrorists come from one community" wins from Nawada, Bihar.
Sanjay Patil of BJP leads by over 1 lakh. This is first time in the history of Maharastra that the Cong looks at defeat in Sangli.
Aam Aadmi Party gets 33.2 % vote share in Delhi, 24.5 % in Punjab in the counting held so far.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
13:46
Ramesh Srivats: Tragic. She told everyone else to take their seats, but lost her own. Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar loses from Sasaram, Bihar
13:43 Congratulations on your win! PM calls Modi; will resign tomorrow
The PM will be resigning at 12:30 pm tomorrow. His address as PM is tomorrow as well.
Dr Singh called Narendra Modi a while ago to congratulate him.
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Dr Singh called Narendra Modi a while ago to congratulate him.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
13:38
Chhagan Bhujbal loses in Nashik.
13:37 Supriya Sule set to retain Baramati
Narendra Modi leading Arvind Kejriwal by 1.14 lakh votes in Varanasi.
Supriya Sule now inching closer to the victory. Leading by 15,000 votes over BJP-Sena alliance candidate.
Happy that my father is elected again, also happy that Narendra bhai will be the PM of the country: Pratibha Advani (LK Advani's daughter).
Murli Manohar Joshi leading Sriprakash Jaiwal by 84388 votes in Kanpur.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Supriya Sule now inching closer to the victory. Leading by 15,000 votes over BJP-Sena alliance candidate.
Happy that my father is elected again, also happy that Narendra bhai will be the PM of the country: Pratibha Advani (LK Advani's daughter).
Murli Manohar Joshi leading Sriprakash Jaiwal by 84388 votes in Kanpur.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
13:31 Sushma on her Vidisha win: This is purely a BJP win
Sushma Swaraj telling says of her win -- "This is purely a victory of the BJP." No mention of Modi or his wave.
Swaraj has never been happy with Modi's candidacy and is seen to be in the Lk Advani camp. The party now wants to mollify her with a ministerial berth.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Swaraj has never been happy with Modi's candidacy and is seen to be in the Lk Advani camp. The party now wants to mollify her with a ministerial berth.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
13:28
Congress leads in 54 seats, but that's oscillating by the second. The Cong may lose its status of a recognized opposition in the Lok Sabha if it doesnt get 54 seats.
13:12 LIVE! Jaya: I wish new PM well, hope govt will be friendly towards TN
"I wish the new Govt and the new PM well, hope the new Govt will be friendly towards Tamil Nadu. Trends show the AIADMK is the 3rd largest party nationally, we will function as a responsible political party," J Jayalalithaa.
13:10 LIVE! Jaya: AIADMK achieved victory on its own, third largest party in Parl
J Jayalalithaa addresses a presser after the AIADMK win in Tamil Nadu. "I thanks the people of Tamil Nadu for making the AIADMK the third largest party in parliament. The AIADMK has achieved this victory on it's own, without any partners. Thank all those who have worked hard and sincerely for the victory of our candidates."
AIADMK leads in 36 out of 39 seats in the state. Cong in second place with approximately 54 seats.
Interestingly, Mayawati's BSP has drawn a blank in UP.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
AIADMK leads in 36 out of 39 seats in the state. Cong in second place with approximately 54 seats.
Interestingly, Mayawati's BSP has drawn a blank in UP.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
12:57
Kiran Bedi: Mr Modi has brought back 'blessings of the mother' to the core! This was in all his speeches, concluding: Bharat Mata ki Jai' Vande Mataram'
12:55 Big wins
Mallikarjun Kharge wins from Gulbarga
H D Devegowda from Hassan
Ananth Kumar from Bangalore south.
H D Devegowda from Hassan
Ananth Kumar from Bangalore south.
12:54 Salman Khurshid runs fourth in Farrukhabad
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik leading by over 11000 votes from Hinjili Assembly seat.
Ambika Soni trailing by 19,724 votes in Anandpur Sahib
Salman Khurshid running fourth in Farrukhabad.
Vinod Khanna leading Partap Singh Bajwa by 96779 votes in Gurdaspur.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Ambika Soni trailing by 19,724 votes in Anandpur Sahib
Salman Khurshid running fourth in Farrukhabad.
Vinod Khanna leading Partap Singh Bajwa by 96779 votes in Gurdaspur.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
12:51 Sushma: Win bigger than what happened in 1977
This is a huge win, its even bigger than what happened in 1977, says Sushma Swaraj. The BJP senior leader has won from Vidisha. She says the party will take its allies along to form government.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
12:42 'Outsider' Jaitley set to lose Amritsar
I had said on the first day that Jaitley has nothing to do with Punjab, he is an unknown factor in Amritsar: Capt. Amarinder Singh.
BJP 's Arun Jaitley trails by 61129 votes in Amritsar. Amarinder Singh ahead.
In other constituencies.
Actor Javed Jaffery of AAP fighting against BJP President Rajnath Singh from Lucknow has managed to get only 7490 votes so far.
Mumbai Northeast leading candidate BJP Kirit Somaiya: I had told Modi long time ago that I will win.
Karti P Chidambaram at fourth spot in Sivaganga constituency, has polled 5,305 votes.
AAP's Kumar Vishvas at fourth place in Amethi, having polled 2,865 votes.
BJP 's Arun Jaitley trails by 61129 votes in Amritsar. Amarinder Singh ahead.
In other constituencies.
Actor Javed Jaffery of AAP fighting against BJP President Rajnath Singh from Lucknow has managed to get only 7490 votes so far.
Mumbai Northeast leading candidate BJP Kirit Somaiya: I had told Modi long time ago that I will win.
Karti P Chidambaram at fourth spot in Sivaganga constituency, has polled 5,305 votes.
AAP's Kumar Vishvas at fourth place in Amethi, having polled 2,865 votes.
12:35
Joke doing the rounds on Twitter: "Rahul, jahan bhi ho ghar aa jao, mata aur bahen dono pareshan hai. Koi kuchh nahi kahega, sari zimedari Manmohan ki."
Rahul who was MIA for the Dr Manmohan Singh's farewell, is believed to be back in Delhi.
Rahul who was MIA for the Dr Manmohan Singh's farewell, is believed to be back in Delhi.
12:34 Wins and losses
LJP leader Chirag Paswan leads by over 24,000 votes in Jamui.
Kamal Nath wins from Chhindwara
Dinesh Trivedi wins from Barrackpur
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Kamal Nath wins from Chhindwara
Dinesh Trivedi wins from Barrackpur
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
12:21 Modi meets mother, seeks her blessings
Narendra Modi meets his mother, Heeraben, to seek her blessings. The BJP is likely to get 272 on its own.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
12:15
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar tweets: "A new era has begun - With this change, I hope there is good teamwork and that MP's don't squabble for ministerial berths.
12:14 LIVE! Narendra Modi tweets: India has won, achhe din aanewale hain
Narendra Modi tweets: India has won! Achhe din aane waale hain.
Modi is now leaving his residence at Gandhinagar.
Modi is now leaving his residence at Gandhinagar.
12:11
So, Assam CM Tarun Gogoi has resigned over the Congress decimation, so why won't Rahul Gandhi follow his lead?
12:07 Vote count in Varanasi:
Vote count in Varanasi: AAP's Arvind Kejriwal: 32000, Cong's Ajay Rai: 11500 and Narendra Modi leads by 1.06 lakh votes.
12:06
Celebrations begin in Delhi. Pic: NV Reuben
12:03 Big losers? Jaswant Singh, Azhar, Jaitley, Sachin Pilot
Cong's Sachin Pilot trailing by 77,249 votes in Ajmer against BJP's Sanwar Lal Jat.
Jaswant Singh trailing Col Sona Ram by 34112 votes in Barmer.
Former cricketer Mohd Azharuddin trailing by 32087 in Tonk-Sawai Madhopur seat.
Capt Amarinder Singh leading Arun Jaitley by 48,037 votes in Amritsar.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Jaswant Singh trailing Col Sona Ram by 34112 votes in Barmer.
Former cricketer Mohd Azharuddin trailing by 32087 in Tonk-Sawai Madhopur seat.
Capt Amarinder Singh leading Arun Jaitley by 48,037 votes in Amritsar.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
11:59 Cong accepts defeat -- it's worst performance ever
Admitting its defeat, the Congress today said it was "very disappointed" with the poll outcome, but hit out at Narendra Modi for pursuing "politics of polarisation".
"Going by the election trends that have come so far, we humbly admit the defeat of Congress and UPA as people's mandate.... We will introspect and then we will deliberate on our future role as a political party," senior party leader Satyavrat Chaturvedi told reporters at the AICC as election trends indicated its worst-ever performance.
Party leader Meem Afzal attributed BJP's gains to the "huge" amount of money spent by the opposition party in its campaign and "politics of polarisation like that was seen in Muzaffarnagar" as well as "caste card" played by BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi.
To a question on whether price rise and corruption could have done the party in, he said, "yes it could be an issue."
Union Minister Rajiv Shukla said that the trends are "very disppointing" for the party.
"We did not expect this kind of results but in democracy everything happens. This is people's verdict and we will have to abide by that," he said. Asked whether Rahul Gandhi should take responsibility for the defeat, Shukla said, "it's collective responsibility".
To queries about reasons for such a performance of Congress, the Union Minister said that while the Congress-led UPA government brought out a number of schemes for people's welfare, it could not take the message to the people.
"But Narendra Modi sold a dream to the people in which he said that he will get them the Sun, moon and the Jupiter and people believed in all of them and voted for it," Shukla said.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
"Going by the election trends that have come so far, we humbly admit the defeat of Congress and UPA as people's mandate.... We will introspect and then we will deliberate on our future role as a political party," senior party leader Satyavrat Chaturvedi told reporters at the AICC as election trends indicated its worst-ever performance.
Party leader Meem Afzal attributed BJP's gains to the "huge" amount of money spent by the opposition party in its campaign and "politics of polarisation like that was seen in Muzaffarnagar" as well as "caste card" played by BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi.
To a question on whether price rise and corruption could have done the party in, he said, "yes it could be an issue."
Union Minister Rajiv Shukla said that the trends are "very disppointing" for the party.
"We did not expect this kind of results but in democracy everything happens. This is people's verdict and we will have to abide by that," he said. Asked whether Rahul Gandhi should take responsibility for the defeat, Shukla said, "it's collective responsibility".
To queries about reasons for such a performance of Congress, the Union Minister said that while the Congress-led UPA government brought out a number of schemes for people's welfare, it could not take the message to the people.
"But Narendra Modi sold a dream to the people in which he said that he will get them the Sun, moon and the Jupiter and people believed in all of them and voted for it," Shukla said.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
11:54 Modi calm as he watches results from home.
Rediff.com's Sheela Bhatt reports: Narendra Modi has been keeping track of leads and results from his home in Gandhinagar. People who have talked to him since morning says his voice is normal and that he is not overreacting to the news of this double win from Vadodara and Varanasi or the party's spectacular results so far. Modi wanted to see the vote percentages of certain states in between receiving congratulatory messages. A SPG team, which reached Gandhinagar last night has taken over his home this morning.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
11:47
Modi wins over Arvind Kejriwal by 50,319 votes in Varanasi. Ajay Rai has polled just 9,927 votes so far. Kejriwal may have lost the seat, but it's still a huge victory for the party.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
11:44 Prakash Jha trails in Champaran
Director Prakash Jha (JD-U), who's polled a little over 15,000 votes so far, is trailing against BJP's Sanjay Jaiswal (over 25,000 votes) in Paschim Champaran in Bihar.
It's one thing to make films based in Bihar, quite another to contest elections.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
It's one thing to make films based in Bihar, quite another to contest elections.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
11:43 Here's what's happening in Karnataka
Rediff.com's Vicky Nanjappa reports: The BJP is putting up a good show in Karnataka. It is currently leading in 17 seats while the Congress is leading in 7.
The JD(S) is leading the Hassan Constituency contested by Deve Gowda. His son H D Kumaraswamy is trailing.At the high profile Bangalore South Constituency, Ananth Kumar of the BJP leads Nandan Nilekeni of the Congress by 38000 votes.
Veerappa Moily is trailing BJP candidate B N Bache Gowda by over 2,700 votes in Chikkaballapur.
The JD(S) is leading the Hassan Constituency contested by Deve Gowda. His son H D Kumaraswamy is trailing.At the high profile Bangalore South Constituency, Ananth Kumar of the BJP leads Nandan Nilekeni of the Congress by 38000 votes.
Veerappa Moily is trailing BJP candidate B N Bache Gowda by over 2,700 votes in Chikkaballapur.
11:40 LIVE! Narendra Modi wins Varanasi, Vadodara
Narendra Modi wins from Varanasi.
Nitin Gadkari wins from Nagpur
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Nitin Gadkari wins from Nagpur
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
11:36
On Twitter: Great line from American guy watching Arnab at Times Square. "Wow he's so excited - did he win? Is he the guy everyone is excited about?"
11:34 Former army chief VK Singh wins from Ghaziabad
BJP leading on all 25 seats in Rajasthan. BJP's VK Singh wins from Ghaziabad. The former army chief faced off against AAP's Shazia Ilmi. Ghaziabad was supposed to be Rajnath Singh's constituency, but he switched to Lucknow. So far, Rajnath Singh is leading from Lucknow where he is pitted against Cong's Rita Bahuguna Joshi.
BJP's Sadanand Gowda wins from Bangalore North.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
BJP's Sadanand Gowda wins from Bangalore North.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
11:30
Congress party HQ at Delhi... The police bandobast seems unnecessary, with not a soul in sight.
11:28
D V Sadananda Gowda wins from Bangalore North
Sushma Swaraj wins from Vidisha.
Kirron Kher wins from Chandigarh.
Sushma Swaraj wins from Vidisha.
Kirron Kher wins from Chandigarh.
11:27
In Mumbai North West: Rakhi Sawant has got 58 votes.
NCP's Supriya Sule trailing in Baramati, Maharashtra.
BJP's Hema Malini leading in Mathura seat by 56203 votes
BJP leading on 66 seats in Uttar Pradesh, 22 in Maharashtra, 15 in Bihar
NCP's Supriya Sule trailing in Baramati, Maharashtra.
BJP's Hema Malini leading in Mathura seat by 56203 votes
BJP leading on 66 seats in Uttar Pradesh, 22 in Maharashtra, 15 in Bihar
11:23
Abhishek Mande/Rediff.com reports: At the end of round 2, Shiv Sena's Gajanan Kiritkar leads (23,317), Congress's Kamat trails (14,116 votes) while AAP's Mayank Gandhi has polled 3,164 votes.
11:22 Here's the mood in Mumbai
Rediff.com's Sonil Dedhia reporting from Mumbai says, at Ruparel College, where counting is in progress, the mood of the Shiv Sena, which is a long time ally of the BJP is jubilant.
Eknath Shinde, the Congress candidate who has had a stronghold in Mumbai South Central, is trailing. The leading candidate here is Rahul Shewale of the Shiv Sena. Sensing the rout, hardly any Congress supporters are present near the counting centre.
Neither are the MNS supporters. Aditya Shirodkar of the MNS, who had received strong support from his party chief Raj Thackeray, is also trailing.
Pic: Celebrations outside the BJP HQ in Delhi.
Eknath Shinde, the Congress candidate who has had a stronghold in Mumbai South Central, is trailing. The leading candidate here is Rahul Shewale of the Shiv Sena. Sensing the rout, hardly any Congress supporters are present near the counting centre.
Neither are the MNS supporters. Aditya Shirodkar of the MNS, who had received strong support from his party chief Raj Thackeray, is also trailing.
Pic: Celebrations outside the BJP HQ in Delhi.
11:17 BJP leads in all seven seats in Delhi
Not curfew, that's the scene outside the Congress party HQ, in Delhi. The BJP leads in all seven seats in Delhi.
11:13
Mumbai SOUTH Shivsena: 35775
Mumbai NORTH BJP: 55283
Mumbai North Central BJP: 130661
Mumbai North East BJP: 45162
Mumbai North West ShivSena: 2622
Mumbai South Central ShivSena: 102325
Mumbai NORTH BJP: 55283
Mumbai North Central BJP: 130661
Mumbai North East BJP: 45162
Mumbai North West ShivSena: 2622
Mumbai South Central ShivSena: 102325
11:10 Leads, trails...
Paresh Rawal leading with 69256 votes in Ahmedabad East.
Rajiv Pratap Rudy leading Rabri Devi by 1,349 votes in Saran in Bihar.
Sumitra Mahajan ahead of Congress rival Satyanarayan Patel in Indore.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Rajiv Pratap Rudy leading Rabri Devi by 1,349 votes in Saran in Bihar.
Sumitra Mahajan ahead of Congress rival Satyanarayan Patel in Indore.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
11:06 Celebrations outside BJP office; Assembly polls new target
Firecrackers were today burst and 'laddoos' distributed outside the BJP office here as jubilant workers celebrated the party's sterling showing in the Lok Sabha polls.
"I am very happy. We were waiting for this moment for last two months. We are distributing laddoos," BJP state president Devendra Fadnavis said.
"The mood of people has been translated into votes," he said. "We have secured a decisive mandate. We are elated. At the same time, we realise the responsibility placed on our shoulders by people," he said.
"The Mahayuti alliance, comprising BJP, Shiv Sena and others is reaching 40 seats of the total 48 seats in Maharashtra," he said.
"People of Maharashtra should hand over reigns of the state to Mahayuti, in the Assembly elections scheduled later this year," he said.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
"I am very happy. We were waiting for this moment for last two months. We are distributing laddoos," BJP state president Devendra Fadnavis said.
"The mood of people has been translated into votes," he said. "We have secured a decisive mandate. We are elated. At the same time, we realise the responsibility placed on our shoulders by people," he said.
"The Mahayuti alliance, comprising BJP, Shiv Sena and others is reaching 40 seats of the total 48 seats in Maharashtra," he said.
"People of Maharashtra should hand over reigns of the state to Mahayuti, in the Assembly elections scheduled later this year," he said.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
11:04 Rupee rallies to 11-month high of 58.71 vs dollar
The rupee rallied to 11-month high of 58.71 against the dollar early today on persistent selling of the US currency by banks and exporters on hopes of higher foreign capital inflows as election results showed clear chances of a stable government at the Centre.
11:03 In West Bengal, TMC leads IN 32/42 seats
Trinamool Congress surged ahead leading in 32 of total 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal in a four-cornered contest with the BJP springing a surprise by forging a lead in three while CPI(M)-led Left Front was ahead in only three, early trends showed.
The Congress is ahead in only four seats, according to trends available till 10 am.
TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee's nephew Abhishek Banerjee is leading in the Diamond Harbour seat, while former Union ministers Sougata Roy and Sudip Bandopadhyay of TMC are ahead in Dum Dum and Kolkata Uttar seats respectively. Former Railway minister and TMC candidate Dinesh Trivedi is leading from Barrackpur. Singer Babul Supriyo of BJP is ahead in Asansol, while two other saffron party candidates S S Ahluwalia and B B Oraon are leading from Darjeeling and Alipurduar in north Bengal respectively.
Veteran CPI(M) leader in the outgoing 15th Lok Sabha Basudeb Acharya is leading from Bankura for his tenth term. Union ministers Adhir Chowdhury, Deepa Dasmunshi and A H Khan Chowdhury are leading from Baharampur, Raiganj and Maldah Dakhsin for the Congress.
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The Congress is ahead in only four seats, according to trends available till 10 am.
TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee's nephew Abhishek Banerjee is leading in the Diamond Harbour seat, while former Union ministers Sougata Roy and Sudip Bandopadhyay of TMC are ahead in Dum Dum and Kolkata Uttar seats respectively. Former Railway minister and TMC candidate Dinesh Trivedi is leading from Barrackpur. Singer Babul Supriyo of BJP is ahead in Asansol, while two other saffron party candidates S S Ahluwalia and B B Oraon are leading from Darjeeling and Alipurduar in north Bengal respectively.
Veteran CPI(M) leader in the outgoing 15th Lok Sabha Basudeb Acharya is leading from Bankura for his tenth term. Union ministers Adhir Chowdhury, Deepa Dasmunshi and A H Khan Chowdhury are leading from Baharampur, Raiganj and Maldah Dakhsin for the Congress.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
10:59
In Times Sq NYC, about 300 Indian men shouting "Modi" next to a 7 foot tall guy dressed as the Statue of Liberty & posing for photos.
10:56 Assam CM Tarun Gogoi resigns over Cong decimation in state
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to resign taking full responsibility for Congress defeat in state.
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Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
10:54 LK Advani wins in Gandhinagar
LK Advani wins in Gandhinagar with 23,360; Cong's Kirtibhai Ishvarbhai Patel comes in second with 13,456.
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Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
10:48 Congress concedes defeat: It's a collective failure
BJP president Rajnath Singh says he congratulated Narendra Modi over the phone. He says trends indicate it's a landslide. Rajnath to address the media at 3 pm.
Congress concedes defeat. Remains to be seen what Rahul's vote share will be in Amethi. For now, they are busy directing blame away from Mr Gandhi.
BJP likely to get 272 seats on its own. According to NDTV, BJP leads with 266 seats.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Congress concedes defeat. Remains to be seen what Rahul's vote share will be in Amethi. For now, they are busy directing blame away from Mr Gandhi.
BJP likely to get 272 seats on its own. According to NDTV, BJP leads with 266 seats.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
10:41 LIVE! Ab ki baar it is MODI sarkaar: Narendra Modi wins by 3 lakh votes in Vadodara
Congress says the blame doesn't lie with Rahul alone, it's collective responsiblilty.
Narendra Modi wins in Vadodara with 402,436 votes while Madhusudan Mistry got 118,767.
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Narendra Modi wins in Vadodara with 402,436 votes while Madhusudan Mistry got 118,767.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
10:35 LIVE! Winners: BJP's Yeddy, Varun Gandhi, Satyapal Singh
Paresh Rawal leading in Ahmedabad (East) by 33,889 votes. BJP's BS Yeddyurappa wins from Shimoga against Manjunath Bhandary from Cong and B Dharmappa from the JDU and seven others.
Sonia and Rahul Gandhi likely to speak later today.
Meanwhile, at the Congress HQ at Delhi, supporters shout "Vakt ki Pukaar, Priyanka Gandhi". They haven't been able to read the writing on the wall, it seems.
BJP's Varun Gandhi wins from Sultanpur agains Cong's Ameeta Singh, Shakeel Ahmed from SDP And Pawan Pandey BSP.
BJP Prez Rajnath Singh says he has congratulated Narendra Modi over the phone. Modi is still at home in Gandhinagar.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Sonia and Rahul Gandhi likely to speak later today.
Meanwhile, at the Congress HQ at Delhi, supporters shout "Vakt ki Pukaar, Priyanka Gandhi". They haven't been able to read the writing on the wall, it seems.
BJP's Varun Gandhi wins from Sultanpur agains Cong's Ameeta Singh, Shakeel Ahmed from SDP And Pawan Pandey BSP.
BJP Prez Rajnath Singh says he has congratulated Narendra Modi over the phone. Modi is still at home in Gandhinagar.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
10:26 Modi leads by 58,000 votes in Varanasi, 4 lakh votes in Vadodara
In Varanasi, Narendra Modi leading by 58000 votes, and by 4 lakh votes in Vadodara.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
10:22 Rahul leads over Smriti by just 2000 votes
Paresh Rawal of the BJP leads by 13,334 votes on Ahmedabad-East seat. In Gujarat, BJP leades in 26 out of 26 seats and in 7/7 seats in Delhi.
The biggest political lesson from these elections is for Arvind Kejriwal. His resignation as Delhi CM sent a wrong message.
Rahul Gandhi leads against Smriti Irani by just 2000 votes. Remember, his 2009 vote margin was a hefty 3.71 lakh votes.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
The biggest political lesson from these elections is for Arvind Kejriwal. His resignation as Delhi CM sent a wrong message.
Rahul Gandhi leads against Smriti Irani by just 2000 votes. Remember, his 2009 vote margin was a hefty 3.71 lakh votes.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
10:16 Trailing in Mumbai
In Mumbai: Congress's Priya Dutt trailing by over 20,000 votes, Eknath Gaikwad by over 18,000 votes, Sanjay Nirupam by over a 1,000 votes and Milind Deora by nearly 3,000 votes.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
10:13 Modi's mom: He has my blessings, will lead India to development
BJP candidate O Rajagopal gains a margin of 10,000 votes over Cong's Shashi Tharoor in Thiruvananthapuram. 34 per cent votes have been counted.
Congress's Sandeep Dikshit, one of the first candidates to admit defeat a day before counting began says: We are losing in Delhi. Anti-UPA wave.
Narendra Modi's mother Heeraben, says of her son, set to become India's next PM: "He has my blessings, he will will lead India to the road of development."
Congress's Sandeep Dikshit, one of the first candidates to admit defeat a day before counting began says: We are losing in Delhi. Anti-UPA wave.
Narendra Modi's mother Heeraben, says of her son, set to become India's next PM: "He has my blessings, he will will lead India to the road of development."
10:04 BJP leads in UP
Narendra Modi leading with 2 lakh+ margin on Vadodara seat.
NCP's Supriya Sule leading from Baramati by 48,860 over BJP-Shiv Sena-RPI-SS alliance's Mahadev Janka.
In UP: Of the 80 seats, trends available in 69 seats.
BJP: 55
SP: 9
CONG: 1
BSP: 3
APNA DAL: 1
NDA: 302
UPA: 76
Others: 150
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
NCP's Supriya Sule leading from Baramati by 48,860 over BJP-Shiv Sena-RPI-SS alliance's Mahadev Janka.
In UP: Of the 80 seats, trends available in 69 seats.
BJP: 55
SP: 9
CONG: 1
BSP: 3
APNA DAL: 1
NDA: 302
UPA: 76
Others: 150
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
09:56
Telangana Rashtra Samiti supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao and his daughter K Kavitha took an early lead in Lok Sabha elections in Telangana.
Cong's Sushil Kumar Shinde trails against BJP's Sharad Kumar Bansode.
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Cong's Sushil Kumar Shinde trails against BJP's Sharad Kumar Bansode.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
09:52 BJP+ 287, Cong+82, Others 140
East: Mamata's TMC sweeping Bengal with 29 seats
Cong's Milind Deora leads in Mumbai South. According to the ABP News-Nielsen exit polls: Arvind Sawant of the Shiv Sena is expected to topple incumbent Milind Deora of the Congress, throwing AAP's Meera Sanyal's chances out of the window.
Delhi leads: BJP: 6, AAP: 1
TMC's Baichung Bhutia trails against BJP's SS Ahluwalia in Darjeeling
Tally so far:
BJP+ 287
Cong+82
Others 140
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Cong's Milind Deora leads in Mumbai South. According to the ABP News-Nielsen exit polls: Arvind Sawant of the Shiv Sena is expected to topple incumbent Milind Deora of the Congress, throwing AAP's Meera Sanyal's chances out of the window.
Delhi leads: BJP: 6, AAP: 1
TMC's Baichung Bhutia trails against BJP's SS Ahluwalia in Darjeeling
Tally so far:
BJP+ 287
Cong+82
Others 140
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
09:43
Kiran Bedi: India on its way to be hugely 'MODIFIED'! New India! Post independence! One which will belong to all! Modern, Prosperous and Vibrant!
09:41 Harsimrat leads in Bhatinda
Other trends: Harsimrat Kaur Badal, sitting MP and wife of Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal, was leading over her relative Manpreet Singh Badal of Congress in Bhatinda Lok Sabha seat. Harsimrat, who is daughter-in-law of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, was leading by a narrow margin of 42 votes, election office said.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
09:39 BJP's Satyapal Singh defeats Ajit Singh
Former Mumbai police commissioner Satyapal Singh is the first clear winner. Singh who contested from a BJP ticket won over RLD chief and Union Minister Ajit Singh in Baghpat.
That is the first confirmed win.
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That is the first confirmed win.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
09:34
Cong's Mani Shankar Aiyar trails, Sachin Pilot trails.
09:31
At 9.30 Rahul Gandhi is trailing by 16,000 votes
Arun Jaitley trailing by 2800 votes in Amritsar
BJP is likely to win 58 seats says the party's control room in Lucknow.
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Arun Jaitley trailing by 2800 votes in Amritsar
BJP is likely to win 58 seats says the party's control room in Lucknow.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
09:29 Moon Moon Sen trails, Jaswant leads
Meanwhile, we hear that Narendra Modi was not watching TV since 9am.
TMC's Moon Moon Sen trails in Bankura.
Jaswant Singh leads from Barmer, Rajasthan. Remember, Jaswant quit the BJP and contested as an independent candidate.
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TMC's Moon Moon Sen trails in Bankura.
Jaswant Singh leads from Barmer, Rajasthan. Remember, Jaswant quit the BJP and contested as an independent candidate.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
09:25
BJP's Amit Shah claims that UP will give minimum 55 seats and BJP will get 250 to 263 seats with NDA getting 290 plus seats. Shah strictly follows Hindi channels.
09:22 Big win for Amethi if Rahul loses 2009 margin
Abhishek Manu Singhvi tells NDTV, "I admit it looks bleak for the Congress."
Even if Rahul Gandhi does manage to win from Amethi, voters had told us that they want to teach him a lesson by lowering his margin. Rahul had won by 3.71 lakh votes in the 2009 polls. So far, Smriti still in the leads.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Even if Rahul Gandhi does manage to win from Amethi, voters had told us that they want to teach him a lesson by lowering his margin. Rahul had won by 3.71 lakh votes in the 2009 polls. So far, Smriti still in the leads.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
09:15 AAP leads in four seats in Punjab
Like we said, leads change in seconds. Supriya Sule leads from Baramati.
Just as Arvind Kejriwal said, AAP is doing well in Punjab. Leads in 4 seats of Punjab: Sangroor, Patiala, Faridkot and Fategarh Sahib.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Just as Arvind Kejriwal said, AAP is doing well in Punjab. Leads in 4 seats of Punjab: Sangroor, Patiala, Faridkot and Fategarh Sahib.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
09:12
Cong's Priya Dutt trailing, Poonam Mahajan leading (Mumbai North Central)
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
09:11 Drumbeats in Varanasi
Anand Krishna Shah, the Central Government Standing Counsel in Varanasi, says the atmosphere is festive in Varanasi. BJP supporters are already beating nagadas to celebrate Narendra Modi's lead.
Leads and trails change by the minute...
BJP's Babul Supriyo leads from Asansol, West Bengal.
NCP's Supriya Sule trails from Baramati. This has been her father, Sharad Pawar's constituency since 1991
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Leads and trails change by the minute...
BJP's Babul Supriyo leads from Asansol, West Bengal.
NCP's Supriya Sule trails from Baramati. This has been her father, Sharad Pawar's constituency since 1991
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
09:05 Leads, trails and laddoos
Gujarat: BJP leading 23, Congress 3
In MP: BJP's Sushma Swaraj leads in Vidisha, Cong's Kamal Nath in Chhindwara.
In Delhi, BJP's Harsh Vardhan leads in Chandni Chowk
BJP's Kirron Kher leads in Chandigarh
Jaya Prada leads in Bijnor
BJP's VK Singh leads in Ghaziabad
Chirag Paswan leads in Jamui by 28,000
RJD's Misa Bharti leads
We hear the BJP has placed orders for more laddoos.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
In MP: BJP's Sushma Swaraj leads in Vidisha, Cong's Kamal Nath in Chhindwara.
In Delhi, BJP's Harsh Vardhan leads in Chandni Chowk
BJP's Kirron Kher leads in Chandigarh
Jaya Prada leads in Bijnor
BJP's VK Singh leads in Ghaziabad
Chirag Paswan leads in Jamui by 28,000
RJD's Misa Bharti leads
We hear the BJP has placed orders for more laddoos.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
08:59 Rahul Gandhi to address a presser at 1 pm
Rahul Gandhi, who provoked scathing criticism for skipping a farewell dinner for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, is back in Delhi and is expected to speak to the media at 1 pm along with his mother, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, after results of the election are announced.
Will he address the media after losing his seat or winning it, is the question. For now, BJP's Smriti Irani and Narendra Modi's 'chhoti behen' leads from Amethi.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Will he address the media after losing his seat or winning it, is the question. For now, BJP's Smriti Irani and Narendra Modi's 'chhoti behen' leads from Amethi.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
08:56 Who leads where...
The BJP was leading in two seats while Congress in one seat in Rajasthan, according to initial trends pouring in. BJP candidates are leading in Sikar and Udaipur while a Congress candidate is leading in Banswara. Rajasthan has 25 Lok Sabha seats.
BJP was also leading in all the four seats in Himachal Pradesh and one seat each in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. SAD was leading in two seats in Punjab.
Congress was leading in one seat each in Jammu and Kashmir, Mizoram and Madhya Pradesh. In Maharashtra, NCP was leading in one seat. Modi, BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate, was leading by over 25,000 from Vadodara in Gujarat while former Chief Minister Shankarsinh Vaghela was leading by 187 votes from Sabarkanta.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
BJP was also leading in all the four seats in Himachal Pradesh and one seat each in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. SAD was leading in two seats in Punjab.
Congress was leading in one seat each in Jammu and Kashmir, Mizoram and Madhya Pradesh. In Maharashtra, NCP was leading in one seat. Modi, BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate, was leading by over 25,000 from Vadodara in Gujarat while former Chief Minister Shankarsinh Vaghela was leading by 187 votes from Sabarkanta.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
08:54
149 out of 265 for the NDA at this stage. That is well past the half way mark.
08:53
BJP's Meenakshi Lekhi leading in New Delhi constituency.
TMC's Sugata Bose leads from the Jadavpur seat in WB.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
TMC's Sugata Bose leads from the Jadavpur seat in WB.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
08:51 Smriti Irani leads in Amethi
Smriti Irani leading in Amethi. When counting began, it was Rahul Gandhi who was leading. If Smriti indeed wins, she will rewrite history as the Gandhi family knows it.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
08:48 LIVE! BJP leads in all seats in Gujarat
BJP leads in all Gujarat seat tallies so far. The Congress, AAP have not even opened their accounts.
Cong's Nagma leads in Meerut.
SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav leads in Azamgarh
BJP's Uma Bharti leads from Jhansi
Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar trails from Sasaram.
BJP's Chandan Mitra leading from Hooghly
BJP's Arun Jaitley leads from Amritsar
Cong's Nagma leads in Meerut.
SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav leads in Azamgarh
BJP's Uma Bharti leads from Jhansi
Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar trails from Sasaram.
BJP's Chandan Mitra leading from Hooghly
BJP's Arun Jaitley leads from Amritsar
08:45
The high-decibel Lok Sabha elections 2014 witnessed the highest-ever turnout with 66.38 per cent of an estimated 814 million voters exercising their franchise -- the highest ever in the history of general elections.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
08:42 UDF maintains edge in initial round in Kerala
The ruling Congress-led UDF is leading in eight seats and the LDF in two seats as the counting is progressing in all the 20 seats.
The leading Congress candidates include K V Thomas (Ernakulam), M I Shanawas (Wayanad), T Siddique (Kasargode) and M K Raghavan in Kozhikode are leading.
IUML candidates E Ahamed in Malappuram and E T Muhammad Basheer in Ponnani are also ahead of their LDF opponents. RSP's N K Premachandran is leading by 166 votes over his nearest rival. CPI(M)'s P K Sreemathy is leading over INC's sitting MP K Sudhakaran by 15,228 votes.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
The leading Congress candidates include K V Thomas (Ernakulam), M I Shanawas (Wayanad), T Siddique (Kasargode) and M K Raghavan in Kozhikode are leading.
IUML candidates E Ahamed in Malappuram and E T Muhammad Basheer in Ponnani are also ahead of their LDF opponents. RSP's N K Premachandran is leading by 166 votes over his nearest rival. CPI(M)'s P K Sreemathy is leading over INC's sitting MP K Sudhakaran by 15,228 votes.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
08:42 NDA leads in 24 seats, UPA in 12
NDA leads in 24 seats, UPA in 12... so far.
BJP's VK Singh leading from Ghaziabad, Sushma Swaraj leads from Vidisha.
BJP's Ananth Kumar leading over Nandan Nilekani in Bangalore south.
BJP's VK Singh leading from Ghaziabad, Sushma Swaraj leads from Vidisha.
BJP's Ananth Kumar leading over Nandan Nilekani in Bangalore south.
08:37 Hema Malini, Rajnath Singh leads
BJP's Hema Malini leads from Mathura, Rajnath Singh leads/Rita Bahuguna Joshi trails in Lucknow, Deve Gowda leading, Smriti Irani trailing in Amethi.
Quite expectedly, Cong-led UDF leading in Kerala.
Quite expectedly, Cong-led UDF leading in Kerala.
08:34 LIVE! Sonia, Rahul, Modi, Tharoor, Advani leading
Sonia Gandhi leading from Rae Bareli, Narendra Modi leading from Varanasi, Shashi Tharoor leading from Thiruvananthapuram, Jyotiraditya Scindia leads from Guna, LK Advani leading from Gandhnagar, Rahul Gandhi leading in Amethi.
08:30 Nilekani trails, Modi leads
OK, big story: Congress candidate Nandan Nilekani is trailing in Bangalore South and not surprisingly, Narendra Modi is leading from Vadodara.
SP's Dimple Yadav leading from Kannauj. Dimple is UP CM Akhilesh Yadav's wife.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
SP's Dimple Yadav leading from Kannauj. Dimple is UP CM Akhilesh Yadav's wife.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
08:28 Narendra Modi stays home watching TV
PM-in-waiting Narendra Modi, is apparently glued to his TV at his residence in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Modi, 63, should know by 1 pm today, if the thousands of kilos of laddoos the party has ordered can indeed be distributed. Or should the party have ordered humble pie.
Exit polls indicate that NDA will clear the 272-seat mark needed to form the government. Sources close to him say he is unlikely to leave his home till the results are clear.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Exit polls indicate that NDA will clear the 272-seat mark needed to form the government. Sources close to him say he is unlikely to leave his home till the results are clear.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
08:24 EVMs to be opened at 8:30 am
Formal opening of EVMs begin at 8:30 am, remember only postal ballots are being opened now.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
08:21
Leads so far: BJP+ 23
Cong: 11
Others: 09
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Cong: 11
Others: 09
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
08:19 Action begins at 989 counting centres
Of 989 counting centres, maximum are in AP at 168 followed by 98 in West Bengal, 76 in UP, 64 in Odisha, 51 in Assam and 48 in Maharashtra.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
08:17 Initial trends: 25/543 seats: BJP: 12, Cong: 07, Others: 06
Postal ballots are being counted first
Initial trends: 25/543 seats: BJP: 12, Cong: 07, Others: 06
BJP's VK Singh leads in Ghaziabad, AAP's Shazia Ilmi trailing
Cong's Mallikarjun Kharge leads in Gulbarga
CPM leading in Kollam, Kerala
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Initial trends: 25/543 seats: BJP: 12, Cong: 07, Others: 06
BJP's VK Singh leads in Ghaziabad, AAP's Shazia Ilmi trailing
Cong's Mallikarjun Kharge leads in Gulbarga
CPM leading in Kollam, Kerala
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
08:09 LIVE! AAP's Medha Patkar: EVM seals broken, complaint filed with RO
AAP's Medha Patkar alleges vote rigging in Mumbai North East. Patkar has demanded EC shows and verifies unused paper seals. Patkar has filed a complaint with the returning officer. Patkar is pitched against BJP's Kirit Somaiya.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
08:04 The plumed turban
Manmohan Singh, as he bids adieu to the prime ministership, is confident about the kindness of posterity. But future historians, like present chroniclers, will continue to debate the fall. How is it that a man who came to the top job with so much goodwill leaves it without a hurrah going up for him? Part of the debate is a function of a larger and a deeper controversy that haunts historians -- the responsibility of individuals in determining or subverting trends. Read
08:02 We will prove some pollsters wrong: Sachin Pilot
Who said what this morning:
We are very confident. We will win 15-18 seats in Karnataka: Sadanand Gowda, BJP leader
We are sure that the exit polls will be proved wrong again: Meem Afzal, Congress leader
We will prove some pollsters wrong: Congress leader Sachin Pilot
Exit polls will be proved wrong: Congress leader Ajay Maken
We are very confident. We will win 15-18 seats in Karnataka: Sadanand Gowda, BJP leader
We are sure that the exit polls will be proved wrong again: Meem Afzal, Congress leader
We will prove some pollsters wrong: Congress leader Sachin Pilot
Exit polls will be proved wrong: Congress leader Ajay Maken
07:59 Sonia, Rahul to address presser at noon
Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are expected to address a press conference at noon today.
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
Follow latest updates on elections on Twitter: @RediffElections
07:57 Yogendra Yadav: I begin the day with ummeed
Yogendra Yadav, AAP's Gurgaon candidate tweet: As an ummeedwar I begin the day with ummeed, with hope. Am hoping that AAP"s electoral debut lays foundations for alternative politics.
The exit polls have given AAP between 2 to 5 seats.
The exit polls have given AAP between 2 to 5 seats.
07:50 LIVE! Counting begins at 8 am, BJP offices across India ready with laddoos
Votes polled in the nine-phased Lok Sabha elections will be counted from 8 am today to decide who will form the next government.
Election Commission said the counting exercise to be held at 989 counting centres is likely to be completed by 5 pm and trends will be available by 11 am.
By noon, a final picture could emerge on who would be the major players in the 16th Lok Sabha.
Nearly 8000 candidates, including top guns Narendra Modi, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal were in the fray, in the largest-ever electoral exercise held in Indian history. The exit polls have projected that BJP will emerge as the single largest party.
Election Commission said the counting exercise to be held at 989 counting centres is likely to be completed by 5 pm and trends will be available by 11 am.
By noon, a final picture could emerge on who would be the major players in the 16th Lok Sabha.
Nearly 8000 candidates, including top guns Narendra Modi, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal were in the fray, in the largest-ever electoral exercise held in Indian history. The exit polls have projected that BJP will emerge as the single largest party.
07:37
The first trends on the way India has voted will emerge by 8:15 am, a definitive indication will emerge by 9:30 am.
The nation is waiting with anticipation to know the fate of Narendra Modi as Elections 2014 has been about his attempt to reclaim Delhi for the BJP.
The nation is waiting with anticipation to know the fate of Narendra Modi as Elections 2014 has been about his attempt to reclaim Delhi for the BJP.
07:28 Modi to watch verdict from Gandhinagar
'Man of the moment' Narendra Modi will watch the results from his residence in Gandhinagar.
If the results turnout to be on expected lines, he will first go to party office in Ahmedabad and then proceed to Vadodara for victory celebrations.
If the results turnout to be on expected lines, he will first go to party office in Ahmedabad and then proceed to Vadodara for victory celebrations.
07:26
So the day of the verdict is here. A day when the future course of this great country is determined.
Rediff.com will through the day, and night, keep you updated with the latest developments.
So, let's get going...
Rediff.com will through the day, and night, keep you updated with the latest developments.
So, let's get going...
07:24
Good Morning...
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