Pradeep Gupta, the chief of Axis My India, has stated his willingness to face any investigations, including by SEBI and JPC, following allegations of stock market manipulation using exit polls. He also denied conducting exit polls for foreign investors and emphasized his support for regulations in the pollster industry.
Facing public backlash over e-governance initiatives, the Haryana government has launched ‘Samadhan Shivirs’ to resolve grievances. The move comes after e-initiatives introduced by former CM Manohar Lal, including PPP and Meri Fasal Mera Byora, were criticized for technical glitches. The BJP’s poor performance in the Lok Sabha elections, losing five seats to the Congress, has been partly attributed to discontent over these programs. The government aims to improve its reputation by addressing public concerns through daily ‘Samadhan Shivirs’ and a dedicated ‘Samadhan Parkosth’. While some e-initiatives are acknowledged as useful, implementation challenges have caused dissatisfaction among the populace.
In his first speech after winning the Lok Sabha elections, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi cautioned the Prime Minister against any attempt to alter the Constitution. Addressing a public gathering in Raebareli, Gandhi emphasized that such a move would be met with severe consequences from the people.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third-term cabinet has inducted seven women ministers, including two cabinet-level positions. Notable additions include former Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Apna Dal MP Anupriya Patel. Six women ministers from the previous cabinet were not reappointed. This marks a slight decrease in the number of women lawmakers in the Lok Sabha, with 74 securing seats in this election compared to 78 in 2019. The expanded cabinet also includes 12 members from the Upper House and 58 newly-elected MPs from the Lok Sabha.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be sworn in for a third consecutive term today, marking the beginning of his third term in office. The swearing-in ceremony will take place at 7:15 p.m. at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), won 286 seats in the recent Lok Sabha elections, falling short of the 272 majority mark. However, the BJP won 240 seats on its own, enough to form a government with the support of its allies. Modi’s swearing-in ceremony will be attended by leaders from seven South Asian and Indian Ocean region countries, as well as several other dignitaries.
In the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged victorious in 10 out of 11 seats in Chhattisgarh. This decisive win solidifies the BJP’s dominance in the state, where it had previously shown strength in the 2023 assembly elections. The Congress party managed to secure only one seat, highlighting the widening gap between the two parties.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has faced internal criticism following its failure to secure any seats in recent Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu. Disgruntled party leaders have openly criticized the election strategies adopted by state party president K. Annamalai. Despite assurances from Annamalai, discontent within the party ranks remains palpable, with some members questioning the party’s performance and vote share. The party’s vote share has reportedly decreased when compared to previous elections, despite fielding more candidates. Losing deposits in 11 seats out of 23 has also raised concerns. The situation has forced party leaders to address these concerns, with Annamalai attempting to downplay the issue. However, the overall mood within the BJP remains one of disappointment and introspection.
Today’s political events include the Congress Working Committee meeting to discuss Lok Sabha election results, a meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Joe Biden, and a directive for Delhi hospitals to conduct fire safety audits. Additionally, pro-Palestinian protesters plan to demonstrate near the White House, and Israel’s war cabinet minister threatens to resign over the Gaza conflict.
The All-India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has strategically crafted and implemented welfare schemes, particularly those targeting women, as a cornerstone of its politics in West Bengal since coming to power. The Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, providing cash assistance to women aged 25-60, emerged as a game-changer in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. Moreover, allegations of corruption leveled by the BJP were countered by the Trinamool, who successfully articulated Bengali regional aspirations. By highlighting issues of deprivation and opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, the party gained electoral mileage and increased its support base among Muslims. This shift demonstrates a new direction in subnational politics, emphasizing welfare initiatives and regional identity.
The 2023 Lok Sabha elections exhibited significant variations in outcomes across its seven phases. The BJP’s performance, in particular, fluctuated, influenced by regional dynamics, local issues, and individual candidate appeal. Despite strategic adjustments by the ruling party, these factors played a more prominent role in shaping the results than a one-size-fits-all campaign approach.
