Lok Sabha Election Result Highlights: NDA Set For 3rd Term Amid INDIA Bloc's Impressive Show & More

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections reveal a challenging outcome for the BJP, falling short of the 272-seat majority mark. Despite the ruling alliance's readiness to form the government, this result is a stark contrast to the BJP's dominant performance in 2019, securing 303 seats independently and crossing the 350-seat threshold.

Speaking from @BJP4India HQ. https://t.co/x2neIsArbi

¡ª Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 4, 2024

The BJP faced setbacks in traditional strongholds like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, yet made notable strides in states like Odisha, Telangana, and Kerala, indicating mixed electoral performance across regions.

The unified opposition bloc, under the banner of INDIA, driven by collective resistance against the BJP and its policies, secured leads in approximately 230 seats, posing a formidable challenge to the BJP's dominance.

The Congress, after facing successive defeats in the past two Lok Sabha elections, appeared poised to surpass the 100-seat mark, signalling a potential revival for the party after electoral setbacks.

Here are the major highlights from 2024 Lok Sabha Polls Result Day:

PM Modi, Amit Shah express gratitude

With the NDA poised to form the government for a third consecutive time, bagging at least 290 seats, Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls it a 'historic feat'. 'People have placed their faith in NDA, for a third consecutive time! This is a historical feat in India¡¯s history. I bow to the Janata Janardan for this affection and assure them that we will continue the good work done in the last decade to keep fulfilling the aspirations of people,' he wrote on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter

People have placed their faith in NDA, for a third consecutive time! This is a historical feat in India¡¯s history.

I bow to the Janata Janardan for this affection and assure them that we will continue the good work done in the last decade to keep fulfilling the aspirations of¡­

¡ª Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 4, 2024

At the same time, Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his gratitude, stating, "The BJP's triumphant win for the third consecutive time is a testament to the relentless dedication of our party workers. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to JP Nadda, the National President of BJP, and all the diligent BJP workers across the nation. Our workers are indeed the backbone of BJP. Your unwavering commitment, from canvassing door-to-door to traversing every corner of the country, seeking blessings for Modi Ji, is truly admirable. I wholeheartedly commend each one of you for this monumental effort."

What has been the reaction from the opposition?

As the INDIA bloc managed to halt the BJP¡¯s march towards the majority, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP, stating that the mandate today was a clear indication that the people of the country do not want PM Modi and Amit Shah to run the country.

LIVE: Press Conference at AICC HQ, New Delhi https://t.co/4yYdUu3Tc0

¡ª Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 4, 2024

Mamata Banerjee, after registering a lead of over 30 seats in West Bengal, held a press conference in Kalighat. She stated that the election results demonstrate that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lost all credibility and should resign immediately. Banerjee expressed her satisfaction that Modi did not secure an absolute majority and reiterated her call for his resignation. She also criticized Modi for seeking support from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Nitish Kumar, indicating a loss of his standing.

India Bloc Surges Past Exit Poll Predictions

The Opposition INDIA bloc has defied all exit poll predictions, leading in at least 228 seats, according to the latest numbers. However, despite a stiff contest, the BJP-led NDA is inching closer towards the 300-mark, standing at 297 at the moment. As the BJP failed to reach the majority mark on its own, discussions began on their front with TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu receiving calls from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah

PM Modi Wins Varanasi, Vote Share Dip

Prime Minister Narendra Modi secured his third consecutive win in Varanasi, defeating Congress candidate Ajay Rai. However, his victory margin this time was 1,52,513 votes, significantly lower than in previous elections. In 2019, Modi won by 4,79,505 votes against SP's Shalini Yadav, with Ajay Rai as the runner-up. In 2014, Modi's victory margin was 3,71,784 votes against AAP's Arvind Kejriwal. Despite BJP leaders' claims that Modi would set a new record, the victory margin fell short of expectations.

INDIA bloc to take call on approaching JDU & TDP: Rahul Gandhi

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday, June 4, that the INDIA bloc will meet tomorrow and decide whether to approach former partners such as the Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) to explore government formation at the Centre.

Ram Mandir magic fades as BJP concedes defeat in Ayodhya

Reuters

BJP conceded defeat in the Faizabad constituency, including Ayodhya city, despite PM Narendra Modi inaugurating Ram Mandir there just months ago. The BJP's tally in Uttar Pradesh dropped to 33 seats, a significant decrease from the 71 and 62 seats won in 2014 and 2019, respectively.The opposition Samajwadi Party and Congress gained ground in more than half of the state's 80 seats. Key issues such as unemployment and high inflation outweighed the religious appeal of the temple, and dissatisfaction among small business owners over low compensation for demolished shops during Ayodhya's redevelopment contributed to the BJP's loss.

Unforeseen victory/defeats

PTI

The Lok Sabha Election 2024 results have unfolded unexpected victories and defeats across various constituencies. In Uttar Pradesh's Amethi, the BJP's Smriti Irani conceded defeat to Congress' Kishori Lal Sharma by a margin contrary to her 2019 victory over Rahul Gandhi. Similarly, in Bansakantha, Congress' Geniben Thakor secured a win against BJP's Rekha Chaudhary by a significant margin of 30,000 votes, breaking the saffron party's stronghold in Gujarat after its consecutive victories since 2014. Meanwhile, in Hassan, the Congress triumphed over the Janata Dal (Secular) by a substantial margin, marking its first win in 25 years in a constituency historically dominated by the JD(S), represented several times by former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda.

Additionally, notable wins and losses emerged from other states. The NDA made history in Kerala by securing its first seat in Thrissur, where BJP's Suresh Gopi leads, challenging the Congress stronghold. In Jammu and Kashmir, independent candidate Sheikh Abdul Rashid, known as Engineer Rashid, defeated NC's Omar Abdullah in the Baramulla seat. Meanwhile, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti conceded defeat in Anantnag-Rajouri, acknowledging the lead of NC's Mian Altaf Ahmed by a substantial margin. These results underscore a dynamic electoral landscape marked by surprising victories and shifting political dynamics across various regions.

Celeb Report Card: Lok Sabha Elections 2024

IG

Several celebrities from the Indian entertainment industry ventured into politics for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, with notable outcomes across the board. Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, contesting on a BJP ticket, secured victory in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, while Pawan Kalyan of the Jana Sena Party triumphed in Pithapuram. Arun Govil, renowned for his role in Ramayan, emerged victorious in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. Veteran actors Hema Malini and Shatrughan Sinha, representing BJP and Trinamool Congress respectively, led by significant margins in Mathura and Asansol. Manoj Tiwari, Ravi Kishan, and other actors-turned-politicians also secured wins in their respective constituencies, reflecting the diverse intersection of entertainment and politics in Indian society.

Resurgence of regional parties

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections have witnessed a significant resurgence of regional parties across several key states. In Bihar, the Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) has made substantial gains, leading on 15 seats, while the BJP trails with 13. The Lok Janshakti Party and Rashtriya Janata Dal are also poised to secure significant seats. Similarly, in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena and NCP, under Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar respectively, have made substantial strides, significantly impacting the BJP's performance compared to 2019. The BJP's weakening hold is further evident in Uttar Pradesh, where it is leading in just 32 out of 80 seats, a stark contrast to its previous tally of 62, with the Samajwadi Party making notable gains.

Additionally, in Jharkhand, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha led by Hemant Soren, despite Soren's arrest and subsequent resignation, has secured leads on several seats, challenging the BJP's dominance. In West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress is on track to surpass its previous tally, while the BJP's lead has diminished compared to 2019. Overall, these results underscore the growing influence and resurgence of regional parties, reshaping the political landscape and posing challenges to national parties like the BJP.

BJP Faces Significant Losses in the Hindi Heartland

PTI

In 2019, the BJP secured a formidable victory, clinching 176 out of 225 seats across the crucial Hindi belt states. These included Uttar Pradesh (62 out of 80 seats), Uttarakhand (5 out of 5), Bihar (17 out of 40), Jharkhand (11 out of 14), Chhattisgarh (9 out of 11), Madhya Pradesh (28 out of 29), Delhi (7 out of 7), Haryana (10 out of 10), Himachal Pradesh (3 out of 4), and Rajasthan (24 out of 25).

However, in the current scenario, the BJP finds itself leading in just 127 out of the 225 seats. Notably, the party is facing significant setbacks in key states like Uttar Pradesh, where it leads in only 32 out of 80 seats, Haryana (5 out of 10), and Rajasthan (14 out of 25). The BJP also appears to be underperforming in Bihar (13 out of 40) and Jharkhand (8 out of 14).

Conversely, in Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh, the BJP is poised to maintain its dominance or even surpass its 2019 performance.

Muslim-Dominated Areas Turn Away from BJP

Analysis of Election Commission data indicates a notable shift in voting patterns, particularly in Muslim-dominated areas, with a departure from supporting the BJP. This shift, however, does not necessarily translate into a benefit for the Congress party.

In the 2019 elections, out of the 103 seats dominated by Muslim voters, the BJP secured victory in 45, while the Congress won 11, with other parties claiming 47 seats.

In the current scenario, the BJP is leading in 35 of these seats, the Congress in 12, while other parties are ahead in 55 seats. This reflects a significant change in the political landscape, particularly in regions with a substantial Muslim population.

Odisha, AP Assembly election results

The results of the Odisha Assembly election are expected to be announced today. The BJD has been reduced to just 51 assembly seats, while the BJP has easily passed the halfway point and is leading in 78 seats. To BJD's surprise, even Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is losing the Kantabanji seat.

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Odisha's people trusted the BJP to realize their ambitions and propel the state to unprecedented heights of development, and PM Modi congratulated them for that.

According to current trends, the TDP, BJP, and JanaSena alliance have a certain majority. Based on trends, TDP is leading with 135 seats, BJP with seven, and JanaSena with twenty.

Resigning as chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, Jagan Mohan Reddy announced his loss on Saturday and congratulated Chandrababu Naidu, the leader of the Telugu Desam Party, the BJP, and actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan on their victories in the Assembly elections.

"We're not sure what went wrong, but I really did help people." Best wishes to those who have been elected by the people. Throughout my term, I made sure to give voice to the voiceless," Jagan Mohan Reddy stated with sincerity in his voice.

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Besides the Lok Sabha and the state assemblies of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha bye polls reults of as many as 25 Assembly constituencies spread across 12 states were scheduled for today itself

The results of bye polls, covering a host of key Assembly seats in Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, come on the same day the composition of the 18th Lok Sabha is undeway following a mega, six-weeks-long polling exercise in the world's largest democracy.

In addition to the Lok Sabha and the state assemblies of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, results of bye votes for up to 25 Assembly constituencies in 12 states were set for today.

Results of bye polls covering several important Assembly seats in Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are announced on the same day that the world's largest democracy concludes a massive six-week polling process that left the composition of the 18th Lok Sabha unaltered.

Bye elections, sometimes referred to as by-elections, are special elections conducted in between regular elections to fill a political position that has become vacant. The results of bye elections, also known as by polls, are just as important as those of any other state Assembly poll since they guarantee the preservation of popular representation and the smooth operation of government.

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