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BJP Defamation Case: Rahul Gandhi Set to Appear Before Court in Bengaluru Today

June 7, 2024, 10:54 am

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to appear before a special court in Karnataka’s Bengaluru on Friday, responding to a defamation case initiated by the state’s BJP unit.

Early Friday morning, Gandhi was seen at Delhi airport, heading to Bengaluru for the court appearance. The defamation complaint alleges that advertisements in local newspapers and ‘false campaigning’ by the Congress party ahead of the 2023 state assembly elections tarnished the BJP’s image.

The case has been filed against Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, and Rahul Gandhi. Previously, the court granted bail to both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, who appeared before it on June 1.

“I appeared before the judge as legally instructed by the court. I got the bail. A private complaint was filed against me, KPCC president, and Rahul Gandhi too. Rahul Gandhi will also appear in the court,” Siddaramaiah told ANI after securing bail.

Shivakumar described the case as ‘false,’ stating, “It is a false case from the Bharatiya Janata Party on me, Rahul Gandhi, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.”

The defamation case charges come in the wake of a highly contentious assembly election in May 2023, where the Congress party achieved a sweeping victory, securing 135 seats in the 224-member Karnataka Assembly, thereby displacing the ruling BJP. The BJP won 66 seats, while the Janata Dal (Secular) obtained 19 seats.

Gandhi’s court appearance is anticipated to be a significant event, drawing considerable media attention and highlighting the ongoing political friction between the Congress and BJP in Karnataka.

Twenty eight ministers take oath in MP

December 26, 2023, 12:11 am

A total of 28 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, including party heavyweights Kailash Vijayvargiya, Vishwas Sarang and Prahlad Patel, took oath as ministers in the Madhya Pradesh government as part of the cabinet expansion on Monday.

Meanwhile, 18 leaders, including Pradumna Singh Tomar, Tulsi Silavat, Edal Singh Kasana, Narayan Singh Kushwaha, Vijay Shah, Rakesh Singh, Prahlad Patel, Kailash Vijayvargiya, Karan Singh Verma, Property Uike, Uday Pratap Singh, Nirmala Bhuria, Vishwas Sarang, Govind Singh Rajput, Inder Singh Parmar, Nagar Singh Chauhan, Chaitanya Kashyap and Rakesh Shukla took oath as cabinet ministers.
Six leaders were inducted as Ministers of State (Independent Charge) namely Krishna Gaur, Dharmendra Lodhi, Dilip Jaiswal, Gautam Tetwal, Lekhan Patel and Narayan Pawar.
Moreover, Radha Singh, Dilip Ahirwar, Pratima Bagri, and Narendra Shivaji Patel took oath as state Ministers.

On December 13, the era of former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan came to an end as BJP MLA Mohan Yadav took oath as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh.
Rajendra Shukla and Jagdish Devda took the oath as deputy CMs, while former Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar will be the Assembly Speaker.
Madhya Pradesh went to poll for 230 assembly seats in a single phase on November 17 and the counting of votes was done on December 3. The BJP secured a victory in the recent assembly elections, winning 163 of the 230 seats.

Akhilesh Yadav Anticipates Future Shift in Results, Comments on BJP’s Success in Three State Elections

December 4, 2023, 4:13 pm

Following the Bharatiya Janata Party’s resounding victory in three of four state assembly elections, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav expressed optimism on Monday, predicting a different outcome in future contests. Recognizing the electoral results as a democratic reality, Yadav emphasized the importance of confronting the BJP with discipline in any future challenges.

“In a democracy, such outcomes are inevitable. It does not always imply that ‘sabka saath, sabka vikas’ has been achieved. To confront a party like the BJP, we must be disciplined. “I’m hoping for a different outcome in the future,” SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said, reflecting on the BJP’s victories in three state elections and the India bloc’s prospects.

A saffron wave swept across the Hindi heartland during the vote count for four states that went to assembly polls last month. The BJP’s overwhelming successes in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan stunned not only their political adversaries but also contradicted predictions by several pollsters who anticipated closely contested races in these regions.

The election results, particularly the losses in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, dealt a significant blow to the Congress’s aspirations for the 2024 elections, rendering the party out of power across a substantial portion of the Hindi heartland.

In Rajasthan, the vote count deviated starkly from various poll predictions, with the BJP poised to establish governance by securing 115 seats, while the Congress trailed with 69 seats.

Similarly, in Chhattisgarh, of the 90 assembly constituencies, the BJP secured victory in 54 seats, leaving the Congress with 35.

The assembly elections held last month engaged over 160 million registered voters, representing a substantial sixth of India’s electorate. The results signify a significant turning point in regional politics and set the stage for recalibrations and strategies in the forthcoming political landscape.

ECI Trends Show ZPM Gaining Momentum, Leading on 22 Seats in Mizoram Assembly Elections

December 4, 2023, 10:28 am

Mizoram Assembly Elections: Early voting trends in Mizoram’s assembly elections revealed an intense battle on Monday, with the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) surging ahead towards a potential victory. According to the latest data from the Election Commission of India at 9:52 a.m., the ZPM was leading in 22 assembly constituencies, with the Mizo National Front (MNF) leading in 10 seats.

The ZPM’s chief ministerial candidate, Lalduhoma, showcased a commanding lead in the Serchhip constituency with 1390 votes, according to the Election Commission’s updates. The Indian National Congress (INC) held a lead in one seat, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was ahead in two seats.

The counting process commenced at 8 a.m. across 13 centers in Mizoram, utilizing 40 counting halls, comprising 399 EVM tables and 56 postal ballot tables. Nearly 4,000 personnel are actively engaged in the meticulous counting process, ensuring accuracy and transparency.

The Election Commission had deferred the counting by a day, honoring representations citing the significance of Sunday in the Christian-majority state. This delay extended the suspense and anticipation surrounding the electoral outcome.

This electoral showdown witnessed four major contenders vying for power: the ruling MNF, ZPM, Congress, and BJP. The historic political landscape of Mizoram, traditionally dominated by the Congress and MNF, is currently witnessing a formidable challenge from ZPM.

Nazuk Kumar, the Deputy Commissioner overseeing the process, affirmed, “We are prepared for any victory procession and any celebrations that happen…,” highlighting the meticulous security measures in place, including the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and state police across the region.

Stay tuned for live updates on this gripping electoral face-off in Mizoram as the results unfold!

CM Yogi Declares BJP’s Hat-Trick a ‘Public Trust Guarantee’ Anchored in ‘Modi’s Assurance

December 3, 2023, 7:16 pm

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is on the verge of securing a remarkable hat-trick in three state assembly elections where the counting is underway. Yogi attributed this incredible feat to the unwavering trust of the people in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guarantee.

In a fervent post on ‘X,’ Yogi Adityanath expressed, “Under the leadership and guidance of respected Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, BJP getting a hat-trick in the election results of four states with a huge majority in three states. This is a ‘guarantee of public trust’ on ‘Modi’s guarantee’.” The statement comes as the counting of votes in the four-state assembly elections enters its final stages.

Yogi Adityanath extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the dedicated workers and esteemed voters of the Bharatiya Janata Party, recognizing their pivotal role in achieving this momentous victory.

The BJP is poised to create a historic record in Madhya Pradesh, signalling its expected return to power after having ruled the state for 18 of the past 20 years. This outcome reflects the party’s firm organizational stronghold in the state and the widespread popularity of its schemes and leadership.

Contrastingly, Rajasthan appears to be following a trend of rotating governments, with the Congress government led by Ashok Gehlot seemingly on its way out after over three decades. Chhattisgarh witnessed a strong BJP comeback, defying expectations of the ruling Congress’s success, credited to a robust campaign and aligned promises matching those of the Congress.

As the counting of votes continues in the four states that went to the polls last month, the BJP’s triumphant performance underscores the undeniable impact of Modi’s leadership and the party’s resonating appeal among the electorate. The unfolding scenario hints at a resounding political shift, with the BJP’s hat-trick poised to make history.

BJP sweeps 3 Hindi heartland states; Congress routs BRS in Telangana

December 3, 2023, 7:00 pm

The verdict is 3-1 in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assembly elections 2023. Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh were painted saffron as postal ballots and electronic voting machines revealed that the voters had gone with the incumbent in the first-mentioned state and thrown out the ruling party in the other two. The only silver lining for the Congress was Telangana where it delivered the knockout blow to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) to bag the second southern state in its kitty after Karnataka.

Madhya Pradesh cemented its position as an impregnable BJP fortress as the party stormed back to power by winning almost 70 per cent of the seats in Assembly elections 2023. Putting to rest all doubts and exit polls about the party not doing well in the state, the BJP came out on top riding on the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with the development and welfare schemes of the state government.

Continuing with its sweep of the Hindi heartland, the party also secured big victories in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, the two states where the Congress was in power. The desert state lived up to its reputation of throwing out the incumbent every Assembly election as the BJP secured a majority easily while the Congress was left licking its wounds.

Chhattisgarh, which pollsters and political pundits had claimed would return the Congress to power, was yet another feather in the BJP’s cap on Sunday (December 3, 2023). Defying all the naysayers, the BJP routed Congress to regain power in the state after five years.

But the Congress, which was betting heavily on a positive outcome in the Hindi-speaking states to bolster its claim as the numero uno opposition party and to claim the leadership position in the opposition INDIA bloc, wrested Telangana, which had since its inception in 2014 had been a pocket borough of BRS’s K Chandrasekar Rao.

The gamble of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lead the charge in the face of the next Lok Sabha elections due in about six months in May-June 2024 paid off handsomely as his connection and charisma saw the BJP surging past its principal pan-India rival in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

With the next Lok Sabha election approaching and political parties gearing up for the same, BJP’s big win in three states and the upsurge in its vote share in Telangana are a shot in the arm for the party as well as PM Modi. The scale of victory in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh also proves that the BJP versus Congress battle is heavily loaded in favour of the former.

How The States Voted

A comparison between the 2018 and 2023 election results reveals that the BJP has widened the gap between itself and the Congress. In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP’s tally jumped from 109 in the last polls to 165 five years later while the Congress slumped from 114 to just 63 in the 230-member Assembly.

Rajasthan, which has a habit of giving narrow victories, gave the BJP 115 seats, a big jump from the 73 it had won in 2018 and ensured a comfortable majority in the 200-member Assembly. On the other hand, the Congress saw a dip of 30 seats as its score came down to 70 from 100 five years ago.

Chhattisgarh, which is a 90-MLA House and had given a massive mandate to the Congress in 2018, saw the tables turned in 2023 as the party’s candidates came out on top in only 34 constituencies leading to its numbers falling by the same number of seats. The BJP gained massively taking its tally to 54 from the lowly 15 in 2018.

In Telangana, too, the BJP registered a quantum jump with its tally going up nine times in five years. The party had just one MLA in the state Assembly after the 2018 polls, but it saw nine of its candidates romping home in the 2023 edition.

Congress claimed just one state in the battle where it had been boasting that it would come out on top in the other three states too. The battle for Telangana was between the ruling BRS of K Chandrashekar Rao and Congress.

After a 10-year-long rule in the state, KCR’s party saw a resurgent Congress decimating it by winning 64 seats to the later 40. The state has 119 constituencies.

Piyush Goyal Unveils Secrets Behind BJP’s Victory Surge!

December 3, 2023, 5:09 pm

Union Minister Piyush Goyal commented on the ongoing vote counting and the BJP’s current standing proclaimed on Sunday that the public has once again bestowed their blessings upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Goyal declared, “On the assurance of PM Modi, citizens across four states have overwhelmingly supported him. This victory is far from ordinary, with a historic lead in Madhya Pradesh, an absolute majority triumph in Rajasthan, and an unexpected triumph in Chhattisgarh, where we were previously dismissed.”

He further added, “Even in Telangana, where the BJP secured only one seat in the last election, the shift to double digits is a clear testament to the increasing faith in PM Modi. The people recognize that PM Modi delivers on his promises.”

Responding to Congress’ allegations on electronic voting machines (EVM), Goyal criticized the opposition party, stating, “It’s unfortunate that Congress, devoid of an agenda, is once again portraying themselves as sore losers. The global appreciation for India’s political and electoral system seems to be lost on them. The EVM tampering allegations are nothing more than a subject of mockery among the public.”

As per the latest trends from the Election Commission, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) is poised for a second term in Madhya Pradesh, with significant leads in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. Surprisingly, Congress is on the brink of securing victory in Telangana, ending the Bharat Rashtra Samithi’s decade-long rule.

The latest figures from the Election Commission indicate that the BJP is leading in 168 of the 230 seats in Madhya Pradesh, 54 of the 90 seats in Chhattisgarh, and 114 of the 199 seats in Rajasthan. This remarkable victory underscores the party’s organizational strength and the popularity of its schemes and leadership.

Madhya Pradesh is witnessing a potential continuation of the BJP’s dominant record, having ruled the state for 18 of the past 20 years, showcasing the party’s firm organizational grip and leadership appeal.

In Rajasthan, aligning with a three-decade trend of rotating governments, the Congress-led government led by Ashok Gehlot appears to be on the verge of defeat. Chhattisgarh, where the BJP faced initial scepticism, has witnessed a robust comeback, credited to an assertive campaign and promises that resonated with the electorate.

As the vote counting unfolds, the nation is gripped by the Modi wave once again, reshaping the political landscape with unprecedented results.

PM Modi continues to hold sway, takes BJP to power in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh

December 3, 2023, 12:21 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been the biggest mascot for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the last several years and the Assembly election results show that he is the star who can still swing the game in favour of his party.

Out of the five states which voted to elect a new Assembly in November 2023, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was in power only in Madhya Pradesh while the Congress was in power in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. Telangana was ruled by the regional outfit Bharat Rashtra Samithi, which has in the last few years indicated that it wants to become a national player, and Mizoram had another regional power, the Mizo National Front, in power.

There had been reports that the BJP was on a sticky wicket in Madhya Pradesh, where the party has been in power since 2003 except for a brief period from December 2018 to March 2020. The party was also reportedly facing a tough challenge from the Congress in Rajasthan and was way behind in the race in Chhattisgarh.

But the Election Commission of India trends show the BJP storming back to power in Madhya Pradesh and was all set to topple the Congress in the other two – Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

PM Modi had led the BJP campaign in all the states amid negative reports about the chances of the party securing power. The trends and results reveal that he continues to hold sway over the voters who have reposed their faith in the BJP in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

Addressing rallies after rallies, road shows after roadshows, PM Modi pulled the BJP bandwagon towards the finish line in the three Hindi heartland states. His charisma, combined with the development records, oratory skills and BJP’s electoral machinery helped the party pit its principal rival – the Congress – to the post.

Shivraj Singh Chauhan, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, credited PM Modi with the thumping win. He added, “”Modi ji MP ke mann mein hain aur Modi ji ke mann mein MP hai (Modi resides in MP’s heart and MP is in Modi’s heart).”

Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh, who lost power five years back, exuded confidence of getting a comfortable majority in the state. He stated that the voters had rejected the false promises of the Congress and expressed their confidence in the BJP and PM Modi.

Mallikarjun Kharge to chair INDIA bloc meet on Dec 6 on Lok Sabha polls 2024

December 3, 2023, 11:48 am

With Assembly elections 2023 trends indicating the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) storming back to power in Madhya Pradesh and upstaging the Congress in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, opposition INDIA bloc will meet in Delhi on December 6 to discuss about the strategy to be employed for Lok Sabha elections in 2024. The meeting of the INDIA leaders will take oplace at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence in Delhi.

Despite a high volatge campaign by the Congress in the three Hindi-speaking states and the southern state of Telangana, the party was in the driver’s seat only the last mentioned region. Election Commission of India trends at 11:30 am showed the BJP was ahead in more than twice the number of seats as the Congress with a scoreline of 155 to 73.

The Congress was awaiting the final results of assembly elections in five states – Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram.

The INDIA bloc comprises of 26 opposition parties to take on the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance in the next Lok Sabha elections which is likely to take place in April-May 2024. The INDIA leaders have met thrice till now – in Bengaluru, Patna and Mumbai.

BJP takes massive lead over Congress in Madhya Pradesh Assembly election results

December 3, 2023, 11:22 am

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is all set to storm back to power in Madhya Pradesh, having taken a massive lead over its principal rival, the Congress. According to the Election Commission of India trends at 11 AM, the BJP was ahead in 150 of the 230, which is well above the half-way mark of 115. The Congress was way behind with only 78 leads while others were ahead in two other seats as counting continued across the state on Sunday (December 3, 2023).

Counting of votes in elections to the 230-member Assembly held on November 17, began at 8 am. The counting started with the postal ballots between 8 am and 8.30 am, after which the counting of votes through EVMs began in the presence of officials and political parties’ authorised agents.

In Budhni Assembly constituency, Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan of BJP is leading over Vikram Sharma of Congress by 13339 votes after two rounds of counting of votes for state assembly elections. In Chhindwara, Kamal Nath of Congress was leading over BJP’s Vivek Sahu by 5978 votes after two rounds of counting. In Indore-1 seat, BJP’s Kailash Vijayvargiya was leading over Sanjay Shukla of Congress by 4268 votes after first round of counting.

In Dimani, BJP’s Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar was leading over BSP’s Balveer Dandotiya by 2021 votes after two rounds of counting.

Rajasthan Assembly election results: BJP takes lead over Congress

December 3, 2023, 10:53 am

After a couple of hours of being in a neck-and-neck contest with the Congress in Rajasthan, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) moved ahead in the race. As per the Election Commission of India trends available at 10:15 AM, the party crossed the halfway mark of 100 in the 200-member Rajasthan. The Congress was leading in 68 and other smaller parties in 11. Counting is taking place in 199 of the 200 seats.

According to the Election Commission, Bharat Adivasi Party and independents were ahead in five seats each while the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Communist Party of India Marxist (CPIM) in two each. The Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) and Aazad Samaj Party were ahead in one seat each.

Counting of votes polled in the November 25 Assembly elections started at 8 AM across the 36 counting centres with the postal ballots being the first to be opened. After the postal ballots were counted and their results tallied, the electronic voting machines were taken up.

There are 1,862 candidates in the fray for 199 seats. Election to Karanpur seat was postponed due to the death of Congress candidate Gurmeet Singh Koonar.

Assembly election results 2023 live updates: Telangana, MP, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh poll results today

December 3, 2023, 7:08 am

Results of Assembly elections in Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh will be declared today (December 3, 2023). The counting of voters started at 8 AM and the final results are expected to be out by late afternoon.

Follow all the election related live updates here:

11 AM: BJP all set to form government in Madhya Pradesh, over halfway mark in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh too. Congress leads in Telangana.

9:45 AM: BJP takes big lead over Congress in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. BJP and Congress neck-and-neck in Chhattisgarh. Congress ahead in Telangana, BRS trails.

9:10 AM: BJP leading in 116 seats out of 230 in Madhya Pradesh, Congress in 111. BJP and Congress neck-and-neck in Rajasthan while Congress takes massive lead in Chhattisgarh and Telangana.

8:30 AM: BJP has taken a small lead in Madhya Pradesh while Congres sis ahead in Telangana and Chhattisgarh. There is a close contest between the BJP and Congress in Rajasthan.

8 AM: Postal ballots have been opened and the first trends will pour in soon.

Voting in the four states took place in November. While two states – Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh – are ruled by the Congress, Madhya Pradesh has a Bharatiya Janata Party government and Telangana is governed by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi of K Chandrashekar Rao. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana had polling in a single phase, the elections in Chhattisgarh were held in two phases due to the threat of Maosist violence.

With Lok Sabha elections due in April-May 2024, these state Assembly election results will play a crucial role in how the two main groups – the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance and the opposition’s INDIA strategise and play their cards.

The counting of votes in all four states will begin at 8 am today with postal ballots being counted first after which the votes from the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be counted.

Mizoram too went to polls in November and according to the earlier schedule, the counting was to take place along with the other four states. But several state-based political parties asked the Election Commission of India for a change stating that Sunday is a special day in the Christian-majority state. So the ECI decided to postpone the counting by one day and it scheduled it for December 4.

All-party meeting held ahead of Winter Session of Parliament

December 2, 2023, 12:56 pm

With the upcoming Winter Session scheduled to begin on December 4, a crucial gathering of floor leaders from both houses of Parliament and different political factions occurred on Saturday. The session, presided over by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, was attended by a number of key leaders.

The Winter Session, which is scheduled to last until December 22, drew early attention as leaders convened at the Parliament Library building for deliberations, including Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, and Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, Pramod Tiwari, and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MP Mahua Maji were among the opposition representatives, indicating broad participation across party lines.

The meeting, a day ahead of the much-awaited announcement of assembly election results in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana (scheduled for December 3), is expected to have repercussions on the parliamentary session. Various exit polls have speculated diverse outcomes for the contesting parties, heightening the session’s anticipation.

Expressing optimism, Mahua Maji of JMM stated, “We are hopeful that our government will be formed in many states.” Meanwhile, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari highlighted the unreliability of exit polls, emphasizing their reliance on feedback from grassroots workers and asserting the likelihood of forming majority governments in the aforementioned states and an alliance in Mizoram.

The session is poised to address crucial bills, including those aimed at replacing the IPC, CrPC, and the Evidence Act. Additionally, the Ethics Committee’s report on the ‘cash-for-query’ allegations involving Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra is slated for presentation on the inaugural day of the Winter Session in Lok Sabha.

Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan Asserts BJP’s Firm Majority Ahead of Vote Counting

December 2, 2023, 12:44 pm

In anticipation of the imminent vote counting in Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan confidently stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is poised to form a robust government in the state with a substantial majority.

Addressing reporters in Bhopal on Saturday, CM Chouhan expressed confidence in the BJP’s prospects, emphasizing the widespread support garnered from all segments of society. He mentioned the blessings received from various sections, including ‘Ladli Bahna’ (beloved sisters) and the younger generation, asserting that the BJP has secured backing from diverse social strata, indicating a decisive victory.

Referring to the speculation on the BJP’s seat count, Chouhan indicated a paradigm shift in outcomes and remained non-committal, stating, “All previous estimations would prove inadequate.”

Responding to the Congress party’s assertion of confidence in victory, Chouhan refrained from making explicit comments, suggesting that clarity on the election results would prevail only on the upcoming day.

Madhya Pradesh witnessed a substantial voter turnout of 77.15% across its 230 constituencies during the elections held on November 17. The eagerly anticipated vote counting is scheduled for December 3.

Exit polls largely favor the BJP in Madhya Pradesh, with most projections positioning them ahead, although a few projections present a favorable outlook for the Congress party.

Kharge directs in-charges to monitor vote counting process in election states

December 2, 2023, 10:11 am

The president of the All-India Congress Committee (AICC), Mallikarjun Kharge, gave all five election state incharges and observers instructions to monitor the vote-counting process on Friday, ahead of the announcement of the results of the five state assembly elections.
Senior Congress leader and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is also scheduled to arrive in Hyderabad on Saturday, one day prior to the Telangana assembly polls vote counting. Congressman Randeep Surjewala is in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, at the moment.

The BJP is expected to win 140–162 seats and a 47% vote share in Madhya Pradesh, according to exit poll predictions. With a 41% vote share, it predicted that Congress would gain 60–90 seats. It is anticipated that others will receive 0-3 seats and 12% of the vote.
In Chhattisgarh, three exit polls showed Congress winning handily, while another indicated the party was in the winning range. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel led the Congress during the election.

Exit polls in Telangana, meanwhile, on Thursday indicated that the Congress was likely to form government there and that the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), which has been in power for ten years in the youngest state in India, would not be able to secure a majority.

With variations in their forecasts of the victor in the crucial Hindi heartland state of Rajasthan, which has a nearly three-decade tradition of not repeating an incumbent government, the exit polls on Thursday confirmed the impression that the state was witnessing a tough contest. The Election Commission declared on Friday that the Mizoram Assembly election vote count has been rescheduled for December 4.

Chhattisgarh Polls: CM Bhupesh Baghel Exudes Confidence in Congress’ Victory Despite Exit Polls

November 30, 2023, 8:16 pm

Chhattisgarh Polls: Following the release of exit poll projections favouring the Congress in Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel expressed confidence that his party would secure a significant majority. Even though most exit polls predicted 57 seats for Congress, Baghel predicted that the number would rise to 75 by the time results were announced on December 3.

Addressing reporters after several exit polls placed Congress in the lead, Baghel highlighted that the quoted numbers in these projections would stabilize in the coming days. Regardless of exit poll projections, Baghel stated with confidence that Congress is poised to form the government in Chhattisgarh with a significant majority.

Referring to India Today’s Chanakya poll predicting 57–66 seats for Congress, Baghel asserted that this number would rise to 75 in the days leading up to the counting day. Responding to questions about the BJP launching an ‘Operation Lotus,’ Baghel dismissed the possibility, stating, “They won’t be able to do so. We have a majority; we believe in our hard work and have faith in the people.”

While three polls predict a clear victory for Congress, others suggest the party is within the winning range. The Congress fought the election, with Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel leading the charge.

According to ABP C-Voter predictions, Congress is poised to win 41–53 seats in the 90-member assembly, with the BJP expected to secure 36–48 seats and others 0–4 seats.

The India Today Axis My India poll predicts Congress getting 40–50 seats, the BJP 36–46 seats, and others getting 1–5 seats. The Republic TV exit poll gives Congress 44-52 seats, the BJP 34-42 seats, and 0-2 seats for others.

The India TV-CNX poll predicts 46–56 seats for Congress, 30–40 seats for the BJP, and 3-5 for others. Jan Ki Baat exit poll projects 42–53 seats for Congress and 34–45 for the BJP, with 0–3 seats for others.

The P-Marq poll suggests Congress is poised to win 46–54 seats with a 44.6% vote share, BJP 35–42 seats with a 42.9% vote share, and others getting 0–2 seats with 12.5% votes.

Chhattisgarh went to the polls in two phases on November 7 and 17, and the counting of votes, along with the other four states, is scheduled for December 3.

Rajasthan Exit Polls: BJP Ahead in Some, Congress Leading in Others

November 30, 2023, 8:08 pm

Rajasthan Exit Polls: Exit polls inject a fresh dose of uncertainty into Rajasthan’s assembly elections, projecting an intense battle in the Hindi heartland state. Breaking a three-decade tradition of keeping an incumbent government raises the stakes of the outcome. While three exit polls show the BJP with a clear lead, two others show the Congress with a better chance of forming the next government.

Exit poll predictions underscore the potential impact of “others,” encompassing smaller parties and independents, in shaping the state’s political narrative upon the announcement of results on December 3. Rajasthan saw polling across 199 out of 200 assembly seats on November 25.

In the lead-up to the elections, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s Congress government unveiled an array of populist schemes to counter the BJP’s challenge.

The India Today-Axis My India poll envisions Congress securing 86–106 seats with 42% of votes, while the BJP is poised to secure 80–100 seats with 41% vote support. The “others” category may clinch 9–18 seats with 7% of votes.

The India TV-CNX poll predicts Congress clinching 94–104 seats with 43% votes, while the BJP trails with 80–90 seats and a 42% vote share. The “others” category may secure 14–18 seats with 15% votes.

The Times Now-ETG poll allocates 56–72 seats to Congress with a 38.98% vote share, while the BJP is projected to secure 108–128 seats with 41.88% votes. The “others” category may secure 13–21 seats with a substantial 19.14% vote share.

The Jan Ki Baat poll envisions the BJP securing 100–122 seats with a 44% vote share, while Congress trails with 62–85 seats and a 41% vote share. The “others” category may secure 14–15 seats with 15% votes.

The P-Marq poll predicts the BJP winning 105–125 seats in Rajasthan with a 42.2% vote share, while Congress is projected to secure 69–81 seats with 39.7% votes. The “others” category may clinch 5–15 seats with an 18.1% vote share.

Despite the NEWSX Poll of Polls predicting Rajasthan’s adherence to the pattern of voting out the incumbent government, all exit polls favour the BJP, which suffered defeat in 2018. PolStrat suggests a closer battle with the BJP winning 100–110 seats, Congress securing 90–100, and others clinching 5–15 seats.

The election results on December 3 will not only decide the fate of Rajasthan but also carry significant implications for the BJP and Congress as they gear up for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Assembly Elections 2023 exit polls: What pollsters say on Telangana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram

November 30, 2023, 5:00 pm

Telangana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram – the five states which went to polls in the last few weeks – will know the winners on December 3 when the results are declared after the counting of votes. The battle was hard fought with the contestants throwing their entire might to ensure their electoral victory.

While the states and their voters wait for the final results, the end of voting means that pollsters are out with their predictions. The exit polls for Telangana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram will be out in a few hours. The exit polls will give the public and voters something to chew on till the postal ballots are counted and electronic voting machines opened on Sunday (December 3).

Telangana has 119 Assembly constituencies and the main contest has been between Bharat Rashtra Samithi of K Chandrasekhar Rao and the Congress. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been trying hard to become a major player in the state and Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the party’s campaign.

Rajasthan has been a two-party state which has not returned an incumbent government for the last several Assembly elections. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is confident of breaking this jinx but the BJP has been upbeat and is eyeing the power in Jaipur. The state has 200 Assembly seats.

The BJP has been in power in Madhya Pradesh, which has 230 seats, since 2003 except for a brief period of December 2018 to March 2020. The party led by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan has been at the helm of affairs since the end of November 2005 except for the period mentioned above. He is confident of ensuring BJP’s return to power while Congress leader Kamal Nath has claimed that his party is sure of forming the next government.

Chhattisgarh had been a BJP bastion since its formation in late 2000 but the party was routed in the last Assembly election in 2018. The Congress came back to power and Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has led the campaign to retain power. The state has 90 Assembly constituencies.

The tiny northeastern state of Mizoram is ruled by Mizo National Front. The state has 60 seats.

Telangana Assembly Polls: 51.89% Voter Turnout Recorded Till 3 PM

November 30, 2023, 4:16 pm

Telangana Assembly Polls: As of 3 PM in the ongoing Telangana Assembly elections for 119 seats, the state has recorded a voter turnout of 51.89%, according to the Election Commission of India. Here are key details from the update:

District-wise Turnout:
- Medak: 69.33%
- Mahabubabad: 65.05%
- Adilabad: 62.34%
- Hanumankonda: 49%
- Hyderabad: 31.17%
- Jangaon: 62.24%
- Kamareddy: 59.06%
- Khammam: 63.62%
- Nalgonda: 59.98%
- Nizamabad: 56.70%
- Sangareddy: 56.23%
- Rangareddy: 42.43%
  Long queues were observed outside polling stations across towns and rural areas in Telangana since the early hours of the day. Earlier, at 1 p.m., the total voter turnout in the state was recorded at 36.68%. The elections feature 2,290 contestants, including Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, Minister-son K.T. Rama Rao, State Congress President A Revanth Reddy, BJP Lok Sabha members Bandi Sanjay Kumar, and D Arvind. In the 2018 elections, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) won 88 of the 119 seats with a vote share of 47.4%, while the Congress secured 19 seats. The counting of votes is scheduled for December 3.
  
  Prominent leaders, including Chief Minister KCR, state minister KT Rama Rao, YSR Telangana Party president YS Sharmila, BJP’s Arvind Dharmapuri, and Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, have exercised their franchise, urging voters to participate in the electoral process.

Telangana Polls: Shocking 36.68% Voter Turnout Breaks Noon Records in Assembly Polls!

November 30, 2023, 2:23 pm

Telangana, India: The ongoing Telangana Assembly elections for 119 assembly seats recorded a voter turnout of 36.68% till 1 pm, according to the Election Commission of India. Key areas, including Adilabad, Bhadradri, Hanumankonda, Jagtial, Kamareddy, Khammam, Mahabubabad, Medak, Mulugu, and Siddipet, reported varying percentages of voter turnout.

Adilabad recorded 41.88%, Bhadradri 39.29%, Hanumankonda 35.29%, Jagtial 46.14%, Kamareddy 40.78%, Khammam 42.93%, Mahabubabad 46.89%, Medak 50.80%, Mulugu 45.69%, and Siddipet 44.35%.

Long queues were observed outside polling stations across Telangana as citizens exercised their voting rights. By 11 am, the state had recorded an overall turnout of 20.64%. A total of 2,290 contestants, including Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, Minister-son K.T. Rama Rao, Congress State President A Revanth Reddy, and BJP Lok Sabha members Bandi Sanjay Kumar and D Arvind, are in the fray.

In the 2018 elections, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) won 88 of the 119 seats with a 47.4% vote share, while the Congress secured 19 seats. Key leaders, including Chief Minister KCR, Minister KT Rama Rao, YSR Telangana Party President YS Sharmila, BJP’s Arvind Dharmapuri, and Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, cast their votes, urging citizens to participate and strengthen democracy. AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi emphasized the importance of voting to strengthen democracy and restore faith in the Constitution.

Amit Shah Stands Firm on CAA; Declares It National Law at Kolkata Rally

November 29, 2023, 4:01 pm

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a compelling public address, affirmed the Central Government’s unwavering resolve to execute the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), stating, “Nobody can hinder its implementation.” Shah, at a massive rally, criticized the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government for its purported indulgence in “appeasement politics,” urging the populace to elect a BJP government in the forthcoming assembly polls.

“The Citizenship (Amendment) Act is the country’s law, and we will enforce it regardless of opposition,” Shah said, emphasizing the importance of the CAA as a legal framework for the nation.

The CAA, which was passed in 2019, seeks to grant citizenship to migrants from Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, or Christian communities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014.

Lamenting West Bengal’s state of affairs, Shah accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of dilapidating the state through political violence, corruption, and unchecked infiltration. He claimed that Mamata’s administration, like the previous communist regime, had failed to stop infiltration and bemoaned violence against BJP workers in the state.

The Union Home Minister vowed electoral retribution in the upcoming assembly polls, declaring, “The people will avenge the political murders of BJP leaders through their votes in 2026, ensuring a BJP government with a two-thirds majority.”

Shah also accused the ‘Trinamool syndicate’ of obstructing funds sent by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the state’s welfare, highlighting the developmental setbacks in West Bengal under Mamata’s administration.

Drawing a comparison between the developmental strides achieved under the BJP-led Centre and West Bengal’s purported stagnation, Shah asserted, “Modi ji has transformed the nation, yet Mamata’s appeasement politics has stunted Bengal’s growth.”

He concluded by urging the people of West Bengal to lay the foundation for a BJP government in the forthcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, emphasizing their pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of the state.

Centre Calls All-Party Meet on Dec 2 Ahead of Parliament’s Winter Session

November 27, 2023, 11:21 am

Winter Session: In preparation for the impending Winter Session of Parliament set to commence on December 4, the government has announced an all-party meeting scheduled for December 2. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi will represent the government at this gathering.

Traditionally held a day before the session starts, this all-party meeting has been rescheduled a day earlier due to the vote count for five states slated for December 3, where elections are currently underway. The Winter Session will subsequently launch following the declaration of results in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, and Telangana.

Anticipations run high, as the outcome of these polls is expected to resonate significantly within the parliamentary session. Additionally, the session may deliberate on crucial bills aimed at replacing the IPC, CrPC, and the Evidence Act.

The agenda for the session includes discussions about the Ethics Committee’s report on “cash for query” allegations involving Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra. The committee has recommended her expulsion, which has heightened interest in this aspect of the session’s discussions.

While the government works to advance its legislative agenda, opposition parties are preparing to voice their concerns and advocate for debate on issues that are important to them. The upcoming session will be an important platform for both the government and the opposition to assert their positions and address important national issues.

BJP’s Alka Gurjar Urges Voters to Choose Good Governance and Law and Order in Rajasthan Polls

November 25, 2023, 1:22 pm

As Rajasthan conducts its State Assembly elections, BJP leader Alka Gurjar has called on the public to vote for the BJP, emphasizing the party’s commitment to restoring law and order and ensuring good governance. Gurjar accused the current state government of being deeply entrenched in corruption and highlighted key issues such as law and order, economic strength, and women’s respect.

The BJP is positioning itself as an alternative to the ruling Congress, seeking to replace the Ashok Gehlot government. Voting is currently underway for the 199-member Rajasthan assembly, with the Congress aiming for another term. The BJP is relying on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity to secure victory. However, a scuffle was reported at a polling booth in the Sardarshahar assembly constituency, prompting increased police deployment.

The elections are crucial for determining the state’s political landscape, and the results will be eagerly awaited when vote counting takes place on December 3.

Rajasthan CM Gehlot Senses Strong Undercurrent in Favor of Congressy in State Elections

November 24, 2023, 2:20 pm

As Rajasthan gears up for Assembly elections on November 25, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed optimism about the Congress’ prospects, citing a strong undercurrent in favour of the ruling party. Gehlot, campaigning extensively, noted a pro-incumbency wave, attributing it to the success of Congress schemes and policies.

Addressing the electorate, Gehlot took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, emphasizing his Rajasthani roots. He urged voters to consider his regional connection over the campaigning by “two Gujaratis.”

Gehlot, anticipating victory, stated, “If this undercurrent works in our favour, we will form the government.” He criticized opposition leaders from Delhi for provoking people, contrasting their approach with the BJP’s failure to question Congress campaign promises.

In a video message, Congress leader Sachin Pilot also appealed to voters, predicting the party’s return to power with a majority and challenging the tradition of not re-electing the incumbent.

In the high-stakes Rajasthan elections in 2018, the Congress won 99 seats and formed the government, with Gehlot as Chief Minister. The upcoming elections will determine whether Congress can maintain its hold on the state or face a new political landscape.

CM Chouhan Seeks Public Support for State Development in MP Polls

November 17, 2023, 11:28 am

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan encouraged residents on Friday to cast their votes for the state’s development as polling commenced for the 230 assembly seats. Speaking to ANI, Chouhan confidently stated that the Congress party would not succeed in Madhya Pradesh. He appealed to the public to vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), emphasizing the positive response the BJP receives for its work in society.

Regarding the Chief Ministerial face, Chouhan remarked that party leaders prioritize the mission of working for the country and state’s development over personal considerations. He stated, “Our party makes the decision on who has to work where. We don’t think about ourselves; our mission is to work for the development of the country and Madhya Pradesh…BJP is going to get the biggest majority in history.”

Voting for the assembly seats began at 7 a.m., with polling closing at 6 p.m., except for specific constituencies where voting concludes at 3 p.m. The BJP aims to maintain its nearly two-decade rule in Madhya Pradesh, while the Congress seeks to unseat the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government.

Security measures for the elections include webcasting at approximately 42,000 polling stations, deployment of nearly 700 central force companies, and two lakh state police personnel. Over 2,500 candidates are vying for electoral success, with around 5.59 crore eligible voters, including 2.87 crore males and 2.71 crore females. The counting of votes for Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Mizoram is scheduled for December 3.

PM Modi: First phase of voting in Chhattisgarh busted Congress party’s balloon of lies

November 13, 2023, 3:13 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a rally in Mahasamund, Chhattisgarh, lauded the electorate for the first phase of voting on November 7, declaring it had burst the “balloon of lies” propagated by the Congress. He urged the people of Chhattisgarh not to trust the incumbent Congress party, emphasising that the first phase’s results had set the stage for the departure of the “Kakka” from the government, referring to a significant Congress leader.

PM Modi accused Congress of focusing on looting Chhattisgarh rather than its development. He highlighted the BJP’s commitment to the state’s welfare, citing the construction of 4 crore ‘pucca’ houses for the poor in the last decade. In contrast, he criticised the Congress government for obstructing projects like the ‘Gramin Awas Yojana’ meant for public welfare.

The Prime Minister affirmed that Chhattisgarh, created by the BJP, would only witness progress under the party’s governance. Urging the public to spread the word that Modi had reached Mahasamund, he reinforced the BJP’s sacred relationship with the people.

Chhattisgarh is holding elections in two stages, with the first ending on November 7. The remaining 70 seats will be voted for on November 17, with the results expected on December 3.

Ahead of MP assembly polls BJP President JP Nadda releases Sankalp Patra

November 11, 2023, 5:18 pm

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President JP Nadda released the party’s Sankalp Patra (manifesto) for forthcoming Madhya Pradesh assembly polls at Kushabhau Thackeray Convention Center (Minto Hall) in Bhopal on Saturday. During this, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, BJP State President VD Sharma, Union Ministers Jyotiraditya Scinda, Ashwani Vaishnav, Prahlad Patel and others were present on the occasion.

The Sankalp Patra has been named ‘Modi ki guarantee, BJP ka bharosa, Madhya Pradesh Sankalp Patra 2023 (Modi’s Guarantee, Trust in BJP, Madhya Pradesh Sankalp Patra 2023).
There are ten major resolutions of the party in the manifesto which include the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana for 5 years in which free ration to all the poor families and apart from this the party will provide pulses, mustard oil and sugar at subsidised rates.

The other resolution states no family in Madhya Pradesh will remain homeless. For this, along with the Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme, the Chief Minister will start the Public Housing Scheme. The Ladli Bahna will get the benefit of housing along with monthly financial assistance.

Similarly, the party will make arrangements for the purchase of wheat at Rs 2,700 a quintal and paddy at Rs 3,100 a quintal. The party will also provide Rs 12,000 annually to the beneficiaries of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and Chief Minister Farmer Kalyan Yojana. Tendu leaves collection rate will be ensured at Rs 24,000 a sack and free education will be arranged till class 12th for all the students from poor families.

Nutritious breakfast will be provided along with a mid-day meal in government schools. Madhya Pradesh Institute of Technology on the lines of IIT and Madhya Pradesh Institute of Medical Science on the lines of AIIMS will be established in each division of the state.
The party will further ensure that at least one employment or self-employment opportunity in every family.

During this, BJP leader JP Nadda said, “The importance of the manifesto, Sankalp Patra has been declining slowly along with time because political parties first attract people and then forget. (They) make promises, forget, and mislead the public. But the BJP is the only party that has implemented the manifesto in letter and spirit. It is our track record.”
On the occasion, CM Chouhan said that it was a very auspicious day and the BJP’s Sankalp Patra was launched in the presence of the BJP National President.

“It is the guarantee of PM Modi that we will make this manifesto our road map for the development of Madhya Pradesh and for the welfare of the people of the state. I have a feeling of satisfaction when I say that, whatever we thought and said, we tried to fulfil it. When we noticed that girls were killed in the womb. We made a policy like the Ladli Laxmi Yojana,” CM Chouhan said.

Madhya Pradesh is one of the five states set to undergo polls in one phase on November 17 and the counting of votes will take place on December 3. Voters will choose legislators from 230 Assembly constituencies.

ECI orders Re-polling in Muallungthu, Mizoram

November 10, 2023, 6:54 pm

The Election Commission of India (ECI) ordered a re-poll for the Muallungthu polling station in Mizoram’s Aizawl South 3 Assembly Constituency today. The re-election, which took place at 7 a.m., involved 1084 voters in the constituency. The ECI ordered re-polling after voting personnel failed to clear mock polls before the November 7 assembly elections.

In the recent single-phase elections for 40 assembly seats in Mizoram, the state witnessed a voter turnout of 78.40 percent. In the 2018 Assembly elections, the Mizo National Front (MNF) secured 26 seats with a vote share of 37.8 percent, leading to the displacement of the Congress from power.

The Mizo National Front, Indian National Congress, and Zoram People’s Movement were among the major political parties that ran candidates for all 40 seats. In addition, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ran for 23 seats. The results of the re-election in Muallungthu will be factored into the state’s final assembly results.

Congress Will Reverse Madhya Pradesh’s Development Journey says PM Modi

November 9, 2023, 5:55 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi intensified his criticism of the Congress during a rally in Madhya Pradesh, asserting that the party, if elected, would “reverse the development journey” in the state. Drawing a parallel with a vehicle’s reverse gear that moves backward, PM Modi accused the Congress of being adept at reversing progress. He cautioned against falling for Congress’ grand promises, suggesting that they often conceal unfavorable intentions.

In Satna, PM Modi emphasized that Congress couldn’t ensure development and bluntly stated, “Congress aayi, tabahi laayi (Congress came, brought with it destruction).” He asserted that the party lacked a concrete roadmap for Madhya Pradesh’s development, highlighting the skepticism among the state’s youth regarding Congress’ ability to deliver progress.

PM Modi’s recent rallies have significantly boosted the BJP’s campaign in Madhya Pradesh, where the assembly polls are scheduled for November 17. In contrast, the Congress is actively working to challenge the BJP’s hold on the state. The vote count for Madhya Pradesh and four other states is slated for December 3. The Prime Minister urged voters to repose faith in the BJP, portraying Congress as a party with a reverse gear and questionable commitments to development.