The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured a historic third term in Haryana, winning 48 Assembly seats. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini is set to meet with senior BJP leaders in Delhi to discuss finalizing his cabinet. Despite this victory, the Congress party has raised concerns about the integrity of the counting process and functioning of electronic voting machines (EVMs). The elections in Jammu and Kashmir also saw a significant increase in BJP's tally and its government at the Centre claims credit for holding the elections for the first time since Article 370 was abrogated.
Haryana Election Results 2024: BJP Secures Historic Third Term
In a landslide victory, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged victorious in the Haryana Assembly elections, securing an unprecedented third term in the state. The saffron party claimed 48 seats in the 90-member assembly, well ahead of its rivals.
Victory Amidst Allegations of EVM Irregularities
The Congress party, which had high hopes of reclaiming power after a decade, expressed concerns about the integrity of the election process. They raised allegations of irregularities in the functioning of electronic voting machines (EVMs). The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered a re-poll in one constituency where such concerns were raised.
Punjab Poll Victory Extends BJP's Success
The Haryana election victory comes on the heels of the BJP's success in the Punjab Assembly elections, where it formed its first government in the state. These twin victories mark a significant expansion of the party's footprint in the northern region of India.
Background: BJP's Dominance in Haryana
The BJP has dominated Haryana politics since the 2014 general elections. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the party won all 10 seats in the state. In the 2019 Haryana Assembly elections, the BJP won 40 seats, emerging as the single largest party but falling short of a majority. It subsequently formed a government with the support of the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP).
Chief Minister Saini to Finalize Cabinet
Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar played a key role in the BJP's victory. He is now expected to meet with senior party leaders in Delhi to discuss the finalization of his new cabinet.
Top 5 FAQs
Which party won the Haryana Assembly elections 2024?
How many seats did the BJP win?
Has any party won three consecutive terms in Haryana?
Were there any allegations of irregularities in the election process?
Who is the Chief Minister of Haryana?
In a digitized effort, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis transferred a grant of ₹25 crore to 560 gaushalas across the state under the Desi Cow Conservation Scheme. This first phase of the scheme will benefit over 56,000 indigenous cows for their upkeep. Fadnavis emphasized the importance of preserving indigenous cows for rural development and praised the initiative taken by the Maharashtra Goseva Commission. With lower milk productivity, these cow shelters play a vital role in providing necessary care for non-milking and unproductive cows, making the scheme a major relief for them.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the BJP for taking 10 months to select a national president, while Amit Shah countered by pointing out dynastic practices among opposition parties. Reports suggest that the BJP will announce its new national president by the third week of April to replace JP Nadda. Nadda's tenure was extended until June 2024, but the new president will still be chosen after a process involving the party's 12-13 crore members.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi vehemently opposes the Waqf amendment bill during a Lok Sabha discussion, stating that it is an attack on the foundation of Parliament and the Constitution. He also alleges that the government has ulterior motives for pushing the amendment, including diluting the Constitution, defaming minorities, dividing society, and disenfranchising the minority community. He questions the timing of the amendment and accuses the BJP-led government of restricting religious freedoms in India.
US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by hinting at ways to stay in power beyond his second term. While the 22nd Amendment limits presidential terms to two, Trump believes there are "methods" to get around it. This raises concerns about the sanctity of democracy and the potential for abuse of power. The idea of a third term for any president has been largely rejected in American history, making this a crucial issue to watch.
The Indian Express has reported exclusively that the BJP may ask K Annamalai to step down as the party's Tamil Nadu president, in order to avoid having both BJP and AIADMK's state election faces come from the Gounder community. This move is seen as a strategic decision to strengthen the BJP's alliance with AIADMK, as both Annamalai and AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami belong to this community. Despite his successful leadership style, Annamalai has reportedly been assured of a bright future within the party and has pledged complete loyalty.
The Lok Sabha braces itself for a heated session as the Centre brings back the divisive Waqf (Amendment) Bill for consideration and passage. The eight-hour debate, agreed upon by leaders from all major parties, could be extended after taking the sense of the House. The previously introduced bill had faced backlash from the Opposition and was sent to a Joint Committee for further scrutiny, leading to clashes over proposed amendments and dissent notes being allegedly redacted. Some of the biggest points of contention include allowing non-Muslims to hold key positions in the Waqf board, giving power to the District Collector to determine ownership of disputed property, and removing the tribunal's final decision clause.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font held discussions on enhancing bilateral relations between India and Chile, particularly in the economic, commercial, and societal sectors. They also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat and announced the start of negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement. The Chilean President is on a five-day state visit to India, accompanied by a high-level delegation.
The controversial Godman, Ram Rahim, who is serving a 20-year jail sentence for rape, has been granted a 30-day parole by the Haryana government. His release coincides with the upcoming assembly elections in Delhi, raising questions about the timing of the decision. Ram Rahim's parole last year before the Haryana assembly elections was also met with criticism. With a mass following in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, the parole has sparked a debate on the influence of religious leaders in politics. IBNS, an objective news agency, strives to provide factual and unbiased news without any biases or agendas.
It has been speculated that K Annamalai, the current BJP Tamil Nadu president, may step down from his position as alliance talks between the BJP and AIADMK intensify. The move comes amid concerns over caste equations and the BJP's strategy to consolidate its hold beyond the western region of Tamil Nadu. Sources reveal that Annamalai has expressed complete loyalty to the party and may take on a national role or a different assignment in the state.
In a scathing attack, Tamil Maanila Congress leader and former Union Minister G.K. Vasan criticized the DMK government in Tamil Nadu for the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Vasan accused the ruling party of using divisive issues to distract from their failures, corruption, and scams. He demanded a white paper on the alleged Rs 1,000-crore financial fraud involving the state-run corporation responsible for liquor sales. The Enforcement Directorate has conducted raids in connection with suspected financial irregularities, targeting the TASMAC headquarters, distilleries, and liquor contractors.