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Sat, 23 November 2024
Aaditya wins Worli, says Maha results surprising
Timeline Refresh
17:21 PM thanks Jharkhand for support
PM Modi on the Jharkhand polls where the JMM lead govt is will form government again. PM says, "The NDA's pro-people efforts have resonated all over. I thank people across various states for blessing NDA candidates in the various by-polls held. We will leave no stone unturned in fulfilling their dreams and aspirations."
Modi also said he was proud of NDA workers for their efforts on the ground.
"They worked hard, went among people and elaborated on our good governance agenda... I thank the people of Jharkhand for their support towards us. We will always be at the forefront of raising people's issues and working for the state," he said. -- PTI
17:21 Breather for Adani's USD 3-bn Dharavi project
The landslide victory for ruling BJP-led Mahayuti in Maharashtra will bolster billionaire Gautam Adani-led group's USD 3-billion project to redevelop Mumbai slum of Dharavi into a "world-class" district.
Opposition Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) had pledged to reclaim all land given to the Adani group for redeveloping Asia's largest slum and promised to scrap the project altogether, if voted to power. For Adani, who is facing bribery charges in a US court, the scrapping of his pet Dharavi project would have been a big setback.
17:16 Aaditya wins Worli, says Maha results surprising
Aaditya Thackeray wins the Worli assembly seat against the Milind Deora. Thanking the electorate he reiterates the charge of EVM tampering saying "don't know if people decided or EVMs. The Maharashtra results are surprising."
Thackeray retained his Worli assembly seat by a margin of 8,801 votes.
17:10 Mahayuti's win gives BJP shot in the arm ahead of Delhi elections
With a victory secured in Maharashtra, the BJP received a shot in the arm ahead of the Delhi Assembly polls next year, with its local leaders saying the party is now set to dethrone the AAP government in the national capital with a massive win.
Even as the signs of the landslide victory of the party-led alliance emerged with counting of votes on 288 Assembly seats in Maharashtra, the BJP announced a "Parivartan Yatra" to end the 10 year-rule of Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said the Maharashtra election results were a stamp of public approval to the "Modi magic."
"The recent victory in Haryana polls and now, party's landslide victories in Maharashtra and the bypolls in Uttar Pradesh are big morale boosters for us.
"The party workers encouraged by these results will work with redoubled energy to wipe out the era of corruption led by AAP in Delhi," Sachdeva told PTI. He said the party will launch a 'Parivartan Yatra' soon in Delhi, and that it has formed a nine-member committee headed by Satish Upadhyay to firm up the plan. -- PTI
16:50 Good governance, development win: Modi on Maha
Narendra Modi tweets on the massive win in Maharashtra: "Development wins! Good governance wins! United we will soar even higher! Heartfelt gratitude to my sisters and brothers of Maharashtra, especially the youth and women of the state, for a historic mandate to the NDA. This affection and warmth is unparalleled. I assure the people that our Alliance will keep working for Maharashtra's progress. Jai Maharashtra!"
Jalebis being readied at the BJP HQ
16:48 Bow before people of Maharashtra: Shinde
Maharashtra Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis says, "I will say only this that we bow before Maharashtra and its people. It has increased our responsibility and Maharashtra has shown its full support for Modiji and we will do everything to reciprocate their faith in us."
So how many people chose NOTA?
The NOTA option once again found few takers, with 0.75 per cent of the electorate pressing the button in Maharashtra and 1.32 per cent in Jharkhand. Votes for the assembly elections in these two states were counted on Saturday. According to Election Commission (EC) data, less than one per cent (0.75 per cent) electors used the 'none of the above' or NOTA option in Maharashtra where elections were held for 288 seats. In Jharkhand, a little over one per cent (1.32 per cent) of the electorate exercised the option. According to the EC, Maharashtra witnessed a 65.02 per cent voter turnout in its single-phase polls on November 20.
16:26 Polls decided who Sena, NCP belongs to: Shinde
Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde at the presser: "People have rejected politics of hatred and revenge, accepted politics of welfare and development. We succeeded in striking balance between development and welfare measures. Historic day; people took election in their hands to give Mahayuti landslide victory. This election has decided to whom Shiv Sena and NCP belong."
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won 24 seats in the Maharashtra assembly elections so far and is leading in 106 others, while allies Shiv Sena and NCP bagged 15 and 14 seats respectively.
The prominent winning candidates from the BJP include sitting MLA Nitesh Rane, who retained the Kankavli assembly seat in Sindhudurg district by a margin of 58,007 votes, state assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar, who won the Colaba seat by 48,581, and Shivendraraje Bhonsle from Satara who retained the seat by a significant margin of 1,42,124 votes.
16:07 Mahayuti presser: Our schemes were game-changers
Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, Dy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar and leaders of Mahayuti show victory signs and exchange sweets as the Mahayuti is set to form the govt in the state. They are now holding their joint presser.
Ajit Pawar says Opposition mocked our schemes, but they gave us a big madate. "Mahayuti has the Centre's backing. The Opposition's EVM jibe is expected. Mahayuti welfare schemes won't bleed coffers. This is a big mandate in all six regions. Our Ladki Bahin scheme is a game-changer. New Maharashtra government will bring financial discipline. We wll not get carried away by massive success of Mahayuti alliance."
Eknath Shinde speaking now. He says Maharashtra's vikas is our priority and our schemes have helped at the grassroot level. I thank PM Modi for helping us.
15:48 Look forward to being your voice in Parl: Priyanka
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra all set to retain the Gandhi bastion, Wayanad. She is leading by 4,10,000 votes in the constituency where her brother Rahul was an MP.
In an emotional message on X, Priyanka wrote: "My dearest sisters and brothers of Wayanad, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the trust you have placed in me. I will make sure that over time, you truly feel this victory has been your victory and the person you chose to represent you understands your hopes and dreams and fights for you as one of your own. I look forward to being your voice in Parliament! Thank you for giving me this honour and even more for the immense love you have given me, my colleagues in the UDF, leaders from across Kerala, workers, volunteers and my office colleagues who worked incredibly hard in this campaign, thank you for your support, for tolerating my 12 hours a day (no food, no rest) car journeys, and for fighting like true soldiers for the ideals we all believe in.
"To my mother, Robert and my two jewels -- Raihan and Miraya, no gratitude is ever enough for the love and courage you give me. And to my brother, Rahul, you are the bravest of them all' thank you for showing me the way and having my back, always!"
15:40 Soren-led alliance all set to retain Jharkhand
Hemant Soren's JMM-led alliance was all set to retain Jharkhand as it was leading in at least 56 seats in the 81-member state assembly, as per Election Commission data on Saturday afternoon. The performance of the BJP-led NDA, which was confident about its prospects in the state after an aggressive campaign, was poorer than its expectations. It was leading in just 23 seats.
Hemant Soren shares this image with his sons, writing, "Meri shakti (my strength)."
15:36 What has happened is best for the state: Amruta
Maharashtra Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis's wife Amruta Fadnavis says, "I am very happy with the outcome that has come out. It is phenomenal. The hard work of the party, Devendra Fadnavis and all the workers of the party has paid off. What has happened is best for the state."
15:26 Kalpana has reason to smile
As JMM-led Mahagathbandhan continues its lead in Jharkhand, party candidate from Gandey and CM Hemant Soren's wife, Kalpana Soren says, "I want to thank the people of Gandhey, Giridih and the people of the state for showering love on me and blessing me like their daughter."
JMM+ 58 BJP: 23
15:14 Mr Vadra celebrates Mrs Vadra impeding win
No, Robert Vadra did not contest the polls, he's simply celebrating his wife, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's impending win from Wayanad. She is leading by 4,10,000 votes according to EC.
15:10 This is a win of Modi, Shah, allies: Fadnavis
Devendra Fadnavis, the political stalwart who rose from humble beginnings to become a key figure in Maharashtra politics, is on course to regain chief minister's post -- a position he has held twice before. The 54-year-old leader, whose career has been marked by a blend of resilience and strategic manoeuvring, is positioned to lead the state for the third time following a decisive showing of the BJP in the assembly polls.
"I succeeded in breaking the 'chakravyuh' of opposition due to support of voters, our team and party leaders. This win is due to Modi, Shah and allies. Rahul Gandhi's fake narrative failed. This is a win for the Maharashtra people and that they support Modi. He also thanked the women. I only have a small role in this win. Ek hai safe hai helped us win. I want to respect the Opposition because Opposition is important in a democracy, irrespective of whether they are small or big," Devendra Fadnavis says.
On the succession battle, he says there is no debate about it. Amit Shah in a press conference had said that all three allies will sit together and decide on the next CM unitedly.
The legitimacy of the Bal Thackeray's Shiv Sena and Sharad Pawar's NCP now lies with Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar respectively.
Amit Deshmukh with his brother Dhiraj, wife, and mother. File pic
14:36 Amit Deshmukh leads in Latur
Congress' Amit Vilasrao Deshmukh leading over BJP's Archana Patil Chakurkar in Latur City constituency, by a margin of 10,265 votes as per official EC trends.
Text, Pic: Ganesh Nadar
14:29 What's happening at the BJP HQ
Ramdas Athawale outside Maharashtra Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis' home. Earlier, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav was also at the Mumbai BJP HQ. Firecrackers worth a lakh has just been burst amid a noisy band playing non-stop.
14:21 He's smart, intelligent, courageous: Fadnavis' mom
Sarita Fadnavis, mother of Devendra Fadnavis, expressed happiness over Mahayuti's performance. "I never believed in any rumours and knew that he (Devendra) would do good. The party's success can be attributed to the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme and Devendra's efforts and popularity...He is very intelligent, smart and courageous and that has brought him this success," she said.
On the Ladki Bahin Yojana, she said, "I don't have a daughter, but through this scheme, I now have so many daughters and their good wishes."
14:10 Hemant Soren-led alliance all set to retain Jharkhand
Hemant Soren's JMM-led alliance was all set to retain Jharkhand as it was leading in at least 50 seats in the 81-member state assembly on Saturday, as per the Election Commission data.
The performance of the BJP-led NDA, which was seen as confident about its prospects in the state after an aggressive campaign, was poorer than its expectations.
It was leading in 29 seats. The BJP's poll plank was driving out "infiltrators" from the Santha Parganas region, but it seemed to have fallen flat in front of the 'Adivasi' card played by the JMM, which also sought the people's sympathy over the arrest of Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
According to the latest EC figures, the JMM was leading in 31 seats, the Congress in 14, the RJD in four and the CPI(ML) Liberation in one. The BJP was leading in 26 seats, while the AJSU Party, LJP (Ram Vilas) and JD(U) were ahead in one seat each.
14:00 Ladki Bahin was a game-changer: Shinde
With the Mahayuti poised for a landslide victory the Maharashtra elections, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday said the coalition does not have a definitive formula that the party bagging the most seats will get the chief minister's post.
He said the poll trends were in favour of the Mahayuti because of his flagship initiative, the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana. Early trends have indicated that the Mahayuti, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP, will retain the power in Maharashtra. Speaking to reporters, Shinde said, "I thank all my ladki bahins (dear sisters) in the state and the brothers who voted in large numbers for us. The voting trend is an endorsement of our work."
"Every section of society voted for us because of our development efforts. The public has noticed our work and responded through their ballots," he said, adding that this outcome has increased their responsibility.
Shinde emphasised that his government always had a pro-people approach, which is why it is on its way to record a landslide victory, and he outlined the administration's commitment to development projects and welfare schemes.
A key factor in the election's outcome was the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, which provides Rs 1,500 to eligible women. Shinde referred to this initiative as a "major game changer" for the state elections. He further said the Mahayuti did not have a definitive formula that the party winning the most seats will get the chief minister post.
13:52 Mahayuti contested the election well together: Tawde
BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde says, "Voters in Maharashtra have won a thumping victory to BJP-Mahayuti. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar, Ramdas Athawale contested the election well together.
"They run the government properly, so people reposed their trust. In 2019, Sharad Pawar, broke BJP's alliance by taking away Uddhav Thackeray. Voters of Balasaheb Thackeray didn't like it. NDA is leading on all 4 seats in Bihar, in Uttar Pradesh NDA is leading on 6 seats and on 4 seats in Rajasthan. This shows that people have reposed their trust in PM Modi. As far as the CM is concerned, Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar and BJP's central leadership will make a decision together and tell you about it. Today, Mahayuti is celebrating its victory and expressing gratitude to the people of the state."
13:49 Pink gets the ink for the Mahayuti
On his party's performance and Mahayuti is set to form govt in Maharashtra, NCP leader and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar says, "Maharashtra Chooses Pink."
He is referring to the Ladki Bahin scheme which is being seen as the crucial factor for the gigantic win of the Mahayuti.
"Our victory has been spectacular. The win is the combination of all three parties working together, the parties have been working in sync. Fake narrative of LS polls demolished in this election," says Praful Patel.
13:40 This is a slipper slap on Raut's face: Sena's Mhaske
Shiv Sena leader Naresh Mhaske says, "Maharashtra of government has expressed its faith in Mahayuti. The public is seeing what is happening to Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena today. The people have stated that Eknath Shinde is the one who is capable of leading Balasaheb Thackeray's Shiv Sena. By way of their votes, the public has slapped a slipper on the face of Sanjay Raut. I am a Shiv Sena worker and I think that Eknath Shinde should be the chief minister."
13:37 Is this the next Maha CM?
The Maharashtra verdict -- which gives primacy to the BJP within the Mahayuti alliance and opens up the possibility of a shift in power with Devendra Fadnavis as chief minister again.
The BJP was ahead in 125 seats, close to the halfway mark of 144 on its own, while the Shiv Sena had leads in 56 and the NCP in 35. In contrast, the Congress was ahead in just 21, the Shiv Sena(UBT) in 17 and the NCP(SP) in 13.
13:28 My time will come: Robert Vadra
While on the Priyanka, this is what her husband Robert Vadra has to say on being in active politics. "You can see the love of the people for me. I keep working for the public but I do not think I need to be in the Parliament right now. Priyanka is preparing to enter the Parliament now. After that my time will also come, whenever it comes we will see, but whatever the public wants will happen."
13:26 Priyanka's lead surges to 3.5 lakh votes
Top Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday appeared to be heading towards her maiden electoral win, from Wayanad in Kerala, after registering an impressive lead of over 3.5 lakh votes against her nearest CPI rival, with party leaders and ally IUML predicting a big win for her amid the counting trends.
The Congress-led UDF's candidate from this hill constituency, Priyanka on Saturday extended her lead by close to 3.5 lakh votes after four hours of counting of the ballots in the Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll, according to the Election Commission. -- PTI
13:23 Fadnavis trumpets 'Ek hai toh safe hai' ahead of win
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday hailed the performance of the ruling Mahayuti in the assembly polls and credited it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the latter's 'ek hai toh safe hai' slogan.
Fadnavis is leading from Nagpur South West assembly seat by a margin of 19,437 seats as per data made available on the Election Commission website at 1pm.
In a post on X , he said, "Ek Hain toh Safe hain' 'Modi hain toh Mumkin hain'. The slogan was a staple of all speeches of Modi during the campaign. The Mahayuti, which comprises the BJP, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP, is leading on more than 210 of the 288 assembly seats. Polls were held on Wednesday, while counting of votes began since 8am in the morning. PTI
13:15 Congress is kamzor kadi in MVA
The INDIA bloc can breathe a sigh of relief in Jharkhand with the JMM led alliance poised to return to power. In Maharashtra the BJP led NDA set for an enormous win.
However in both states it is the Congress which has emerged as the weak link in the alliance with a poor strike rate (rate of converting seats contested to wins).In Maharashtra, as per the seat sharing of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, the Congress contested on the majority of seats-101 and was expected to carry the Aghadi alliance along with it.
The party is currently leading on 19 seats which makes a strike rate of just 18.8 per cent. The Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) fought on 86 seats and is leading on 12 which makes up a strike rate of 14 per cent and Shiv Sena (UBT) contested on 95 seats and has leads in 20 seats a strike rate of 21 per cent. -- MVA
13:01 BJP-led Mahayuti set to retain Maharashtra
The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is on course to retain power in Maharashtra, and was leading in 221 of the 288 assembly seats, as per the latest figures by the Election Commission almost mid-way through the counting process in the November 20 elections.
The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi appeared stumbling, with its candidates leading in just 50 seats, a far cry from the boasts till this morning by many of its leaders that the combine will trounce the Mahayuti.
In the first and the only result declared so far by the Election Commission, BJP's Kalidas Kolambkar from Wadala defeated Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Shraddha Jadhav by 24,973 after 16 rounds to become a legislator for the ninth time in a row. As per ECI figures, in the Mahayuti, BJP candidates were leading in 123 seats and won the Wadala seat in Mumbai, Shiv Sena in 55 and NCP in 38 seats. -- PTI
12:58 1st win in Maharashtra goes to...
The BJP registers its first win in Wadala, Mumbai, with Kalidas Kolambkar winning by a margin of 24973 votes. Kolambkar is aiming for the Guinness Book of Records with his nine-time win.
Mithai dukans are doing brisk business with lddus being distributed at the residence of Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde in Thane as the Mahayuti is all set to form the government.
Kolambkar's supporters (see pic alongside) also celebrate his win.
12:47 Will the win remain sweet?
Maharashtra CM & Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde and his party leaders celebrate with 'ladoos' as Mahayuti is set to form govt in the state. His son Shrikant has already staked claim for the CM's seat for his father.
NCP workers dance outside Ajit Pawar's residence
12:42 BJP likely to hold legislative party meet on Nov 25
Bharatiya Janata Party is likely to hold the Maharashtra Legislative Party meeting on November 25 and the oath-taking ceremony on 26, sources said on Saturday.
A larger meeting of the Yuti alliance is also likely to be held around the same time. This comes after the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra crossed the crucial majority mark, as per the Election Commission data around 11 am. It is securing a lead in 220 seats and is likely heading towards a landslide victory. Celebrations have already begun at the BJP's Mumbai office.
Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde said, "As we had expected, we have got very good numbers. I thank all the voters who stood behind Mahayuti and gave this landslide victory..."
Shiv Sena leader Naresh Mhaske said, "Maharashtra of government has expressed its faith in Mahayuti. The public is seeing what is happening to Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena today. The people have stated that Eknath Shinde is the one who is capable of leading Balasaheb Thackeray's Shiv Sena...By way of their votes, the public has slapped a slipper on the face of Sanjay Raut. I am a Shiv Sena worker and I think that Eknath Shinde should be the chief minister."
As per the initial results, the Mahayuti alliance is leading in 220 seats, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leading in 128 seats, driving the charge in Maharashtra. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena (SHS) follows closely with 55 seats. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, is leading in 35 seats, while the Rashtriya Yuva Swabhiman Party (RSHYVSWBHM) is leading in 2 seats.
12:36 Shah calls Shinde, Fadnavis, Pawar
Home Minister Amit Shah calls the Mahayuti leaders to congratulate them. The Mahayuti to decide on who will be the Maharashtra CM. Each faction wants its leader to be the CM.
12:33 Dhol-taasha at Fadnavis home
Dhols reverberate outside the residence of BJP leader & Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis as Mahayuti is all set to form the government in the state.
12:30 Mahayuti will decide who will be next CM: Shinde
"I thank the voters of Maharashtra. This is a landslide victory. I had said before that Mahayuti will get a thumping victory. I thank all sections of the society. I also thank all the workers of the Mahayuti parties," Shinde told reporters.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde thanked Maharashtra voters after trends show that BJP-led Mahayuti is set for a runaway victory in Maharashtra.
On who will be the next chief minister, Shinde said Mahayuti will sit and decide. His son, Shrikant, says, "People's mandate shows who is taking Balasaheb Thackeray's ideals forward."
12:04 Ajit Pawar's wife wants him to be Maha CM
Shrikant Shinde, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde's son say the people have show Aaditya Thackeray his place.
And now will begin the fight for chair. Sunetra, Ajit Pawar's wife, says she wants him to be CM.
BJP legislator Pravin Darekar demanded that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis be appointed as the next chief minister of the state with early trends in the counting of votes for the assembly elections suggesting a win for the Mahayuti combine.
In the alliance, the party that secures the highest number of seats will be entitled to get the chief minister's post, he asserted.
On the upcoming Maharashtra election results, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate on Saturday said that the party result predictions were disappointing and there was no doubt the party could have done better.
Speaking to ANI, Shrinate said "Maharashtra elections are opposite to our expectations. There is no doubt that we could have done better. At the same time, however, we are happy that we have performed well in Jharkhand and we are going to repeat our government there. The elections in Maharashtra have been disappointing. Our campaigns were good but maybe the public expects a little more from us and we will deliver on their expectations."
11:56 Mooh mitha for Shinde Sena
Bouquets arrive at the residence of CM and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde as celebrations begin. Mahayuti has crossed the majority mark in Maharashtra Elections as per the official EC trends; currently leading on 221 of the 288 seats in the state.
11:51 Chandrakant Patil celebrates lead
BJP leader and candidate from Kothrud, Chandrakant Patil celebrates as he leads in the Assembly constituency as votes are being counted in Maharashtra elections.
Mahayuti: 218, MVA: 57
11:49 Sena workers celebrate outside Shinde's residence
Shiv Sena workers celebrate outside Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde's residence as Mahayuti is on its way to winning with a thumping majority in Maharashtra.
Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule meets Devendra Fadnavis.
Mahayuti: 218, MVA: 57
11:42 Not mandate of Marathi manoos and farmers: Raut
The palpable anger of Sanjay Raut on the Maharashtra polls: "I see a big conspiracy in this...This is not a mandate of Marathi 'manoos' and farmers," he said."We do not accept this as people's mandate. Something is fishy in the election results," Raut added. There was no doubt that money was used in the polls, he alleged. "How can all MLAs of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde win? How can Ajit Pawar, whose betrayal angered Maharashtra, win?" the Rajya Sabha MP asked.
11:40 Karnataka bypolls: Cong ahead in all three Assembly seats
Ruling Congress in Karnataka was ahead in all three -- Channapatna, Shiggaon and Sandur -- Assembly segments, as the counting of votes is underway on Saturday for by-polls held there.
Congress has been maintaining a steady lead in Sandur, since counting began earlier in the day and it has now also emerged as the front-runner in Channapatna and Shiggaon segments, where JD(S) and BJP were leading earlier, according to Election Commission numbers. The by-election to three segments was held on November 13.
11:38 Priyanka leads by over 2 lakh votes
Congress-led UDF candidate Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday extended her lead by over two lakh votes after three hours of counting of the ballots in the Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll in Kerala, according to the Election Commission.
According to EC figures at 11.23 am, Priyanka received 3,17,983 votes with LDF's Sathyan Mokeri at second with 1,08,810 and BJP's Navya Haridas third with 60,692 votes.
The counting of votes commenced at 8 am with postal ballots being taken up first. The strong rooms, where the EVMs were kept, were opened more than an hour before counting began.
The bypoll for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat was held on November 13. Of the 16 candidates who contested, the main contenders are Priyanka, who is making her electoral debut, CPI(M)-led LDF's Sathyan Mokeri, a political veteran, and BJP-headed NDA's Navya Haridas. PTI
No son rise
11:29 Aaditya Thackeray trails from Worli
Another shocker for UBT. Aaditya Thackeray is trailing from the Worli constituency after initial leads over his opponent Milind Deora.
Mahayuti: 220, MVA: 54
11:25 I'm satisfied with trends: MP CM
On Maharashtra and Jharkhand elections, Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav says, "Seeing the initial trends of results, I can say that I am satisfied to see that BJP is being successful in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of people in Maharashtra and Jharkhand."
11:22 Not a question of who wins or loses Wayanad: BJP
On Wayanad bypolls trends showing Congress' Priyanka Gandhi Vadra leading, BJP spokesperson Tom Vadakkan says, "It is not a question of who wins or loses in Wayanad. It's a question of whose support you take. Demographically, it is a particular community in strength there. Despite that, you take the support of PFI, of SDPI to win elections. These are anti-national organisations. The reality is, if you win or lose, you have done something which is anti-national because they are people who are divisive and want to create an India which is part of the deep-state plot. So, we appeal to these leaders of the Congress party - stop doing this because people of India have woken."
11:21 People giving us our blessings: Gaurav Bhatia
BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia says, "BJP-NDA-Mahayuti is going to make a hat-trick. We are winning Maharashtra as well as Jharkhand. We are winning in Uttar Pradesh too (Assembly by-elections). This clearly shows how people are giving their blessings. It won't be wrong to say - Hum Toh Ek Hain Aur Safe Hain. But are those who brought coffers and spoke of vote jihad? We feel proud to see that we are receiving the blessings of people again and again."
11:19 Maybe public expects more from us: Cong on Maha results
On Maharashtra election results, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate says, "Maharashtra election results are opposite to our expectations. There is no doubt that we could have done better. At the same time, we are happy that we have performed well in Jharkhand and we are going to repeat govt in the state. Maharashtra elections have been disappointing. In Maharashtra, our campaign was good but maybe the public expects more from us and we will deliver on their expectations."
11:17 UBT: Mahayuti has done gadbad to steal MVA seats
Update: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday expressed concerns over the trends emerging from the counting of votes in Maharashtra for the recently held assembly elections, saying that they have done 'gadbad' to steal Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) seats.
NCP Sharad Pawar's teams contested 87 seats, but have leads in just 12.
Congress contested 103 seats but has leads in just 20.
He said that such results are being imposed because this cannot be the decision of the people of Maharashtra.
Raut further questioned the number of seats NCP and Shinde's Shiv Sena were getting, saying that the public doesn't agree with these results.
"They have done some 'gadbad', they have stolen some of our seats. This cannot be the public's decision. Even the public does not agree with these results. Once the results are out, we will talk more. In every election seat, money-counting machines were installed. Is it possible that Shinde will get 60 seats, Ajit Pawar will get 40 seats and BJP will get 125 seats? The people of this state are not dishonest. We have their faith in the people of Maharashtra," Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut told mediapersons in Mumbai.
10:57 Uddhav: We do NOT accept these results
Uddhav Thackeray reacts to the MVA's astonishing imminent defeat.
Uddhav says this is not the Maha voters' mandate. It is impossible to get these numbers. We do not accept these results. It is impossible for Sena to win 60 seats.
Sanjay Raut says there is something wrong with the results. He asks how can all Shinde MLAs win and how can Ajit Pawar get so many seats. We don't accept this as people's mandate; something is fishy in election results.
Mahayuti: 217 MVA: 48
10:54 J'khand CM Hemant Soren ahead by 4,921 votes
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren was leading in the Barhait assembly constituency by a margin of 4,921 votes over BJP's Gamliyel Hembrom. In 2019, Soren contested two seats -- Barhait and Dumka -- and won both by a margin of 25,740 and 13,188 respectively.
Later, he vacated Dumka seat from where his brother Basant Soren got elected in the bypoll. Soren had to resign as the CM shortly before his arrest on January 31 by the ED in a money laundering case.
He was released from jail on June 28 after being granted bail by the high court. On July 3, he was elected as the JMM's legislature party leader. -- ANI
JMM+Cong: 49, BJP: 32
10:47 BJP still hopeful about Jharkhand
On counting for the Jharkhand Election, BJP leader Pradip Kumar Varma says, "EVM rounds have started coming and NDA seems to be moving forward continuously. People in the state voted in favour of change. People have supported us in the elections and that is very clear in the trends as well. NDA govt will be formed here with a huge majority."
On CM face, he says "BJP is a national political party, the Parliamentary Board authorizes our national president, observers come and things are decided in the legislative party meeting."
10:45 Will win both Maha, Jharkhand: BJP
On Maharashtra and Jharkhand election results, BJP leader & Union Minister Giriraj Singh says, "We will win both in Jharkhand and Maharashtra. The reason behind this is the naked dance of communalism done INDI alliance in Maharashtra."
10:29 Bihar bypolls: Ruling NDA ahead in two seats
Ruling NDA candidates were leading in Tarari and Belaganj constituencies, while the RJD, part of the INDIA bloc, was ahead in Imamganj, and Bahujan Samaj Party in Ramgarh, according to initial trends of counting for the bypolls to four Assembly constituencies in Bihar.
10:22 Shinde Sena flexes its muscles
On Maharashtra and Jharkhand election results, BJP leader Tarun Chugh says, "Early trends are indicating that BJP lead alliance will cross the 200 mark in Maharashtra. In Jharkhand, our alliance will form a full majority government. The public has given its blessings based on the work done by PM Modi and made it clear that they don't want 'tukde-tukde' gang parties which cause a divide in the society."
Mahayuti: 205, MVA: 51
Mahayuti: 205, MVA: 51
Sharad Pawar with Yugendra
10:18 Maha: Who leads, who trails
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputies Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar are leading in their respective assembly constituencies in the first round of the counting of votes for the November 20 state elections. Milind Deora trails, Jitendra Awhad leads, Sana Malik trails, Yugendra Pawar leads.
10:13 Mega leads! Mahayuti leads in 200 seats
As per the EC trends, Mahayuti leads in 200 seats. Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP chief Ajit Pawar leading by 3,759 votes in Baramati assembly seat at the end of first round.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and sitting MLA Aaditya Thackeray leading in Worli assembly seat in Mumbai by 495 votes.
At the counting centres, officials first began verifying and counting the postal ballots, with the counting of EVM votes scheduled to start at 8.30 am. There will be a minimum of 20 rounds of counting in each assembly segment.
The final turnout in the polls, held on November 20, was 66.05 per cent, up from 61.1 per cent in 2019. In the ruling Mahayuti alliance, the BJP contested 149 assembly seats, Shiv Sena 81 seats, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP fielded candidates in 59 constituencies.
10:03 We will get Maharashtra: Lodha
BJP leader Mangal Prabhat Lodha says, "In the leadership of PM Modi, we will get more than 160 seats in Maharashtra."
Leads: Mahayuti: 193, MVA: 80
09:49 'Early trends will be final trends'
BJP MP Deepak Prakash says "The early trends will become the final trend today. During elections, I visited several places and I saw when PM Modi and Union HM Amit Shah's rallies were held, there were large gatherings. Today, its result is seen in the EVMs as the symbol of 'lotus' is getting victory. Even in Maharashtra, Mahayuti Govt will come to power."
09:46 Why is Ashok Gehlot in Mumbai
Senior Congress leader and party's observer for Maharashtra, Ashok Gehlot arrives in Mumbai. Mahayuti: 171, MVA: 95.
The ruling Mahayuti is poised to retain power in Maharashtra with the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi also putting up a strong show in assembly polls, most exit polls predicted on Wednesday after conclusion of polling on 288 seats in the state.
Jharkhand is likely to see a change of government with BJP-led National Democratic Alliance coming to power in the state, three exit polls said on Wednesday with one poll giving majority to the ruling JMM-led alliance.
09:41 Mahayuti maha netas Shinde, Fadnavis, Ajit lead
Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde leading by over 4,000 votes from Kopri-Pachpakhadi assembly seat at the end of first round.
Maharashtra Deputy CM and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis leading by 2,246 votes from Nagpur South-West at end of first round
Maharashtra NCP (SP) president Jayant Patil leads from Islampur assembly seat by 691 votes at the end of first round.
AAP candidate Harinder Singh Dhaliwal was leading in the bypoll to Barnala assembly segment against his nearest rival the Congress' Kuldeep Singh Dhillon, the initial trend showed.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma's wife Mehtab Chandee Sangma has secured early leads in the bypoll to Gambegre constituency in West Garo Hills district, officials said on Saturday.
Waiting to be counted
09:36 Mahayuti leads in 146 seats, MVA ahead in 132
According to the EC: The ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance was leading in 146 of the 288 seats in the state and the Maha Vikas Aghadi in 132 as counting of votes commenced Saturday morning in the November 20 elections, TV channels reported.
Counting of votes in the Maharashtra assembly elections began Saturday morning, with all eyes on the outcome of the battle between the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti coalition and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, which is seeking to make a comeback. The counting of votes in all the 288 seats commenced at 8 am in all the counting centres in the state, an election official said.
09:27 Priyanka leads by over 35,000 votes in Wayanad
Congress-led UDF candidate Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was in the lead by over 35,000 votes after one hour of counting of the ballots polled in the Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll in Kerala on Saturday, according to TV channel reports.
According to figures released by the Election Commission, Priyanka is leading by 4,374 votes. The counting of votes polled commenced at 8 am with postal ballots being taken up first. The strong rooms, where the EVMs were kept, were opened more than an hour before counting began.
The bypoll for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat was held on November 13. Of the 16 candidates who contested, the main contenders are Priyanka, who is making her electoral debut, CPI(M)-led LDF's Sathyan Mokeri, a political veteran, and BJP-headed NDA's Navya Haridas. PTI
09:23 BJP will form govt in Maharashtra, Jharkhand: Poonawalla
BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla says, "In both the places, NDA is going to form its government under the leadership of PM Modi. Exit polls have already come and in a short while, exact polls are also going to come and NDA is going to win. The way questions are being raised on EVM even before the results are announced, it is clear that they (INDIA alliance) have already started worrying about their defeat."
09:20 Postal ballots being counted
Maharashtra: Mahayuti: 119, MVA: 86
Jharkhand: JMM: 32, BJP: 40
As the counting for Jharkhand's 2024 Assembly Elections began on Saturday, Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar said that the first round of EVM results expected to be announced by 9:30 am with counting of postal ballots beginning earlier at 8 this morning.
09:12 BJP leads in Palakkad Assembly seat in Kerala
The BJP-led NDA candidate C Krishnakumar took an initial lead in the Palakkad Assembly bypoll as the counting of votes commenced on Saturday, according to TV channels. Krishnakumar got 1,016 votes after the first phase of counting, which included postal ballots.
However, there was no official confirmation from the Election Commission in this regard. Among the 10 candidates contesting, the main contenders are Rahul Mamkootathil from the Congress-led UDF, C Krishnakumar from the BJP-led NDA, and P Sarin from the CPI(M)-led LDF.
09:08 Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra?
The initial trend emerging from the counting of ballots in the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala on Saturday saw Congress-led UDF candidate Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the lead, according to TV channel reports with no word yet from the Election Commission. The counting of votes polled commenced at 8 am with postal ballots being taken up first.
Priyanka is leading by over 24,000 votes.
09:06 Mahayuti hits 100 in leads in Maharashtra
Initial trends in Maharashtra. Mahayuti has hit the 100-mark.
Aaditya Thackeray leads from Worli; he is pitted against Milind Deora.
Yugendra Pawar trails from Baramati; he is pitted against his uncle Ajit Pawar.
Nitesh Rane is leading from Kankavli.
Mahayuti has hit the 100-mark in early trends.
A counting centre in Ranchi
08:58 Around 4-5 pm counting will be done for Jharkhand
Ahead of the beginning of counting for votes for Jharkhand Assembly elections, district electoral officer, Ranchi, Varun Ranjan said on Saturday that all preparations have been made and firstly, postal ballots will be counted and from 8:30 onwards, EVM votes.
Speaking to the media, DEO Ranjan said, "All preparations have been made and all counting personnel have reached here. From 8 am, postal ballots will be counted, and from 8.30 am onwards EVM votes will be counted. Around 4 pm-5 pm, we should be able to complete the counting process."
Meanwhile, the counting is expected got underway at 8 am today for the Maharashtra and Jharkhand polls along with the results of by-polls of several states. In Jharkhand, the first phase of polling was conducted in 43 of the 81 assembly seats on November 13. The second phase was conducted on November 20 on the remaining seats.
08:53 Bengal bypolls: TMC ahead in three of six seats
The TMC was ahead of its rivals in three of the six Assembly seats as counting of postal ballots for the West Bengal bypolls was underway, TV channels reported on Saturday. The counting of votes began at 8 am.
The constituencies that went to the polls are Naihati, Haroa, Medinipur, Taldangra, Sitai (SC), and Madarihat (ST). Bengali news channel ABP Ananda reported that TMC was leading in Naihati constituency in North 24 Parganas and Taldangra constituency in Bankura. Another Bengali news channel News 18 Bangla reported that TMC was leading in Naihati and Haroa seats.
08:46 MVA collects letters of support from 160 candidates
The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra has collected letters of support from more than 160 of its candidates and some independents, pledging their backing for the alliance in forming a government in the state if voted to power.
The counting of votes for the elections to the 288-member legislative assembly held on November 20 began on Saturday. The letters of support collected from more than 160 candidates will be presented to the governor after declaration of results, sources said. According to the sources, it is a normal practice.
Apart from the MVA candidates, some independents and rebels who may win the elections have also been approached, they said.
The MVA comprises the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP) of Sharad Pawar and Congress. The Congress had fielded 101 candidates, Shiv Sena (UBT) 95, and NCP (SP) put up 86 nominees in the elections.
In the ruling Mahayuti alliance, the BJP contested 149 assembly seats, Shiv Sena 81 seats, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP fielded candidates in 59 constituencies. PTI
08:44 Maharashtra's most-watched constituency: Baramati
As the counting of Maharashtra Assembly elections got underway on Saturday, the Pune police have made strong security arrangements with an adequate number of personnel.
Speaking to ANI, Pune Rural Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sudarshan Rathore said that 250 jawans and 20 officials are present in Baramati to avoid any mishappening during the counting process.
"As per the ECI guidelines, we have made a three-tier security arrangement here. There are inner-middle and outer cordons placed here...We are checking everyone, mobile phones are not allowed inside. Around 250 jawans and 20 officials are present here today," he said.
One of the most anticipated battles in these elections is taking place in Baramati. Where Ajit Pawar is contesting Yugendra Pawar, the son of his younger brother, Shrinivas Pawar. Baramati also drew attention in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections when Sunetra Pawar challenged Supriya Sule, who ultimately won by a margin of 1.5 lakh votes.
Meanwhile, the counting begins at 8 am today for the Maharashtra and Jharkhand polls along with the results of by-polls of several states.
08:39 The bypolls being counted today
Counting of votes for the bypolls to Punjab's four assembly segments began at 8 am on Saturday amid tight security. Bypolls to Gidderbaha, Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal (SC) and Barnala took place on November 20. The bypolls were necessitated after the incumbent legislators were elected to the Lok Sabha earlier this year.
Counting of votes is underway for the Gambegre bypoll in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district, officials said on Saturday. The counting began at 8 AM, amid tight security, Meghalaya Chief Electoral Officer BDR Tiwari told PTI.
Counting of votes in Raipur City South assembly constituency of Chhattisgarh, where a bypoll was held on November 13, began on Saturday morning. The vote count commenced at 8 am at the Government Engineering College at Sejbahar, a poll official said.
08:32 Priyanka, Ajit Pawar, Patole, Narwekar lead
The counting of votes cast in the bypolls for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat and the Palakkad and Chelakkara assembly constituencies in Kerala commenced at 8 am on Saturday.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is leading from Wayanad.
Ajit Pawar is leading from Baramati.
Nana Patole is leading from Sakoli
Rahul Narwekar is leading from Bandra.
Kalpana Soren is leading from Gandey.
Priyanka will be hoping to succeed her brother Rahul Gandhi, who vacated the seat following his decision to remain in the Rae Bareli constituency after winning the two seats in this year's elections. He had won from here in 2019 and his resignation necessitated the bypoll.
08:20 What's happening right now?
Counting of votes began for bypolls to four assembly constituencies in Bihar; six assembly seats in West Bengal, three Assembly segments in Karnataka. Counting of votes began for 81 assembly seats in Jharkhand and 288 in Maharashtra.
08:15 Assembly, bypoll elections: Counting begins
Counting of votes in the Maharashtra assembly elections began Saturday morning, with all eyes on the outcome of the battle between the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti coalition and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, which is seeking to make a comeback.
The counting of votes commenced at 8 am in all the counting centres in the state, an election official said. At the counting centres, officials first began verifying and counting the postal ballots, with the counting of EVM votes scheduled to start at 8.30 am.
There will be a minimum of 20 rounds of counting in each assembly segment, an official said. The final turnout in the polls, held on November 20, was 66.05 per cent, up from 61.1 per cent in 2019. Counting of votes also began at 8 am for the Nanded Lok Sabha bypoll, where 67.81 per cent voting was recorded on November 20. -- PTI
08:11 Mahayuti will form govt again: Nirupam
Shiv Sena candidate from Dindoshi Assembly constituency, Sanjay Nirupam says, "I have come here to seek blessings of Shree Siddhivinayak. I am confident that I will emerge victorious with his blessings. Just like me, candidates of Shiv Sena, BJP and Ajit Pawar's party will also win and Mahayuti will form govt in Maharashtra again."
08:07 Shiv Sena's Shaina NC prays at Siddhivinayak temple before results
Moments before commencement of counting for the assembly polls, Shiv Sena candidate from Mumba Devi assembly constituency, Shaina NC visited Shree Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai and offer prayers.
Expressing confidence, Shaina NC said that she believes she will be victorious because of the love she received from the people of Mumba Devi.
The Shiv Sena leader hailed CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar and said that the way they have worked in these two and half years, one thing is clear that people have voted based on their work.
Babulal Marandi
08:04 Marandi believes BJP has edge in Jharkhand
Ahead of counting of votes for the 2024 Jharkhand assembly elections, BJP leader Babulal Marandi claimed with confidence that the BJP-led NDA would win over 51 seats and form the government in the state, citing corruption in the incumbent administration as the key reason.
Speaking before vote counting began on Saturday, Marandi said, "Look, regarding the government, we had some regrets, but after the elections, based on the feedback we received from grassroots-level workers, I can say with confidence that this time the BJP and the NDA alliance will secure 51-plus seats in Jharkhand, and the NDA will form the government here."
When asked about factors that might have worked in their favour, Marandi pointed to corruption and governance issues under the Hemant Soren-led government.
"One major factor was corruption, which plagued people from top to bottom. Law and order had deteriorated, development work wasn't happening, and on top of that, the issue of Bangladeshi infiltrators. The Hemant government was settling them here, making their ration cards, Aadhaar cards, linking them to voter lists, and even getting land registered in their names. Naturally, people were angry about all this, and that is one of the main reasons", the former Jharkhand CM told ANI.
Marandi also underlined that the BJP-NDA alliance had received support across all divisions and constituencies.
On discussions about the next chief minister, he said, "Wait until this evening when all the results will be out. The legislative party will meet, and the leader will be chosen. After that, we will call everyone and let you (media) know."
BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo while addressing the media showed similar optimism.
He stated, "This morning has brought a new ray of hope to Jharkhand. There is great excitement among people. The end of the dark night of corruption, atrocities on women, loot, and corruption for 5 years is near...When the sun sets, it will be a political sunset for the Soren dynasty. NDA will form the Government by winning the highest number of seats in the history of Jharkhand."
Meanwhile, former Congress state president Rajesh Thakur too exuded confidence in the INDI alliance's performance. He said, "The stamp of approval by people on schemes like the Old Pension Scheme, farm loan waivers, free electricity, and women's welfare initiatives will reflect in the results. We believe we will form an even stronger government once again."
Representational image
08:01 Counting begins, trends should show in 2 hours
Visuals from various counting centres in Maharashtra on Saturday morning showed teams of election officials gearing up for the counting of the votes for the 288 assembly seats that went to the polls on November 20. The counting began at 8 am today.
Arrangements are also in place for counting votes for the Jharkhand assembly polls and bypolls on 48 assembly and two Lok Sabha seats across 15 states.
Counting began at 8 am, with trends expected to emerge in Maharashtra and Jharkhand within the next two hours.
In Maharashtra, the Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, is engaged in a fierce contest with the MVA, which includes Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP).
Polling for the 288-member Maharashtra Legislative Assembly took place on Wednesday, recording a turnout of 66.05%, compared to nearly 61% in the 2019 assembly elections.
Both Mahayuti and MVA leaders view the increased voter turnout as a positive sign for their respective alliances. State Chief Electoral Officer S Chockalingam praised efforts to boost voter participation.
In the Mahayuti alliance, the BJP is contesting 148 seats, Shiv Sena (led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde) 80, and NCP (led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar) 52. Six additional seats have Mahayuti candidates in the fray.
In the MVA alliance, Congress is contesting 102 seats, Shiv Sena (UBT) 96, and NCP (SP) 86. The Samajwadi Party and smaller MVA allies are contesting two seats each.
In the 2019 elections, BJP won 105 seats, the undivided Shiv Sena 56, the undivided NCP 54, Congress 44, independents 13, and others 16 seats.
In Jharkhand, the first phase of polling was conducted in 43 of the 81 assembly seats on November 13. Among the constituents of the INDIA bloc, JMM is contesting 43 seats, Congress 30, RJD six, and CPI(ML) four. The BJP is contesting 68 seats, AJSU 10, JD(U) two, and LJP one seat.
In the previous assembly election, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha won 30 seats, the BJP 25, and Congress 16 seats.
The bypolls were also fiercely contested across various states, including Uttar Pradesh, where nine assembly seats saw polling on Wednesday.
Bypolls were held in 48 assembly and two Lok Sabha seats across 15 states. In Wayanad, Kerala, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra made her electoral debut. The bypolls were conducted in two phases.
00:10 Israel kills terrorists involved in Oct 7 attack
The Israeli Air Force carried out an attack overnight between Wednesday and Thursday in Beit Lahia in northern Gaza, targeting several Hamas terrorists who had key roles in the October 7 massacre.
According to an Israel Defense Forces statement, the eliminated terrorists included Jihad Mahmoud Yahya Kahlout, a company commander in Hamas's Nukhba force, and Muhammad Riyad Ali Uqal, also a Hamas company commander.
Both were responsible for leading attacks on Israel on October 7, and orchestrating the massacre and abductions of Israeli civilians at the Mefalsim junction near Sderot.
These two terrorists were also key leaders in Hamas's ongoing battles against Israel in the northern Gaza Strip, the Israel Defense Forces stated. -- ANI/TPS
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