Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised BJP's victories in Lok Sabha and assembly bypolls in Assam, West Bengal, and Puducherry as a reflection of public support for the NDA's governance agenda, while Amit Shah claimed the results showed rejection of the INDIA bloc amid ongoing protests over the SIR row.
AI-generated summary
BJP and its allies won recent bypolls in Assam, West Bengal, and Puducherry, adding to earlier victories in local body polls in Rajasthan and Tripura. The results come amid street protests by Congress and activist groups over the SIR row, which involves allegations of collusion between the Election Commission and the government.
NEW DELHI: Lauding BJP's winning show in Lok Sabha and assembly bypolls as a reflection of people's "deep-rooted connect" with his alliance's good governance agenda, PM Narendra Modi thanked people and said their mandate will further strengthen NDA. "This mandate will give us added strength as we work for the welfare of people and to fulfil their aspirations for a brighter and more prosperous future," he said as BJP swept Nagaon Lok Sabha seat in Assam, and Nandigram and Rejinagar assembly seats in West Bengal. Its ally AINRC picked up Thattanchavady assembly seat in Puducherry. Union minister Amit Shah seized on the results coupled with NDA's win in the recent local body polls in Rajasthan and Tripura to assert that people have rejected the INDIA bloc. "Despite the lies, confusion and disinformation of Rahul Gandhi and INDIA bloc, BJP is winning one poll after another under PM Modi's leadership. Having lost their support base, these parties raise questions on institutions after defeat but people have recognised their character," he said.
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With the win coming in the middle of street protests govt is facing from Congress and its allies besides activist groups over the SIR row, BJP trumpeted it as "democracy's resounding message to the mob". BJP's Smriti Irani said Rejinagar has 71% minority (Muslim) population. Nagaon also has a big Muslim population and had elected in 2024 a Congress MP, whose defection to BJP caused the bypoll. "While some believe in noise, these results show not only the collective wisdom of voters but also that our Constitutional framework is robust to deliver on the promise of democracy." She noted that Congress ally TVK was poised to win both assembly seats in Tamil Nadu and wondered what the main opposition party has to say about this amid its "shrill campaign" over the alleged collusion between EC and govt to help the governing alliance. TNN
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AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
BJP will continue to highlight bypoll victories as proof of public endorsement of its governance model
Very likely · Within weeks
INDIA bloc will intensify its criticism of the Election Commission and government over the SIR row
Likely · Within weeks
Protests over the SIR row will persist in the short term
Possible · Within days
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