Sanjay Raut's bold prediction for Lok Sabha polls after BJP's defeat in Karnataka

PM Narendra Modi's wave is ‘over,’ and the opposition's wave is coming, said the Maharashtra politician.

Published on: May 14, 2023, 12:36:01 IST

By HT News Desk, New Delhi

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The defeat of prime minister Narendra Modi-led BJP in Karnataka shows that the ‘Modi wave’ is coming to an end, while the 'opposition's wave' is coming across the country, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut predicted on Sunday, a day after the Congress' rout of the BJP in the southern state.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut. (HT PHOTO)

“The Modi wave is over and now our wave is coming across the country. Our preparation for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections has started, and today a meeting has been called under the chairmanship of (NCP chief) Sharad Pawar….we will discuss about the 2024 elections in this meeting and start preparing for it,” the Maharashtra politician said, according to ANI.

The saffron party losing power in Karnataka, Raut further said, shows that citizens can defeat 'dictatorship.'

“Congress won, which means Bajrang Bali is with the Congress and not BJP. Home minister (Amit Shah) was saying that if BJP loses, there will be riots. Karnataka is calm and happy. Where are the riots?,” he asked.

The BJP's defeat in the only southern state where it has held power comes ahead of the next general elections – due in April-May 2024 – when the party, as well as PM Modi, will seek a third straight term at the Centre. Its loss, therefore, has not only galvanised opposition parties as they continue to try and stitch a joint anti-BJP front for 2024; that it was routed despite intense campaigning by the prime minister himself has added to the opposition's confidence.

In recent days, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has been meeting various non-BJP leaders for the proposed joint opposition alliance. Kumar's JD(U) is the Congress' ally in Bihar, as are the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Pawar's NCP in Maharashtra. Together, the two states account for 88 seats (Maharashtra-48, Bihar-40) in the 543-member Lok Sabha. The former, in fact, sends the highest number of members to the Lok Sabha, after the BJP bastion, Uttar Pradesh, which accounts for 80 seats. Karnataka, on the other hand, has 28.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.