Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome in the Lok Sabha as the Winter Session of Parliament commenced, following the BJP's triumph in assembly polls across three heartland states. Chants of "teesri bar Modi sarkar" resonated as BJP MPs celebrated their electoral victories, retaining power in Madhya Pradesh and securing wins in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. The absence of projected chief ministerial faces underscored the party's focus on collective leadership. The Winter Session, spanning 15 sittings until December 22, promises crucial discussions amid the political landscape reshaped by the recent poll outcomes.

The winter session of Parliament begins today with the ruling BJP seeking to corner the opposition over recent state poll victories. However, the spotlight will also be on an ethics panel report on Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra amid allegations of receiving cash and expensive gifts for raising parliamentary questions. The report will be tabled in Lok Sabha today. Additionally, the government has presented a heavy legislative agenda including overhaul of colonial-era criminal laws and a bill on appointments to the Election Commission. Meanwhile, the opposition seeks discussions on issues like the Manipur situation, inflation and alleged misuse of agencies like ED. But BJP's electoral dominance may limit scope for criticism.

Ahead of the winter parliamentary session, Prime Minister Modi advised the opposition to engage in constructive discussion rather than vent their anger over electoral defeats. Referring to the BJP's strong performance in state polls, PM Modi said opposition parties should learn from their losses and avoid negativity. He stated the poll results are encouraging for those committed to people's welfare and India's development. However, PM Modi said parliament is meant for meaningful debate and so opposition MPs should discuss issues positively rather than disrupt proceedings due to resentment over their defeat in state elections. He implied that hostility will be counterproductive.

Mizoram's ruling MNF faces tough fight from ZPM challenger as votes are counted today after exit polls predict hung assembly. The key contest is between CM Zoramthanga's MNF, seeking to retain power, and the newly formed ZPM alliance. While some exit polls predicted a ZPM sweep, most indicated no clear majority for any party. Zoramthanga projected as "guardian" of tribes, but faces anti-incumbency charges of corruption, unemployment, poor infrastructure. Counting deferred from yesterday after appeals from churches and others in Christian-majority state where Sunday is day of prayers.

As BJP scored thumping victories in MP, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, PM Modi thundered "Mend your ways or the public will oust you", calling results "historic" and a "guarantee of a hat-trick in 2024." Modi asserted "sabka sath, sabka vikas bhavna has won... call for a 'developed India' has won." He smirked "Some say this hat-trick has guaranteed the 2024 victory." The PM slammed "People have zero-tolerance for corruption, appeasement and dynastic politics." He directly attacked Congress and the opposition bloc, terming the outcome "a big lesson for their ghamandiya (arrogant) alliance". Modi warned "Those standing with the corrupt get a clear warning." After big state sweeps, he proclaimed national reelection is assured while attacking rivals over arrogance in rebuke of appeasement and graft.

In a sweeping victory in Chhattisgarh, the BJP secured dominance in the Bastar division, claiming 8 out of 12 seats. Once a Congress stronghold in 2018, Bastar saw a significant shift as anti-Naxal operations and development initiatives took center stage. Former CM Raman Singh credited massive development and 65 new security camps for the triumph. Congress, which won only 4 seats, faced setbacks in Jagdalpur, Chitrakote, and Dantewada. The BJP's 'Security First' approach resonated, emphasizing reduced Naxal violence and increased development, as voters signaled confidence in the party's transformative efforts.  

In Rajasthan, BJP clinches 50 seats where women outnumbered men, contrasting Congress's 30. Despite Congress focusing on women-centric schemes, the BJP's emphasis on women's safety resonates. Rural areas, especially in districts like Sikar and Pali, witness a significant women's turnout exceeding men. Congress, victorious in urban districts like Sikar, Churu, and Jhunjhunu, faces challenges in Pali, Rajsamand, and Dungarpur. Political analysts credit BJP's outreach on women's safety and religious appeal, suggesting Congress might have lost more women votes without welfare schemes. The election results underscore the nuanced dynamics of women's voting preferences in Rajasthan.

After the BJP's decisive victory in the Rajasthan polls, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot resigned this evening during a meeting with the governor. With the BJP set to cross the majority mark of 100 seats, Gehlot conceded defeat and stepped down from his post. Earlier, he had described the Congress's poor performance as "shocking", admitting it failed to effectively communicate its governance record. Gehlot now says the party will analyze the reasons behind the election drubbing. His rival Sachin Pilot's open rebellion in 2020 caused internal rifts that are seen as significantly damaging Congress's prospects despite a later truce between the two camps.

In a surprise twist in the keenly-watched Kamareddy assembly seat, BJP candidate K Venkata Ramana Reddy overtook Congress's Revanth Reddy and TRS chief KCR to take the lead. Trailing after initial rounds, Venkata Ramana is now ahead with 46,780 votes versus Revanth's 45,419 - pushing KCR to third position. Kamareddy has seen a high-stakes triangular fight between the heavyweights. Meanwhile, despite his own contest in doubt, state Congress president Revanth Reddy thanked Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge for the party's wider Telangana win. With Congress set to form government, Revanth expects KCR's cooperation, saying his party must fulfill people's aspirations.

The Election Commission suspended Telangana's Director General of Police, Anjani Kumar, for violating the election code of conduct. Kumar met Congress leader Revanth Reddy, a candidate in the ongoing state polls, before results were announced. In a video, Kumar greeted Reddy with a flower bouquet. As the Congress appears headed for victory in Telangana, the EC acted swiftly against Kumar's inappropriate engagement with a contestant ahead of the final outcome. With the party crossing the majority mark, the Congress is set to form its first government in the state. The EC asserted its impartiality by penalizing the state's top cop for prematurely interacting with an eventual winner. (Video Courtesy: ANI)