Bengaluru: Ahead of the BJP led-NDA government's formation on Sunday, Karnataka's Minister for Commerce and Industries and Infrastructure, MB Patil called the upcoming government weaker stating, "Now Narendra Modi is becoming the Prime Minister for the third time. BJP is weaker this time than the last two times. Therefore, it is not possible to say how long his government will last this time. Especially, we know how difficult it is to run a government with a person like Nitish Kumar."

Speaking to the press persons on Saturday, Patil mentioned his earlier prediction that the BJP would struggle in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

Commenting on the recent Lok Sabha elections, Patil noted, "We were expected to win at least 14 seats in the state, but only secured 9. The Congress party will hold discussions to understand the reasons for this setback."

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Meanwhile he highlighted the pro-people schemes implemented by the Karnataka government over the past year but acknowledged the need to identify areas where they faltered. "Some constituencies that could have been won were abandoned," he said.

Patil pointed out that the election results are not the fault of any individual, and there will be no evaluation of ministers or MLAs. "The focus will be on strategising for the future," he added.

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Aizawl (PTI): All schools in nine districts of Mizoram remained closed on Tuesday due to heavy rain that has been lashing the northeastern state since the day before, an official said.

School Education Director Angela Zothanpuii said administrations of nine districts, including Aizawl, Kolasib, Lunglei and Mamit, announced school closure on Tuesday as a precautionary measure for students' safety.

However, schools in the southern districts of Hnahthial and Lawngtlai remained open following a slight improvement in weather conditions there, she said.

According to the India Meteorological Department, Serchhip recorded the highest rainfall at 70.5 mm in a 24-hour period, followed by Hnahthial 55 mm, Siaha 37.5 mm, and Aizawl 36 mm.

Khawzawl district reported 30 mm of rainfall, Mamit 25.9 mm, Kolasib 25 mm, Lawngtlai 17.5 mm, and Lunglei 2.2 mm during the same period, it said.

The weather department has forecast light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorm and lightning in Mizoram on Tuesday.