Breaking News Live Updates: Mallikarjun Kharge accuses BJP of protecting CEC Gyanesh Kumar, calls for SIR halt and paper ballots
Synopsis
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Modi government of protecting Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid allegations of vote theft and irregularities in Uttar Pradesh's voter rolls. Kharge demanded Kumar's resignation, an immediate halt to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and paper ballots for all elections, urging people to join a November 1 rally in Delhi.
Congress defended Kharge's comments
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday accused the Narendra Modi government of protecting Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid allegations of voter-roll irregularities, demanding an immediate halt to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and a return to paper ballots for all elections.
In a post on X, Kharge alleged that the government was resorting to every possible measure to shield Kumar despite what he described as repeated revelations of vote theft. He also questioned the Election Commission's refusal to disclose information about the software used in the SIR exercise under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, citing trade secrets.
Kharge flagged alleged discrepancies in Uttar Pradesh's voter rolls, claiming that details of 16.18 lakh Form 6 applications had not been made public and that irregularities involving 10,470 voters had been detected in records from Pilibhit. He said these concerns had forced authorities to order an investigation into Forms 6, 7 and 8 across the state.
The Congress chief outlined three demands on behalf of the INDIA bloc, accusing the BJP and the Election Commission of collusion.
In another news, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday inaugurated the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, bringing together parliamentarians from member countries for discussions on legislative cooperation and shared priorities.
Separately, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Monday said his victory in the presidential election had defeated foreign intervention through digital platforms, vowing to strengthen democratic participation and asserting that Brazil would not be dictated to by outside powers.
“We managed to convince people that voting was extremely important to safeguard democracy in Brazil. We defeated foreign intervention through digital platforms. Brazil is no one's backyard. We will change the way we run this country, we will make people participate more in decision-making process,” Lula said after securing re-election.
The veteran left-wing leader defeated Senator Flavio Bolsonaro in Sunday's presidential runoff, securing a fourth non-consecutive term. The result offers a setback to critics of expanding US influence in Latin America, as Lula has repeatedly challenged US President Donald Trump's policies towards the region.
In a post on X, Kharge alleged that the government was resorting to every possible measure to shield Kumar despite what he described as repeated revelations of vote theft. He also questioned the Election Commission's refusal to disclose information about the software used in the SIR exercise under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, citing trade secrets.
Kharge flagged alleged discrepancies in Uttar Pradesh's voter rolls, claiming that details of 16.18 lakh Form 6 applications had not been made public and that irregularities involving 10,470 voters had been detected in records from Pilibhit. He said these concerns had forced authorities to order an investigation into Forms 6, 7 and 8 across the state.
The Congress chief outlined three demands on behalf of the INDIA bloc, accusing the BJP and the Election Commission of collusion.
In another news, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday inaugurated the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, bringing together parliamentarians from member countries for discussions on legislative cooperation and shared priorities.
Separately, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Monday said his victory in the presidential election had defeated foreign intervention through digital platforms, vowing to strengthen democratic participation and asserting that Brazil would not be dictated to by outside powers.
“We managed to convince people that voting was extremely important to safeguard democracy in Brazil. We defeated foreign intervention through digital platforms. Brazil is no one's backyard. We will change the way we run this country, we will make people participate more in decision-making process,” Lula said after securing re-election.
The veteran left-wing leader defeated Senator Flavio Bolsonaro in Sunday's presidential runoff, securing a fourth non-consecutive term. The result offers a setback to critics of expanding US influence in Latin America, as Lula has repeatedly challenged US President Donald Trump's policies towards the region.
1 New Update
01:27:33 PM IST, 26 Oct 2026
To every trader in Delhi: We love you and hear you. The Govt shut the metro, sealed our roads and locked down our capital. With a stolen vote nothing is safe - your shop, your savings, your children’s future. Tell Modi to sack accused no. 4, Gyanesh Kumar and the protests will stop in 30 seconds- Rahul Gandhi on X
- Rahul Gandhi on X
01:20:44 PM IST, 26 Oct 2026
UK PM Burnham says election not coming 'any time soon'
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Monday there would be no British election "any time soon", saying his focus was on governing when asked whether voters would get a chance to back his vision for closer ties with the European Union.
Speaking to ITV's Good Morning Britain, Burnham said an election was not on his mind when asked when voters might see a manifesto setting out plans to rejoin the European Union.
"There is no election coming any time soon. People may as well just put that out of their mind," Burnham told the broadcaster.
Burnham said Britain was "starting to regain its momentum, its sense of positivity, its direction" and added that improving relations with Europe was part of his effort to give the country that direction.
Speaking to ITV's Good Morning Britain, Burnham said an election was not on his mind when asked when voters might see a manifesto setting out plans to rejoin the European Union.
"There is no election coming any time soon. People may as well just put that out of their mind," Burnham told the broadcaster.
Burnham said Britain was "starting to regain its momentum, its sense of positivity, its direction" and added that improving relations with Europe was part of his effort to give the country that direction.
01:20:11 PM IST, 26 Oct 2026
For the president of the Congress to say such things about the honourable Prime Minister is highly objectionable. The way they are talking about regime change, Modi ji wants to make the country a developed nation by 2047, while they want to bring about regime change on the streets here, like in Bangladesh and other countries. This is a democracy, India is a strong democracy. In India, regime change will happen through the electoral process. They should work among the people. They have formed 10 governments, Congress and other parties, under this very system
- Chhattisgarh Deputy CM Vijay Sharma
01:12:55 PM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Previous govt encouraged appeasement politics, ignored nationalism, wanted to turn Bengal into greater Bangladesh: Suvendu Adhikari slams TMC regime
01:11:25 PM IST, 26 Oct 2026
UP Police constitutes SIT to probe accident involving vehicles in Rahul Gandhi's convoy
The Uttar Pradesh Police constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the accident involving vehicles trailing the convoy of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during his visit to Sultanpur.
01:01:54 PM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Unilever's Ruby Lu resigns from Board effective 24 October
01:01:26 PM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Iran says meeting with Mecca pact members will tackle issues such as Israel's expansionist policies, Lebanon, US war against Iran.
12:29:20 PM IST, 26 Oct 2026
I believe this is not merely an insult to an individual or a family, but to India itself. This is also an assault on the dignity of politics. In a democracy, you may register your opposition, question policies, and criticize the government—but please, do not cross the boundaries of personal decorum. That is what I would like to suggest. Today, the Congress has experienced not just a political decline, but, in my view, an ideological one as well. The Congress should remember that in a democracy, the public keeps track of everything and, when the time comes, provides a fitting response. I wish to make it clear to the Congress that Prime Minister Modi cannot be swayed by such remarks, nor can his resolve to serve the people be weakened in any way
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Mallikarjun Kharge's remarks
12:28:13 PM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Supreme Court allows Ashish Mishra to visit Lakhimpur Kheri for Diwali, imposes conditions
Lakhimpur Kheri violence: The Supreme Court has granted permission to accused Ashish Mishra, who is the son of former Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra Teni, to visit his hometown in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh to celebrate Diwali with his family members.
A bench led by CJI Surya Kant granted Mishra the relief after his counsel requested the same on the ground that the Court had last year also approved his request to visit his family during the Diwali. Having granted him the relief once again, the Court also noted Ashish Mishra’s undertaking that he would leave his hometown by November 16.
The Court has also reimposed the conditions on Mishra’s limited visit to Lakhimpur Kheri, which includes that he will strictly only spend his time with his family members and not make attempts to influence any witnesses named in the case.
To recall, Mishra has been accused in an October 3, 2021 case in which eight people, including four farmers, were killed in Lakhimpur Kheri after a SUV car allegedly belonging to Mishra; ran over the farmers who were protesting against the Centre's now repealed three farm laws.
A bench led by CJI Surya Kant granted Mishra the relief after his counsel requested the same on the ground that the Court had last year also approved his request to visit his family during the Diwali. Having granted him the relief once again, the Court also noted Ashish Mishra’s undertaking that he would leave his hometown by November 16.
The Court has also reimposed the conditions on Mishra’s limited visit to Lakhimpur Kheri, which includes that he will strictly only spend his time with his family members and not make attempts to influence any witnesses named in the case.
To recall, Mishra has been accused in an October 3, 2021 case in which eight people, including four farmers, were killed in Lakhimpur Kheri after a SUV car allegedly belonging to Mishra; ran over the farmers who were protesting against the Centre's now repealed three farm laws.
12:08:59 PM IST, 26 Oct 2026
This is not a statement made by Kharge himself; it is Rahul Gandhi's statement. Rahul Gandhi always uses abusive language and continuously abuses the Prime Minister, the RSS, the people of the country and India's democracy. So, this is Rahul Gandhi's statement, not Kharge's. Kharge merely repeated what Rahul Gandhi said. The people of the country will never tolerate someone constantly insulting the Prime Minister and democracy. You speak about Prime Minister Modi, a unique personality who has brought India's honour and prestige to new heights and worked for the welfare of the poor, in such a manner?
- BJP MP Arun Singh on Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's statement
12:07:53 PM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi participates in 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum
11:55:55 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Fire extinguished, some internal dismantling was going on, small fire, no casualty: Delhi Fire Services
11:43:07 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Delhi Fire Department received a call reporting smoke at North Block, following which six fire tenders were rushed to the location: Delhi Fire Services
11:42:31 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Sultanpur court acquits Cong leader Rahul Gandhi in defamation case relating to his 2018 remarks against Amit Shah
11:05:50 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
LS Speaker calls for dialogue, diplomacy at BRICS Parliamentary Forum
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday said parliaments can help build trust and ease tensions between countries as he inaugurated the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum.
In his inaugural address at the historic Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, Birla told delegates that regional conflicts, wars, economic instability, trade tensions, terrorism and climate change do not stop at one's border and such global challenges make dialogue, diplomacy and cooperation all the more important.
"Parliaments can play a special role" in strengthening mutual understanding and trust, reducing international tension and resolving global challenges peacefully, he said while addressing the gathering in Hindi.
New Delhi is hosting the two-day event.
India took on the forum's chairmanship at the 11th forum in Brasilia in June 2025, where Birla was named chairperson of the 12th Forum.
In his inaugural address at the historic Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, Birla told delegates that regional conflicts, wars, economic instability, trade tensions, terrorism and climate change do not stop at one's border and such global challenges make dialogue, diplomacy and cooperation all the more important.
"Parliaments can play a special role" in strengthening mutual understanding and trust, reducing international tension and resolving global challenges peacefully, he said while addressing the gathering in Hindi.
New Delhi is hosting the two-day event.
India took on the forum's chairmanship at the 11th forum in Brasilia in June 2025, where Birla was named chairperson of the 12th Forum.
10:52:07 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
War impact not limited to just one country; parliaments can resolve global challenges: LS Speaker at BRICS Parliamentary Forum
10:50:21 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Four persons charred to death as car catches fire after falling into culvert in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district: Police
10:38:20 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Brigade Enterprises says Brigade Group signs Management Agreements with Hyatt for two hotels
10:35:07 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Heartiest congratulations to my dear friend, President Lula, on his remarkable re-election victory. I look forward to working closely with him to further deepen and expand the multifaceted India-Brazil Strategic Partnership. Together, we will continue to strengthen our cooperation across diverse sectors, advance the shared priorities of the Global South and work towards a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable world
- PM Modi on X
10:34:21 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
BRICS countries comprise half of the world's population: LS Speaker at 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum
10:31:32 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurates 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum
10:30:03 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Muthoot Microfin earns Positive Outlook from Careedge Global on Stronger Asset Quality and Operating Performance; Careedge BB-Reaffirmed
10:26:13 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Complete Sports And Management India Limited gets two project wins worth 140 million rupees
10:24:33 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Jordanian security forces say they've arrested three men responsible for deadly attack on a church
10:13:09 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Iran's top security body Deputy Secretary Bagheri says officials from Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan will hold consultations on regional security in Tehran
state TV reports
10:04:59 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Sensex claws back 800 pts from day's low; Nifty above 22,600; metal stocks rally
10:03:10 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Keralam govt to bring bill to regulate private hospital charges: Health Minister
The Keralam government will introduce a bill in the next session of the state Assembly to regulate charges levied by private hospitals, state Health Minister K Muraleedharan said on Monday.
Replying during the Question Hour in the Assembly, the minister said the government agreed in principle to the need to regulate private hospitals, many of which were now under the management of foreign companies.
Replying during the Question Hour in the Assembly, the minister said the government agreed in principle to the need to regulate private hospitals, many of which were now under the management of foreign companies.
09:57:30 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
India become first team to register 200 wins in T20Is after thrilling New Zealand chase
09:57:14 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and Tourism minister Kapil Mishra launch Delhi’s first-ever 'Namo Yamuna River Safari'
09:45:42 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Delhi records month's lowest minimum temperature; air quality moderate in city
Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 16.2 degrees Celsius on Monday, which was the lowest so far this month.
The minimum temperature was 0.2 degrees below the season's average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Palam recorded a minimum temperature of 16.3 degrees Celsius, while the minimum settled at 16 degrees Celsius at Lodhi Road, 16.6 degrees Celsius at the Ridge and 15.7 degrees Celsius at Ayanagar.
No rainfall was recorded at any of the five weather stations.
The minimum temperature was 0.2 degrees below the season's average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Palam recorded a minimum temperature of 16.3 degrees Celsius, while the minimum settled at 16 degrees Celsius at Lodhi Road, 16.6 degrees Celsius at the Ridge and 15.7 degrees Celsius at Ayanagar.
No rainfall was recorded at any of the five weather stations.
09:38:11 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
China's Xi opens key Communist Party meeting on strengthening governance
09:37:57 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Sensex drops 536.30 points to 72,583.86 in early trade; Nifty falls 200.10 points to 22,402.80
09:27:10 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
FLY91 launches Navi Mumbai-Goa flights, adds 14th destination; offers Agatti connectivity via Goa
FLY91 has commenced scheduled operations from Navi Mumbai, marking the addition of its 14th destination to the network and its fifth in Maharashtra, after Sindhudurg, Jalgaon, Solapur and Pune.
The launch establishes a new air link between the Mumbai metropolitan region and Goa, with FLY91 operating double-daily flights on the route. Passengers travelling from Navi Mumbai can also connect onwards to Agatti in Lakshadweep via Goa, opening up a convenient air travel option to the island destination. The new services form part of its Winter Schedule 2026-27, under which weekly flights are set to increase from 280 to 350+ as the airline expands frequencies and builds connectivity across its regional network.
The launch establishes a new air link between the Mumbai metropolitan region and Goa, with FLY91 operating double-daily flights on the route. Passengers travelling from Navi Mumbai can also connect onwards to Agatti in Lakshadweep via Goa, opening up a convenient air travel option to the island destination. The new services form part of its Winter Schedule 2026-27, under which weekly flights are set to increase from 280 to 350+ as the airline expands frequencies and builds connectivity across its regional network.
09:18:24 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
L&T Technology Services signs five-year deal with Nokia for R&D support in India
09:09:08 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Jamia Millia Islamia announces resumption of student union elections after two decades
Jamia Millia Islamia announces resumption of student union elections after two decades. In an order issued on Monday, the university administration said the elections would be held within 15 days of the approval of the students’ union constitution.
“The Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union Election will be held after 15 days, from the date of approval of the constitution of the Students’ Union of Jamia Millia Islamia,” the order stated.
The announcement comes after days of protests by students, who have been demanding the restoration of the elected students’ union, which was dissolved by the university administration in 2006.
“The Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union Election will be held after 15 days, from the date of approval of the constitution of the Students’ Union of Jamia Millia Islamia,” the order stated.
The announcement comes after days of protests by students, who have been demanding the restoration of the elected students’ union, which was dissolved by the university administration in 2006.
09:05:28 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Biocon secures market entry for Yesintek, a proposed biosimilar to stelara, in additional global markets
09:04:02 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
2 bodies recovered from debris after slab of under-construction house collapsed in Delhi’s Milan Garden: officials
09:02:04 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's disgraceful remarks personally attacking and targeting Prime Minister Modi only reflect and echo Rahul Gandhi's uncivilized, uncultured politics of poisonous hate. The morally and politically bankrupt Congress party has plummeted public discourse to the lowest of lows in our country, and this is not the first time the Congress leadership has personally abused Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We've seen in the past how Congress leaders repeatedly caricatured and venomously attacked the late mother of Prime Minister Modi... Mallikarjun Kharge's unpardonable and indefensible remarks are also a grievous insult to the mandate given by 140 crore Indians, and Mr. Kharge has violated and breached all standards of public conduct. The entire Congress leadership and Congress President Kharge need to tender an unconditional apology immediately
- BJP National Spokesperson CR Kesavan
08:57:49 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Kartik Snan 2026: Devotees throng the Saryu River in Ayodhya to take a holy dip and offer prayers
08:47:14 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Top officials from Mecca pact countries to meet Iranian officials in Tehran on Monday, two sources say
Top officials from the Mecca Pact countries Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan are set to meet Iranian officials in Tehran on Monday to discuss regional coordination, two people with knowledge of the matter said.
Saudi Arabia will be represented by Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, and Pakistan by army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, the people said on condition of anonymity.
The Turkish head of intelligence will also join, one of the people said.
The Saudi government media office and Pakistan's military media wing did not respond to Reuters requests for comment.
(With inputs from Reuters)
Saudi Arabia will be represented by Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, and Pakistan by army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, the people said on condition of anonymity.
The Turkish head of intelligence will also join, one of the people said.
The Saudi government media office and Pakistan's military media wing did not respond to Reuters requests for comment.
(With inputs from Reuters)
08:45:01 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Magnitude 3.0 earthquake strikes Meghalaya's East Garo Hills
An earthquake of magnitude 3.0 struck Meghalaya's East Garo Hills district on Monday morning, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS).
The earthquake occurred at a depth of 5 kilometres, with its epicentre located at latitude 25.602 north and longitude 90.695 east, the NCS said. The tremor was recorded at 6:38 AM.
"EQ of M: 3.0, On: 26/10/2026 06:38:24 IST, Lat: 25.602 N, Long: 90.695 E, Depth: 5 Km, Location: East Garo Hills, Meghalaya," the NCS said in a post on X.
The earthquake occurred at a depth of 5 kilometres, with its epicentre located at latitude 25.602 north and longitude 90.695 east, the NCS said. The tremor was recorded at 6:38 AM.
"EQ of M: 3.0, On: 26/10/2026 06:38:24 IST, Lat: 25.602 N, Long: 90.695 E, Depth: 5 Km, Location: East Garo Hills, Meghalaya," the NCS said in a post on X.
08:26:27 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Warm felicitations to FM Beate Meinl-Reisinger the Government and people of Austria on their National Day. Committed to further strengthening our Enhanced Partnership
- EAM Jaishankar on X
08:06:06 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Earthquake of magnitude 3.0 hit East Garo Hills, Meghalaya, at about 6.38 am: National Center for Seismology
08:05:04 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Three bodies recovered after slab of an under-construction house collapses in northeast Delhi's Harsh Vihar area on Sunday
07:46:41 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Maharashtra: Deputy CM Eknath Shinde directs Shiv Sena leaders to assist drought-hit farmers and ensure government aid reaches beneficiaries
07:45:54 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Jammu: A fire broke out at Shiv Market near the railway station last night, gutting several shops
07:44:44 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Bolsonaro refuses to concede, says he will seek annulment of Brazil vote
Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro said on Sunday he would not concede defeat to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who secured a fourth non-consecutive term, and would seek the annulment of the runoff election.
Bolsonaro said a ruling by Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin extending voting for two hours was "unacceptable".
Bolsonaro said a ruling by Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin extending voting for two hours was "unacceptable".
07:44:05 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
Two bodies recovered after slab of an under-construction house collapses in northeast Delhi's Harsh Vihar area on Sunday
07:43:50 AM IST, 26 Oct 2026
'Defeated foreign intervention,' says Brazil's Lula after decisive win in presidential polls
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Monday said his victory in the presidential election had defeated foreign intervention through digital platforms, vowing to strengthen democratic participation and asserting that Brazil would not be dictated to by outside powers.
“We managed to convince people that voting was extremely important to safeguard democracy in Brazil. We defeated foreign intervention through digital platforms. Brazil is no one's backyard. We will change the way we run this country, we will make people participate more in decision-making process,” Lula said after securing re-election.
The veteran left-wing leader defeated Senator Flavio Bolsonaro in Sunday's presidential runoff, securing a fourth non-consecutive term. The result offers a setback to critics of expanding US influence in Latin America, as Lula has repeatedly challenged US President Donald Trump's policies towards the region.
With all votes counted, Brazil's electoral court said Lula had secured an unassailable lead of nearly 4.4 million votes over Bolsonaro. His victory comes despite losing the first round to his rival, who had secured 47% of the vote against Lula's 45%.
Lula's new term is scheduled to begin on January 5, 2027, keeping a left-of-centre government in power in Latin America's largest economy.
“We managed to convince people that voting was extremely important to safeguard democracy in Brazil. We defeated foreign intervention through digital platforms. Brazil is no one's backyard. We will change the way we run this country, we will make people participate more in decision-making process,” Lula said after securing re-election.
The veteran left-wing leader defeated Senator Flavio Bolsonaro in Sunday's presidential runoff, securing a fourth non-consecutive term. The result offers a setback to critics of expanding US influence in Latin America, as Lula has repeatedly challenged US President Donald Trump's policies towards the region.
With all votes counted, Brazil's electoral court said Lula had secured an unassailable lead of nearly 4.4 million votes over Bolsonaro. His victory comes despite losing the first round to his rival, who had secured 47% of the vote against Lula's 45%.
Lula's new term is scheduled to begin on January 5, 2027, keeping a left-of-centre government in power in Latin America's largest economy.