#IndiaDecidesOn18th: Leaders react to BJP's wins in Gujarat, Himachal
What's the story
The BJP is all set to form the government in Gujarat for the sixth time and has managed to snatch the throne from the ruling Congress in Himachal Pradesh too. The results were consistent with what exit polls had largely predicted. But despite the win, political leaders took note of new Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi's growing popularity. Here's what different parties had to say.
Gehlot
'Whatever the results be, victory is of the Congress'
Congress, which gave the BJP a tough fight in initial trends, doesn't seem to have lost heart. "We have fought these elections with honesty. Whatever be the result, the victory is said to be of the Congress," said senior leader Ashok Gehlot. He also praised newly-appointed Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi's campaigns, which drew people and garnered applause.
NC
'BJP win still a cause of concern for ruling party'
Omar Abdullah, former J&K CM who lost to the PDP-BJP alliance in the last state elections, tweeted: "Gujarat hasn't been a disaster for the Congress & it hasn't been the emphatic victory the BJP wanted." "Anyway you look at it after 41 rallies by PM in Gujarat, anything less than a sweeping victory will be a cause for much concern for BJP," he added.
Quote
People's mood clear, they're unhappy with BJP: Former ally Sena
Former ally Shiv Sena slammed the BJP despite its win. Referring to its dropped margin, MP Sanjay Raut said the people of Gujarat are unhappy with the BJP, and though it will form the government in Gujarat, the mood of the people had become clear.
BJP
Thrilled BJP leaders rejoice, but credit Rahul Gandhi's "consistency"
Indifferent to criticism, thrilled BJP leaders took to Twitter to express joy over the results. "2019 will be perhaps soft bogus Hindutva + failing economy versus genuine hindutva and anti-corruption," said Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy. Though it had failed to get the targeted 150 seats, spokesperson Nalin Kohli said it was no setback. However, he credited Rahul Gandhi for "(leading) from the front".