'Jo jeeta wohi sikandar', says Smriti Irani on BJP win
What's the story
The BJP has won the critical Assembly elections in PM Narendra Modi's home state Gujarat, though with a much less margin than it intended to. But for now, I&B Minister Smriti Irani is happy. "A victory is a victory," she says. "Jo jeeta wohi sikandar (The winner is king)," she said, asking, "Aren't we forming the government?"
Details
Congress lost in two states, BJP won on development: Irani
Even non-Congress leaders, including BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli, have lauded Rahul Gandhi for his campaign. But "Congress lost in two states," pointed out Irani. "It's a victory of the BJP on the issues of development in all areas." She credited the win to "decisive steps undertaken by PM Narendra Modi in various fields", "every booth worker's hard work and the people who trusted development".
Data
BJP leading in 98 seats, Congress gains in 81
As of 3:30 pm, BJP was leading in 98 of Gujarat's 182 seats, while the Congress was leading in 81 and Others in three. In 2012, the BJP had won 115 seats and was targeting 150 this time. Meanwhile, Congress increased its strength from 60.