Gujarat verdict: Modi says vote for tough decisions; ‘picture not so rosy’

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By Our Special Correspondent

New Delhi, December 8: The Bharatiya Janata Party has gone in an overdrive to turn Gujarat verdict into a national narrative. Congress has accused the BJP of riding on the AAP-AIMIM crutches to win 156 seats in Gujarat. The poll pot has begun warming up for big electoral battles next year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the BJP workers at the party headquarters in the national capital to celebrate the Gujarat victory. He credited the Gujarat verdict to the popular endorsement of the party-led government taking touch decisions.

“The electorate knows the cost that the country may have to pay for short-cut politics. There is no doubt that a strong nation empowers all. The electorate is well aware of its interests,” said Modi. He was clearly aiming at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress, who had made a host of promises to the Gujarat electorate, which included revival of the Old Pension Scheme, free electricity and water, unemployment allowances, etc.

The BJP clearly made all out efforts to dim the spotlight on the party’s loss in Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. But Congress sought not to lose heart and reminded that the picture is not as rosy as being portrayed by the BJP.

“A desperate PM is trying to spin the Gujarat victory beyond what it deserves. The fact is that the BJP has LOST everywhere else. Mr. Modi’s drumbeaters also need a sense of perspective on Gujarat. In 1980, Congress won 141 and in 1985, 149 of 182 seats. Let this not be forgotten,” twitted Jairam Ramesh, former Union Minister and the communication department head of Congress.

Ramesh was, however, quick to underline that the result in Gujarat was disappointing. “Congress was up against: — a 3 party alliance of BJP, AAP & MIM —a campaign of provocative polarisation —machinery of state & Centre. Our vote share gives us hope & confidence for rebuilding & revival. We are the ONLY alternative in Gujarat,” tweeted Ramesh.

His party colleague and Congress secretary Vineet Puniya claimed that “PM Modi is celebrating ‘victory’ to spin-off BJP’s defeat in Himachal Pradesh”. “PM must thank AAP & AIMIM for Gujarat victory, as they campaigned hard for its win. (The) AAP was rejected in Assembly elections as it was out of contest in 142/182 seats in Gujarat & all seats in Himachal (Pradesh),” added Puniya.