Even as the BJP tsunami swept over Uttar Pradesh and leading in Manipur even, with Goa still in the balance as the clock struck 2:10pm on Saturday (March 11), there were two more observations critical to the elections that have turned all predictions upside down.
The Aam Admi Party (AAP) has failed to find favour with the electorate. It has struggled to find a footing in both Punjab and Goa, where it pushed into, with huge preparations and it certainly failed to become a logical alternative to the BJP except in the urban area of Delhi. It is time for Arvind Kejriwal to introspect and find a reason why it failed at the grassroots.
The Manipur verdict is moving down a path nobody expected it to take. Irom Sharmila’s defeat was a wake-up call, and by the time things started getting less ambiguous, the BJP had crept up into a position where it would not need a helping hand from rebel MLAs.
In Uttar Pradesh, with the BJP striding towards the 300 figure and beyond, the results of the infighting of the Samajwadi Party are showing up. Shivpal Yadav, who was removed just before the elections, appeared in a victory mode, cheering and saying: “Sabhi logon ko badhai.” Earlier, he had tweeted: “Ye ghamand ke haar hai.”
It was a sad reflection of the way things are, and Mulayam Singh Yadav, yet to make a comment, would not be happy with the way things were handled in a complex state by his son Akhilesh. Shivpal’s comments hit right into the heart of the party.
Congress comes in next, not in numbers, but in accountability. They are leading in 7 seats, having won only one. How would Rahul Gandhi explain to the SP their demand of 100 seats and how his party has handled it?
Mayawati’s Bahujan Samaj Party has been virtually washed away, leading in 16 and having won only 2. She has claimed that the EVMs had been tampered with; she said she wants to go to court, start a movement. All in vain, because the verdicts have been overwhelming.
In Uttarakhand, all early drama was washed away with Chief Minister Harish Rawat losing both seats he contested.
Here are the basics of each state, with some special quotes.
UTTAR PRADESH
The colour of Holi this year is just one: saffron. So it seems as the Uttar Pradesh results started coming in. All exit polls, as usual were proved wrong in this state, with the BJP now ahead in 256 seats, having already won 49.
CM Akhilesh Yadav’s SP is leading in a paltry 43, having won only 10, Congress at just 8 and one and Mayawati’s BSP at 15 and 2.
Demonetisation has had no effect so far, loss of jobs has not reflected in the showdown and the steady growth of the Modi wave has turned into a tsunami now.
Here are the top leaders:
Kundra: Raja Bhaiyya leading, Gayatri trailing;
Moradabad: BJP Alaka Roy leading; Varanasi South: Neelkanth Tiwari BJP leading.
QUOTES
Somnath Bharti said: “We don’t indulge in politics of religion or caste and never will. Yes, its Modi’s win, but hum log lage rahenge, logon ko aware karne ke liye.”
Surendra Rajput, Congress spokesperson: “It’s Modi’s win and congrats to him for that. But we expect that he will fulfill the promises that he has made, not indulge in jumlas. We do alliances for something constructive. It’s up to the voter to give a stamp of approval on it.”
Pankaj SIngh, Rajnath SIngh’s son, won from Noida. Says: “BJP going to break its own record. 1991 Kalyan Singh’s record. Responsibilities increased. Kaam bolta hai issue has become non-issue.”
Anila SIngh: “The way corruption has become rampant. It’s important to open files to set example. this was our promise. To give them a transparent government.”
Voters of India have risen above caste, religion and other factors. People have reposed their faith in Modi. It is a new India: MoS Jitendra Singh. The message is at multiple levels
Deepak Mishra, SP spokesperson: “Every time SP has lost, it has introspected, worked on its shortcomings and emerged stronger next time.”
Mohsin Raza: Congress had given them (Muslims) topi and madarsa. We are giving them Quran in one hand, laptop in another.
PUNJAB
Congress set for victory, leading in 26, having won in 51, BJP leading in none having won 3 and AAP leading in 4, won 17.
Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal is ahead of AAP’s Bhagwant Mann by over 10,000 plus votes.
Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal will resign on Sunday itself.
Navjyot Singh Sidhu said: “This is a new year’s gift to Soniaji, Rahul and Captain saab(Amarinder Singh). People have defeated evil forces and dharma has emerged victorious.”
Amarinder Singh: “Punjab voters have made the right choice/Man of the match in Punjab.”
Ambika Soni: “Many contributed to Punjab results.”
UTTARAKHAND
BJP sweeps, leading in 44, having won 12, Congress leading in 9, won 3.
MANIPUR
BJP leading in 6, won 14, Congress leading in 9, won 14.
Irom Sharmila has lost.
Congress’ Ibobi Singh won.
GOA
The anti BJP forces were not in the picture with only the Congress still the major force against.
BJP leading in 4, won 10, Congress leading in 2, won 11.
Laxmikant Parsekar, Goa CM, lost to Congress’ Dayanand Sopte in Mandrem.
—Written with contributions from Sujit Bhar, Meha Mathur,
Sucheta Dasgupta, Prabir Biswas, Punit Mishra, Bhavana Gaur,
Kh Manglembi Devi, Ram Lagan and Amitava Sen