The counting of votes for both Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh elections indicate a win for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in both the states. Reactions to the elections are pouring in from across the state, and here’s a selection of the most quotable quotes.
We Will Leave No Stone Unturned: PM Modi
PM Modi’s Magic is Intact: Shatrughan Sinha
BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha congratulated PM Modi for his ‘untiring efforts, sincerity and magic’ and said that the party’s good performance in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh are proof that PM Modi’s ‘magic is still intact.’
He also tweeted out his congratulations to young BJP leaders like Anurag Thakur, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Patidar leader Hardik Patel.
Gabbar Jibe Failed: Nirmala Sitharaman
Union Minister of Defence Nirmala Sitharaman said that he BJP’s victory in Gujarat shows “people have decided who’s right and wrong.”
Approval of Modi's Policies: Rajnath Singh
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that the results were an approval of the Modi government's policies. He asserted that the BJP will form government in both states with a big majority.
“We will get majority in both the states and form government,” he told reporters. Asked if the results were an approval of the Modi government’s policies, the former party president said, “Of course. It is an approval of the government.”
NCP Leader Praful Patel
Praful Patel said the Congress would have “done better” in the Gujarat election if it had formed an alliance with his party. According to Election Commission trends, NCP was leading in one seat in the state.
The Congress should have tied up with the NCP. They could have done better.
For Gujarat elections, the Congress was seen trying to stitch a coalition with the NCP against the ruling BJP. However, it could not fructify. Stressing that the goods and services tax (GST) was “an issue” in its first two months of implementation, Patel said, “The steps taken by the government in this regard helped pacify the angry traders.”
Congress Has to Search for Answers: BJP’s Ram Madhav
BJP’s National General Secretary Ram Madhav said the Congress should ponder whether Hardik Patel, Jignesh Mevani and Alpesh Thakor have cost them the elections.
Union Minister DV Sadananda Gowda congratulated the BJP for what seems like a likely win in Gujarat.
Gabbar Has Been Demonetised in Gujarat: Sushil Kumar Modi
Referring to Congress President Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Gabbar Singh Tax’ remark on GST, BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi said “Gabbar has been demonetised in Gujarat”.
BJP’s Vijay Goel: “Modi is Here to Stay”
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah.
Yogendra Yadav Congratulates Jignesh Mevani
Meanwhile, Swaraj Abhiyan leader Yogendra Yadav congratulated Jignesh Mevani on his win in the Vadgam constituency of Gujarat.
J&K CM Omar Abdullah
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said "anything less than a sweeping victory will be a cause for much concern for the BJP”.
He also re-tweeted a journalist saying a Congress-mukt India looks unlikely any time soon.
Ram Mandir is the Difference: Subramanian Swamy
BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said the Ram Mandir issue will make a difference.
Former Rajya Sabha MP Pritish Nandy said the close fight between the Congress and the BJP signals a victory for democracy.
Congress Leader Sanjay Nirupam
You can track the results of both Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh polls at The Quint.
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