Soft Hindutva worked for Congress, BJP not invicible: Takeaways from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh The big takeaways. DNA Web Team

Dec 12, 2018, 02:21 PM IST Congress has made a resounding comeback in Indian polity wresting Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan from incumbent BJP. While it recorded a landslide win in Chhattisgarh, it managed to squeak home in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. In Mizoram, Congress lost badly with MNF showing a dominant performance. In Chhattisgarh, KCR's decision to call for early polls was vindicated as he won the elections comfortably getting close to 75% of the seats. Here are the big takeaways from the result.

1. Anger with BJP, not Modi

1/10 In almost all exit and opinion polls, it was clear that people are angry with the state BJP leaders. But PM Modi's popularity is still sky high and the results in elections in the three states where BJP lost may be very different come April- May 2019.



2. BJP not invincible, Congress can beat it

2/10 The halo of invincibility that the BJP was enjoying in the last 4 years has been destroyed. Except for Bihar and Delhi, BJP didn't lose a single election where it had a direct stake. However, with these big losses in Central and West India, BJP has to regroup and plan afresh. The Congress which was facing a serious identity crisis is suddenly back into the reckoning.



3. Congress stronger, 2019 can be Modi vs Rahul

3/10 Tuesday's result will come as a huge shot in the arm for Rahul Gandhi, who hadn't manage to deliver any states for Congress in the past. But in these three states where BJP was ruling, Congress went alone, Rahul Gandhi brought several high-profile national issues to the voters and managed to get a mandate. This will definitely increase the focus on Rahul Gandhi in the run-up to 2019 polls and there is a chance of the election becoming a direct Modi- Rahul presidential fight.



4. Rahul Gandhi in stronger position to lead Grand Alliance

4/10 The stock question which has been asked from the Mahagathbandhan is who is their PM face. Most have avoided the question. Even Congress has been coy about strongly putting forward Rahul Gandhi's name. But this result will definitely give Congress a greater say in the formation of contours of the grand alliance and is a foot in the door for Rahul Gandhi to be the face of the coalition.



5. People angry with govt for not taking decisive action on Ram Temple

5/10 The core BJP voters aren't happy with the Ram Temple not being built in Ayodhya even after 4.5 years of the Modi government. BJP has also said that it is not looking at bringing an Ordinance at this stage. All this has resulted in a muted participation of core voters in this election.



6. Party looking for Hindu welfare will be in stronger position to win 2019

6/10 No party can afford to ignore the Hindu population and the party which works for the community and try to assuage its grievances will be in a stronger position is a big message emerging from this round of assembly polls



7. Minority card will not work-Congress lost in Telangana and Mizoram

7/10 In Telangana and Mizoram, Congress played the minority card, but that didn't work for them.



8. Central and Western India accept Rahul's 'soft Hindutva'

8/10 Rahul Gandhi's constant Temple Run has softened people's attitude towards Congress to an extent. It is a work in progress, but Congress is no longer a pariah for them and Rahul Gandhi by going to temples have managed to achieve this, despite the gotra controversy.



9. Overconfidence of BJP CMs proved to be dangerous for the BJP

9/10 Raman Singh and Shivraj Singh Chouhan, both multiple times Chief Ministers failed to deliver the good for BJP. They did good work but were over-confident thinking the voters will continue to support BJP. That proved to be fatal in the final analysis.



10. In Rajasthan, Vasundhara Raje cost BJP the election