Two days back, the exit polls in Punjab projected a close race between the Congress and the new entrant Aam Aadmi Party. But that – as it emerged on counting day on Saturday – wasn’t meant to be.

The Congress remained way ahead of the ruling SAD-BJP combine and the AAP right from the time counting began. The incumbent Akalis weren’t decimated as was predicted, meaning even lesser number of seats for AAP.

Confident of taking power in Punjab – or at least emerging as the main Opposition in the Assembly – Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence in Civil Lines was buzzing with people on Saturday morning.