Isn't it horribly amusing? Till 5th of March 2012, Rahul Gandhi appeared so invincible. Waiting to exalt the victory, even declaring the end of 'eternal next-PM' fixation.
However, at the end of the day just before counting of votes of five state elections, there was usual rush of congress sycophants to shout 'blame-on-me-not-rahul-baba'. And on the results day, 6th of March, the picture was unambiguous.
BJP retained the power in Punjab, was just good in Uttarakhand, completely won Goa, preserved in UP.
Congress had to gratify, only with good show in Manipur. SP did exceedingly well in UP with Akhilesh Yadav as a clear winner.
The results of this round of state elections, have fetched so many lessons for the grand old party Congress and BJP.
There are three most significant take-away reminders for Rahul Gandhi. First and foremost, it would be nice, if Congress learns from these results and does not indulge in identity-caste-minority appeasement.
The proposed reservation quota for Muslims and rotten mentality displayed by otherwise intelligent & sophisticated Salman Khurshid backfired. His wife garnered votes to finish fifth in her constituency.
Second, grassroots organisation pays, not gimmickry. Tearing SP manifesto, stay at dalit homes, Bhatta Parsaul agitation, & Rs. 7,000 crore welfare package for weavers - nothing worked.
Third, Rahul Gandhi has failed in Bihar before, and this time poor show in UP, in spite of advise of great Digvijay Sigh. It would be better in the long term, if Gandhis do away with so many 'advisors'. Crux of the matter is, 215 rallies, padyatras, sympathy show-off for dalits by Rahul Gandhi, did not produce the anticipated results.
The shocking defeat in Rai Bareli-Amethi-Sultanpur region is certainly rude reality check and raises so many question marks on fading Congress charisma.
On the other hand, BJP should get its act together. The results are eye-opener for BJP. UP still remains elusive target, good performance this time notwithstanding.
North-east states like Manipur does not have sizable BJP presence. It would bode well for BJP, if the great aptitude of coalition management shown by Atalji is further exercised.
National parties need to introspect earnestly and learn the hard way. The rise and consolidation of regional parties is here to stay.
However, at the end of the day just before counting of votes of five state elections, there was usual rush of congress sycophants to shout 'blame-on-me-not-rahul-baba'. And on the results day, 6th of March, the picture was unambiguous.
BJP retained the power in Punjab, was just good in Uttarakhand, completely won Goa, preserved in UP.
Congress had to gratify, only with good show in Manipur. SP did exceedingly well in UP with Akhilesh Yadav as a clear winner.
The results of this round of state elections, have fetched so many lessons for the grand old party Congress and BJP.
There are three most significant take-away reminders for Rahul Gandhi. First and foremost, it would be nice, if Congress learns from these results and does not indulge in identity-caste-minority appeasement.
The proposed reservation quota for Muslims and rotten mentality displayed by otherwise intelligent & sophisticated Salman Khurshid backfired. His wife garnered votes to finish fifth in her constituency.
Second, grassroots organisation pays, not gimmickry. Tearing SP manifesto, stay at dalit homes, Bhatta Parsaul agitation, & Rs. 7,000 crore welfare package for weavers - nothing worked.
Third, Rahul Gandhi has failed in Bihar before, and this time poor show in UP, in spite of advise of great Digvijay Sigh. It would be better in the long term, if Gandhis do away with so many 'advisors'. Crux of the matter is, 215 rallies, padyatras, sympathy show-off for dalits by Rahul Gandhi, did not produce the anticipated results.
The shocking defeat in Rai Bareli-Amethi-Sultanpur region is certainly rude reality check and raises so many question marks on fading Congress charisma.
On the other hand, BJP should get its act together. The results are eye-opener for BJP. UP still remains elusive target, good performance this time notwithstanding.
North-east states like Manipur does not have sizable BJP presence. It would bode well for BJP, if the great aptitude of coalition management shown by Atalji is further exercised.
National parties need to introspect earnestly and learn the hard way. The rise and consolidation of regional parties is here to stay.
