Modi wave still strong, AAP’s call for change isn’t loud enough: Takeaways from exit polls in Gujarat and Himachal

The AAP, led by Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, carried out intense campaigning in Gujarat. File image/PTI[/caption]However, the takeaway for the AAP is that Gujarat is perhaps ready for a change, but not yet. The AAP’s campaign resting on the word ‘parivartan’ couldn’t make a dent to the BJP slogan of “Phir ek baar, Modi Sarkar (Once again, Modi government)”. This clearly illustrates that the popularity of Prime Minister Modi is still a potent weapon, one he can use to his advantage in the 2024 general elections.The AAP, however, can take solace that it will be changing the dynamics of Gujarat elections — presenting a viable third option to the people. Securing some seats in Gujarat will also help the AAP’s expansion plans — turning it from a state entity to a national outfit.BJP breaks tradition in Himachal PradeshThe exit polls, barring one, has predicted victory for the BJP in Himachal Pradesh. This is of great significance, as no incumbent government in the hill state has retained power since 1985.The last time any party won two consecutive terms in Himachal Pradesh was the Congress, which did so in 1982 and 1985, according to the Election Commission.If the exit polls hold true in Himachal, it would once again illustrate the power of Modi’s presence and his sway over voters. In the run-up to the polls, the prime minister carried out a highly personalised campaign in the state.Prior to the polls, Modi went on a ribbon cutting spree in the state. On 13 October, he flagged off the Vande Bharat Express train from Amb Andaura to New Delhi in Una. He also dedicated the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) to the nation, and lay the foundation stone of a Bulk Drug Park. Furthermore, he laid the foundation stones of two hydropower projects and launch the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III in Himachal Pradesh.On 11 November, a day before the state went to the polls, party members delivered a signed letter by him to 1.5 million households urging them to vote back to power the party.Congress maintains status quoThe exit polls have given the Congress no reason to smile. They have been unable to make a significant impact on the BJP in Gujarat, coming in a distant second. Also, most exit polls have shown that the Grand Old Party will not win in Himachal, which shows that the Gandhi family — Rahul with his Bharat Jodo Yatra and Priyanka personally campaigning in Himachal — has no sway with the voters.The exit polls may serve as an indicator to the Congress that its ongoing Kanyakumari-to-Kashmir Bharat Jodo Yatra may not be delivering the results it hoped.This means that the Congress will remain in power only in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.With inputs from agenciesRead all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.