BJP to win Gujarat, but Congress emerges stronger

ONI Bureau: Contrary to what Exit Polls predicted, the Congress is doing well in Gujarat, giving a tough fight to BJP in the state as the counting progresses. While BJP may still win Gujarat, but Congress has also revived, riding on the whirlwind campaigns by Rahul Gandhi. The party has bounced back, which may give the BJP sleepless nights in the days to come. BJP may take it as a wake up call.

As per the trends available, BJP is leading in 96 seats, while Congress is leading in 82 seats. Others are leading in 4 seats. 92 seats are needed to form the next government in Gujarat. Unless some miracle happens, BJP may retain the state by a wafer thin majority.

The Congress was written off 6 months ago. 3 months back, BJP was tipped to win 140-150 seats in the 182-member Gujarat Assembly. But, Rahul Gandhi changed the equations with the help of young leaders Hardik Patel, Jignesh Mevani and Alpesh Thakor.