BJP scores big in four states, here's how Chief Ministers performed in polls
The Bharatiya Janata Party has claimed victory in four states with the Aam Aadmi Party posting a landslide in one. The BJP also registered an unprecedented sweep in politically important state Uttar Pradesh.
The Congress party has been destroyed in most states, except in Goa where the grand old party has put up a strong fight against the BJP. In UP, the party was unable to go past the double figure. Akhilesh Yadav led Samajwadi Party is in second spot in the state.
In Punjab, one of the few states under Congress, the infighting in the days and months leading up to the polls and an incumbent chief minister quitting the party, has opened the way for the AAP. Arvind Kejriwal led party has claimed victory in the state, In line with the exit poll prediction.
The Delhi chief minister, appearing vindicated after the massive Punjab mandate, addressed a massive crowd, roaring into the mic: Punjab has told the country that “Kejriwal is not a terrorist”.
The state of Uttarakhand, which displayed signs of anti-incumbency, has gone all out to bring the BJP back to power. In Manipur, where candidates often change political loyalties, the NPP, NPF and JDU - members of the BJP-led coalition government - were quite vociferious about their disappointment with the N Biren Singh administration.
The three political parties had claimed they would play “kingmaker” in this election. However, in a stunning mandate, the BJP has emerged as the single largest party in the state.
The BJP has won in four states with the AAP recording a landslide in one. But how have the Chief Ministers fared? Let’s take a look:
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath impressively passed his first election test. He fought from his stronghold, Gorakhpur Urban, and won by a huge margin; 1,02,062 votes were polled in his favour. Adityanath, who was a member of parliament from Gorakhpur for five back-to-back terms, is the first UP chief minister in almost four decades to return to office for a second successive term. This is also the first time in 15 years that Uttar Pradesh will have an MLA as a chief minister.
Charanjit Singh Channi:
The Punjab chief minister had a short term in office. Less than 6 months in office, he had a tough contest ahead of him: delivering a win in Punjab - one of the few states under the Congress rule. However, the endless infighting within the party, Captain Amarinder Singh leaving the party and the allegations of corruption and clash with the sand mafia had hampered the party’s chances.
Channi conceded his loss to Bhagwant Mann on Twitter: “I humbly accept the verdict of the people of Punjab and Congratulate @AamAadmiParty and their elected CM @BhagwantMann Ji for the victory. I hope they will deliver on the expections of the people.” The Aam Aadmi Party’s performance has crushed any hopes the party had of retaining Punjab.
Pushkar Singh Dhami:
Congress candidate Bhuwan Chandra Kapri surprised Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, winning the Khatima constituency by a gap of more than 6,500 votes. The BJP will return to office in the state, which, like Punjab, witnessed infightings and many defections leading up to the polls. Dhami was picked as Uttarakhand’s eleventh chief minister in 2020. The change was followed by Tirath Singh Rawat’s resignation within months of taking office.
Pramod Sawant:
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant claimed victory by a narrow margin from Sanquelim constituency. Congress candidate Dharmesh Sanglani put up a neck-and-neck fight.The difference is a slender 666 votes. The BJP is yet to finalise its chief minister for the coastal state.
There is no agreement for Pramod Sawant for now. With Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane also eyeing the post.The Bharatiya Janata Party’s central observers are expected to arrive in Goa soon. Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured of an alliance with the MGP.
N Biren Singh:
Chief Minister N Biren Singh is leading the BJP’s race in Manipur with a spectacular win in the Heingang constituency. 24,814, or 78.54 per cent, votes were polled in his favour. The BJP is the single largest party in the state,The Congress has won only four of the 60 seats.
Also Read: Old videos of Bhagwant Mann making fun of politicians go viral
