By the Editor: Siddharth Sehgal

There was something hopeful about morning of March 11, a smile; rejuvenation about election results and when the numbers started coming in there was an assurance about the dreams and aspirations of the biggest state in the country. UP has turned saffron and with that a dark era of corruption, criminality and cronyism has come to an end.

There was a conjecture about hung assembly in exit polls, dinner tables, chai stalls and gossip groups. The most conservative estimate was around 226 but by 12 in noon picture was more than clear that people have reaffirmed their confidence in PM Modi. Surprisingly, even in those areas where normal preferences were BSP, SP and others the public went strongly in favor of BJP. Muslim women have been reported to favor BJP on issue of triple talaq; this unique factor was completely ignored in political calculations. Even by BJP calculations this was unexpected and they have a big and tough road ahead to change the face of state whose backwardness has become synonymous with its name. The governing board of BJP has to carefully choose the CM candidate and by the look of it, it does not seem to be an easy job.

The cycle of SP was punctured long before the moment they decided to hold hands with congress. In UP, the region of Bundelkhand, where I come from has suffered a lot under Akhilesh Yadav. Crime rate, the drought and suicides of farmers, lack of roads and average power cut of 8-6 hrs. a day had eroded the faith in SP. It was not family feud that costed Akhilesh this election, even though it was one of the many reason but the lack of work to show for was evident to voters. And now coming to most astonishing and biggest mistake made by Samajwadi party, giving 105 seats to congress. Forget the people, even congress grass roots workers have given up on Rahul Gandhi. Oldest party of India is carrying the Gandhi family like a cancer which they cannot remove and this disease will cost them their very existence. Yes, they have won in Punjab and saved face in Manipur but leadership of Rahul Gandhi has nothing to do in these victories.

Another surprise came from AAP who were as always overconfident in their media appearances. The wave of support that of Kejriwal, Vishwas and other leaders of AAP were claiming in Punjab was simply not there, I am surprised what work have they done in 2 years of election campaign in Punjab. There complete party cadre has been absent from Delhi to champion their cause in Punjab but there is a general sense that they cannot get the job done. The empty construction sites of Delhi metro testify this fact that they have slowed the wheel of progress in national capital. Yet, if they come down to Earth, they might have a chance in future.

Giving credit where it’s due, the policies and work of prime minister was the biggest underlying cause of turning around this election. His vision and efforts have been responded kindly by the people and let’s hope that this serves as an example to future politicians that work only resonates among voters.  The commitment speaks, the hard work and ability does pay off. The honesty is still the best policy.