Pune: It is a role reversal for the BJP and the Congress. On Tuesday, a pall of gloom had descended at Congress Bhavan after the Karnataka assembly results were out, but on Saturday, the picture changed.
The Congress celebrated the Karnataka victory as the BJP was unsuccessful in the floor test, while the BJP city office wore a deserted look. After it was clear that the BJP government will not last in Karnataka, Congress party workers gathered at Congress Bhavan and burst fire crackers to celebrate. The BJP office at Jangli Maharaj Road was enveloped in silence.
Ramesh Bagwe, Congress city unit president, said, “We are happy that we saved democracy. The BJP resorted to horse trading to show a majority on the floor, but they failed. They have suffered a major setback and now, a Congress coalition will form a government soon. Party workers are very happy and are celebrating the success.”
Vandana Chavan, Member of Parliament (MP) and city unit head of the NCP, said, “I congratulate all MLAs which stood strong with the Congress and JD (S) and did not fall prey to false promises. It is a victory of democracy. After this result, the BJP will have to rethink. It is a major setback for them.”
Yogesh Gogawale, city president of BJP, said, “We accepted the outcome. But, we are happy that we are the single largest party in Karnataka. We will emerge as the single largest party in the upcoming polls throughout the country. The celebration by the other party will not be permanent.”
