Kharge credits Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra for Himachal victory

Even as Congress stormed to power in Himachal Pradesh in line with the ‘rivaaz’ (tradition) of the state, grand old party chief Mallikarjun Kharge credited the victory in the hill state to former party chief Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra.

Speaking to media at his residence here, Kharge, who is also the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha said, “We have won the Himachal Pradesh elections. I want to thank the people, our workers and leaders as due to their efforts this result has come.”

Mentioning the contribution of Congress’ 3,570 km yatra from Kanyakumari to Srinagar led by Rahul Gandhi, the Congress chief said, “I want to thank Priyanka Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra also helped us with this. Sonia Gandhi’s blessings are also with us.”

When enquire further about when will meeting of the newly elected MLAs take place and when will party claim to form the government, Kharge said: “Our observers and in-charge secretaries are going there (Himachal Pradesh) and they will decide when to meet Governor and call a meeting of (Congress MLAs).”

The Congress on Thursday won 40 out of 68 assembly seats in the hill state. In the 2017 assembly polls, the party was voted out of power.

When asked about the massive debacle in Gujarat, where the party was reduced to less than 20 seats, he said, “In a democracy, victory and defeat are not permanent. We will continue to fight for the people. We will introspect and keep fighting for people.”

The BJP won 156 seats in Gujarat, it’s highest ever tally in the state where it has been in power for the last 27 years. However, on the other hand this was Congress’ worst performance in the state.