Rajasthan BJP cadre smell win, celebrate

Anticipating their party’s return to power in Rajasthan, BJP workers have started celebrating.

Anticipating their party’s return to power in Rajasthan, BJP workers have started celebrating.

Sweets were distributed at party headquarters here on Tuesday. State BJP president Vasundhara Raje and other senior leaders had called a meeting of their candidates to take feedback about the polls and preparations for counting on December 8.

Despite the celebration, the mood in the meeting was more pragmatic as leaders discussed what they would do if the BJP did not get a clear majority in the 200-member assembly and the necessity to contact rebels.

A senior leader said the party was not in touch with any independents as yet but were prepared to do so.

Talking to reporters at Congress headquarters here, chief minister Ashok Gehlot dismissed the possibility of a BJP victory.

Asked about the celebratory mood, he said it was part of the BJP strategy so that it could get the support of independents and other parties.

He said the Congress would win by a hefty margin as there was no anti-incumbency.

The Congress too had called a meeting of its candidates. The meeting was attended by senior leaders including Gurudas Kamat, who is in charge of Rajasthan affairs, and state campaign committee chief CP Joshi.