Gujarat election results: Behind poll defeat, a feat for Congress

Rahul Gandhi-led campaign matched BJP blow for blow

The Congress lost Gujarat, but has shaped a narrative around the Narendra Modi government’s alleged “crony capitalism” that could dictate the contours of political discourse in the months leading to the next Lok Sabha elections.

The Congress performance in the state is also likely to enthuse other Opposition parties to take on the Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), within and outside Parliament, and boost their collective preparedness for the big battle less than 15 months away, with the Congress as lynchpin of Opposition unity.

There are other positives the Congress can pick from the Gujarat defeat. It recorded its best Assembly performance