Letters: Don't be too optimistic

Apropos the editorial, "The post-election map" (May 20), it seems the aim of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership of a "Congress-mukt Bharat" is closer than ever, as the Congress, which till 2014 was ruling in 13 states, is now down to six states where just six per cent of Indians live. The recent electoral verdict in four states does not augur well for the national party, which is losing its regional relevance, too.

Despite getting only six Assembly seats in West Bengal, the BJP and its allies were able to consolidate their vote share in the state - from four per cent in the last elections to 11 per cent this time.

Similarly, in Kerala, BJP got just one seat, but was able to earn 15 per cent vote share, up from a around six per cent.

Of course, the biggest windfall for the BJP came in Assam where it toppled the three-decade-old Congress rule by projecting a local leader and focusing on local issues. Clearly, the BJP had learned from its debacles in Delhi and Bihar.

These results clearly indicate the Congress will have an uphill task in 2017 when Punjab, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Goa and Manipur go to polls. It's time the party high command did some soul-searching. Also, it should analyse its decision to tie up with the Left Front in West Bengal while going solo in Kerala - in both cases the consequences were disastrous.

The BJP brass should not become too optimistic either. It should not get swayed by recent encouraging developments. It still has a long way to go to make its presence felt in the Rajya Sabha, which continues to be a stumbling block to the implementation of economic and other key reforms. Let's remember the ambitious Goods and Services Tax Bill is yet to be passed.

Kumar Gupt, Panchkula

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