A lot at stake for BJP, Cong master strategists

NEW DELHI: It is not about just a Rajya Sabha berth. The tug of war played in Gujarat and Delhi on Tuesday, and before, signals the importance of the western state and the contest for the three Rajya Sabha seats.

Out of power in the home state of PM Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah for the past 22 years, the Congress is struggling to dethrone the ruling party. A loss barely a few months ahead of the assembly elections will take the sting out of the Congress.

A win will definitely come as a morale booster for the factionridden Congress and infuse fresh energy among its cadre to take on the BJP. It could also stem the exodus in the Congress triggered by the exit of veteran leader Shankersinh Vaghela.

The Congress high command will also take a call on naming its choice as the party’s face for the upcoming polls without succumbing to any pressure. The party leadership has so far decided to fight the polls under the leadership of present state chief Bharatsinh Solanki.

The outcome will have bearing on the reputation of the two master strategists — Amit Shah and Ahmed Patel. Shah is making debut as a parliamentarian and he will like to top it up by decimating the Congress. A clean sweep helps the BJP to reaffirm that its Congress-mukt Bharat campaign hasn’t lost steam.

The Congress is desperately looking for a new lease of life in post-Narendra Modi era of Gujarat and the defection in its camp did not serve the purpose for the party.

The result of the election will also have a bearing on the unity that non-BJP forces such as Hardik Patel were trying to forge against the BJP. Nationally, the verdict will ignite a debate about Congress’ capability to pull off victories in tough electoral battles and keeping its house together in difficult times.