Rahul congratulates Modi on UP, Uttarakhand win; PM says ‘long live democracy’

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the BJP’s crushing victories in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand on Saturday but added that his party’s fight to win the “hearts and minds” of the people would continue.

Minutes later, Modi responded to Gandhi, tweeting “Long live democracy”.

The tweet exchange came after trends and results from assembly elections in five states showed the BJP cruising to massive majorities in UP and Uttarakhand. The Samajwadi Party-Congress combine was left far behind.

The Congress won a ringing majority in Punjab, ousting the BJP-Akali alliance. The two national parties were locked in a neck-and-neck fight in Goa and Manipur.

“To all Congress workers across India: We stand resolute & committed to our values & our belief in an India united in strength & purpose,” Gandhi said.

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