Quiet patriotism can defeat muscular nationalism: Chidambaram on polls

Former Home Minister P Chidambaram, who is currently in Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody, has tweeted after results of State Assemblies of Haryana and Maharashtra showed that Indian National Congress (INC) did t suffer a whitewash that was widely expected. Chidambaram praised Congress party workers and said that y should t lose hope.

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'Must t lose hope'

In tweet, Chidambaram said, "Congress workers must believe that BJP can be defeated in an election. Calm and quiet patriotism can defeat muscular nationalism. Once people shed fear, miracles can happen!" During campaigning in both States, BJP h slogans of crossing 200 seats in Maharashtra and 45 seats in Haryana. Maharashtra Assembly has 288 seats while Haryana has 90 seats.

results, however, reflected a different result for nationalist party. party expected a majority in both States but trends till evening didn't show same. In Maharashtra, BJP will have to allow Shiv Sena a greater say in distribution of portfolios while in Haryana, a post-poll alliance will have to be formed with regional parties such as  Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) and Indian National Lok Dal (INLD). 

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Turnaround for Congress

Prior to polls, Congress party was expected to finish elections with very few seats in both states, but results have reflected a different picture. Congress will be close to half-way mark of 45 seats in Haryana, while in Maharashtra, along with  Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), it will have a larger share in State Assembly. In Haryana, Congress will also be looking to allign with regional parties to form government. Chidambaram is currently in custody for his alleged involvement in INX media case and was earlier on Thursday, his custody was extended till October 30.

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