Democracy defeated

This was neither a victory for the BJP nor a defeat for the Congress.

• This was neither a victory for the BJP nor a defeat for the Congress. In fact, it is religious fundamentalism and dictatorial fanaticism that have won, and the idea of peaceful coexistence, defeated. Both parties had nothing to do with this election as they were reduced to mere dummies dancing to the tunes of Modi and anti-Modi. The Gujarat voters were blinded by senseless emotionalism on the basis of caste and creed, instead of a concern for the long-standing future of the state and country. The disastrous outcome of this result will be felt not only by Gujaratis but by India, since this experiment of aggressive and militant Hindutva will again be attempted at the national level owing to its success in Gujarat. Sunday was definitely a sad day for all those who love India and regard the nation with pride. There is no doubt that Gujaratis will rue what they have done to Indian democracy.

— Deepak Joshi

Mumbai

Modi mystique

• An election that kept an entire nation captivated and was touted as the most important state election in a decade finally drew to a close on Sunday. Modi’s victory was a foregone conclusion. His return as CM for the second time vindicates the stand of the BJP, which had laid stress on the electoral popularity of the Hindutva platform. That his detractors within the party have never tired of heckling him is a tribute to the tenacity of the man who many see as synonymous with Gujarat’s progress. Calling him a ‘merchant of death’ has only enhanced the image value of his mysterious persona. As has been said, the miracle of a genuine election is the secrecy of public opinion.

— Pachu Menon

Margao

Voters’ blunder

• The remote possibility of justice for the victims of the Gujarat riots has now disappeared with the BJP’s victory. There is no doubt that Modi and his party have been trying to interfere with the judicial process and this win will give further momentum to their efforts. The BJP says the election has been won on the development card. But as far as Gujarat’s Muslims are concerned, even their basic rights and freedoms have been usurped, forget development. This victory is definitely a moment of monumental shame for Gujarat and the entire nation. Gujarat’s voters will realise in time their blunder in voting for Modi.

— Mohamed Salahuddin

Mumbai

Tough hand

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• The BJP win in Gujarat has proved that it is the development in Gujarat which has won. Also common people do not want terrorists to thrive. The Congress has made a great miscalculation by criticising Modi for killing a terrorist in an encounter — even if it were a fake one. Such measures are the only way to end terrorism.

Ask K.P.S. Gill.

— M. Kumar

New Delhi

Thriving land?

• With Modi’s victory, the more aggressive model of development will gain popularity. Ordinary Gujaratis will have a tough time dealing with livelihood issues. They must now prepare for the worst. Statistics from Modi’s Gujarat make this clear: 11 lakh working people have lost their livelihood over the last six years. More than 60 per cent slums were demolished in the last three years. In Gujarat, a large number of units are paying wages four to 12 months late. About 80 per cent of labour court judgments are not being implemented by industry. The Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority admits that it does not have a chemical emergency plan despite parts of Gujarat figuring as toxic hotspots.

— Rohit Prajapati Vadodara