Rahul Gandhi's personality appreciated, nobody made fun: Sheila Dikshit on Gujarat elections

Rahul Gandhi at Ambaji Temple. (Photo: Twitter/INCIndia)

New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Sheila Dikshit on Monday appreciated her party's performance in Gujarat elections and said that while BJP may have won the fiercely-fought polls, people have largely appreciated the leadership of Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul held 30 rallies across Gujarat in the run-up to the state assembly elections. On counting day on Monday, his party fared better than what many predicted and even managed to lead BJP for a brief moment before giving way. Sheila said the performance was a strong show of intent and that people at large were supportive. "I congratulate Rahul Gandhi for getting people and the party together. He united everyone to put up a strong fight. There was an effect that he created - especially in rural areas (of Gujarat). His personality was appreciated, not made fun of," she told Zee News.

Asked about earlier defeats - especially the embarrassment in Uttar Pradesh - where Rahul had campaigned for the party as well, Sheila Dikshit said introspection after defeats have helped the party rise. "Rahul Gandhi has learnt from experience. Victories and defeats are part of any democracy. We have learnt from mistakes we have made and also try to strengthen our strengths," she said.

The battle for Gujarat was considered a litmus test for Rahul who was Vice-President of the party when he began campaigning but by the end of elections, was elevated to the post of President. Apart from his 30 rallies, he even visited 11 temples across Gujarat. He attempted to question Gujarat's development model and repeatedly attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has previously served as the state's Chief Minister.

Even Sheila Dikshit questioned BJP and PM Modi. "Prime Minister campaigned aggressively in the state. (Yet) BJP has been losing grip in rural areas of the state. It is a matter of concern for BJP that farmers in the state have not accepted them as much as they expected.

(Note: Counting of votes is currently underway)