On the eve of the election results, the tension was evident at the Congress as well as the BJP headquarters here. Apparently in keeping with the mood in the party, Chief Minister Narendra Modi sent an SMS to all mediapersons late on Saturday night which said: “There is no need for any of you to come to my residence on Sunday morning. There is no need for OB vans to station themselves outside my residence. I will come to the BJP office in the afternoon, and if need be will speak to the media.”

At the BJP Karyalaya in Khanpur, a computer screensaver shows Modi flashing the victory sign. But unlike in 2002, there are not many who share the optimism or confidence. There are no preparations for celebrations or victory processions, and moods swing from hope to optimism through the day. With the leaders staying away, both the party offices just had a few workers who drifted around aimlessly. Unlike in the past, there were no stage and decoration contractors around the BJP office. Nor were there any transporters waiting around in case vehicles were required for the victory procession.

A few grim-looking party workers were busy on the phones, presumably talking to their leaders. But the conversations did not seem to be very satisfying. The standard reaction from the cadres at the party offices was: “kuch samaj mein nahi aa raha”. “We have been asking the same questions and they have been giving the same answers. Sometimes they are optimistic, at other times, their tone and voice betrays the confusion within,” said a party aide.

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