At 7.45 am, a huge image of India created with “80 per cent imported flowers” was erected by Congress supporters outside Sonia Gandhi’s residence — 10 Janpath — crowned with an image of her as “Bharat mata”. Three hours and an indicative UPA position of 221 seats later, the “mata” image was extended, placing son Rahul Gandhi’s image next to hers.

“Desh ka pradhan mantri kaisa ho, Rahul Gandhi jaisa ho (The country’s Prime Minister should be like Rahul Gandhi),” shouted supporters at 9.30 am, when the counting of votes was just about to indicate that the Congress-led UPA was leading. They were joined later by senior citizens chanting in unison, “Mahatma Gandhi zindabad, Jawaharlal Nehru zindabad.” But that was drowned out by posters and constant cheers for Rahul and Priyanka, and shouts of Slumdog Millionaire anthem Jai Ho, as the first crackers went off at 9.30 am and continued throughout the day.

“Man ki ichchha (heart’s desire) is that Priyanka becomes Prime Minister after Rahul. That is what we really want,” said Ashok Randhawa, general secretary, Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee.

The family — Sonia, Rahul and Priyanka — was the centre of glowing affection. “This is a united family which perpetuates the idea of a united Bharat,” said the 1998 MLA aspirant from Seelampur, Saluddin Pahalwan.

“For this family, I can give up my money. In 1998, I spent lakhs of rupees distributing mineral water when the government was being formed,” said Congress supporter Ramesh Saini.

Congress leaders Oscar Fernandes and Ambika Soni stopped outside 10 Janpath, before making their way to the AICC office while the counting was on.

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