‘Winner must never be arrogant, loser must not be bitter’

‘If we seriously analyse these results, we will realise that there are many significant aspects of the verdict. What people want is governance, not social combinations as substitutes. Those who thought political leadership does not rely on merit, and only family, lost,’ said Jaitley in an oblique reference to Congress’ leadership - Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.

Meanwhile, in the Lok Sabha initiating discussion on the motion of thanks to the president’s address, BJP leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy credited PM Narendra Modi for the party getting absolute majority for the first time in the Lower House. ‘We never imagined that we will have to welcome a national party as a regional party in this House. What prompted this to happen? Why this mandate? People have punished you for your misrule for 65 years.’

‘Earlier, Sushma Swaraj (as leader of opposition) used to give her views, but the then PM used to have his way. But we will not leave you behind, we will take you along. This is our promise. Our Prime Minister (Modi) is large hearted,’ he added. He, however, said Congress party’s suggestions would not be accepted ‘if you give suggestions which reflect the way in which you had been running the country for 65 years.’

Hitting back, Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge invoked Mahabharata and said though Pandavas were few in number as compared to Kauravas, still they could not be defeated. Amid thumping of desks, including by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Kharge expressed confidence that the party will bounce back. Speaking on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address, which he supported, Kharge said, ‘We need to put the record straight. Modi only repackages what is already done.’