Haryana, Maha results exceptional as parties these days don't retain power after 5 years: Modi

As the BJP failed to achieve its "mission 75" in Haryana, as assured by the top leaders before the elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the results in the state is an exception. "The political pundits who are analysing today's election results, Haryana in itself is an exceptional win since these days there have been less instances of winning again after completing a 5 year term," said Modi while addressing party workers at the BJP headquarters in the national capital after the results for both Haryana and Maharashtra were declared.

Congratulating both Fadnavis and Khattar for completing 5-year term, Modi said, "Devendra Fadnavis ji and Manohar Lal ji both were first time chief ministers, they did not even have the experience as ministers. And for five years they kept working for people's welfare and as a result people have again put their faith in them."

Home Minister Amit Shah who spoke before Modi assured that the BJP will form the government in Haryana despite the party falling short of majority. "In Maharashtra, BJP-Shiv Sena is going to form the govt once again with majority. In Haryana have seen a 3% increase in our vote share since the last time and we have emerged as the largest party there, I thank the people for this," said Shah.

Earlier in the day, Modi thanked the people of Maharashtra and Haryana in a series of tweets. While BJP along with its alliance partner Shiv Sena is all set to retain power in Maharashtra, it is likely to fall short of a majority in Haryana.

"I thank the people of Haryana for blessing us. We will continue to work with the same zeal and dedication for the state's progress. I laud the efforts of hardworking @BJP4Haryana Karyakartas who toiled extensively and went among the people to elaborate on our development agenda," tweeted Modi.

Modi also thanked the Shiv Sena and the entire NDA family. "People of Maharashtra have blessed the NDA with immense affection. We are humbled to have got the people's support yet again. Our work towards Maharashtra's progress continues! I salute each and every Karyakarta of the BJP, Shiv Sena and our entire NDA family for their hard work," tweeted the prime minister.

Out of 288 Assembly seats in Maharashtra, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance was leading on 158 seats, while in Haryana, the BJP is likely to win 40 of total 90 seats.

(Inputs from The Indian Express)