Riding a Tiger
India Today|March 27, 2017

The captain’s win in Punjab is the only bright spot in a desultory congress story, but even fulfilling poll promises will be an uphill task.

Asit Jolly
Riding a Tiger

OVERWHELMED!” a beaming Amarinder Singh exulted as he emerged from his room on the first floor of his Chandigarh home, a little past noon on March 11. Even though early trends had been positive, the man who is now Punjab’s new chief minister refrained from celebrating victory until Congress’s leads firmly edged past 66—the number he had predicted for the party through the anxious 35 days between polling on February 4 and the results. But two hours on, the final tally—77 out of 117 assembly seats—exceeded his wildest expectations. And it was unprecedented. Never in the history of elections in Punjab has the Congress achieved such a spectacular victory, taking close to two-thirds (65.8 per cent) of the total seats.

After losing two successive elections—in 2007 and 2012—to the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janata Party combine, Amarinder has succeeded in crafting a formidable election campaign that brought the party clear leads across the three geographical regions of Punjab. Virtually sweeping Majha with 22 of the 25 seats, and taking 15 of the 23 Doaba constituencies, the Congress also recorded its biggest ever success, winning 40 of the 69 seats in the electorally significant Malwa region.

The euphoria outside Amarinder’s Chandigarh home was appropriate, given the occasion. Although victory was clearly on the cards this time, no preparations had been put in place (perhaps because of lurking memories of the ignominious drubbing received after days of premature celebrations in 2012). But there were chaotic scenes soon enough, with Amarinder barely managing to wade through the crush of supporters to claim Punjab at his first news conference after the victory.

Bu hikaye India Today dergisinin March 27, 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye India Today dergisinin March 27, 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

INDIA TODAY DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
WEAVE A STORY
India Today

WEAVE A STORY

Saree plays muse and material in this modern iteration

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
SIMPLE LIVING
India Today

SIMPLE LIVING

Spatial planning meets spirituality, and up-cyling meets unconventional design practices, in this Gurgaon home

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
HARMONY IN DESIGN
India Today

HARMONY IN DESIGN

Using principles of vaastu coupled with a creative interplay of open and closed spaces, this home in Vadodara is a welcome sight

time-read
2 dak  |
December 23, 2024
THE NEW ECO CHIC
India Today

THE NEW ECO CHIC

This home in Kerala is designed on the principles of climate responsive architecture

time-read
2 dak  |
December 23, 2024
Crafting a New Look
India Today

Crafting a New Look

A look at five festive artistic finds from Jaipur to brighten your celebrations

time-read
2 dak  |
December 23, 2024
NAMES TO KNOW
India Today

NAMES TO KNOW

From homes and offices to banquets and hotels, these architects and designers' approach to design is paving the way for some exciting spaces

time-read
3 dak  |
December 23, 2024
CHIC AND COSY
India Today

CHIC AND COSY

Let your indoor winter wonderland revel in bold bedding, quilted beauties and charming cushions

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
STEP INTO STYLE
India Today

STEP INTO STYLE

This winter, international collaborations are lending the Indian carpet industry a unique look underfoot

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
DECK THE HALLS
India Today

DECK THE HALLS

With this festive array of accessories, cushions and X'mas-themed decoratives

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
India Today

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Looking for Christmas inspiration? Here are plenty of ideas to steal and products to make it come to life.

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024