The BJP won a remarkable victory in Gujarat, getting an astounding 52% vote share that gave it a seventh win. But it was defeatedin Himachal Pradesh where the Congress won. However, the reaction of both parties to the results was a study in contrasts. The BJP mood was upbeat and full of positive energy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered an exultant speech at the party office, and urged the flock onwards to the next big battle. The Congress office wore a funereal air, there were no smiling leaders present to deliver a message of hope even though the party had just snatched Himachal from BJP in a direct fight, its first such win since 2018. Congress needs to learn from the BJP how to radiate positivity after a win and playthe perception game. In the media age, optics matter.
