Cong predicted defeat as Jat politics, Selja's discontent took a toll

The election results in Haryana have sent shockwaves through Congress. Despite raising numerous questions about the outcome, the party had sensed a shift in momentum during the final week of campaigning.

- AJIT MAINDOLA

This was evident when Rahul Gandhi chose to travel abroad with his sister Priyanka on polling day, returning only on the day of the vote count, while Priyanka remained overseas with her daughter. The Gandhi family appeared disheartened even before the counting began. In response, Rahul's close aide Jairam Ramesh and other party leaders have started deflecting attention from the party's shortcomings by alleging election rigging.