New Delhi: On Thursday, the fate of the leaders who could be the next prime minister was pretty much sealed.
The BJP needs to hold on to seats in Gujarat, MP and Karnataka. And the nervousness showed.
Perhaps sensing a mid-term poll soon, the BJP's PM-in-waiting called for fixed terms of parliament.
"Elections should be held in February. Lok Sabha and assemblies should also have a fixed tenure so maximum number of people can participate in the polling process. Everybody should be forced to vote," said L K Advani, BJP's Prime Ministerial Candidate.
"It is certain that L K Advani will form the government at the centre," said Narendra Modi.
Mayawati on the other hand was concerned about the turnout. To be a national player, she has to cut into the Samajwadi Party's strongholds.
"You must leave all work at home and go and vote," Mayawati put forth.
Sonia Gandhi's constituency, Rae Bareily also voted on Thursday. But the bigger challenge for her Congress will be to do better in Karnataka, West Bengal and MP.
On Thursday, Deve Gowda's fate was also decided. The former prime minister has set himself up as a driving force behind the Third Front.
Gowda's partners, the Left are fighting a tough battle in West Bengal, a part of which voted on Thursday. Their big challenge - Mamata Banerjee, joining forces with the Congress.