Victory for all as voters have recognised who could deliver, said Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday described the election results in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh as an "undoubtedly" major victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
She told reporters that it was a "victory for all - right from the booth level to Prime Minister Narendra Modi - as voters have recognised who could deliver".
"'Sabka saath, sabka vikas' (collective efforts, inclusive growth) has ultimately won," she said.
Ms Sitharaman's remarks came soon after trends showed the ruling BJP was set to retain power in Gujarat, while the Congress again settled for second place but with an improved showing.
The BJP also took the lead in Himachal Pradesh, which was earlier ruled by the Congress.