04 May,2026 08:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The Congress leader said that despite the BJP’s efforts, its influence did not extend significantly into southern regions. File Pic
Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal has claimed that voters in South India have rejected the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) "divisive ideology" and the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reported the PTI.
His remarks came while responding to Assembly election results across several states including West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry.
Sapkal alleged that the BJP used "all means, fair and foul" during elections but failed to make an impact in southern India.
He also accused the party of misusing institutions and applying pressure through central agencies and security forces in some states, particularly referring to West Bengal, according to the PTI.
The Congress leader said that despite the BJP's efforts, its influence did not extend significantly into southern regions.
He referred to the party's mixed performance, including wins in some states and limited success in others.
Sapkal said the Congress performance in Kerala reflected public faith in its ideology and leadership, as per the PTI.
He stated that the outcome would strengthen the party's position and energise its workers across the country.
He also credited Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for contributing to the party's appeal in the state.
Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant also criticised BJP celebrations following its performance in West Bengal.
He referred to historical political figures such as Syama Prasad Mukherjee and discussed ideological differences between past and present political movements.
Sawant also mentioned nationalist leader Subhas Chandra Bose, saying that divisive politics was being criticised in the context of present-day developments.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said the BJP's victory in West Bengal would help save the country from infiltrators and terrorist activities, asserting that people had reposed strong faith in the party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the news agency reported.
Citing the BJP's performance in Bengal, Assam, and Puducherry, he said 78 per cent of the country is now ruled by the BJP-led NDA.
The BJP has won six seats and is leading in 196 seats, while the TMC has bagged one as the counting of votes in the West Bengal Assembly polls progressed, indicating a saffron surge in the state.
(with PTI inputs)
