As the Congress cadres across and beyond Karnataka are celebrating the landslide victory in the state's recently-held assembly polls, they have the first word from their leader Rahul Gandhi about the victory, which has conferred a big boost to Congress ahead of several assembly polls this year and the 2024 general elections. 

Reacting to the Congress party's thumping victory in Karnataka, Rahul Gandhi said, "The markets of hatred have closed down and shops of love have opened in Karnataka. We contested Karnataka polls with love, not hate." "This will happen in all states", he added. He was addressing a press conference at party headquarters in New Delhi during which he thanked and congratulated the people of Karnataka, party workers, and leaders. 

Rahul Gandhi further said that he didn't fight a divisive battle and that the strength of crony-capitalism was defeated by the power of poor. Taking to Twitter, he wrote in Hindi, "The power of the poor has defeated the power of capitalist friends of BJP." Congress has secured a clear majority in Karnataka and is all set to form a new government. It is more likely that veteran Congress leader and former Chief Minister Siddharamaiah will be elected as the next Chief Minister. 

Siddharamaiah is Rahul Gandhi's choice for the apex post and it has been reported that the party will make an official announcement about the Chief Minister on Sunday. As Congress has defeated BJP in the latter's only ruling state in South India, the former is in the rain of wishes from several national leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Narendra Modi took to Twitter and wrote, "Congratulations to the Congress Party for their victory in the Karnataka Assembly polls. My best wishes to them in fulfilling people’s aspirations. I thank all those who have supported us in the Karnataka elections. I appreciate the hardwork of BJP Karyakartas. We shall serve Karnataka with even more vigour in the times to come."