AAP, Congress despair, BJP keeps victory low key

New Delhi: A pall of gloom descended upon the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party offices after the results of the MCD elections. While there was some action when the counting started Wednesday morning, by the afternoon both the offices were deserted as it became clear that the BJP is set to sweep all the three municipal corporations.

No party leaders or volunteers were seen at the AAP's office at Rouse Venue, barring national spokesperson Ashutosh who had also come in the morning for a while. With only a few media vans stationed outside the office, there was no activity inside.

Most AAP leaders huddled at chief minister's Arvind Kejriwal's house, echoing the "tampered EVMs" stand.

A few meters away, at the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee office, the mood was similar with even the office of chief Ajay Maken locked.

As photojournalists waited outside for an opportunity, an irate Congress worker shouted, “What is happening here for you to take pictures? Go from here. No leader will be coming to the office today.” As the day progressed, the staff at the office went forward with their routine activities.

Indicating that the parties almost knew their fate, there were no signs of preparation of any celebration even when the counting had just started.

In a stark contrast, the Delhi BJP office at Pandit Pant Marg saw a flurry of activity since the morning. However, the party decided to keep victory celebrations low-key in view of the killing of 25 CRPF men in a Maoist attack in Sukma.

Cut-outs of the party dedicating its win to the slain soldiers could be seen all around the office, which was dressed in saffron and green.

Drummers who had gathered outside the office Wednesday morning for celebrations had to return as the party decided not to celebrate its victory.

However, sweets were distributed after the win and many party leaders like Shyam Jaju and Maheish Girri came to meet Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari who was present at the office since the morning.