Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) concedes Telangana's assembly election as Congress leads, ending BRS's decade-long rule. Minister KT Rama Rao expresses gratitude, saying, "Grateful to the people of Telangana for two consecutive terms. Not saddened, but surely disappointed as it wasn't expected." In a X post, KTR adds, "We will take this as a learning and bounce back. Congratulations to Congress on winning the mandate. Wishing you Good Luck." Congress, led by Revanth Reddy, secures a majority with 64 seats, poised to form the government. Telangana becomes a consolation win amid Hindi heartland setbacks, where BJP dominates in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and potentially in Madhya Pradesh.

The Congress's poor showing in the 'semi-final to 2024' polls is expected to weaken its ramparts in the INDIA alliance. As Congress's loss in the 'Hindi Heartland' became evident, JDU's KC Tyagi asserted "The Congress defeat is not the defeat of the INDIA Alliance" but blasted Congress saying "it cannot compete with BJP" and should shed its "syndrome". Declaring "Congress has already distanced itself" from partners, he scoffed at its Dec 6 alliance meeting, snidely asking "What use are rains when the crops have dried up?" NCP's Sharad Pawar agreed the verdict won't impact the INDIA bloc but was more measured. "We will speak to those who know the ground reality," said Pawar. As Congress reeled from impending losses, INDIA allies took unsparing swipes over its fading strength against the BJP. 

After masterminding Congress's wins in Karnataka and Telangana, election strategist Sunil Kanugolu has emerged as an influential figure within the national party. His strategy and perseverance have now paid off handsomely. Kanugolu is also credited with strategising Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ from Kanyakumari to Kashmir last year. Though he works quietly behind the scenes, eschewing publicity, his perseverance and sharp strategy have paid dividends. Kanugolu first brought order to the chaotic Telangana Congress, then limited the BJP's influence to make it a direct fight with KCR's Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). His efforts to persuade the YSR Congress and TDP to not contest finally delivered Telangana for the Congress. With this major feat, the principled, egoless Kanugolu has cemented his indispensable status in the party.

While Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh unveil their electoral fate today, Mizoram's results face a one-day delay. Election Commission adjusts the date due to protests by the Mizoram NGO Coordination Committee, citing Sunday sacredness for Christians. Most exit polls anticipate a tight race between Mizo National Front and Zoram People's Movement in Mizoram. Meanwhile, BJP gains ground in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Congress charts a course to challenge K Chandrashekar Rao's long-standing rule in Telangana. As India awaits regional shifts, Mizoram's political landscape remains under wraps for another day.

The BJP's Rajasthan victory could see the rise of another 'Yogi' - popular spiritual leader Baba Balaknath, a probable CM contender in Rajasthan. Known as the Yogi of Rajasthan, the 40-year-old MP is leading from the Tijara constituency against the Congress' Imran Khan with a huge margin. Balaknath is repeatedly compared with UP's saffron-robed leader Yogi Adityanath, both being from the same Nath sect. Declining to comment on CM ambitions, Baba Balaknath said "The decision will be taken by the party. I'm happy as an MP." But his surging election margins spark speculation over emulating Adityanath's ascension after the saffron surge. Baba Balaknath, who offered prayers amid the counting, provided BJP with a Yogi-esque identity to steer Rajasthan.

In a significant electoral spectacle, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) triumphes in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh overshadowing the Congress, which had to stay contended with a substantial win in Telangana with 65 seats (+46 from 2018) against BRS's 40 (-45 from 2018). Madhya Pradesh witnesses BJP's Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan staging a comeback, leading in 164 (+55 from 2018) seats against Congress' 64 (-50 from 2018), attributing this victory to welfare schemes. Chhattisgarh sees BJP aiming for a solid win with 55 seats(+40 from 2018), challenging Congress's 32 seats (-36 from 2018). Rajasthan witnessed BJP's ascendancy with 113 seats(+40 from 2018) over Congress' 73 (-27 from 2018), with anti-incumbency playing its role in the state with a tradition of change every five years. BJP's triumphant show reshapes the political landscape in these states. Telangana's Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, seeking a third term, faces a setback as Congress leads, while he trails in one contested seat.

Redefining Telangana's political narrative, Congress chief Revanth Reddy's astute leadership has steered the party to unprecedented success. Formerly with TDP, Reddy's 2017 shift marked a turning point, and as Telangana Congress chief since 2021, he's been a visible force on the ground. Despite internal dissent, Reddy's street protests and prominent rallies, echoing Karnataka's success model, garnered immense support. Congress leadership's unwavering backing and projecting Reddy as a key player intensified his influence. Leading in Kamareddy, a BRS stronghold, and Kodangal, Reddy's strategic moves pose a substantial challenge to Chief Minister KCR, hinting at a seismic shift in Telangana's political landscape.

Though the BJP did not formally name any chief ministerial pick in Rajasthan, ex-CM Vasundhara Raje, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and cabinet member Arjun Ram Meghwal are seen as leading contenders as the party unseats Congress in the 2023 polls, keeping in line with Rajasthan's incumbent voting trend. Two-time CM Raje, 70, has been BJP's foremost face in the state for two decades. Shekhawat, 56, provides a Rajput identity, defeated CM Gehlot's son in 2019, and holds RSS backing. Known as an efficient administrator, 69-year-old Meghwal boasts PM Modi's trust and would give BJP a Dalit perspective. With the Congress poised to be ousted from the seats of power, Raje, Shekhawat, and Meghwal may lead in becoming BJP's choice for Rajasthan's Chief Minister.

CT Ravi, a prominent Karnataka BJP leader, took a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on social media as initial election trends indicated BJP leading in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. Referencing Rahul's earlier 'panauti' remark against PM Modi, Ravi provocatively asked, 'Who is the biggest Panauti?' The comment adds a layer of political rivalry amid the ongoing electoral updates. Rahul Gandhi, who had accused Modi of jinxing India's World Cup loss, faces a show-cause notice from the Election Commission. Ravi's timely jab injects a dose of political banter into the unfolding election drama.

The BJP, led by Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan, is poised for a landslide victory in Madhya Pradesh. Chouhan eyes a historic fourth term as the BJP dominates the Assembly election results. The 'Ladli Behna Yojana,' a women-centric scheme, played a pivotal role in winning voter support. Chouhan attributes the success to the double engine BJP government and the charisma of PM Modi. As the celebrations begin at BJP headquarters in Bhopal, the Ladli Behnas are hailed for their significant contribution to the party's impressive performance. With 137 seats leading, BJP crosses the halfway mark, solidifying its dominance in Madhya Pradesh.