Lucknow:
For a party which had become almost a non-player in the politics of Uttar Pradesh, the revival of the Congress in the state is a truly remarkable story. A lot of it has to do with the tireless efforts of leaders such as Rahul Gandhi and their role in rebuilding the party organisation at the grassroots.
By winning almost one-fourth seats in UP, Rahul Gandhi has also silenced his critics who doubted his capabilities of expanding the party's vote base beyond the Congress strongholds of Amethi and Bareilly.
An example of the Congress excitement across the state is seen at the party office in Lucknow. Though the party contested 69 seats - fewer than last time, but did exceedingly well doubling its tally.
Thus, it is not surprising that the word everyone is using to describe this -- resurgence.
"I think Rahul Gandhi should be the Prime Minister now," Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said.
In fact, the state Congress cadre is keen that a UPA government at the Centre does not involve any SP participation. But for now, the Congress story has shifted the ground away from the BSP, which is left with no role to play.