The Congress is surprised by its own victory in the assembly elections. Although there were a few hundred supporters outside its headquarters at 24, Akbar Road, the calculated efforts to underplay the people's mandate were visible. A senior Congress politician and a minister close to the Prime Minister's Office told the media, "Yes, we do feel we have been saved (bachgaye)," and added, "Now we have time. We read these elections differently. The people of this country believe that India should have a united response against terrorism. We can't do anything without the opposition's support."
He said the most important thing in the coming days will be his government's response to the Mumbai terror attacks [Images].
"The people will see how politicians are tackling terrorism. More than anything else, the people want to see what kind of action we will take."
He said, "The political action the Congress took after the Mumbai terror attacks did help the party in the elections."
"Now, the Lok Sabha elections will be held only after the government tackles Pakistan over the Mumbai attacks."
He said the government is confident of handling political issues better than before after this mandate.