Rahul Gandhi is leading in both Rae Bareli and Wayanad.

As the vote counting continues, early indications point towards a formidable challenge from the opposition INDIA bloc against the ruling NDA, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s return seeming likely. However, the opposition shows no signs of conceding just yet.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut expresses confidence in the INDIA bloc’s prospects, asserting that the next Prime Minister will come from their alliance. Raut is also confident of a growing acceptance of Rahul Gandhi’s leadership among the populace. He even claimed that the country will know it by as early as 12 pm on June 4.

He told reporters, “If Congress crosses the mark of 100 Lok Sabha seats, INDIA alliance will come to power…The Congress party could even reach the mark of 150 Lok Sabha seats…If Congress emerges as the biggest party, the Prime Minister will be from the Congress party…It is the wish of the nation that Rahul Gandhi should lead the nation…”

Raut’s remarks echo Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s recent endorsement of Rahul Gandhi as the INDIA bloc’s prime ministerial candidate. Raut said that Rahul Gandhi was not just Kharge’s choice but the country’s choice (for PM). He said we (INDIA bloc parties) will stand with Rahul Gandhi as he worked hard across the country and demolished the BJP.

Kharge underscored Gandhi’s tireless efforts across the nation and his resilience against the BJP’s onslaught.

Responding to speculations about his own candidacy, Kharge defers to his party’s decision. “In Congress, our great leader Rahul Gandhi is there. Why should they unnecessarily bring my name? My party will decide my fate,” Kharge had said. “I want my leader Rahul to become PM. Our young leader is known to the entire country now. Rahul worked so hard. He is facing so many cases. If anybody asks me, my preference will be Rahul (for the PM’s post),” he added.

Raut predicts a shift in the political landscape post-June 4, expressing faith in the INDIA bloc’s ability to dethrone the BJP. “After June 4, the wheels will turn the other way in the country. We have no anxiety and no fear. We are defeating the BJP. The seventh phase of the election was completed on Saturday. Taking the Election Commission (EC) in hand, PM Narendra Modi has taken his convenient dates. Narendra Modi purposefully kept his own election at the end by looking at the dates of celebrities in politics,” Raut said.