In counter-attacks, Congress challenged the central government to conduct upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections using paper ballots, while maintaining demands regarding the Election Commission. Meanwhile, the BJP faced setbacks after losing key council seats, including Varanasi to the Samajwadi Party, which triggered local protests over counting processes, as well as Nagpur.
Analysts noted that both parties face introspection, with Congress struggling despite the use of ballot papers—including losses in Karnataka—and the BJP conceding crucial strongholds in Uttar Pradesh.