As veteran journalist M J Akbar observed at that time, Congress advised its workers to avoid to be seen with Muslims in Hindu dominated areas. Not only this, Sonia met a number of Sadhu and saints just to convey the message that she was also pro-Hindu in her approach. But all these well-laid plans went awry and Modi won the assembly elections handsomely.
In 2007 assembly elections, Sonia Gandhi changed tack and attacked Narendra Modi vociferously. He went to the extent of branding Narendra Modi ‘Maut ka saudagar (Merchant of death)'. But this one statement of Sonia Gandhi provided a new vigour to Narendra Modi's campaign and he used this to the hilt and the Modi's electorate decided to stand firmly behind Modi as he was seen as being unnecessarily demonized by Sonia Gandhi. BJP finally won 117 seats and Congress was once again defeated comprehensively.