I agree with the analysis. The BJP has just managed face saving in Gujarat- PM's home state. In Himachal, there is tendency to change party in power every time. Congress has well improved in Gujarat. Congress is definitely likely to do better next time. Three is difficulty for BJP in 2019. If congress even mildly improves in BJP ruled states, rulig party in center will at least lose clear majority and will depend more on allies-  even if NDA manages to win Lok Sabha elections. 

Actually for a party to win an election after 22 years of being in power and improve its vote share is credible and that's what BJP has done in Gujrat , so it is not a face saver..It is true that one should never take things for granted because with the kind of opposition that BJP has to take on , they need to outsmart them to remain at the top. The coming state elections in 2018 will be crucial for BJP since the general elections will follow in 2019 and the state election results are bound to have an impact on the general election too..

I totally agree with Usha. For a party to hold a state even after 22 years is in itself a great proof of its credibility and of people trust in its governance. Congress gave a tough fight by playing all that it could...caste, religion, reservation..

Arunima Singh wrote:

I totally agree with Usha. For a party to hold a state even after 22 years is in itself a great proof of its credibility and of people trust in its governance. Congress gave a tough fight by playing all that it could...caste, religion, reservation..

Congress has also proven that it is a bad loser so now is bent on disrupting the Parliament session like they always do when they face some failure..

I agree with all the posters above but we should not forget the role of three youth leaders that supported congress and made a difference on final result. Maybe they indirectly influenced the voters that was instrumental in congress gaining the number of seats finally. However, Loksabha election in  2019 will be the final test for both the major parties.

Probably the young leaders may have helped Congress , but their own future prospect lies in their performance rather than Modi bashing which is what they seem to be doing as of now. But, I do agree that 2019 election may not be a cakewalk for BJP since there will be a lot of players coming in ...so , if they have any sense the BJP leaders should be concentrating on development and ignore the rest who purposely draw attention to themselves  ..

I also felt that in recent times BJP got a little bit of arrogance and even at times the leaders went overboard harming the decorum and sanctity of a mature ruling party. This might keep them in check and detoxify them from the power arrogance which has started slowly seeping in. The narrow margin victory might keep them to the realities of ground and stick to the real agenda

Voters have started realising that they will not vote for perceptions and empty slogans.

That's very true but it works both ways. There is no way a party commits innumerable acts of corruption and still get away just because someone is bringing new excuses and fabricating new slogans with the help of desperate goons. 

I see it as a positive trend where the political representatives will be judged based on their own stature rather than their family background . In fact there is need for a lot more reforms in the selection of candidates etc..