UP election results 2017: Modi wave resurrects, BJP heads towards clear majority

The initial trends from the vote counting centres in Uttar Pradesh have indicated what some exit polls had predicted two days ago. The trends are pointing towards a big victory for the BJP in country's most populous state or at least place it in the pole position. 

Though the BJP workers are sceptical this time considering the fiasco in the Bihar elections, the trends clearly show a stunning comeback for the saffron party in the politically-prized state. 

It can also be termed as the verdict on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's sudden decision in November to abolish high-denomination banknotes to rein in corruption.

It is the same state that formed the backbone of Modi’s Lok Sabha campaign in 2014 when the BJP won 71 of 80 seats.

It was termed as Modi tsunami. It seems that the same tsunami has resurrected in the state.

Live Election Results 2017: Massive Modi wave in Uttar Pradesh as BJP leads; Congress sweeps Punjab, to return in Goa

Elections in India are notoriously hard to predict and exit polls are often proved wrong. Pollsters were left red-faced in 2015 after predicting a BJP win in Bihar. The actual result proved to be otherwise. 

But this time, even the first 90 minutes of vote counting mirrored the public sentiments. By 9.30am, the BJP was ahead in 200 seats in the 403-member assembly.

It also showed that the ruling Samajwadi Party along with its ally failed to cash-in on the development card with its 'Kaam Bolta Hai' slogan. 
BSP, which was the second largest party in 2012 polls, too failed to impress the voters.

So, what clicked for BJP?

It's a no secret that all the rival parties were targeting BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi rather than focussing on what they had to offer to the people.

The fear-mongering or negative campaigning (in better words) triggered a massive wave and electoral tilt towards the saffron party which was out of power for the past 15 years.

Live UP Election Results 2017 updates: BJP+ ahead on 265; SP-Cong struggling at 73; BSP leads on 28

Also, the ruling party's internal feud took its toll on Akhilesh's hopes and his government's tall claims of development fell flat in the first 90 minutes of the vote counting.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself played the major role in BJP's soaring fortunes.

He led party's high-octain campaigns throughout the month addressing huge rallies and participating in road shows.

Now, when the party is moving towards a clear majority, it is high time when its rivals start introspecting rather than targeting it on every drop of hat.