As the country knows Prime Minister Narendra Modi on today  welcomed the results of the elections in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh as indicative of "strong support for politics of good governance and development."

"I salute the hardworking BJP Karyakartas in these states for their hard work which has led to these impressive victories," tweeted PM Modi, in his first reaction to the developments, He also promised the people of the two states that his party would leave "no stone unturned" in serving them and "be furthering the development journey."

 As the trends began to show a BJP victory in both states, PM Modi had reacted by flashing the victory sign at cameras outside Parliament. In Gujarat, the BJP is clearly ahead in 101 of the 182 seats. In Himachal Pradesh, it has won 11 seats and is leading in 33 others.

It may be noted that prior to the elections, Congress was in power in Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Mizoram, and Meghalaya. With Himachal Pradesh gone, the party is thus reduced to just four states in the country. While the elections are already being viewed as a precursor to the 2019 General elections, a higher number of states in its pocket will also help the BJP in Rajya Sabha where it is currently in a relatively weaker position against Lok Sabha.