The BJP may raise in a stronger position against rival Congress and its partners in Gujarat, but the Congress shed is visibly buzzing calling the better-than-expected numbers a "win" already.  One of the most notable causes the analysts have been attributing the strengthened Congress numbers is anti-incumbency. The BJP has single-handedly ruled the state for 22 years. Anti-incumbency could thus be a reason for the better numbers of Congress.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah have been architects of the BJP's strength in Gujarat. This is the first elections, where the PM Modi- Amit Shah pair is more focused on the national politics in Delhi. The verdict is thus likely to be viewed as a reaction to the local BJP leadership in Gujarat.

Contrary to earlier polls, wherein it was the UPA-led government at the center, the central government this time is BJP. The party's decisions at the center are thus likely to have affected the voter mindset or perception. While it is too early to credit Rahul Gandhi's coronation as party President for the perceivably improved performance of the Congress, the storm he created against demonetization, GST could have had some impact on the.

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