Key take-aways for the BJP in the bitter-sweet Karnataka victory

It was a bitter-sweet victory for the BJP in Karnataka. Although it fell short of the majority mark of 112 in the 224 member House, it managed to emerge as the single largest party in the state at 104. The JD(S)-Congress moved quickly to form the government and currently all are awaiting for a final call to be taken by the Governor, Vajubhai Vala.

The BJP has termed this victory as historic and its president, Amit Shah said that the BJP will win all elections from now.

"Our victory is not going to stop. We will win all coming election and the 2019 general election for the Lok Sabha with a margin bigger than 2014," BJP president Amit Shah told party workers.

The BJP feels that this victory would give it the necessary push ahead of three crucial elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh. It would be defending its seats in all these states, elections to which will be held this year. The Karnataka win is a big boost and it also signals that the Congress is losing further ground.

One of the biggest challenges for the BJP ahead of the election was the unity of its state unit. The party managed to set aside all its differences and fought as a united front. This was visible in the manner in which the party campaigned during the elections.

At the start of the campaign, the party was plagued with strategy worries. It was however quick to identify the problems and set its house in order. Its core vote base, the Lingayats appeared shaky at the start with the Congress deciding to accord minority status.

However the BJP decided to stay mum about it and this helped the party bag the Lingayat votes in large numbers.