BJP's big wins in UP, Uttarakhand are a thumbs-up for Brand Modi

In a thumping victory for Brand Modi, UP and Uttarakhand have given BJP a clear mandate to form the government signalling their intention to be part of the saffron party’s reform agenda. The assembly elections were largely seen as a referendum on PM Narendra Modi’s popularity which took a beating, however minor, following the disruptive cash ban. But in a show of faith, Uttar Pradesh with 404 constituencies offered up 302 of those to BJP, while Uttarkhand responded with a show of strength gifting 54 seats in a 70-strong assembly. What this proves more than anything is BJP’s street cred which has come unscathed through the demonetisation blight.  

Speaking to CNBC-TV18 IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the big change in UP is an endorsement of BJP's good and honest delivery. “Over 280 seats is a rare phenomenon,” he said.

The party has made people aspirational, he said. “There is an urge to change their lives.”

Talking up the clean image of the Centre, he said there is no corruption in decision-making.

The party’s aim to make India a big country ties in with the results achieved in UP, he maintained.