2017 Assembly elections explained: Modi's massive win in 2014 was no fluke

There is always a tendency to read too much, or too little, into poll verdicts. But even with this caveat, it is difficult to not be swayed by the scale and sweep of the BJP’s victory in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, its spectacular rise in Manipur, and its ability to stay in the fight in Goa despite splitting from its erstwhile partners and an internal revolt.

In Punjab, where the defeat of the Akali-BJP coalition was foretold, the development worth noting is not the Congress’ thumping victory, but the underwhelming performance of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). In terms