HT Take: The Amit Shah factor in BJP’s victory in Uttar Pradesh

Amit Shah's contribution in BJP's thumping victory cannot be overlooked. His hard work of years is paying off rich dividends. The massive BJP victory in Uttar Pradesh – combined with the results in Uttarakhand, amounts to a sweep of the old, pre-bifurcation UP – is arguably a greater achievement for the party. Early counting showed the BJP's vote share in Uttar Pradesh to be more than 40%. A stunning achievement likely to be credited to Amit Shah, the BJP president and Modi's chief election strategist. The party got 42% votes in Lok Sabha elections in 2014. A jubilant Amit Shah called this victory the biggest mandate since Independence.