What does the verdict mean?

If proof were needed of BJP's emergence as the preeminent party with a national footprint, the fact that it's got double the number of seats of the No. 2 party (Sena) in Maharashtra and won Haryana for the first time establishes the new reality emphatically. Here is what we can decode from the verdict:

* There's a shift from fragmentation of polity.

* The national mood seems to be in favour of a single party of promise rather than the narrow appeal of regional formations.

* Reconfirms Modi's status as the country's tallest politician whose charisma trumps regional considerations; Amit Shah follows him in influence.

* Settles debate over who's 'senior' within saffron brigade in Maharashtra — a point Shiv Sena kept harping on while denying BJP a more equitable seat share. Raj Thackeray towards irrelevance.

* Biggest-ever setback for Cong in Maharashtra and its drubbing in Haryana continues its slide across the country.

* Bad day for dynasties: Gandhis, Thackerays, Chautalas and Bhajan Lal family fare poorly.

* Is Right the new way ahead? Seems so, with voters coming to terms with Modi, the man who promises development but also comes with unabashed allegiance to Hindutva.

* Two seats won by MIM indicates Congress and SP's Muslim base is eroding.

* Reforms set to speed up.