Is the Modi charisma fading?

This election, there were two star campaigners - Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi - both projected as prime ministers in waiting.

But now, they are facing two very different results; while Rahul won 75 seats, Modi got just 37.

One a hero and the other, back with a thud from the national stage to state politics.

As the BJP licks its wounds, the man who was considered L K Advani's successor, suddenly stands isolated.

"There is no full stop in politics and my future will be what the people of Gujarat want it to be I will serve them earnestly," said Narendra Modi, Chief minister, Gujarat.

Besides Gujarat, Modi was made election in-charge of 52 seats in western India. But the BJP and allies who got 40 last time managed just 37 this time. And despite holding around 300 rallies across the country and emerging a star campaigner Modi effect failed to impress the voters nationally.

Already, NDA allies have started questioning the prominence given to Modi during the campaign.

When asked if Modi's being projected as the leader for 2014, backfired, JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav said, "During this time, a lot of names surfaced. Nitish opposed when a name from our patry surfaced. When the BJP candidate was fixed, projecting some other's name created an illusion, which created problems."

The biggest shock this election was when Modi disappointed even on his home turf where the BJP expected a near total victory.

BJP gained one seat since 2004; Modi's candidates lost in 8 seats and  Haren Pathak and Rajendrasinh Rana won despite Modi's opposition.

The Gujarat BJP still cannot digest the setback.

"We accept that the results have not been upto the mark. But Narendra Modi put in all his effort wherever he went to ensure victory for the party," said Purshottam Rupala, Gujarat BJP chief.

As the BJP ponders over what went wrong, Narendra Modi could find himself isolated to Gujarat. But as a mass leader who gave the party two successive victories in Gujarat, he can't be written off so soon.