Modi's win is hardly a surprise. You dont a have to be a Hindu to understand his appeal - he is honest, he is ensuring a good business environment......and Guj. is/was/will remain industrialized (not the only state) for the foreseeable future.
The only 'negative' about Modi - his administration's role in the riots......is seen by the common man as retaliation for the train burning. And hence the victory. So long as Modi ensures a clean administration, and a riot-free state.......which he can with the huge RSS/VHP cadres....at least that is what the common man believes.......he will win in Gujarat.
So far as BJP's claims of a natural phenomenon go, I am not sure of that, though we all can agree on wanting clean and good administrations that ensure growth and prosperity. There is a long list of states that are currently doing that. So I am not sure if this will be a national phenomenon, but good time for Congress to realise that making Manmohan or some other leader is the best way to contest BJP.....not Sonia or Rahul.
