Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a masterful salesman. No matter how much his critics try and put him down, he always finds a way to sell his ideas and achievements to the general public. But that isn't to say that the voters will forget some misfires that the government in power has been guilty of and therefore it becomes very important for Modi to carefully chart his role in the 2019 elections.

Here are five incredibly sensitive time-bombs that the PM will need to sidestep in order to win convincingly in 2019.

1. Alienating The Indian Middle Class

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With demonetisation, the hasty implementation of GST and the rising fuel prices, the Modi government risks alienating the Indian middle class that voted in large numbers for the BJP in 2014. These are issues that hurt the general public and no matter how much you sugarcoat it, it's still going to affect the results in the end. While Modi would do well to give a tax rate cut to the salaried class, smoothening the teething issues in GST implementation would go a long way in bringing back the hardcore BJP voter base.

2. Loudmouth Loose-Cannon Leaders

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BJP won such a massive mandate in 2014 because, under Narendra Modi, most of the leadership was focused and disciplined till the end. That discipline seems to be missing as of right now as leaders from within the party and far-right seem to be running a shadow government highlighting the Hindutva narrative. While it's a strategy that has reaped dividends in some state elections, the general elections usually follow a different trend because a secular voice always seems to resonate well with the urban class.

3. Underestimating The Opposition

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Only a fool would underestimate his opponents and that is a trap that Modi should avoid at all costs. Since the Gujarat elections, Congress President Rahul Gandhi seems to be more confident and vocal against the government and regional parties could wreak havoc if not outplayed tactically. A good mandate in the past does not guarantee a similar victory in the future and Modi must learn from India's history so as to be humble when it's time for the general elections in 2019.

4. Forgetting The Minorities For Hindu Vote Base

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India is secular no matter what the bhakts would have you believe and Modi is still the Prime Minister of India and not just Hindus. Alienating the minorities in the run-up to the general elections might cost the BJP dearly next year.

5. Communalization And Polarization Of Elections

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Pitting one group of people against the other might not be a useful strategy, because with the advent of social media people can see through all lies with just a tap on their mobile screens. The government must, therefore, communicate the achievements of the past five years precisely and effectively instead of resorting to dirty tricks which might actually backfire.