Admitting that the two-week-long crisis in the Yeddyurappa government in Karnataka had dented the image of BJP, its state unit chief D V Sadananda Gowda on Monday felt it would take some time to strengthen the "bond" in the party.

Terming yesterday's deal in New Delhi to bring about a truce between the warring factions as "just a beginning" and Gowda told reporters that it was not time yet for celebrations. "It needs more days to celebrate. We need to improve our bonds".

He said the party had (so far only) succeeded in bringing the "faraway minds near".

"We are not foolish to believe that we will solve all issues at one go by raising our hands and by smiling (together)", he said.

One needs to solve issues by improving one's behaviour and relationships in stages. "In this direction, we will take our steps successfully," he said.

"BJP's Karnataka unit has learnt many lessons (from the dissident activities). These are not the lessons which can be forgotten. Now we are seriously mulling drawing solutions from these lessons. We will not take anything lightly", he said. Gowda admitted that "the image of the party has certainly been dented (following the dissident activities)".