Modi's ruling party ahead in crucial state polls in India
ABC News
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party has a commanding lead in crucial state polls, despite his government’s criticized handling of COVID-19, soaring unemployment and farmer protests
NEW DELHI -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party had a commanding lead in India’s most populous state as votes were counted Thursday, despite his government’s criticized handling of COVID-19, soaring unemployment and farmer protests.
Trends in the poll data shared by India’s Election Commission showed the Bharatiya Janata Party comfortably leading in Uttar Pradesh state in polls that were seen as a crucial test for Modi’s popularity before national elections in 2024. Modi’s BJP was also ahead in three more states, while India’s main opposition party Congress was facing a rout in Punjab, data showed.
The final tally for five states — Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa — where voters went to the polls over a month to cast their ballots was expected by Thursday evening at the earliest.
Thursday’s results, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, are seen as a referendum on Modi’s popularity and a resounding endorsement of his party's Hindu-first politics. They will also dent the hopes of India’s opposition parties which are banking to form a united front to challenge Modi in the next general elections.
