Modi’s governing party ahead in crucial state polls in India
Associated PressNEW 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 criticism of his government’s handling of the pandemic, soaring unemployment and farmer protests. Data from India’s Election Commission showed the Bharatiya Janata Party comfortably ahead in Uttar Pradesh state in voting 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 Congress party was facing a rout in Punjab, the data showed. This anger also set the tone for polls in nearby Punjab state, considered the grain bowl of India, where the Aam Aadmi Party, which was formed in 2013 to fight corruption and has since ruled the national territory of Delhi for two consecutive terms, was attempting to oust the opposition Congress party. Modi’s party is also expected to hold power for a second consecutive term in Uttarakhand state, the Election Commission data showed.