Modi’s BJP faces uphill battle in key Indian state elections as coalition partners gain sway

Facing a potential loss of ground in coming state elections, India’s ruling BJP is grappling with waning popularity and a resurgent opposition

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Facing a potential loss of ground in upcoming Indian state elections, Narenda Modi’s ruling BJP is struggling to maintain its grip on power. Photo: dpa

Published: 3:30pm, 25 Aug 2024Updated: 3:32pm, 25 Aug 2024

After failing to secure an outright majority in national polls, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) risks losing more ground in four coming state elections, analysts said.

Earlier this month, India’s election regulator announced that elections will be held in the northern state of Haryana, as well as Jammu and Kashmir, between September 18 to October 1, followed by polling in Maharashtra and Jharkhand before the end of the year. The exact dates for the latter two states are yet to be determined.

The chances of victory for Modi’s BJP are uncertain in at least three of the four states – Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, and Maharashtra, analysts said.

The repercussions for the ruling party could be significant, given that it is dependent on coalition partners in the federal government to stay in power.

“Coalition partners will seek to consolidate their leverage over the BJP, but it will all depend on how the BJP performs in the state elections,” said Sandeep Shastri, national coordinator of Lok Niti Network, which studies elections.

The BJP is heavily dependent on two regional parties – Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party and Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal United, for its third term.