Indian states vote in key test for opposition and PM Modi ahead of 2024 national election

ABC News:

NEW DELHI — Two Indian states began voting in local elections on Tuesday in a test of strength for India’s opposition, which is pitted against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party ahead of a crucial national vote scheduled for next year.

The elections in central Chhattisgarh and northeastern Mizoram states, along with polls in three others states over the next three weeks, are expected to give an indication of voter mood before India’s political parties gear up for nationwide elections in 2024 in which Modi is eyeing a third consecutive term.

A second round of voting in Chhattisgarh will be held on Nov. 17 along with polls in central Madhya Pradesh state. Polls in two more states, western Rajasthan and southern Telangana, will be held Nov. 23 and Nov. 30. Votes in all five states will be counted on Dec. 3 and results will be declared the same day.

The Indian National Congress, India’s main opposition party, holds power in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party rules Madhya Pradesh and its regional ally is in power in Mizoram. Telangana is ruled by a strong regional party.

The Congress party also leads the INDIA alliance, which is aiming to keep Modi’s increasingly powerful sway at bay. The acronym, which stands for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, comprises India’s previously fractured opposition parties.