Delhi polls to test Modi policy and AAP promises

Significance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won only three seats and the Congress none. The results end the run of three successive state election victories for the BJP, raising doubts about the appeal of Modi's 'pro-business' reform agenda. They also raise questions over whether an AAP government is up to the challenge of promoting inclusive development for Delhi's 20 million inhabitants.

Impacts

• Full statehood for Delhi would help local authorities meet the city's economic needs, but the central government is unlikely to agree.
• Modi's government will come under pressure to replace reform rhetoric with concrete policies.
• Bihar will prove the next most important political test for the BJP's hope for one-party dominance.