Modi’s party will be relaxed about upcoming polls
Tuesday, January 4, 2022
Significance
Each of these states except Punjab has a government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Punjab is one of just three states with a chief minister that belongs to India’s main opposition Congress party.
Impacts
- A poor showing by Congress would further reduce its leverage with other opposition parties in talks over forming a broad anti-Modi alliance.
- Victory in UP would enhance Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s national profile.
- Election campaigning will likely lead to a spike in COVID-19 cases.