Election results give Modi’s rivals some hope

Significance

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), retained a majority in Assam and won in Puducherry. It fared less well elsewhere: the BJP failed to gain power in West Bengal, despite campaigning especially hard there.

Impacts

• Violence in West Bengal involving rival supporters will likely continue for several more weeks.
• BJP strategists will now focus on the 2022 Uttar Pradesh election, determined to ensure the party holds power in that key state.
• Congress, India’s main opposition party, faces a deepening crisis of confidence after its underwhelming poll performance.