Key polls look set to bring boost to Indian opposition

Significance

Karnataka is currently the only southern state to be governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Congress, the main opposition party nationally, and the regionally influential Janata Dal (Secular) or JD(S) will be the BJP’s main poll rivals.

Impacts

• Even if it encounters a setback, the BJP will remain confident of securing a third successive governing term nationally next year.
• Parties winning fewer votes than anticipated may claim impropriety relating to electronic voter machines.
• There may be sporadic outbreaks of poll-related violence.