Indians vote in state polls

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FE Team | Published: October 16, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: October 15, 2014 21:56:21

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MUMBAI, Oct 15 (AFP): Tens of millions voted in Indian state elections Wednesday in the first major test of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity since he stormed to power in May on a pledge to reform the economy.
Five months after Modi's rightwing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won a landslide national victory, voters are electing two assemblies-Haryana in the north and the huge western state of Maharashtra, of which Mumbai is the capital.
Modi has campaigned extensively, particularly in Maharashtra, aware that an endorsement in state polls and especially in India's financial capital could help him push through his promised economic reforms.
"Urging the people of Haryana & Maharashtra to go out & cast their votes. Youngsters must show the way & ensure record turnout," Modi tweeted early Wednesday.
The BJP is expected to benefit from anger and fatigue towards the Congress party, which was kicked out of central government in May and has held power in Maharashtra for 15 years and in Haryana for a decade.
The BJP has taken a gamble on its popularity and is campaigning alone in both states after severing ties with its allies, including the far-right Shiv Sena, its partner in Maharashtra for 25 years.
Modi came to power promising to wipe out widespread corruption and revive the flagging economy, but he is yet to bring in much-needed major reforms to revive growth.
Instead, the nationalist leader has focused on smaller initiatives including bank accounts for the poor. The "big-bang" reforms such as changes in goods and services taxes could prove unpopular and need state support to succeed.
Success for the BJP would also strengthen its power in the national upper house of parliament, crucial for the passing of contentious laws. The BJP currently lacks a majority in that chamber whose composition is based on seats won in regional assemblies.