India’s ruling BJP wins 3 of 4 states in elections that pitted Modi’s party against Congress

NEW DELHI (AP) — Results show India’s ruling Hindu nationalist party won in three of four state elections in a crucial vote that pitted the main opposition party against that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi before national polls next year. Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party wrested control of Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan states from Indian National Congress and was reelected in Madhya Pradesh for a record fifth term. The Congress party comfortably won in Telangana state. The elections were held last month. Polling in India is generally done in phases owing to the large population. Modi will seek reelection next year, but Congress has dented his party’s image of invincibility by toppling local BJP governments in other state elections.