Modi’s party poised for big wins in Indian state elections

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party is set to win two of ⁠four crucial state elections, expand its influence and weaken its key rival halfway into his third term in office. Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was expected to return to power in the eastern state of ⁠ Assam for the third straight term and was ahead in West Bengal, based on counting trends on the Election Commission website on Monday. Recommended Stories list of 4 items end of list Elections in five states and territories took place in April and May with the BJP seeking to make inroads into opposition-held states, which would bolster Modi’s ability to tackle a series of economic and foreign policy challenges, including a high unemployment rate and a pending trade deal with the United States. Modi, his closest aide and Home ‌Minister Amit Shah, and several senior BJP leaders have campaigned extensively in West Bengal for weeks, focusing on what they called “illegal immigration” from Bangladesh and the weak local economy under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Banerjee is a fierce critic of Modi and a key member of India’s opposition alliance. She has been in power in the state since 2011. The BJP has never governed West Bengal. Trends released by the Election Commission of India on Monday showed the ruling party leading in 176 out of 294 seats in West Bengal. Banerjee, speaking before the count, insisted her party would win. “The BJP is not coming. Take my word for it,” she said. …