Indian PM Modi’s party heading for big win in his home state

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Hindu nationalist party on Thursday looked set to retain control in his home state of Gujarat following a record state legislature win, but it was trailing behind its rival Congress party in northern Himachal Pradesh state.
The landslide win in Modi’s home state is expected to provide a big boost to the party ahead of national elections due in 2024. The BJP has not lost state assembly elections in the western industrial state since 1995. Modi was Gujarat’s top elected official for 13 years before becoming prime minister in 2014. Modi’s party remains popular despite criticism of rising inflation, unemployment and religious polarization.
According to India’s autonomous Election Commission, the BJP was leading in 158 out of 182 seats in the Gujarat state legislature and the Congress party was ahead in 16 seats. The Congress party was leading in 40 of 68 seats in the Himachal Pradesh state legislature, against BJP’s 25 seats. Results are expected later Thursday.