Modi Suffers Setback With Big Loss in India State Election

Defeat emboldens opponents who have blocked reforms like GST
Stocks, currency expected to drop when markets open Monday

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Photographer: Arvind Yadav/Hindustan Times via Getty Images

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By Unni Krishnan

November 8, 2015 at 6:09 AM UTC

Updated on

November 9, 2015 at 2:10 AM UTC

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi suffered one of his biggest setbacks since taking office with a defeat in a crucial state election, dealing a blow to his push for economic reforms.

His opponents led by incumbent Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar won 73 percent of seats in the state’s 243-member assembly, with the Modi-led National Democratic Alliance taking 24 percent.