Modi’s First India Poll Test Since Covid Goes Down to the Wire
- Final results expected after votes are counted on Tuesday
- Exit polls predict a win for young political challenger
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Photographer: Sachin Kumar/AFP/Getty Images
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party, which is in coalition with the ruling alliance in Bihar, is fighting a tough battle to retain control of the eastern state.
Vote counting has been slowed significantly by Covid-19 protocols, and there was no clear verdict by late Tuesday night. With 150 results declared from the 243 seats, the ruling coalition that includes Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party has won 78 electorates and was leading in 45. The opposition grouping, led by the charismatic 31-year-old politician Tejashwi Yadav, has taken 67 seats and was ahead in 46. Most exit polls had shown citizens rejecting the ruling coalition in favor of the opposition alliance.