Unemployment, distrust cloud Bihar polls

Bihar election crucial for Modi’s coalition stability as PM faces voter anger

- REUTERS

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s national alliance faces a tough regional election in the state of Bihar next month, due to youth unemployment and distrust over voter rolls, which could pose risks to his coalition that relies on regional partners.

Bihar, in eastern India, is one of the country's poorest states and its third most populous, with over 130 million people. Its chief minister Nitish Kumar has previously sided with both Modi and the opposition, but is currently a key partner in Modi’s National Democratic Alliance.

The state is part of a politically crucial heartland region and any cracks within the NDA in November's assembly vote in Bihar could threaten Modis coalition, with elections to follow within months in the states of Assam, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, Modis national alliance, which has 293 out of 543 seats in the Parliament, has a strong voter base only in Assam.

WOMEN ARE A KEY VOTING BLOC IN TIGHT POLL