On October 5, 2024, India's northern state of Haryana is conducting local elections that will serve as a crucial test of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's support among farmers who are increasingly dissatisfied with government policies regarding crop prices.
Approximately 20 million registered voters are expected to participate in the election for 90 seats in the local assembly. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been in power in Haryana for a decade, secured 40 seats in the previous election held in 2019. However, analysts and farmer groups suggest that the BJP may be at risk of losing its control over the state legislature due to growing unrest among the agricultural community.
The outcome of these elections could have significant implications for Modi's government at the national level, especially as it reflects the agricultural sector's sentiments, which are vital to India's economy.
Source: bloomberg.com