ZCZC
BFF-19
INDIA-VOTE-RAJASTHAN
Modi’s Maharani fights key Indian state election
JODHPUR, India, Dec 7, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – The Indian state of Rajasthan voted
Friday in an election that is a key test for Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
with a local princess representing his party facing a tough fight to stay in
power.
The vote in the western state famous for its palaces and forts, home to 47
million people, is one of five state elections before Modi runs for a second
term in national polls in 2019.
Results from Rajasthan, as well as for Telangana, also voting on Friday,
plus Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram — which have already cast
ballots — will be published on December 12.
Vasundhara Raje, Rajasthan’s chief minister and a charismatic “Maharani”
or female Maharaja representing Modi’s BJP, swept to power in a landslide in
2013.
But her personal popularity has waned, with critics calling her as
autocratic and out of touch of the interests of ordinary people.
Her government has also been criticised for her handling of caste protests
and for failing to boost investment and create jobs.
The election is seen as something of a dry run for 2019, with Modi and his
likely rival, Rahul Gandhi of the Congress party, both campaigning actively
in the state.
BSS/AFP/MR/ 1020 hrs