Photo:© EPA/ HARISH TYAGI

According to the latest exit polls, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has found itself in an awkward position, lagging behind its rivals in several key states. This development could be a powerful impetus for opposition forces in the country, especially in the context of the upcoming elections.

According to polls, the Indian National Congress has a good chance of winning in the northern state of Haryana, traditionally dominated by the BJP. At the same time, in Jammu and Kashmir, where no party is likely to win a clear majority, Congress allies are gaining a significant advantage.

These results, while not final, signal possible voter discontent, likely related to the loss of state autonomy after the state is stripped of its status in 2019. The official results are expected on 8 October, but it is already possible to see how these results could strengthen the opposition’s position ahead of important elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand.

According to Bloomberg, the changing political landscape in India could mean a new stage in the struggle for power as parties try to adapt to voters’ demands and expectations. It is noted that the decline in the BJP’s popularity may indicate wider dissatisfaction with the government’s policies, and this may allow opposition forces to come to the fore in the next election.

Time will tell whether the opposition will be able to capitalise on this momentum. However, the results of these elections are already casting doubt on the BJP’s undisputed dominance in Indian politics.