India’s Powerful State Leader to Resign, Boosting Modi’s Grip

Narendra Modi’s key ally in Bihar is set to step down as chief minister, a move that could give the prime minister’s ruling party greater scope to consolidate its control in the politically crucial state.

Nitish Kumar — head of the regional Janata Dal (United) party, which is an important coalition partner for the Bharatiya Janata Party — said he will seek election to the upper house of Parliament, bringing to an end his two-decade tenure leading the eastern Indian state.