India State Polls Test Modi’s Handling of War-Led Shortages

Prime Minister Narendra Modi faces a key electoral test as voters in key Indian states head to the polls, with his handling of cooking gas shortages and industrial disruptions triggered by the Middle East crisis emerging as a central issue.

The month-long regional polls kick off Thursday, with millions of voters across four states and a federally administered territory. Voting begins in Assam, Kerala and the coastal Puducherry, followed by Tamil Nadu and West Bengal later in April. Results for all regions will be announced on May 4.