NEW DELHI (AP) — Preliminary voting trends released by India’s electoral body indicate Prime Minister Narendra Modi has failed to make gains in four recent state elections. It’s a sign that his Hindu nationalist party’s strength may be slipping, as the country struggles to contain an unprecedented surge in coronavirus cases. Modi stands weakened by the state elections, but the disappointing results pose no threat to him staying on as prime minister. The independent Election Commission will release the final results late Sunday. Health experts say massive electoral rallies and marches amid voting in March and April are partly to blame for the subsequent COVID-19 spike, which has collapsed India’s tattered health care system.
Indian leader’s party takes electoral hit amid virus surge
