Indian Prime Minister Modi's chances of re-election receive a significant boost with key victories in state polls.

Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to win three out of the four key state elections in India ahead of the crucial general elections next year. The BJP has a strong lead in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, while the Congress is comfortably ahead in the southern state of Telangana. These elections served as an indicator of Modi's prospects in securing a historic third term in the upcoming general elections, but the results show that a stronger performance by the Congress does not necessarily indicate a setback for the BJP. State elections in India focus on regional concerns, while general elections revolve around national-level issues. Despite this, the BJP's victory in these states is significant as the party has often fallen short in state elections. Regaining control of Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh and retaining Madhya Pradesh means that the BJP is becoming increasingly dominant in the "Hindi heartland" of northern and central India. On the other hand, the elections were crucial for the Congress, as an improved performance would have boosted its morale and positioned the party as the leader of the opposition alliance. However, the Congress struggled to convert state victories into success in national elections in the past and is now even struggling to retain its state governments. The elections were influenced by factors such as caste, identity, and the appeal of BJP's Hindu nationalism, as well as welfare promises. BJP's welfare initiatives, such as providing free grain and a monthly stipend to eligible women, played a role in its resurgence in Madhya Pradesh. These initiatives highlight the vulnerable lives of millions of Indians who rely on state handouts. A nationwide poll showed that Modi's popularity remains strong after his decade in power. The BJP's strong organization, resources, governance, and media support position Modi and his party to potentially win a third term in the upcoming general elections.