India’s biggest state begins voting in key test of Narendra Modi popularity

If BJP holds Uttar Pradesh it would bolster ruling party's claim for third victory in 2024 parliamentary polls

India's most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, has begun voting in the first of a series of local elections that will be a test of the popularity of the prime minister, Narendra Modi, and his ruling party.

With a population almost as big as that of Brazil, keeping power in the bellwether state would bolster the Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) in its claim for a third successive victory at nationwide parliamentary polls due by 2024.