BJP claims election victory in four states including Uttar Pradesh

Win secures status of chief minister Yogi Adityanath, a Hindu monk known for his hardline views

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata party has claimed victory in four significant state elections, in a sign of the sweeping power of Hindu nationalist politics across the country.

In a crucial win, the BJP defied historical precedent and retained power in Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous and politically significant state with over 180 million voters. Early results on Thursday showed the party had won at least 266 out of 403 seats, giving it a clear majority.