India began counting votes in four state elections, with early trends showing a close contest for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party as he seeks a third term in office in 2024.
Three states — Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh — will be key to watch as a testing ground for Modi’s support. Exit polls indicated Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party was poised to retain Madhya Pradesh and possibly swing Rajasthan its way from key rival, the Indian National Congress.