Millions vote as India begins series of state elections

Millions of Indians queued to vote in local elections in two states on Thursday, kicking off four key contests this month amid a war in the Middle East that has triggered some fuel shortages, even though Prime Minister Narendra Modi has kept domestic prices in check.



State elections do not directly affect the stability of India’s federal government but are closely watched as a test of voter sentiment toward the ruling coalition.



Opinion polls predict an easy win for an alliance led by Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in one state and tight contests in two others.



The fourth is likely to stay with the opposition.



Voting was under way in Assam and Kerala, along with the federally administered territory of Puducherry, while West Bengal and Tamil Nadu will vote later this month.



Results from all the elections are due on May 4.



A BJP-led alliance has ruled Assam for two successive terms and is expected to win again, according to public opinion platform Vote Vibe, while the opposition is set to retain Kerala.