India PM’s party tightens grip on power with strong wins in two state polls
Popular Indian prime minister's right-wing BJP claims convincing victories in two key states
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's right-wing party has snatched election victory in two key Indian states, tightening its grip on power after storming to government nationally five months ago.
Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party was leading in Maharashtra, of which financial hub Mumbai is the capital, well ahead of its centre-left rival Congress party which has ruled the western state for 15 years.
"BJP will definitely form the government in Maharashtra," a triumphant BJP state president Devendra Fadnavis said in Mumbai, flashing a victory sign, as vote counting continued.
Celebrations erupted at BJP headquarters in Mumbai, with supporters lighting firecrackers, sharing sweets, throwing flower petals and shouting "long live mother India".
The BJP also won in northern Haryana, which borders New Delhi, handing the once-powerful Congress a humiliating defeat after its 10-year rule of the state.
The defeat was yet another blow for the ailing Congress, whose Gandhi dynasty has produced three prime ministers, following its thumping loss to the BJP at the national polls in May.