Narendra Modi’s alliance falls short of expected election landslide triggering stock market drops

Supporters throw petals on Indian prime minister Narendra Modi as he arrives at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters in New Delhi. Photo: Reuters

YP Rajesh

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi’s alliance was headed for a narrow majority as vote-counting in the general election neared completion yesterday, with its tally well short of an expected landslide in a surprise setback for the populist leader.

Mr Modi’s own Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was falling short of a majority of its own in the 543-member parliament, the trends showed. Having to depend on allies to form the government could introduce some uncertainty into policymaking after a decade in which Mr Modi has ruled with an authoritative hold.