Voting has begun in two of the five Indian states that are set to elect new legislatures this month. This is seen as a significant test for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s chances of winning a third term in the upcoming national election. Both Modi and Rahul Gandhi, leader of the main opposition Congress party, have been campaigning extensively in the states, promising incentives like cash doles, farm loan waivers, subsidies, and insurance covers in an attempt to win over voters. While Gandhi has worked hard to revive Congress since its defeat in the 2019 general elections and form an alliance of regional parties, surveys suggest that Modi remains popular and is likely to secure a third term. Moreover, the opposition alliance, known as the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (India), has been unable to maintain its unity in this month’s state elections due to local rivalries, giving the BJP an advantage. The regional polls, which will be held in four stages until November 30, will see over 160 million people casting their votes. The results will be announced on December 3. The elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Mizoram states are primarily a contest between the BJP and Congress. Opinion polls suggest close competition in key states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. The outcome of these state elections is expected to influence the public mood and provide valuable insights for the opposition bloc as it prepares for the 2024 polls. The Congress aims to secure victories in all five states, citing Modi’s failure to address job creation, rural distress, and communal tensions as reasons for potential defeat for the BJP.