Popularity of Hindu Extremists Slips in State Elections in India

The right-wing party that gained substantial power by championing Hindu extremism appears to have lost much of its popularity in India, according to early results from Sunday’s state elections.

The elections in four northern states and New Delhi were seen as a test of the popularity of the right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party, which became India’s main opposition by whipping up Hindu resentment against the country’s Muslim minority.

Final results were not expected until today, but partial results showed that the BJP may lose its majority in Uttar Pradesh state. India’s most populous state is often regarded as a bellwether for how parties will fare nationally.

The BJP was blamed for backing Hindu zealots who tore down an ancient mosque last December, setting off riots that killed 2,000 people. After the incident, the federal government dismissed four state governments ruled by the BJP.

The results have no direct effect on Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and his minority Congress Party government, but a drop in support for the BJP would signal a victory for Rao’s opposition to Hindu fundamentalism.