For subscribers
How Bihar sets the stage for stabilising rocky US-India ties
Strong mandate in recent state election gives Modi the leeway to reach a trade deal with the US.
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters celebrate in Patna, India, on Nov 14.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Follow topic:
“All politics is local” but local politics can set the stage for bolder moves in international politics. That pithy phrase, widely associated with the late US House Speaker Tip O’Neill, comes to mind in the wake of the thumping victory by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling alliance in Bihar’s legislative assembly election in November.
The polls in the critical heartland state of Bihar were seen as a key test of Mr Modi’s popularity, one which the National Democratic Alliance led by his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) passed decisively, winning 202 out of the 243 seats at stake. The strong mandate gives the Modi government greater latitude and leverage to clinch a trade deal with the US.
