India's key, eastern state of Bihar is holding elections to choose a new government. The vote is seen as a test for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity and his alliance’s hold over the state. The two-phased contest for Bihar’s 243-seat legislature comes amid concerns over unemployment and alleged irregularities in electoral rolls. The outcome, which is expected on November 14, will gauge whether Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance can sustain its dominance. Bihar, a political bellwether, sends 40 lawmakers to the parliament, making it a crucial test for Modi ahead of the next national elections.
