Indian ruling party makes dramatic gains in Assam state poll

NEW DELHI (AP) — India's ruling Hindu nationalist party made dramatic gains in elections in the eastern state of Assam but trailed in four other states, the election commission said Thursday.

Data from the commission as of late afternoon showed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies will form the government in Assam, which has been ruled by the opposition Congress party for 15 years.

Local polls are often seen as a barometer of the continuing popularity of the ruling national party, and the BJP's dramatic inroads in Assam will help soften the blow of losing Delhi and Bihar.

While the lower house, which the BJP controls, is significantly more powerful, the upper house is crucial for passing the legislation needed for economic reforms Modi's government has promised.