BJP still in strong position despite Karnataka setback

The BJP’s failure to form a coalition despite winning by far the most seats in the Karnataka state election is a setback for the ruling national party, with the main opposition Congress and the local Janata Dal (Secular) parties now set to form an alliance and take control of the state assembly. But this doesn’t detract from the fact that the large rise in the number of seats held by the BJP will allow it to increase its standing in the Rajya Sabha (upper house of parliament), where representatives are elected by states on a proportional basis. What’s more, the Karnataka election result not only illustrates that the BJP is able to garner support outside its usual strongholds in north and western India. All of this should embolden Prime Minister Modi to continue on his path of gradual policy reform over the coming months.