Elections in Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, loom large on the country's political calendar. Indeed, with a population of 170 million, Uttar Pradesh would, if it were its own country, be the fifth most populous in the world, and it also sends the most members to India's federal parliament. The importance of the state's assembly elections, which start April 7 and are to be completed in early May, are therefore clear. Yet despite the seemingly endless amount of ink spilt on the rising India, and despite near double-digit economic growth for the last two years, the country's ruling Congress Party looks to have its work cut out if it is to make any significant impact this time.
Religious Tension, Economy Loom Large in Elections in India’s Most Populous State
