मिलाउन भनी अगाडी बढाइएको मोदीको हातको बेवास्ता गर्दा मोदीको इज्जतको भयो धजिया(भिडियो)

Indian voters decisively rejected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party in a crucial regional election billed as a referendum on his leadership, held amid growing criticism of his government and on the eve of a high-profile visit to the UK.

Mr Modi personally addressed more than 30 rallies in the populous and impoverished state of Bihar during the bitterly fought campaign, but his Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party was routed by a “Grand Alliance” of opponents, winning just 53 seats out of a possible 243.

The result means that as he prepares for an enthusiastic welcome in Britain this week – including an unprecedented sell-out event at Wembley Stadium on Friday – Mr Modi will be smarting from the defeat on home soil, which comes as his administration also faces mounting accusations of fomenting intolerance.

Critics claim the BJP campaign in the key electoral battleground of Bihar tried to stir up religious tensions, with a polarising strategy designed to ensure the support of the Hindu majority. “People have completely rejected efforts to divide them,” Bihar’s chief minister, Nitish Kumar – who led the coalition of rival parties – told reporters after the results were announced.

Mr Kumar has been credited with turning around what was once considered one of India’s most backward states, boosting its infrastructure and cleaning up its reputation for corrupt politics.

Instead of relying on local BJP leaders to fight the election on local issues, Mr Modi, a sharply dressed and highly skilled orator, took personal control of the campaign in the hope that his reputation and charisma would seal victory.

Mr Modi’s leadership style combines early morning yoga and a vegetarian diet with a massive Twitter following and a self-confidence that has won him friends in high places across the world.

He promised jobs and growth for Bihar’s 100-million-strong population, mirroring the platform that swept him to power on a wave of euphoria in last year’s general election and recalling his successes in the western state of Gujarat, which he ruled before becoming Prime Minister.

But 18 months into the job, Mr Modi is facing complaints that his domestic reform agenda has stalled and that he cannot bring about change on the ground.