Election results: Slowing economy is taking a toll on BJP's popularity

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fought a tougher-than-expected battle to retain power in two crucial states just months after his landslide election victory, as voter discontent rises over India’s slowing economic growth.

In PM Modi's first electoral test since sweeping to a second term in office in May, BJP fell short of a majority in the 90 seat assembly in Haryana and will have to cobble together an alliance with smaller local parties. It also suffered a setback in Maharashtra, although it is still expected to form government in both states. The ruling party experienced its greatest losses in drought-stricken farming districts,