The counting of votes for elections in three states started on Tuesday with results seen as a barometer of voter concern about inflation and economic reforms but not impacting on the longevity of the Union government. The Congress party, which heads the national coalition, also rules Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Manipur.
Analysts say a defeat for the Congress in Uttarakhand or Punjab could put pressure on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh but would not destabilise his ruling coalition.
The government has come under fire for high inflation -- fuelled by rising food costs -- as well as its move to set up Special Economic Zones (SEZs) by acquiring farmland and to open the retail sector further to foreign players such as Wal-Mart.
Analysts say a defeat for the Congress in Uttarakhand or Punjab could put pressure on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh but would not destabilise his ruling coalition.
The government has come under fire for high inflation -- fuelled by rising food costs -- as well as its move to set up Special Economic Zones (SEZs) by acquiring farmland and to open the retail sector further to foreign players such as Wal-Mart.
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