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Jharkhand election results: BJP concedes defeat amid citizenship row Jharkhand election results: BJP concedes defeat amid citizenship row
(32 minutes later)
India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has conceded defeat in elections in the eastern state of Jharkhand. India's main opposition Congress party and its allies are set to win Jharkhand state elections in a setback for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The main opposition Congress party and its regional allies are leading in 45 of the 81 seats. This is the second key state the BJP has lost since sweeping parliamentary elections in May.
The Congress and its allies are leading in 44 of the 81 seats.
The result is crucial because three phases of voting were held amid nationwide protests against the government's new citizenship law.The result is crucial because three phases of voting were held amid nationwide protests against the government's new citizenship law.
More than 20 people have died in 10 days of clashes sparked by the law, which critics see as anti-Muslim.More than 20 people have died in 10 days of clashes sparked by the law, which critics see as anti-Muslim.
The BJP has won in one constituency. Votes are still being counted in 80 seats, and the party is ahead in 25. In Jharkhand, the BJP has won in two constituencies. Votes are still being counted in 78 seats, and the party is ahead in 25.
Although the BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had won a sweeping majority in parliamentary elections earlier this year, it has performed poorly in subsequent state polls. The party failed to form the government in Maharashtra state last month after falling out with its regional ally, Shiv Sena.
In October, the party lost its majority in the state election in Haryana, and failed to form the government in Maharashtra state after a fallout with its regional ally, Shiv Sena.
Why the result is crucialWhy the result is crucial
Although the election in Jharkhand was fought largely on local issues, the BJP's defeat in the state is being seen as a setback for its policies. Although the election in Jharkhand was fought largely on local issues, the BJP's defeat is being seen as a setback for its policies.
Three of the five phases of the election were held as protests took place against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) across the country. More than 20 people have died during the protests, with many of them shot, according to local media.Three of the five phases of the election were held as protests took place against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) across the country. More than 20 people have died during the protests, with many of them shot, according to local media.
The law provides citizenship to non-Muslim illegal immigrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.The law provides citizenship to non-Muslim illegal immigrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.
Mr Modi said the law would "help the persecuted" - but critics say it discriminates against Muslims.Mr Modi said the law would "help the persecuted" - but critics say it discriminates against Muslims.
Others - particularly in border states - fear being "overrun" by new citizens.Others - particularly in border states - fear being "overrun" by new citizens.
Speaking at a rally on Sunday, Mr Modi said Muslims - one in seven of India's 1.35bn population - did not "need to worry at all" about the new citizenship law.Speaking at a rally on Sunday, Mr Modi said Muslims - one in seven of India's 1.35bn population - did not "need to worry at all" about the new citizenship law.
"I must assure Muslim citizens of India that this law will not change anything for them," he said. "Muslims who are sons of the soil and whose ancestors are the children of mother India need not worry.""I must assure Muslim citizens of India that this law will not change anything for them," he said. "Muslims who are sons of the soil and whose ancestors are the children of mother India need not worry."
In a speech which lasted nearly 100 minutes, he also denied the law was divisive.In a speech which lasted nearly 100 minutes, he also denied the law was divisive.
"People who are trying to spread lies and fear, look at my work. If you see any trace of divisiveness... show it to the world," he said."People who are trying to spread lies and fear, look at my work. If you see any trace of divisiveness... show it to the world," he said.
What is the controversial law?What is the controversial law?
The CAA allows Hindus, Christians and other religious minorities to become citizens - if they were persecuted because of their religion in the three countries.The CAA allows Hindus, Christians and other religious minorities to become citizens - if they were persecuted because of their religion in the three countries.
The federal government says the law will protect religious minorities fleeing persecution.The federal government says the law will protect religious minorities fleeing persecution.
But critics say this is part of a "Hindu nationalist" agenda to marginalise more than 200 million Muslims in India.But critics say this is part of a "Hindu nationalist" agenda to marginalise more than 200 million Muslims in India.
The act follows a government plan to publish a nationwide register that it says will identify illegal immigrants.The act follows a government plan to publish a nationwide register that it says will identify illegal immigrants.
A National Register of Citizens (NRC) published in the north-eastern state of Assam saw 1.9 million people effectively made stateless.A National Register of Citizens (NRC) published in the north-eastern state of Assam saw 1.9 million people effectively made stateless.
The NRC and the Citizenship Amendment Act are closely linked as the act will protect non-Muslims - but not Muslims - who are excluded from the register.The NRC and the Citizenship Amendment Act are closely linked as the act will protect non-Muslims - but not Muslims - who are excluded from the register.
Thousands across India have continued protesting despite police bans, marking the biggest challenge to Mr Modi's leadership since he won power in 2014.Thousands across India have continued protesting despite police bans, marking the biggest challenge to Mr Modi's leadership since he won power in 2014.
Authorities have been battling to restore order - internet services in several states were shut down and thousands have been detained.Authorities have been battling to restore order - internet services in several states were shut down and thousands have been detained.