The modest turnouts in Maharashtra and Haryana on Monday could have been expected, considering the lethargy that had loomed over the Assembly election campaigns in both States. Far from showing any sign of recovery since their crushing defeat in the Lok Sabha election, Opposition parties have sunk further, as they continue to grope in the dark for an organising principle. These State elections were also the first test of public opinion after the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status on August 5. Public opinion in the rest of India has shown little sympathy to the sentiments of Kashmiris. There was little in the battle field that suggested there could be some surprise in store when the votes are counted on October 24.

Source: The Hindu October 21, 2019 18:22 UTC