New Delhi (CNN) India's ruling political party has won a crucial state election, strengthening its ability to push through a development agenda in the world's fastest growing major economy. As vote counts trickled in from five state elections on Saturday, one result loomed large: that of central India's Uttar Pradesh, home to more than 200 million people. The staggered five-week vote in that state alone marks the biggest election in the world in 2017. The clear majority means the BJP will be able to form a state government without the help of other parties. 2017's vote marks a significant endorsement for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the leader of the BJP, and the face of its campaign across state elections.

Source: CNN March 11, 2017 11:37 UTC