Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pictured in Tokyo on Oct. 29, is struggling to hold his ruling Bharatiya Janata Party together. (Photo by Yuki Nakao)

Bad blood undermines Modi ahead of dicey election

Discord in ruling party brings out Indian PM's populist side

YUJI KURONUMA, Nikkei staff writer

October 30, 2018 11:47 JST

NEW DELHI -- Narendra Modi has crafted an international image as a strong prime minister determined to change the way India works. And yet, after four years in power, discord within his own party has blunted his reformist edge -- and could even cost him the premiership.

Yashwant Sinha, a former heavyweight in Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, in mid-October opened up about his disillusionment with the prime minister and his decision to quit the BJP.