Welfare schemes, which drove the BJP victory in Maharashtra, have become crucial short-term measures for incumbent governments, politically more expedient than long-term steps that may not bring in immediate political windfall.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party and its allies were set to return to power in the nation's richest state, television channels reported on Saturday, a boost for the Hindu-nationalist leader after a disappointing general election.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party is headed for a victory in state elections in politically significant Maharashtra while the opposition won mineral-rich Jharkhand state