NEW DELHI, India -- India's national government was in turmoil yesterday after crushing defeats for the governing Congress Party in three state elections.
The losses, and an uncertain outcome in a fourth state, raised doubts about Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao's ability to lead the party to victory in the next general election.
The setbacks, particularly the loss of a Congress government in the prime minister's home state, Andhra Pradesh, in southern India, have encouraged opponents of the market economic reforms introduced by Mr. Rao after he became prime minister in 1991.
Congress Party insiders believe that the drive to open up India's hitherto socialist economy may now be stalled at least until the next national election, which must be held within 18 months.
The returns showed rural voters turning against the Congress Party partly because of rises in food and fertilizer prices linked to cuts in government subsidies.