Modi, allies to meet after humbling election verdict

Indian PM Narendra Modi was set to meet allies on Wednesday after his BJP party lost its outright parliamentary majority in a surprise election result. The BJP won 240 seats, short of the 272 needed, forcing it to depend on regional parties. The opposition INDIA alliance led by Rahul Gandhi made gains but endorsements from BJP allies make an opposition government unlikely. Despite a reduced mandate, Modi promised to work harder in his third term after what some termed a “victory that feels like defeat.” Photo: Reuters