Political uncertainty ahead of state polls

Five Indian states go to the polls in the next few weeks in what is widely seen as a test of the popularity of the country's main political parties viz. the Congress and the BJP, ahead of national elections in the first half of calendar year 2009. Polls will be held in two phases on 14 November 2008 in Chhattisgarh, followed by Madhya Pradesh on 25 November 2008. Delhi and Mizoram will go to the polls on 29 November 2008 and Rajasthan on 4 December 2008. The results of these five states are expected on 8 December 2008.