New Delhi - In a significant prelude to the upcoming general elections, India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is poised for victory in three out of four crucial states, according to preliminary results from key regional polls.

The heartland states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, along with the southern state of Telangana, witnessed last month's provincial elections, marking the final regional contests before the national vote scheduled for May. Despite earlier projections of a close race between the BJP and the main opposition Congress, the BJP has established clear leads in the heartland states.

The BJP's performance defied predictions of a neck-and-neck battle with the Congress. While Congress secured a victory in Telangana, marking its second triumph in the south this year, the overall outcome is perceived as a setback for the party and its leader Rahul Gandhi.

"We always said we will win the heartland states," remarked BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda, emphasizing the party's confidence in its electoral strategy. Supporters celebrated the victories with firecrackers, sweets, and street dances in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. Federal aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, hailing from Madhya Pradesh, called it a "clean sweep" by the BJP, underscoring voter trust in Modi.

Despite Congress's commendable performance in Telangana, party spokesperson Supriya Shrinate acknowledged the disappointment of losses in three crucial states. However, she highlighted that Congress remains a robust opposition force with a strong presence.

The BJP's success in the heartland states holds significant implications for the national elections, where Modi seeks a third term. Surveys consistently indicate Modi's widespread popularity, although the emergence of a 28-party opposition alliance led by Congress poses a new challenge. The alliance, known as the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), did not feature in the state polls due to internal rivalries, resulting in a direct contest between BJP and Congress.

While state elections may not always serve as accurate indicators of national voter sentiment, Sunday's outcomes are anticipated to boost market sentiment. The victory is expected to have a positive impact on markets, with analysts predicting a potential "big move" on Monday. The small northeastern state of Mizoram, which also voted last month, is set to reveal its results on Monday, adding to the overall electoral landscape.