Indians begin voting today to choose their next parliament in the first of seven voting days that end on June 01.
Almost a billion people are eligible to cast their ballot.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is aiming for a rare third consecutive term in power.
Several key opposition parties, including the Congress, have formed an alliance in many states to take on Mr Modi’s party.
The big issues include a jobs crisis, rising prices, a crackdown on dissent and the opposition, and the politics of religion.
Results will be announced on June 04.
(BBC News)
