India begins voting in world’s biggest election
Indian election to last 7 weeks, has 968m votersPrime Minister Modi expected to win a rare third termModi showcasing growth, welfare, national pride, Hindu nationalismOpposition alliance demoralised, struggling to pose challenge
A woman clad in a burqa walks outside a polling station during the first phase of the general election in Kairana, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, India, April 19, 2024. REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis
India began voting on Friday in the world's largest election as Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks a historic third term in office on the back of growth, welfare, his personal popularity and Hindu nationalism.
The vote pits Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against an alliance of two dozen opposition parties which is challenging him with promises of increased affirmative action, more handouts and what they say is the need to save democratic institutions from Modi's dictatorial rule.
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