India election 2024: Modi seeks re-election in Lok Sabha vote

VOTERS are casting ballots in the first of the seven phases of India’s mammoth general elections.

The polls are primarily pitting the National Democratic Alliance led by two-time Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, spearheaded by the main opposition party, Indian National Congress.

Voters will be electing representatives for the 543 seats of the Lok Sabha, India’s lower house of parliament. The party or coalition that secures a majority will form the next government.

Some 969 million registered voters are eligible to participate in the world’s largest democratic exercise over six weeks.

The first phase includes 102 constituencies in 21 states and union territories. The results will be announced on June 4.