NEW DELHI (AP) — Millions of Indians began voting on Friday in a six-week election that's a referendum on Narendra Modi, the populist prime minister who has championed an assertive brand of Hindu nationalist politics and is seeking a rare third term as the country's leader.
People began lining up at polling stations hours before they were allowed in at 7 a.m. in the first 21 states to hold votes, from the Himalayan mountains to the tropical Andaman Islands. Nearly 970 million voters — more than 10% of the world’s population — will elect 543 members to the lower house of Parliament for five years during the staggered election that runs until June 1. The votes will be counted on June 4.
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NEW DELHI (AP) — Millions of Indians began voting on Friday in a six-week election that's a referendum on Narendra Modi, the populist prime minister who has championed an assertive brand of Hindu nationalist politics and is seeking a rare third term as the country's leader.
A woman shows voting slip before she casts her vote during the first round of voting of India's national election in Behror, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
People wait in a queue to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Chedema village, in the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Yirmiyan Arthur)
People wait to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India's national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
Deori tribal women stand in a queue to cast their vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Jorhat, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
Women show their election cards before casting their votes during the first round of voting of India's national election in Behror, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Paramilitary soldiers guard a polling station during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)
An elderly woman shows the indelible ink mark on her finger after casting vote at women only booth during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)
Angami Nagas laugh as an elderly man reacts to the camera at a polling station in Chedema village, in the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Yirmiyan Arthur)
Women wait to cast their votes during the first round of voting of India's national election in Behror, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
A Deori tribal woman shows the indelible ink mark on her finger after casting her vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Jorhat, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
An elederly Deori tribal woman arrives as others of her tribe stand in a queue to cast their vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Jorhat, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
A Deori tribal woman shows the indelible ink mark on her finger after casting her vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Jorhat, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
A woman casts her vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Bishnupur constituency on the outskirts of Imphal, Manipur, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Bullu Raj)
Women show their identity cards and voting slips as they stand in a queue to cast their vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Bishnupur constituency on the outskirts of Imphal, Manipur, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Bullu Raj)
A woman carries a baby in a sling on her back as she shows her papers to a security personnel at a polling booth before casting her vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Bishnupur constituency on the outskirts of Imphal, Manipur, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Bullu Raj)
A child looks on from a sling on the back of her mother as she casts her vote during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Chedema village, in the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Yirmiyan Arthur)
Women wait to cast their votes as one of them stands behind a selfie point during the first round of voting of India's national election in Behror, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
People wait in a queue at a Pink Polling Station, where all the polling officials are women, to cast their vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)
People wait in a queue at a Pink Polling Station, where all the polling officials are women, to cast their vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)
An elderly woman sits on a chair as people wait to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India's national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
A woman casts her vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Behror, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Women wait to cast their votes during the first round of voting of India's national election in Behror, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
People wait in a queue to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Chedema village, in the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Yirmiyan Arthur)
Women arrive to cast their ballots at a women only booth during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)
A woman wearing a mask waits at a women only booth during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)
Women arrive to cast their ballots at a women only booth during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)
A polling official puts indelible ink mark on the index finger of a woman as she arrives to vote during the first round of voting of India’s national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
A policeman assists an elderly voter at a polling station during the first round of polling of India's national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
Villagers check their names on a voter list of a congress party agent outside a polling station during the first round of voting of India's national election in Bahona village, Jorhat, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
A woman prepares to vote during the first round of voting of India's national election in Neemrana, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Women wait to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India's national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
People arrive to cast their ballots during the first round of voting of India's national election in Neemrana, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
A woman prepares to vote during the first round of voting of India's national election in Neemrana, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
A man on a wheelchair prepares to cast vote during the first round of voting of India’s national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
People wait to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Kohima village, in the northeastern state of Nagaland, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Yirmiyan Arthur)
A voter on a wheelchair is assisted by others during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
Women queue up to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
A woman, right, arrives to cast her vote during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
People queue up to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
A woman shows the indelible ink mark on her index finger after voting during the first round of polling of India's national election in Neemrana, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
A woman leaves after casting vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Bahona village, Jorhat, northeastern Assam, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
A woman casts vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Bahona village, Jorhat, northeastern Assam, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
A dog waits for handouts from a village elder at a polling station during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Kohima village, in the northeastern state of Nagaland, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Yirmiyan Arthur)
Security men guard as people wait to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Kohima village, in the northeastern state of Nagaland, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Yirmiyan Arthur)
Women queue up to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)
Women wait up to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)
Women queue up to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)
Villagers check their names on a voter list of a congress party agent outside a polling station during the first round of voting of India's national election in Bahona village, Jorhat, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
A woman leaves after casting vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Bahona village, Jorhat, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
An official puts indelible ink mark on the index finger of a woman before she casts her vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Neemrana, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
A woman shows indelible ink mark on the index finger after she she casts her vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Neemrana, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
A polling official puts indelible ink mark on the index finger of a woman as she arrives to vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Bahona village, Jorhat, northeastern Assam, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
A woman casts vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Bahona village, Jorhat, northeastern Assam, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
A man leaves after casting vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Bahona village, Jorhat, northeastern Assam, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
People stand in queue to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India's national election in Bahona village, Jorhat, northeastern Assam, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
A woman shows the indelible ink mark on her finger after casting vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Bahona village, Jorhat, northeastern Assam, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
People arrive to cast their ballots during the first round of voting of India's national election in Neemrana, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
A woman shows the indelible ink mark on her finger after casting vote during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)
People stand in queue to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India's national election in Bahona village, Jorhat, northeastern Assam, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
A person casts vote during the first round of voting of India’s national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
A polling official puts indelible ink mark on the index finger of a woman as she arrives to vote during the first round of voting of India’s national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
A woman prepares to vote during the first round of voting of India's national election in Neemrana, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
A woman prepares to vote during the first round of voting of India's national election in Neemrana, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
People vote during the first round of voting of India's national election in Neemrana, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
People vote during the first round of voting of India's national election in Neemrana, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
A woman prepares to vote during the first round of voting of India’s national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
People arrive to vote during the first round of voting of India’s national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
A police officer gives instructions to his colleagues at an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) distribution venue on the eve of the first round of voting in the six-week-long national election in Chennai, India, Thursday, April 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
Polling officials and security personnels carry Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and other election material off a boat after crossing the Brahmaputra river on the eve of the national election at Baghmora Chapori (small island) of Majuli, about 350km (218 miles) east of the state capital Guwahati, India, Thursday, April 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
Polling officers stand in a queue to collect electronic voting machines and other election material on the eve of the first round of voting in the six-week long national election in Kohima, capital of the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland, Thursday, April 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Yirmiyan Arthur)
The voting ended at 6 p.m. (1230 GMT) and the turnout was estimated at around 60% of 66.3 million eligible voters in the first round, the election authority said in a statement. By comparison, India’s 2019 national election registered the highest ever voter turnout — 67.11% — in the history of Indian parliamentary elections.
The second round will be held on April 26, and turnout is expected to increase over the course of the voting. Authorities said the voting was largely peaceful on Friday. Media reports said that some supporters of Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition Congress party clashed in Chhindwara, a city in central India, during the voting.
Some workers of the BJP and the All India Trinamool Congress clashed in West Bengal state on Thursday night. Some injuries were reported, but the election authority didn't give any details.
This election is seen as one of the most consequential in India’s history and will test the limits of Modi's political dominance.
If Modi wins, he’ll be only the second Indian leader to retain power for a third term, after Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first prime minister.
Most polls predict a win for Modi and his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, which is up against a broad opposition alliance led by the Indian National Congress and powerful regional parties.
It's not clear who will lead India if the opposition alliance, called INDIA, wins the election. Its more than 20 parties haven't put forward a candidate yet.
The BJP controls much of India's Hindi-speaking northern and central parts, but is now trying to gain a foothold in the east and south. Their toughest challenge is in the southern Tamil Nadu state, with 39 seats, where voting is being held on Friday.
Voters in hot and humid Chennai, the state's capital, began briskly filling the city's nearly 4,000 polling booths. A number of them said they were voting for a change in federal government given rising prices, unemployment and religious polarization stoked by the BJP.
“First thing I came to vote for is to have a country without any religious disharmony. In Tamil Nadu — Hindus, Muslims, Christians, we're all together. And this unity should grow," said 65-year-old Mary Das, who was waiting to vote.
P. Chidambaram, an opposition Congress party leader and the country’s former finance minister, said that the people of Tamil Nadu wouldn't vote for the BJP as “it is imposing one language, one culture, one system and one kind of food.”
The BJP has long struggled to capture votes in the state, where two powerful regional parties — the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam — dominate. The BJP drew a blank in 2019, and won one seat in 2014.
In Rajasthan, people returning from polling stations covered their heads against dusty winds.
“If the new government is able to solve unemployment, then it will be good. People are migrating from this region to earn a living," said Atinder Singh, 26.
Voting is also taking place in the northeastern state of Manipur, where a near-civil war for a year has triggered ethnic violence. Mobs have rampaged through villages and torched houses, and more than 150 people have been killed.
The election comes after a decade of Modi's leadership, during which the BJP has consolidated power through a combination of Hindu-first politics and economic development.
Modi has ratcheted up Hindu nationalist rhetoric on the campaign trail, and has sought to present himself as a global leader. His ministers tout him as the steward of a surging India, while his supporters celebrate his campaign promise to make India a developed nation by 2047, when it marks 100 years of independence.
But while India’s economy is among the world’s fastest-growing, many of its people face growing economic distress. The opposition alliance is hoping to tap into this, seeking to galvanize voters on issues like high unemployment, inflation, corruption and low agricultural prices that have driven two years of farmers' protests.
The opposition — and critics — also warn that Modi has turned increasingly illiberal. They accuse Modi of using tax authorities and the police to harass the opposition, and they fear a third term could undermine India's democracy. His Hindu nationalist politics, they argue, has bred intolerance and threatens the country's secular roots.
“Modi has a very authoritarian mindset. He doesn't believe in democracy. He doesn't believe in parliamentarianism,” said Christophe Jaffrelot, a political scientist who has written about Modi and the Hindu right.
Modi insists that India's commitment to democracy is unchanged. He told a Summit for Democracy meeting in New Delhi in March that “India is not only fulfilling the aspirations of its 1.4 billion people, but is also providing hope to the world that democracy delivers and empowers.”
The Indian leader, who enjoys vast popularity, is targeting a two-thirds majority this time.
The BJP hopes for a landslide win powered by its popular welfare programs, which it says have improved access to clean toilets, health care and cooking gas, as well as providing free grain to the poor. Moves like the construction of a controversial temple to Ram on the site of a demolished mosque, and the scrapping of the disputed Muslim-majority region of Kashmir's former autonomy, may resonate with supporters who hail him as the champion of the Hindu majority.
“Any party that comes back for a third term, and with a brute majority, is a scary prospect for democracy,” said Arati Jerath, a political commentator.
Modi's two terms have seen civil liberties in India come under attack, while implementing what critics say are discriminatory policies. Peaceful protests have been crushed with force. A once free and diverse media is threatened, violence is on the rise against the Muslim minority, and government agencies have arrested opposition politicians in alleged corruption cases.
The BJP has denied its policies are discriminatory and says its work benefits all Indians.
Sibi Arasu contributed to this report from Chennai.
Security personnel carry Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and other election material to a polling booth on the eve of the national election in Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency, Imphal West district, in Manipur, India, Thursday, April 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Bullu Raj)
A woman shows voting slip before she casts her vote during the first round of voting of India's national election in Behror, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
People wait in a queue to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Chedema village, in the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Yirmiyan Arthur)
People wait to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India's national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
Deori tribal women stand in a queue to cast their vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Jorhat, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
Women show their election cards before casting their votes during the first round of voting of India's national election in Behror, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Paramilitary soldiers guard a polling station during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)
An elderly woman shows the indelible ink mark on her finger after casting vote at women only booth during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)
Angami Nagas laugh as an elderly man reacts to the camera at a polling station in Chedema village, in the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Yirmiyan Arthur)
Women wait to cast their votes during the first round of voting of India's national election in Behror, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
A Deori tribal woman shows the indelible ink mark on her finger after casting her vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Jorhat, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
An elederly Deori tribal woman arrives as others of her tribe stand in a queue to cast their vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Jorhat, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
A Deori tribal woman shows the indelible ink mark on her finger after casting her vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Jorhat, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
A woman casts her vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Bishnupur constituency on the outskirts of Imphal, Manipur, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Bullu Raj)
Women show their identity cards and voting slips as they stand in a queue to cast their vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Bishnupur constituency on the outskirts of Imphal, Manipur, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Bullu Raj)
A woman carries a baby in a sling on her back as she shows her papers to a security personnel at a polling booth before casting her vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Bishnupur constituency on the outskirts of Imphal, Manipur, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Bullu Raj)
A child looks on from a sling on the back of her mother as she casts her vote during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Chedema village, in the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Yirmiyan Arthur)
Women wait to cast their votes as one of them stands behind a selfie point during the first round of voting of India's national election in Behror, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
People wait in a queue at a Pink Polling Station, where all the polling officials are women, to cast their vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)
People wait in a queue at a Pink Polling Station, where all the polling officials are women, to cast their vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)
An elderly woman sits on a chair as people wait to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India's national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
A woman casts her vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Behror, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Women wait to cast their votes during the first round of voting of India's national election in Behror, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
People wait in a queue to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Chedema village, in the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Yirmiyan Arthur)
Women arrive to cast their ballots at a women only booth during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)
A woman wearing a mask waits at a women only booth during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)
Women arrive to cast their ballots at a women only booth during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)
A polling official puts indelible ink mark on the index finger of a woman as she arrives to vote during the first round of voting of India’s national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
A policeman assists an elderly voter at a polling station during the first round of polling of India's national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
Villagers check their names on a voter list of a congress party agent outside a polling station during the first round of voting of India's national election in Bahona village, Jorhat, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
A woman prepares to vote during the first round of voting of India's national election in Neemrana, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Women wait to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India's national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
People arrive to cast their ballots during the first round of voting of India's national election in Neemrana, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
A woman prepares to vote during the first round of voting of India's national election in Neemrana, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
A man on a wheelchair prepares to cast vote during the first round of voting of India’s national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
People wait to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Kohima village, in the northeastern state of Nagaland, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Yirmiyan Arthur)
A voter on a wheelchair is assisted by others during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
Women queue up to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
A woman, right, arrives to cast her vote during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
People queue up to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
A woman shows the indelible ink mark on her index finger after voting during the first round of polling of India's national election in Neemrana, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
A woman leaves after casting vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Bahona village, Jorhat, northeastern Assam, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
A woman casts vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Bahona village, Jorhat, northeastern Assam, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
A dog waits for handouts from a village elder at a polling station during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Kohima village, in the northeastern state of Nagaland, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Yirmiyan Arthur)
Security men guard as people wait to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Kohima village, in the northeastern state of Nagaland, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Yirmiyan Arthur)
Women queue up to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)
Women wait up to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)
Women queue up to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)
Villagers check their names on a voter list of a congress party agent outside a polling station during the first round of voting of India's national election in Bahona village, Jorhat, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
A woman leaves after casting vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Bahona village, Jorhat, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
An official puts indelible ink mark on the index finger of a woman before she casts her vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Neemrana, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
A woman shows indelible ink mark on the index finger after she she casts her vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Neemrana, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
A polling official puts indelible ink mark on the index finger of a woman as she arrives to vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Bahona village, Jorhat, northeastern Assam, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
A woman casts vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Bahona village, Jorhat, northeastern Assam, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
A man leaves after casting vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Bahona village, Jorhat, northeastern Assam, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
People stand in queue to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India's national election in Bahona village, Jorhat, northeastern Assam, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
A woman shows the indelible ink mark on her finger after casting vote during the first round of polling of India's national election in Bahona village, Jorhat, northeastern Assam, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
People arrive to cast their ballots during the first round of voting of India's national election in Neemrana, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
A woman shows the indelible ink mark on her finger after casting vote during the first round of polling of India’s national election in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)
People stand in queue to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India's national election in Bahona village, Jorhat, northeastern Assam, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
A person casts vote during the first round of voting of India’s national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
A polling official puts indelible ink mark on the index finger of a woman as she arrives to vote during the first round of voting of India’s national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
A woman prepares to vote during the first round of voting of India's national election in Neemrana, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
A woman prepares to vote during the first round of voting of India's national election in Neemrana, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
People vote during the first round of voting of India's national election in Neemrana, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
People vote during the first round of voting of India's national election in Neemrana, Rajasthan state, India, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
A woman prepares to vote during the first round of voting of India’s national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
People arrive to vote during the first round of voting of India’s national election in Chennai, southern Tamil Nadu state, Friday, April 19, 2024. Nearly 970 million voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for five years, during staggered elections that will run until June 1. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
A police officer gives instructions to his colleagues at an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) distribution venue on the eve of the first round of voting in the six-week-long national election in Chennai, India, Thursday, April 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
Polling officials and security personnels carry Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and other election material off a boat after crossing the Brahmaputra river on the eve of the national election at Baghmora Chapori (small island) of Majuli, about 350km (218 miles) east of the state capital Guwahati, India, Thursday, April 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
Polling officers stand in a queue to collect electronic voting machines and other election material on the eve of the first round of voting in the six-week long national election in Kohima, capital of the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland, Thursday, April 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Yirmiyan Arthur)
