India begins voting in gigantic election as Modi seeks historic third term

Polling officer Stevenson M. Khonglah, sets up the polling booth in Nongriat village, the location of a remote polling station, on the eve of the first phase of the election, in Shillong in the northeastern state of Meghalaya, India, April 18, 2024. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi

KAIRANA/CHENNAI, India (Reuters) -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.