India kicks off world’s largest election
People stand in line to cast their votes during the first phase of elections in Agartala, in the northeastern Indian state of Tripura, India, Monday, April 7, 2014. The Indian national elections will be held over several weeks in phases to ensure safe and fair elections. AP
GAUHATI — Indians have started voting in the world’s biggest election, with 814 million people eligible to vote across the country.
Voting began Monday morning in remote northeastern Assam state. The nation will vote in stages over the next five weeks. Results are due May 16.
The powerful opposition, led by Hindu nationalist Narendra Modi, has the momentum going into the election on promises of economic rejuvenation. The incumbent Congress party has been hobbled by a poor economy and corruption scandals.
In Assam, people poured into voting stations well before the start time of 7 a.m., with many traveling along highways and dirt tracks and crossing rickety bamboo bridges to cast their ballots.
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