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India election set for final vote India election starts final phase
(about 10 hours later)
India is set to enter the final phase of its marathon general election, with 107m voters eligible to cast ballots. India has entered the final phase of its marathon general election, with 107m voters eligible to cast ballots.
Voting is due in 86 constituencies across seven states, including crucial Tamil Nadu in the south and most parts of the city of Calcutta. Voting is taking place in 86 constituencies across seven states, including crucial Tamil Nadu in the south and most parts of Calcutta.
The main fight is between the ruling Congress party-led alliance and parties led by the BJP, although there is a host of regional opposition.The main fight is between the ruling Congress party-led alliance and parties led by the BJP, although there is a host of regional opposition.
Results are announced on 16 May and an outright majority for any is unlikely.Results are announced on 16 May and an outright majority for any is unlikely.
Voters in the states of Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal are casting ballots on Wednesday. Voters in the states of Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal are casting ballots on Wednesday, the final day of voting.
Voting is also being held in the federally-administered territories of Chandigarh and Pondicherry. Polls are also being held in the federally-administered territories of Chandigarh and Pondicherry.
Crucial roleCrucial role
All 39 constituencies in the southern state of Tamil Nadu as well as Baramullah and Ladakh in Indian-administered Kashmir are voting on Wednesday. All 39 constituencies in the southern state of Tamil Nadu as well as Baramullah and Ladakh in Indian-administered Kashmir are voting.
Tamil Nadu - where voters tend to hand big victories to one of the state's two main parties or the other - is expected to play a crucial role in the formation of the government in the coalition talks that are almost certain follow the election.Tamil Nadu - where voters tend to hand big victories to one of the state's two main parties or the other - is expected to play a crucial role in the formation of the government in the coalition talks that are almost certain follow the election.
INDIAN ELECTION AT A GLANCE Eligible voters: 714 millionPolling centres: 828,804Voting days: 16, 23, 30 April; 7, 13 MayVote counting: 16 May Prime minister in waiting? Campaigning with a megastar Elections battleground mapINDIAN ELECTION AT A GLANCE Eligible voters: 714 millionPolling centres: 828,804Voting days: 16, 23, 30 April; 7, 13 MayVote counting: 16 May Prime minister in waiting? Campaigning with a megastar Elections battleground map
In Jammu and Kashmir, some separatist groups have called for a boycott of the elections and a two-day strike has begun in the Muslim-majority Kashmir valley.In Jammu and Kashmir, some separatist groups have called for a boycott of the elections and a two-day strike has begun in the Muslim-majority Kashmir valley.
A former separatist and head of a faction of the regional People's Conference party, Sajjad Lone, has broken ranks to stand for election from Baramullah.A former separatist and head of a faction of the regional People's Conference party, Sajjad Lone, has broken ranks to stand for election from Baramullah.
The BBC's Altaf Hussain in Srinagar says shops, offices and banks are closed in most parts of the valley and transport is suspended.The BBC's Altaf Hussain in Srinagar says shops, offices and banks are closed in most parts of the valley and transport is suspended.
A large number of police and paramilitary troops have been deployed in the capital, Srinagar, to prevent anti-election demonstrations, our correspondent says.A large number of police and paramilitary troops have been deployed in the capital, Srinagar, to prevent anti-election demonstrations, our correspondent says.
Although long queues of voters were seen at some polling centres in Srinagar last week, the overall turnout was low.Although long queues of voters were seen at some polling centres in Srinagar last week, the overall turnout was low.
Among the other candidates facing the electorate on Wednesday are Varun Gandhi and Mohammad Azharrudin.Among the other candidates facing the electorate on Wednesday are Varun Gandhi and Mohammad Azharrudin.
Mr Gandhi, who has been accused of making a controversial anti-Muslim speech, is standing for the Bharatiya Janata Party in Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh.Mr Gandhi, who has been accused of making a controversial anti-Muslim speech, is standing for the Bharatiya Janata Party in Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh.
Ex-cricketer Azharruddin stands for Congress in Moradabad in the same state.Ex-cricketer Azharruddin stands for Congress in Moradabad in the same state.
The first round of the general election on 16 April was marred by Maoist attacks in eastern and central India which killed at least 17 people. Later rounds were less violent.The first round of the general election on 16 April was marred by Maoist attacks in eastern and central India which killed at least 17 people. Later rounds were less violent.
About two million security personnel are being deployed for the five-phase vote.About two million security personnel are being deployed for the five-phase vote.
The new parliament has to be constituted by 2 June.The new parliament has to be constituted by 2 June.