India, the world's largest democracy, kicked off its general elections 2014, Monday.
The elections will decide the fate of the popular Narendra Modi, prime ministerial candidate from the major opposition group, the Bharatiya Janata Party. He will compete against the incumbent Congress that is facing increasing criticism for rise in corruption and poor economy of the country despite being in power for 13 years.
Voting began Monday morning in the remote northeastern states of Assam and Tripura. Around 814 million eligible voters are expected to cast their vote for the elections that will continue till mid-May and the results will be announced May 16, reports the Associated Press.
If opinion polls are to be believed, Modi will defeat Congress but might not be able to reach absolute majority in the 545-seat lower house of Indian parliament. In its manifesto released Monday, BJP said it will revive the falling Indian economy and will look in to the rising corruption.
Modi, chief minister of the western state of Gujarat, has been in the power for 11 years. He was accused of inciting communal violence in Gujarat in 2002 that left scores dead. However, The Supreme Court of India gave him a clean chit. Since then he has been working hard to improve his image by claiming to have turned Gujarat into a progressive state and industrial center.
Officials at the election commission estimate a turnout of 65 percent across India, reports The Guardian. Police and security forces have been deployed at the polling stations to prevent any mishaps.
The officials also requested the people to maintain calm and moderation as the election moves into what one called its most "active and aggressive" phase.
