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India BJP seeks gains in Tamil Nadu and Kerala elections India BJP seeks gains in Tamil Nadu and Kerala elections
(about 1 hour later)
Voting has begun in elections in two key southern Indian states, where PM Narendra Modi's BJP is trying to a get a foothold. Voting has begun in two key southern Indian states, where PM Narendra Modi's BJP is trying to a gain a foothold.
More than 80 million voters are eligible to cast ballots in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Polls are also being held in the union territory of Pondicherry.More than 80 million voters are eligible to cast ballots in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Polls are also being held in the union territory of Pondicherry.
Regional parties dominate in Tamil Nadu, while Communists are trying to stage a comeback in Kerala.Regional parties dominate in Tamil Nadu, while Communists are trying to stage a comeback in Kerala.
Polls are being held in four states and a union territory in April and May. Polls have already been held in West Bengal and Assam in April and May. All the votes will be counted on Thursday.
Votes will be counted on Thursday.
Fierce contestFierce contest
In Tamil Nadu, where polling is being held in 232 seats, the BJP is seen as having little chance against the regional AIADMK and DMK parties, who are locked in a fierce contest.In Tamil Nadu, where polling is being held in 232 seats, the BJP is seen as having little chance against the regional AIADMK and DMK parties, who are locked in a fierce contest.
The DMK, led by 91-year-old Muthuvel Karunanidhi, is trying to wrest power from rival AIADMK party, led by the charismatic former film actress and current Chief Minister Jayaram Jayalalithaa. The DMK, led by 91-year-old Muthuvel Karunanidhi, is trying to wrest power from the rival AIADMK party, which is led by the charismatic former film actress and current Chief Minister Jayaram Jayalalithaa.
The BJP is trying to get a toehold in Kerala which has been traditionally ruled by either Congress-led governments or a coalition of the left parties. The BJP is trying to secure a toehold in Kerala which has been traditionally ruled by either Congress-led governments or a coalition of left-wing parties.
This year, the left coalition, led by the 92-year-old VS Achuthanandan, is trying to regain power from the Congress-led coalition. This year, the left coalition, led by 92-year-old VS Achuthanandan, is trying to regain power from the Congress-led coalition.
Last week Mr Modi's comparison of Kerala with Somalia angered politicians and social media users. Last week Mr Modi's comparison of Kerala with Somalia on infant mortality rates angered politicians and social media users.
Mr Modi told an election rally that the "infant mortality rate among the scheduled tribe community in Kerala is worse than Somalia". Polls are also being held in 30 seats in Pondicherry, where Chief Minister N Rangaswamy, the leader of a party comprising breakaway Congress party workers, is seeking re-election.
Polls are also being held in 30 seats in Pondicherry, where Chief Minister N Rangaswamy, the leader of a party comprising rebel Congress party workers, is seeking a re-election.
Polls have already been held in West Bengal and Assam states.Polls have already been held in West Bengal and Assam states.