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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 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 have already been held in West Bengal and Assam in April and May. All the votes will be counted on Thursday. | |
Fierce contest | 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. | 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 the rival AIADMK party, which is led by the charismatic former film actress and current Chief Minister Jayaram Jayalalithaa. | |
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 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 on infant mortality rates angered politicians and social media users. | |
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 have already been held in West Bengal and Assam states. | Polls have already been held in West Bengal and Assam states. |