This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/south_asia/7727650.stm

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Key Indian state elections begin Violence rocks key India election
(about 2 hours later)
India has begun a crucial round of state elections that may determine whether an early general election will be called. The beginning of a crucial round of state elections in India has been marred by outbreaks of violence.
Voters are casting their ballots in 39 of 90 constituencies in the first stage of polling in the central Indian state of Chattisgarh. Maoist rebels have snatched voting machines, kidnapped polling officials and set off a landmine in the central Chattisgarh state, police say.
Voting in six mostly central and western states will take place over six weeks amid signs of economic slowdown. The police say that they have had gun battles with rebels in at least six places in the state.
The election is the first in a series of votes that may determine whether the government calls an early general poll.
A general election must be held by May but could be called earlier.A general election must be held by May but could be called earlier.
Correspondents say that key issues include rising prices and security following a spate of bomb attacks blamed mostly on Islamist militants. Voting in six mostly central and western states will take place over six weeks, amid signs of economic slowdown.
AlliancesAlliances
Apart from Chattisgarh, the states that will go to the polls are Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Mizoram in the north-east and the western desert state of Rajasthan. Chattisgarh is one of at least 13 states in India where Maoist rebels are active.
For security reasons disputed Jammu and Kashmir will vote district by district in seven phases over nearly as many weeks. In the first stage of voting in Chattisgarh, voters are casting their ballots in 39 of 90 constituencies.
See a map of states voting See a map of states voting
In the Konta and Narayanpur areas in the state's Bastar region where the rebels have a strong presence, Maoists stopped polling officials travelling to the polling stations and stole electronic voting machines, the police said.
Rebels have abducted polling officials in the Katekalyan area, the police added.
There are reports of a landmine blast, set off by the rebels, in Konta area. No casualties have been reported yet.
Correspondents say that key issues in the election include rising prices and security following a spate of bomb attacks blamed mostly on Islamist militants.
Apart from Chattisgarh, the states that will go to the polls are Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Mizoram in the north-east and the western desert state of Rajasthan.
For security reasons disputed, Jammu and Kashmir will vote district-by-district in seven phases over nearly as many weeks.
If the governing Congress party does well, it may want to build on the results and call an early poll in February.If the governing Congress party does well, it may want to build on the results and call an early poll in February.
ELECTION TIMETABLE 14 and 20 November: Chattisgarh27 November: Madhya Pradesh17 November to 24 December: Jammu and Kashmir29 November: Delhi2 December: Mizoram4 December: RajasthanELECTION TIMETABLE 14 and 20 November: Chattisgarh27 November: Madhya Pradesh17 November to 24 December: Jammu and Kashmir29 November: Delhi2 December: Mizoram4 December: Rajasthan
However, a poor performance might prompt the government to delay the vote until May, the end of its five-year parliamentary term.However, a poor performance might prompt the government to delay the vote until May, the end of its five-year parliamentary term.
Whichever party - Congress or the main opposition BJP - does better may find it easier to secure alliances with regional parties before the general election - of the utmost importance when building a post-election governing coalition. Whichever party, Congress or the main opposition BJP, does better may find it easier to secure alliances with regional parties before the general election - of the utmost importance when building a post-election governing coalition.
The BJP faces a tough challenge from Congress in Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Rajasthan because incumbent administrations in Indian states often do badly in elections.The BJP faces a tough challenge from Congress in Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Rajasthan because incumbent administrations in Indian states often do badly in elections.
Observers will also be closely watching the outcome of the vote in Indian-administered Kashmir, which during the summer was the scene of large anti-India protests.Observers will also be closely watching the outcome of the vote in Indian-administered Kashmir, which during the summer was the scene of large anti-India protests.
The global economic meltdown has had serious repercussions for the Indian economy and growth has been hit in the past year.
Rising inflation and increasing prices of essentials, including foodstuffs, will be a major issue in the elections.
The deteriorating security situation will also be a consideration with voters.
Many Indian cities, including Bangalore, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and the capital, Delhi, have been hit by bomb blasts recently, with large losses of life.Many Indian cities, including Bangalore, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and the capital, Delhi, have been hit by bomb blasts recently, with large losses of life.
The BJP has been campaigning for a tougher anti-terror law in response to the bombings.The BJP has been campaigning for a tougher anti-terror law in response to the bombings.
Counting of votes will take place on 8 December, apart from in Indian-administered Kashmir where votes will be tallied on 28 December.Counting of votes will take place on 8 December, apart from in Indian-administered Kashmir where votes will be tallied on 28 December.
Return to top Return to top