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Millions of Indians go to polls Millions of Indians go to polls
(30 minutes later)
Voting has ended in the first round of India's month-long general elections.Voting has ended in the first round of India's month-long general elections.
Millions voted in 124 constituencies around the country. Turnout was reported to be steady and there were a number of attacks by Maoist rebels.Millions voted in 124 constituencies around the country. Turnout was reported to be steady and there were a number of attacks by Maoist rebels.
More than 700 million Indians are eligible to vote in the five-phase poll. Results are due on 16 May - a new parliament must be in place by 2 June.More than 700 million Indians are eligible to vote in the five-phase poll. Results are due on 16 May - a new parliament must be in place by 2 June.
The incumbent Congress-led coalition government is facing a challenge from the main opposition BJP-led alliance.The incumbent Congress-led coalition government is facing a challenge from the main opposition BJP-led alliance.
The two main blocs are also competing against a "third front" of communist and regional parties in a poll that is too close to call.The two main blocs are also competing against a "third front" of communist and regional parties in a poll that is too close to call.
INDIAN ELECTION AT A GLANCE Eligible voters: 714 millionPolling centres: 828,804Voting days: 16, 23, 30 April; 7, 13 MayVote counting: 16 MayLeading candidates: Manmohan Singh (Congress), LK Advani (BJP), Mayawati Live text: Indian election 2009 In pictures: Indians go to polls Quick guide: Indian electionINDIAN ELECTION AT A GLANCE Eligible voters: 714 millionPolling centres: 828,804Voting days: 16, 23, 30 April; 7, 13 MayVote counting: 16 MayLeading candidates: Manmohan Singh (Congress), LK Advani (BJP), Mayawati Live text: Indian election 2009 In pictures: Indians go to polls Quick guide: Indian election
Voters braved searing heat at many polling stations across the country.Voters braved searing heat at many polling stations across the country.
Among high-profile candidates who cast votes early was former UN diplomat Shashi Tharoor in the southern city of Thiruvananthapuram.Among high-profile candidates who cast votes early was former UN diplomat Shashi Tharoor in the southern city of Thiruvananthapuram.
"It is a great privilege to vote. It is an extra bonus to vote for myself," said Mr Tharoor, who is standing for the Congress party. "I should be able to romp home.""It is a great privilege to vote. It is an extra bonus to vote for myself," said Mr Tharoor, who is standing for the Congress party. "I should be able to romp home."
A massive security operation is in place across India for the ballot. In the eastern state of Jharkhand six paramilitary soldiers were killed in a landmine blast blamed on Maoist rebels, police said.A massive security operation is in place across India for the ballot. In the eastern state of Jharkhand six paramilitary soldiers were killed in a landmine blast blamed on Maoist rebels, police said.
Maoists also attacked polling booths in the states of Orissa and Bihar.Maoists also attacked polling booths in the states of Orissa and Bihar.
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The BBC's Damian Grammaticas is at a polling station in Chhattisgarh stateThe BBC's Damian Grammaticas is at a polling station in Chhattisgarh state
In Bihar's Gaya district, two security personnel were killed and two female voters received bullet wounds, locals told the BBC. The insurgents looted electronic voting machines and took four police rifles.In Bihar's Gaya district, two security personnel were killed and two female voters received bullet wounds, locals told the BBC. The insurgents looted electronic voting machines and took four police rifles.
It was reported that more than 200 booths in areas where the Maoists are active would close two hours early as a security precaution, officials said.It was reported that more than 200 booths in areas where the Maoists are active would close two hours early as a security precaution, officials said.
In Orissa's Malkangiri district, insurgents burned some electronic voting machines, police said. The rebels also blocked roads in the district after felling trees.In Orissa's Malkangiri district, insurgents burned some electronic voting machines, police said. The rebels also blocked roads in the district after felling trees.
The BBC's Chris Morris in Delhi says the attacks were isolated incidents in remote rural areas, but still disruptive and carried out to prevent people voting.The BBC's Chris Morris in Delhi says the attacks were isolated incidents in remote rural areas, but still disruptive and carried out to prevent people voting.
Local issuesLocal issues
The first day of voting took place in constituencies spread across the country, including volatile areas in north and central India.The first day of voting took place in constituencies spread across the country, including volatile areas in north and central India.
The states where voting took place were Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Lakshwadeep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.The states where voting took place were Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Lakshwadeep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
HAVE YOUR SAYI don't think it is a matured democracy. People still vote according to caste and religionAjay Godbole, Pune, India Send us your commentsHAVE YOUR SAYI don't think it is a matured democracy. People still vote according to caste and religionAjay Godbole, Pune, India Send us your comments
More than two million security personnel have been deployed for the poll. Many are on duty in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, which has been voting for both national and state assembly representatives.More than two million security personnel have been deployed for the poll. Many are on duty in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, which has been voting for both national and state assembly representatives.
Thousands of troops have also been on alert in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, which has the most seats in the national parliament.Thousands of troops have also been on alert in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, which has the most seats in the national parliament.
Polling in phase one took place for 16 of the state's 80 seats.Polling in phase one took place for 16 of the state's 80 seats.
Neither of the two main parties in the election - Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) - is expected to gain a clear majority.Neither of the two main parties in the election - Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) - is expected to gain a clear majority.
Both may have to depend on the support of smaller parties to form a government - and correspondents say the campaign rhetoric in recent days has become increasingly bitter.Both may have to depend on the support of smaller parties to form a government - and correspondents say the campaign rhetoric in recent days has become increasingly bitter.
Security is a key election issue, especially after last year's attacks in Mumbai (Bombay), but the global economic meltdown and local and regional affairs are also sure to be important.Security is a key election issue, especially after last year's attacks in Mumbai (Bombay), but the global economic meltdown and local and regional affairs are also sure to be important.
Are you voting? What are the issues that concern you? Send us your comments using the form below:Are you voting? What are the issues that concern you? Send us your comments using the form below:
Send us your pictures of voting where you are. Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to +44 7725 100 100. If you have a large file you can upload here.Send us your pictures of voting where you are. Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to +44 7725 100 100. If you have a large file you can upload here.
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