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Delhi's turn in Indian election Delhi's turn in Indian election
(about 1 hour later)
Polling stations have opened in the fourth phase of India's marathon five-phase election with the capital, Delhi, one of the key battlegrounds.Polling stations have opened in the fourth phase of India's marathon five-phase election with the capital, Delhi, one of the key battlegrounds.
Millions of voters in 85 constituencies across seven states and in the centrally-administered territory of Delhi are casting ballots on Thursday.Millions of voters in 85 constituencies across seven states and in the centrally-administered territory of Delhi are casting ballots on Thursday.
The main fight is between the ruling Congress coalition and BJP-led parties.The main fight is between the ruling Congress coalition and BJP-led parties.
Neither is expected to win by a clear margin. Other parties could play a key role when votes are counted on 16 May.Neither is expected to win by a clear margin. Other parties could play a key role when votes are counted on 16 May.
ShutdownShutdown
Voters in the states of Bihar, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are casting ballots on Thursday. Delhi has seven seats up for grabs on Thursday. Congress won six of them last time.
Who to vote for? Delhi residents give their viewsIn picturesWho to vote for? Delhi residents give their viewsIn pictures
Voting is being held in all seven constituencies in Delhi. The BBC's Sanjoy Majumder in the suburb of Gurgaon says many of the bankers and IT staff who work there have not registered to vote but villagers are already queuing up at booths.
Srinagar, the capital of Indian-administered Kashmir, is also voting on Thursday. In Srinagar, in Indian-administered Kashmir, where separatists have called for an election boycott, there have been a few dozen voters only and polling booths have been largely deserted.
There has been a two-day shutdown ahead of the vote in the Muslim-majority Kashmir valley, where some separatist groups have called for a boycott of the elections. There has been a two-day shutdown ahead of the vote in the Muslim-majority Kashmir valley.
Shops in most parts of the valley were closed, traffic was suspended and security personnel were deployed in large numbers in Srinagar. The BJP did well in Rajasthan in 2004, winning 21 of the 25 seats but analysts say that in a tight battle nationwide the switch of even a few seats could be crucial in the coalition talks that are sure to follow the election.
Restrictions were imposed on the movement of people to prevent anti-India demonstrations. Voters in the states of Bihar, Punjab, West Bengal, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are also casting ballots on Thursday.
INDIAN ELECTION AT A GLANCE Eligible voters: 714 millionPolling centres: 828,804Voting days: 16, 23, 30 April; 7, 13 MayVote counting: 16 May Prime minister in waiting? Campaigning with a megastar Elections battleground mapINDIAN ELECTION AT A GLANCE Eligible voters: 714 millionPolling centres: 828,804Voting days: 16, 23, 30 April; 7, 13 MayVote counting: 16 May Prime minister in waiting? Campaigning with a megastar Elections battleground map
Senior separatists leaders, including Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik, have been placed under house arrest for several days now.
The BBC's Altaf Hussain in Srinagar says voter turnout is expected to be low.
Voting is being held in several phases in some of the states.Voting is being held in several phases in some of the states.
The first phase of voting on 16 April was marred by Maoist violence in eastern and central India which killed at least 17 people.The first phase of voting on 16 April was marred by Maoist violence in eastern and central India which killed at least 17 people.
But the second and third phases on 23 April and 30 April were largely peaceful.But the second and third phases on 23 April and 30 April were largely peaceful.
Tens of thousands of security personnel have been deployed ahead of the vote.Tens of thousands of security personnel have been deployed ahead of the vote.
The new parliament has to be constituted by 2 June.The new parliament has to be constituted by 2 June.
Are you planning to vote? What is the mood like in your area? Please send us your pictures and comments.Are you planning to vote? What is the mood like in your area? Please send us your pictures and comments.
Send your pictures and video to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to +44 7725 100 100. If you have a large file you can upload here.Send your pictures and video 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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