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Delhi's turn in Indian election Delhi's turn in Indian election
(20 minutes 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
Delhi has all seven seats up for grabs on Thursday. Congress won six of them last time.Delhi has all 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
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.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.
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. Initial reports from Srinagar, in Indian-administered Kashmir, were of deserted streets amid an election boycott call by separatists.
There has been a two-day shutdown ahead of the vote in the Muslim-majority Kashmir valley. But the BBC's Altaf Hussain says that at one polling booth in the Repora area voting was very brisk and the atmosphere almost festive.
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. There had been a two-day shutdown ahead of the vote in the Muslim-majority Kashmir valley.
However in state elections in Jammu and Kashmir last year many voters defied a boycott call and cast ballots in unexpectedly large numbers.
The BJP did well in Rajasthan in 2004's general election, 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.
Early turnout was reported brisk in West Bengal. The BBC's Subir Bhaumik in Calcutta says there is a huge security presence and five Congress and Marxist supporters were hurt in clashes on Wednesday evening.Early turnout was reported brisk in West Bengal. The BBC's Subir Bhaumik in Calcutta says there is a huge security presence and five Congress and Marxist supporters were hurt in clashes on Wednesday evening.
Voters in the states of Bihar, Punjab, 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
Voters in the states of Bihar, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are also casting ballots on Thursday.
Among the key candidates facing the electorate are Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Railway Minister Laloo Yadav and Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav.Among the key candidates facing the electorate are Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Railway Minister Laloo Yadav and Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav.
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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