Indians begin voting today to choose their next parliament in the first of seven voting days that end on 1 June. Almost a billion people are eligible to cast their ballot.
Since the morning, voters have been thronging polling booths - from Uttar Pradesh in northern India to Tamil Nadu in the south. More than 163 million people are eligible to vote in the first phase of the election happening today.
India’s Election Commission says that “every voter counts” - and it’s not just a slogan.
Officials use helicopters, boats, horses, elephants and mules to get to hard-to-reach corners.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is aiming for a rare third consecutive term in power. Several key opposition parties, including the Congress, have formed an alliance in many states to take on Mr Modi’s party. Results will be announced on 4 June