India's Modi casts his vote as giant election reaches half-way mark

7/5/2024 13:43

        Prime Minister Narendra Modi voted early as India held the third phase of a massive general election on Tuesday, and called for a strong turnout although he warned of the scorching summer heat.
        
        The world's most populous nation began voting on April 19 in a seven-phase election in which nearly one billion people are eligible to vote, with ballots set to be counted on June 4.
        
        Modi is seeking a rare, third straight term in a vote which pits his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party against an alliance of more than two dozen opposition parties. Surveys suggest he will win a comfortable majority.
        
        "I urge all citizens to vote in large numbers and celebrate the festival of democracy... To all those working in the heat, I urge you to take care of your health and drink adequate water," he said shortly after voting in his home state of Gujarat.