Indian general election

Narendra Modi, leader of India's Bharatiya Janata Party, has secured re-election for a third term as Prime Minister, prompting Bulgarian President Rumen Radev to extend his congratulations.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to present a coalition agreement to the president on Friday, after an unexpectedly close election forced his party to rely on allies to keep him in power.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced Wednesday the prospects of a far tougher-than-expected third term after his party failed to secure an outright majority for the first time since sweeping to power a decade ago.

Vote counting was underway in India's election Tuesday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi all but assured a triumph for his Hindu nationalist agenda that has thrown the opposition into disarray and deepened concerns for minority rights.

Voting began for a crucial state election in India's capital on Feb. 8 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist party trying to regain power after a 22-year gap and major victories in a national vote.

Residents lined up in long queues across New Delhi neighborhoods, where a total of 14.6 million voters are registered to cast ballots.

Indians have begun voting in the first phase of a general election that is being seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reported BBC. 

Tens of millions of Indians across 20 states and union territories are voting in 91 constituencies.

The seven-phase vote to elect a new lower house of parliament will continue until 19 May. Counting day is 23 May.

India has started voting in general elections which will be held in nine phases, with results expected to be announced on May 16.

Over 814 million voters will be able to cast ballots at 930 000 polling stations in the period April 7 – May 12 in what has been described as the world's biggest elections.