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Indians began voting in the last round of the national election, a referendum on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decade in power.
The election, spanning 57 constituencies across seven states and one union territory, will complete polling for all 543 seats in parliament. Nearly 970 million voters were eligible.
If Modi wins, he’ll be the second Indian leader to retain power for a third term. Most polls show Modi leading, but the opposition alliance is challenging his Hindu nationalist politics.
Modi’s campaign, initially focused on economic progress, turned shrill with polarizing rhetoric against the Muslim minority. Analysts suggest Modi’s challengers have gained momentum by addressing local issues like unemployment and the economy.
Despite Modi’s popularity and pro-business policies, concerns over attacks on minorities and blurring lines between religion and state have clouded his campaign. The results will be announced after the vote count is completed.