6 April 2014
Last updated at 17:47 ET
More than 800 million Indians are eligible to vote in a poll dominated by corruption and high inflation.
A new anti-corruption party, the AAP, is also contesting the elections after a spectacular result in local polls.
The AAP (Aam Aadmi, or Common Man's Party) made a strong showing at the state assembly polls in the capital Delhi and is standing for all the seats in the parliament.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has already said he is stepping down and the Congress is being led by Rahul Gandhi, the latest member of India's influential Nehru-Gandhi dynasty.
The BJP is being led by the charismatic and controversial Hindu nationalist leader Narendra Modi. Mr Modi, who is ahead in all the pre-election surveys, is the leader of Gujarat state which witnessed one of India's worst anti-Muslim riots in 2002.
Rahul Gandhi (left) and Narendra Modi
Electronic voting machines will feature an option for voters who do not back any candidate
Some 814 million voters - 100 million more than at the last
elections in 2009 - are eligible to vote at 930,000 polling stations, up
from 830,000 polling stations in 2009.
Electronic voting machines will be used and will, for the first time, contain a None of the Above (Nota) button - an option for voters who do not want to cast their ballot for any of the candidates.
The Congress party has promised "inclusive growth" if it returns to power.
In its election manifesto, the party has promised a raft of welfare schemes, including a right to healthcare for all and pensions for the aged and disabled.
The BJP has yet to come out with its manifesto but in his election speeches across the country, Mr Modi has promised economic development, jobs for the youth and a corruption-free government.
India poised for giant general election
Some 814 million voters are eligible to vote - as Andrew North reports
Indians
are set to vote in the world's biggest general election, with the
ruling Congress party pitted against the Hindu nationalist BJP
opposition.
The nine-phase ballot begins on Monday and concludes on 12 May. Votes will be counted on 16 May.More than 800 million Indians are eligible to vote in a poll dominated by corruption and high inflation.
A new anti-corruption party, the AAP, is also contesting the elections after a spectacular result in local polls.
The AAP (Aam Aadmi, or Common Man's Party) made a strong showing at the state assembly polls in the capital Delhi and is standing for all the seats in the parliament.
Continue reading the main story
POLLING DAYS
- 7 April - 2 states, 6 constituencies
- 9 April - 5 states, 7 constituencies
- 10 April - 14 states, 92 constituencies
- 12 April - 3 states, 5 constituencies
- 17 April - 13 states, 142 constituencies
- 24 April - 12 states, 117 constituencies
- 30 April - 9 states, 89 constituencies
- 7 May - 7 states, 64 constituencies
- 12 May - 3 states, 41 constituencies
- Counting of votes - 16 May
Several smaller regional parties
are also in the fray and if no single party wins a clear majority, they
could play a crucial role in government formation.
The Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament) has 543 elected
seats and any party or a coalition needs a minimum of 272 MPs to form a
government.Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has already said he is stepping down and the Congress is being led by Rahul Gandhi, the latest member of India's influential Nehru-Gandhi dynasty.
The BJP is being led by the charismatic and controversial Hindu nationalist leader Narendra Modi. Mr Modi, who is ahead in all the pre-election surveys, is the leader of Gujarat state which witnessed one of India's worst anti-Muslim riots in 2002.
Rahul Gandhi (left) and Narendra Modi
Electronic voting machines will feature an option for voters who do not back any candidate
Electronic voting machines will be used and will, for the first time, contain a None of the Above (Nota) button - an option for voters who do not want to cast their ballot for any of the candidates.
Continue reading the main story
Indian elections on BBC TV/Radio
- Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: Special edition of Impact on BBC World News at 1300 GMT
- Monday to Thursday: Special edition of Global on BBC World News at 1500 GMT presented from Mumbai/Delhi
- Monday: Newshour special at 1200 GMT on BBC World Service presented from Mumbai
- Thursday: Newshour special at 1200 GMT on BBC World Service presented from Delhi
On the first day of voting,
polling will be held in six constituencies in two states in the
north-east - five in Assam and one in Tripura.
In its election manifesto, the party has promised a raft of welfare schemes, including a right to healthcare for all and pensions for the aged and disabled.
The BJP has yet to come out with its manifesto but in his election speeches across the country, Mr Modi has promised economic development, jobs for the youth and a corruption-free government.
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