NEW DELHI - Voting for the first phase of India's general elections began Friday, kicking off a seven-phased process lasting until June 1.
People were seen standing in queues holding their Election Identity Cards, waiting for their turn to cast a vote.
Polling of votes will continue till 6 pm (local time).
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The gigantic exercise involving almost one billion voters will be spread over seven phases across the world's most populous country at the peak of summer. It ends on June 1 and votes will be counted on June 4.
On Friday, in the largest of the seven phases, 166 million voters in 102 constituencies across 21 states and territories will vote.
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As per the schedule announced by the Election Commission of India, the second phase of the elections is scheduled for April 26, the third phase on May 7, the fourth phase on May 13, the fifth phase on May 20, the sixth phase on May 25 and the last phase on June 1.
