Indians vote in the first phase of the world’s largest election as Modi seeks a third term

By ASHOK SHARMA and KRUTIKA PATHI
Associated Press

NEW DELHI (AP) — Millions of Indians are voting in a six-week election that’s a referendum on Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The first round of voting was held across parts of 21 states on Friday. Modi is seeking a rare third term in office. He is up against a broad opposition alliance that hasn’t named their candidate for prime minister if they win. India’s voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament during the staggered elections running until June 1. The votes will be counted on June 4.