First phase of elections begins

Indians voted in the first stage of a staggered general election on Thursday just as the economy is hit by a slowdown and with polls showing the main national parties may struggle to form a stable coalition. More than 140 million people can vote on Thursday in polls that cover some of India's poorest and most insurgency-ridden states. In India's Maoist infested Raipur city, high security was put in place at the polling booths fearing any attack by the rebels.