LS Election 2019: First phase of voting kicks off across India

The first of seven phases of India's general elections kicks off. Voters in 18 Indian states and two Union Territories began casting ballots on the first day of the election, which will be staggered over six weeks. A total of 142 million people will vote in 170,664 poll booths to decide the fates of 1,279 candidates. Voters were seen queuing up outside polling stations in Uttar Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and other states. Voting concludes on 19 May and counting is scheduled for 23 May.