Voters queue up at a polling booth in Siwan, Bihar
One of India's most bitterly fought elections comes to a close today with voting in 41 seats across three states. The focus is on the battle for Varanasi, featuring two of the most watched politicians in the country -- the BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi and Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party.
Here are the latest updates
Today is the biggest phase of polling in both Uttar Pradesh, where 18 constituencies in what is called the Poorvanchal region vote, and West Bengal, where polling is being held for 17 seats. (Last Round of Voting Today in Lok Sabha Polls)
Of the 18 seats that vote in UP today, the BJP had won four in 2009, including Varanasi. The ruling Samajwadi Party holds six seats, the BSP five and the Congress three. The BJP's UP strategy, scripted by Mr Modi's right-hand man Amit Shah, counts on Mr Modi's candidacy delivering for it not only Varanasi, but also a clean sweep in neighbouring constituencies. (Also Read: Modi in Varanasi: 4 Kms in 3 Hours And a Show of Strength)
UP sends 80 MPs to the Lok Sabha and is crucial for the BJP in its attempt to unseat the Congress which has ruled at the Centre for the last decade. The BJP's Modi calculation in the Poorvanchal region, which borders Bihar, also counts on a ripple effect in that state, where the last six of 40 constituencies vote today. (Also Read: The Making of the 'Modi Wave')
In West Bengal, 14 of the 17 constituencies polling today are held by the Trinamool Congress of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Ms Banerjee reacted sharply last week to the allegation of Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi that she could forge a post-election alliance with Mr Modi, against whom she launched a massive tirade in the latter part of her campaign. (I Would Have Jailed Modi With Rope Around Waist: Mamata)
The BJP, led by Mr Modi, is widely seen as headed towards winning the most number of seats, but it is not clear whether it will land a majority with its existing allies. Ms Banerjee hopes to register a big win in West Bengal that she can leverage to play a leading role in government formation at the Centre.
There has been early controversy in Varanasi. The BJP and Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party have complained against Congress candidate in Varanasi, local leader Ajai Rai, for turning up to vote with the party symbol pinned to his kurta. (Row Over Congress' Varanasi Candidate Wearing Party Symbol)
A special observer appointed by the Election Commission is trying to verify reports of bulk SMSes with voting appeals in favour of a particular candidate allegedly being sent by religious leaders in Varanasi. The observer has also said he will examine the Banaras Mufti voicing support for a particular party after campaigning had ended, which is not permitted. (Mufti Board of Varanasi Says Vote for Kejriwal)
An average of 66 per cent voted in the last eight phases, a record turnout that has surpassed the previous 66.27 per cent voting record in 1984. The 2009 elections recorded a 57.94 per cent turnout. There are reports of long queues at polling booths in Varanasi ever since polling began this morning. (Highest Ever Voter Turnout After 8th Phase of Lok Sabha Polling)
Votes will be counted on Friday, May 16. After two straight terms, the Congress, led by Rahul Gandhi, is seen to be staring at its worst defeat in recent times. (Congress Can't Handle Defeat by 'Commoner', Says BJP)
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