Indians vote in final phase of mammoth election

Indians were voting on Sunday in the seventh and final phase of national elections, wrapping up a six-week-long, grueling campaign season with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist party seeking re-election for another five years.

Armed security officials stood guard in and outside the centers amid fear of violence.

The voting on Sunday also covers Modi's constituency of Varanasi, a holy Hindu city where he was elected in 2014.

According to AP, he has adopted a nationalist pitch in trying to win votes from the country's Hindu majority by projecting a tough stance against Pakistan, India's Muslim-majority neighbor and archrival.

The Congress and other opposition parties are challenging him over a high unemployment rate of 6.1% and farmers' distress aggravated by low crop prices.

Counting of votes is scheduled for May 23.

EA