This live page is now closed. Thank you for joining us.
To read more about the fourth phase of India’s mammoth national election, you can access our explainer here. The fifth phase of the multiphase election will be held on May 20.
Here’s what happened today
We will be closing this live page soon. Here is a recap of today’s events:
- The fourth phase of voting had 96 seats up for grabs across nine states and the union territory of Indian-administered Kashmir.
- As of 3pm local time (09:30 GMT), the overall turnout stood at 52.60 percent, India’s ANI news agency reported.
- Voting was also held in the valley area of Indian-administered Kashmir for the first time since the multiphase election began on April 19.
- Main opposition leader Rahul Gandhi of the Congress party says a vote will not only “protect your democratic rights but will also change the fate of your entire family”.
- India’s Supreme Court dismisses plea seeking the removal of opposition leader Arvind Kejriwal as the chief minister of the national capital territory of Delhi. Kejriwal, a fierce Modi critic, was arrested a month before the election over corruption charges, which he denies.
- WATCH: Is fatigue with Modi’s BJP behind lower voter turnout?
- India’s election is more than halfway through. Tens of millions have cast their ballots as candidates fiercely woo every vote.
- Turnout is critical, say political analysts, and it has seen a dip compared to previous elections, adding concerns for the governing BJP.
