The BJP-led government has been criticised for failing to control Right-wing fringe groups and rein in so-called “cow vigilantes” that have gone on overdrive, leading to multiple instances of mob killings across the country.

The BJP manifesto, announced three days ahead of the election, promises around around £230 million for the farm sector and rural development, lower taxes for the middle class and billions on infrastructure to create much-needed jobs.  

The states of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Uttarakhand, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Telangana are voting today in a single phase.

Voting is also being held in parts of Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Manipur, Odisha, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.