Indians are voting in 124 constituencies taking part in the first round of general elections. The five-phase vote runs until 13 May.

Voters began queuing early at many polling stations. More than 700 million Indians overall are eligible to vote.

Unlike in many Western democracies, the number of Indians voting has increased with every general election. And poorer people are more likely to vote than the rich.

More than two million security personnel have been deployed. Maoist rebels have threatened to disrupt the vote.

Turnout has been slow in areas like Kandhamal in Orissa which have seen anti-Christian riots. Police are escorting riot victims from relief camps to polling stations.

Reflecting the diversity of India, tribal women walk out of a polling booth after casting their votes at Rangareddy district on the outskirts of Hyderabad in southern India.

Voters nearby in Secunderabad braved searing heat. Sujata, on the left, said: "I want an effective person to lead us." (Photo: Omer Farooq)

People in the hilly north-eastern states like Meghalaya braved the terrain to trek to the polling stations to cast their ballots. Picture: Shubamoy Bhattacharjee