NEW DELHI: Voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections has begun on 102 seats spread across 21 states and Union Territories, Indian media reports said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X (Twitter), urging citizens to vote in “record numbers”. “I particularly call upon the young and first time voters to vote in large numbers. After all, every vote counts and every voice matters,” PM Modi tweeted.

While the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is seeking a third successive term under PM Modi, the Opposition is hoping for a change in fortune as they are contesting the polls forming an umbrella alliance, INDIA.

All eyes will be on Tamil Nadu, where voting is taking place in all 39 Lok Sabha seats. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is seeking his third successive term at the Centre, would hope for a better turnout for the BJP in the southern state where he has campaigned extensively.

(Inputs from India Today)