India’s election concludes with the votes being counted Tuesday. Here’s what to know

By SHEIKH SAALIQ
Associated Press

NEW DELHI (AP) — The world’s largest election could also be one of its most consequential. India’s general election pits avowed Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi against a broad opposition alliance that is struggling to play catch up. Over his 10 years in office, he has fused religion with politics in a formula that has attracted wide support from the majority Hindu population. India has risen as a global power, but his rule has also been marked by rising unemployment, attacks against minorities — particularly Muslims — and a shrinking space for dissent. India has begun counting more than 640 million votes.