Key Points
CNN . . Celebrities, industrialists and politicians cast their vote in the worlds biggest democracy as polls opened in Indias financial capital during a weekslong nationwide election, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking another five-year term.. . Voting took place in six constituencies across Mumbai in the western state of Maharashtra, and 43 others nationwide, on Monday as millions flocked to polling booths to determine who will lead the worlds most populous country.. ..
Elsewhere, one of Indias most famous actors, Amitabh Bachchan, also cast his vote at a polling booth in the suburb of Andheri.. ..
After casting his vote on Monday, actor Akshay Kumar said he wanted to see India become developed and strong.. . Showing his ink-stained finger to local reporters, he added: I voted India should vote for what they deem is rightI think voter turnout will be good.. ..
The key election players in the city are Modis ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the main opposition Indian National Congress, and two rival factions of Shiv Sena a local ultranationalist grouping that has long played a key role in Mumbais politics.. . Mumbai, a city of more than 12 million, is often likened to New York and referred to as the city of dreams, where millions of migrants from across the country arrive to make their fortune and find purpose.. ..
Under Indias election rules, eligible voters can only cast ballots in their constituencies meaning those working outside of their state have to return home to vote..
