Understanding the world's largest democratic election kicking off in India

FILE- Newly elected lawmakers from India's ruling alliance led by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party raise their hands in support of Narendra Modi being elected their leader in New Delhi, May 25, 2019. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to the crowd as he arrives at an election campaign rally in Meerut, India, March 31, 2024. FILE- Leaders from the opposition INDIA alliance sit for a press briefing in Mumbai, India, Sept. 1, 2023. The opposition has united under a front called INDIA.

The world’s largest democratic election could also be one of its most consequential.