Millions vote, despite violence New Delhi: Round one of India's Election 2009 ended on Thursday with millions queuing up in 17 states and Union Territories to vote in a new government amid Maoist violence that marred the democratic exercise in several places and left at least 17 dead.
The world's largest democratic exercise began early at 7 am and ended at most places at 5 pm. A majority of the states reported moderate turnout despite the Maoist attacks on polling centres and security personnel.
Image: Police patrol the streets after clashes took place during elections in the old city area of Hyderabad, Thursday, April 16, 2009. Hundreds of thousands of Indians went to polling stations Thursday to start the world's biggest democratic elections, a month-long process expected to yield no clear winner to lead India as it grapples with global economic malaise.
Text: IANS
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