Opponents and rights groups allege repression has increased in recent years.
Six weeks of voting have begun in an election where India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third term.
Opponents say repression and sectarianism have increased under his leadership.
So, what are the issues? And will the election be free and fair?
Presenter: Sami Zeidan
Guests:
Mohan Krishna – Spokesperson for the governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Arshpreet Khadial – Chief Spokesperson for the opposition Indian National Congress
Sravasti Dasgupta – Reporter for The Wire who specialises in Indian politics