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Voting has ended in the Indian elections, as tens of millions of voters cast their ballots in a poll lasting three weeks.

Indian President Abdul Kalam cast his vote on Monday, amid reports of low turnouts.

Opinion polls suggest that the ruling BJP-led coalition may fall short of a majority of parliamentary seats.

If that happens, the BJP will have to approach smaller parties to make up the numbers necessary for an outright majority.

Critics say that there has been no improvement in the lives of India's landless poor or millions of slum dwellers.

The results are expected to be announced on 13 May.

What are your views on the elections? Can India be a world power? If you have been voting, tell us your experiences.

The following comments reflect the balance of the opinion we have received:

I have served as a poling officer in a remote village in my state I can say that the election is not totally free and fair.
Anish, India

It may inspire Indian people to create a new civilization Yi Ching Lin, Taiwan

Yes, we can see the emergence of civil force in India. The force will, probably in a very slow way, push old India into a new page of better India. Old culture is not absolutely negative factor for India's democracy. On the contrary, it may inspire Indian people to create a new civilization with the characteristic of dignity and equality.
Yi Ching Lin, Taiwan

Great to see India taking its rightful place as a world power! Maybe now they can look after their own poor and stop expecting the west to clean up their mess for them by generous aid donations.
Trevor McMurray, London UK

I believe that education has an important role to play in the future of India. Not only will it decrease poverty levels, it will help reduce pressures on India demographically. A decrease in the population will result in less pressure on the government to provide for these people, saving some money that could go into the future developments which India require to survive in the not too distant future.
Thomas Mathen, Canterbury, England

Corruption and religious intolerance should be curbed Dr RN Srivastava, New Delhi

This may be the beginning of a new India. The Government (whichever party comes to power) must resolve the country's disputes with our neighbours. It must massively invest in education and health and infrastructure development. Corruption and religious intolerance should be curbed. Otherwise the continued addition of 25 million births every year (the majority of who will remain malnourished, disease ridden and illiterate; not much of new India in that!) will drag the country down.
Dr RN Srivastava, New Delhi, India

Two words: Rural Development. Literacy and infrastructure development in rural India will create more opportunities locally leading to reduced urban migration. However, it is very difficult to motivate politicians as the density of voters and media in rural constituency is quite small.
Rohit, California, USA

Staunch support for women's rights is the only possibility in the "new" India Arti Pandey, MT, USA

India needs an investment in the education of Indian women. Staunch support for women's rights is the only possibility in the "new" India. Whoever sits in the governing chair needs to give serious consideration to this, and find a solution to the problem and not as just one of the things fashionable, westernized women like to talk about.
Arti Pandey, MT, USA

I have been reading about the progress India is making in several Indian newspapers. Among the articles several points indicate that the poor masses are getting benefits: Improvement of roads, creation of vast dams, the rapid spread of the mobile phone to rural India, even the earning power of the Indian beggar has vastly improved. Now rural India is hooked up to TV, more access to drinking water, better and more advanced irrigation systems, access to cheap if not free education via the computer and this is just the beginning. India's prosperity is definitely "trickling" down to the masses.
Chrysantha Wijeyasingha, New Orleans, USA

Never has there been so much of optimism about the relationships with our neighbours Atulya Teja, Kansas, USA

I am very proud about the fact that India is the largest democracy in the world and it's commitment to democracy has never wavered, unlike Pakistan. Currently I am living in a foreign country, and I wish I could exercise my duty as a citizen. As far as the corruption and human rights are concerned, I think every country has its share of problems and singling out India for it, is not fair. We should appreciate the development in India for the last 10 years in the fields of software and telecommunications. Never has there been so much of optimism about the relationships with our neighbours. Thanks to out-sourcing and the technical guys that India today is not just another South Asian country but has become a major factor influencing the world's economy. And truly "India is Shinning".
Atulya Teja, Kansas, USA

BJP has done a good job but this election looks more like a movie stage with the involvement of so many movie stars to attract voters. Wealth and education can only reach masses if upcoming movie star turned politician makes it happen in real life rather than movies.
Jagdeep Singh, Singapore

Indian democracy is only in papers. Indian can never ever shine because of inequality, hypocrisy in society, poverty and very selfish people.
Rabinder Henry, Dresden, Germany

How can India be a new India when children still begs for food? How can India be a new India when the majority of people doesn't understand the basic concepts of cleanliness is totally missing. Bombay is dirty, Delhi is dirtier and Calcutta is disgusting. And of course, BJP which supported the killings of Muslims are ruling India is the jewel in the crown. What are the Indians thinking? Awake! And think!
Indian in USA, Boston, USA

It's about time India started taking a more dominant role in world affairs Mike, Croydon

Frankly, it's about time India started taking a more dominant role in world affairs. With a huge population India's duty is to make its voice heard on the world stage. But please do more to reduce poverty, increase mass education, remove your class system which will hold you back when dealing with western countries and end back-handers.
Mike, Croydon

India is changing for the better but slowly and steadily. Being a leader in India has an advantage to become a global leader sooner than later. This advancement in economy and prosperity will help India to heal many issues and emerge as a new strong and powerful India.
Siva, Toronto, Canada

Yes, I believe strongly in our country. We are more self-confident and self reliant. There is a new nationalistic pride and fervour. We have been exploited for centuries both by external and internal forces, and it is high time that India took its rightful place in the world. India is one among the few nations, which practises absolute democracy in the real sense of the term, if you consider that communists are part of the process, as compared to many other so called pro-democratic nations in the western world. Wealth and education are reaching the masses and it is no mean task to achieve that, considering there are over 1 billion people to contend with.

There is no doubt that India was always a world power, and in fact, should be part of the Primary members on the UN council. Thanks to Western bias, India was denied its due, and only now, the US and UK regard India as a power, owing primarily to the nuclear arms which we possess and also, more to the fact that we offer a huge consumer market for their blood sucking multinational corporations! We shall be a Super Power by 2020!
Narayanan, Bangalore, India

If there is not yet a new India there soon will be Keith L, Rayleigh England

If there is not yet a new India there soon will be. This has nothing to do with any political party but is due to the ever increasing level of education which is permeating India, partly via the internet. When people become educated they cease to be controlled by superstition and propaganda and start to use knowledge as a tool to improve their quality of life. Something similar is slowly happening in China.
Keith L, Rayleigh England

India needs a stable government which should have educated young politicians to implement massive policies for education, population control and infrastructure. You just need good policies and good government to undertake it. Now it is the time to think about the country, not your pockets. This is my message to the leaders of India - do it now, or you will never get a chance again.
Vaibhav, Tokyo Japan

For over 1000 years Hindus have had absolutely no say in how they were governed. I think they have had to learn to be decision makers. It is no small achievement, and in that I am sure a new India is emerging
Amrat, Guelph, Canada

As someone who has only briefly visited India twice, I can only compare with what differences I have noticed. In my humble opinion, India is primarily hampered by a politically corrupt, almost pro-hard right and non responsive system of administration burdened under pressures of an incredible population further strained by limited resources. Economic numbers and figures may point to a burgeoning society on paper, but reality is only as far as the doorstep.
As an expatriate who recently had the opportunity to revisit India after nearly 15 years, the most vivid memories are of mass pollution, failing/decaying infrastructure and very large disparity between rich and poor. Will the poor and disadvantaged ever feel the benefits of the economic boom? Who will empower the people when the wail of disfigured children begging is drowned by the suffocating din of spiralling traffic or choked in the oppressive smog? What does 8% economic growth and GDP mean to the beggars of Delhi anyway?
Cuz, Australia

Recently there has been lot of buzz about India racing towards a status developed nation. But what exactly is happening in India is that difference between rich and poor is getting bigger and bigger. Infrastructure is getting built up, corporate world is happy, what is not happing is there is no flow of these benefits to the poor people. The Indian bandwagon is on the right track but not all the people are on board.
Kuldeepak, Germany

There are a large number of wise politicians in Indian Parliament; However Indian politics is marred with 'quest for power'. Unfortunately a lot of politicians spend too much of their time in trying to keep their position intact. A secure government is very essential to generate confidence of stability. Whatever the outcome of elections, it should lead to a stable government for wealth and education to prosper. India definitely has the potential to become a world power.
Sumit Gupta, Sadvika, Norway

Whilst having the label of the world's largest democracy, India has probably the worst human rights record when it comes to religious minorities (Sikhs, Muslims, Christians and low caste Hindus). .
Riyaz, Middlesex

We have to expect gradual improvements Vrushali Moghe, Nebraska, USA

It is sad to see so many people whining and complaining about India. It is because of such people that the country is always seen as a deprived country - it is not. India is really coming up, and beginning to glow. We all just have to be proud of it and encourage those who are willing to contribute to the country. Remember it is the largest democracy in the world, we have to expect gradual improvements. And if you want to see immediate improvements, do something don't just expect the improvements. Please be proud and supportive of India, even if you don't live there, be proud of your origins.
Vrushali Moghe, Nebraska, USA

It is good to see positive attitude of Indians towards India's future prospects. This can only help propel India towards self confidence and make her competitive in the global economy.
Jayant, Minneapolis, Minnesota

I feel bad when I see the sufferings of the people around me. Poverty is still widespread in India. If India is going to be a wealthy nation, the path towards that can only be through bringing a minimum standard of living for all its citizens. I don't exactly know why people are obsessed with becoming super power. The world has enough of problems because of certain countries being called super powers. I don't like to see India trying to become like that. I like India to strive towards becoming a country which people love and want to live in.
Arunkumar M., College Park, USA

The BJP has been the far best government for India so far. During their time, the economy has developed quickly, it has been moving towards stability and peace, and the poverty is pushed in retreat. These achievements was never done under 50 years of Congress party rule, which was infested with a lot of corruption, stagnation, and costly political failures.
Jan Andersson, Stockholm, Sweden

My experience over seven years visiting and living in India tell me that the middle and upper castes of India truly have no desire to see the scheduled castes improve financially. Is this perspective incorrect?
Glenn Hutchens, Dubuque, Iowa, USA

Nehru tried to create a new India after independence in 1947. His aim was to make it secular, in which religion had no place in the State policies. Unfortunately he failed. Now we're seeing another movement which is trying to bring change. Personally I do not think it will bring any change. The lower caste people will still be discriminated against, as well as the Muslims and the other minorities. That unfortunately is the sad truth about India
Ahsan, London, UK

I think capitalism, secularism and women empowerment are key to India's bright future.
Nishant Aggarwal, Pune India

India's problems are simply too massive to be magically resolved by a regime change Anjan Dani, Lubbock, TX

I think India is head for disaster. The rising gap between the hippies and the orthodox poor will tear the nation apart in the future. And as for "spreading wealth and education", that will not happen in less than fifty years. India's problems are simply too massive to be magically resolved by a regime change.
Anjan Dani, Lubbock, TX

So long as the caste system inhibits the development of capable entrepreneurs India will continue to be overtaken by more enlightened nations. The economic boom only benefits those with money, the effect on the poor is simply to increase costs. India hasn't had a politician of note since the murder of Mrs Gandhi - and it shows.
Tom, UK

Compared to other politicians, Vajpayee is a saint. India is certainly a democratic country where people have the power to elect some one of their choice and also have the power to throw the elected leader out of power when he destroys the image of the country. India has made tremendous progress in scientific research. Standard of living has gone high. However, the basic needs of people such as good water, good air, nice homes etc do not seem to get priority. I am quite sure that things would improve. Indian congress should be ashamed of having Sonia Gandhi as its leader. Congress party has lost Gandhian ideals. The country belongs to the people of India not to Nehru's family.
Lakshmi Sridharan, San Jose, USA

India has problems like any other country in the world. I don't want people with little or no experience of India to pass judgement. India has the best and the most cost-effective education system in the world, not even superpowers can claim that. Indians are the most prosperous and leading immigrant population in many top countries and most of that can be attributed to social value system (that cannot be built, nut passed from generation to generation) & excellent education system. We are a very young democracy, all our resources were stolen just 50 years back and to come back to what we are today is a unmatched achievement.
CR, India/USA

Old wine, new bottle. India is in the news either because women die in a stampede, pathetic poverty, Kashmir shelling, train accidents, killing/rape of foreigners in Delhi or communal riots. I believe India is a decayed, stagnating and a corrupt society that never got its history straight. I was one of the frogs but I started asking myself questions when I left the well. Elections come and go but things barely change. Though I will never return to India, I will always wish her well and help if I can.
Rakesh, USA/India

I have noticed many negative comments coming from Non- Resident Indians. I'm sorry, but if you have not lived the Indian life, realized the Indian change and seen the Indian boom, you are not qualified to make comments about India. I live in the capital of my beautiful state Goa and I would never think of leaving this place ever. India is flourishing, and you can see it in tourism through Goa, in technology through Bangalore, in economics through Mumbai, and in education through Delhi and Hyderabad. The wealth may not be as evenly spread as everyone complains about, but it is a process. One cannot expect India to make its poor into rich within a decade - that is just silly. Be patient. India is reaching for the top, and one it gets there, nobody will be able to ever dethrone it.
Ryan Fernandes, Panjim, Goa

India has come a long way since the British occupation, the partition and independence. India has definitely prospered and is on its way to becoming one of the superpowers. However, the first thing India needs to do is to eradicate corruption. When all the corruption is gone, then things will start falling into place like a jigsaw puzzle.
C Sparrow, Idaho, USA

The stability of the central government has been the key issue Dinesh Kumar, India/USA

With the new elections comes new promises, with the new promises comes a new government, with the new government comes a new hope. India needs a stable government to implement new policies, lure multinationals to invest in India, and keep the stocks markets raising. From the past experiences I feel that the stability of the central government has been the key issue in growth and development of India.
Dinesh Kumar, India / USA

A lot of the third world countries in the past has had a magnificent economic boom but to little benefit to the majority of people. Prosperity is in the mind and you have to share it amongst all the people. No doubt once prosperity is shared the population boom will also dwindle, like as this is what happened in Europe many years ago. A capitalist always counts the pennies of parenthood.
Emma, UK

It's clear that India is shining indeed.. But what is not clear is whether it is due to or in spite of the politicians.
Arup, Delhi

Illiteracy is still the biggest problem which plagues India from its growth. Until this problem gets resolved, India cannot grow to become a world leader.
Satish Varma, USA

It can't be equal as long as more rights by the constitution are given to minorities Rav, USA

The only way India can make it in this world is to truly be equal. It can't be equal as long as more rights by the constitution are given to minorities (Muslims and Christians). There are many Hindus that are poor as well. They need to get equal rights as well. As long as they aren't given equal rights India will never become a successful nation. Rav, USA

India needs to empower the people so they can make a better life for themselves. And by building better roads and better infrastructure, India is doing just that. Poor people are not a baggage to be towed around. All they need is opportunity and they will come out of the poverty by themselves.
Vikram, USA

I think the main problem that India has is illiteracy. Until this is solved, the poor will continue with population growth. This will continue to weigh very heavy on the overall economy and infrastructure despite all the improvements being made. Literacy will reduce population, encourage growth, get rid of corruption and corrupt politicians and have a real chance of becoming a superpower.
Chandru Advani, California, USA

It is a grand statement of democracy. We should keep in mind that Indian democracy is something that all other countries look for inspiration in that part of the world. India is doing a great service by propagating democratic values in the Third World.
Anand, Gainesville, USA/India

India's technology savvy youth are fast enabling India to catch up with rest of the world Haritha Kantety, Boston

Very interesting phenomenon is happening in India if you look closely - India's technology savvy youth are fast enabling India to catch up with rest of the world creating a top down mechanism to catch up with the world. At the same time, India's agricultural, remote sensing satellite technology, road/port building and river linking infrastructure projects bringing up the lively hood of the masses creating a bottom up approach. These two mechanisms are quickly enabling India to become a economic and regional power house.
Haritha Kantety, Boston, USA

Indian economy only will sustain if its wealth and education reaches its masses and it will. India realized its people are its only assets and it never could be a world power with out empowering its own people.
Ravi Chimakurthy, Boston, USA

The peaceful election in India strengthens the democratic institution that is constantly undergoing changes, for better of course. Bharatiya Janata Party has come out to be the most nationalist party so far. But the great challenge lies handling the environment, like checking pollution, degradation and depletion of natural resources. There should a completely autonomous body who can clearly formulate strict environmental laws to regulate pollution to damage to the environment. Until and unless this is done, the progress made so far will continue to diminish.
Tapen Sinha, Ohio

Can corruption be removed from India? Can religious rivalries be removed from India? If the above issues can be resolved, India is all that a world power will wish to be!
Ramsen Patel, India

It is astonishing to read the comments made by non-resident Indians. These are people who fled India long ago, in pursuit of self-serving goals. We are simply not interested in the views of these pessimistic mindsets. I'm 19 years old, and I know that my country is going to take its place as the greatest nation on the face of this planet. As a young Indian, I see mammoth potential in my country. Pessimists and agonisers please stop talking India down, your attitude is disdainful.
Karthik Dinakar, Bangalore, India

India is steadily on its way to a great destiny that was dreamt by Mahatma Gandhi. There are problems in India as in all other nations, but democracy flourishes and augurs well for the world. If I were the PM, I would decentralize power to the states as it is difficult for one office to govern 1.1 Billion people; I would privatize things like power sector, banking and airlines and insurance and use half the current defence budget of $18 Billion to fight Aids, Poverty and Hunger! And go on a massive education campaign.
Suresh Ganapathy, Houston, USA

India will indeed take its place amongst the greatest nations of the world Sonya, Bombay, India

It is fascinating to see such a pessimistic views of India being propagated by the Indian Diaspora around the world. My message to them is to stop whining and come and be part of the new India, or shut up. Within India, things are going great. Rome was not built in a day, and India will not turn into a success overnight. Which country does not have challenges? We here at India do too. However, a vibrant economy, a free press that holds the politicians accountable, and a democracy that in the end works, will ensure that India will indeed take its place amongst the greatest nations of the world. Just watch.
Sonya, Bombay, India

I have travelled extensively in India over many years. I have found it to be crime-ridden, institutionally corrupt with an irreversible welding together of the legislature and organised crime. Since 1947, India has been governed by a series of self-serving leaders with little or no regard for those they purport to represent. There will be no change in this, whoever wins the elections.
Peter, UK

What an opportunity missed by people of Kashmir. I wonder whether the low turnout was due to voters making protest or, the fear of intimidation by supporters of anti Indian rule. If it is the latter than the Indian Government should take note and deal with it.
Dipu, Birmingham. UK

All the nations of the world should learn from India, the definition of democracy, freedom and liberty, esp. Pakistan and China.
Himanshu Jani, Bangalore, India

India needs to address the issues at the grass root level Chanjith, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ

India needs to address the issues at the grass root level - poverty, pollution control, population control, literacy etc., while doing the things it does right currently (liberalization) in a democratic setup. All else (superpower status or other) will follow.
Chanjith, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ

No-one has commented on the religious violence and intolerance the BJP have inflicted on India. The BJP's Hindu nationalism has unleashed real violence against India's Christians and others so I can only hope the BJP is removed or at least seriously weakened.
Fabian, UK

Many in this post have raised concerns over population. I think that is India's strength. Talk about population density, and I find Japan way over us. Yet super strong economy. So where does India lag? I believe, language. China is three times our size but people from top to bottom, left to right speak the same, understand each other and hence successful.
Sanket, Dallas, US

Whether or not India can truly rank as one of the world's great states depends a lot on whether it can make peace with Pakistan. Only then can it hope to realize its full potential... not only by siphoning off resources otherwise meant for defence, but also by having a more respectable standing in the community of nations. We Pakistanis need a stable, prosperous India, and vice versa. If the next 5-10 years are ones of detente between these nuclear foes, an era of peace and prosperity may finally, at long last, descend upon South Asia. Right now, Vajpayee seems to be the only Indian leader capable of delivering their half of the bargain.
Qasim, Pakistan/Canada

I hope the government looks into the alarming population growth of India Shine Shankar, Singapore

I hope the new government, whichever it be, takes steps to eradicate the problems at the grass root level. I hope the government looks into the alarming population growth of India and imposes some strict family planning measures. Improve the literacy rate by making basic primary and secondary education free and more attractive to the poor (maybe by providing free lunch) and finally by bringing into effect anti-corruption policies. Also, they should focus on improving the infrastructure and try to find politicians who are literate and anti corrupt, after all the reins of the country are in their hands.
Shine Shankar, Singapore

Create an infrastructure for all - not for just few rich people. 94% of Indian people support 4% of the rich in India. All actors and other need to go back where they belong. Stop filling your stomach think about India as a whole. Greed is killing Indian society. Basic needs must be provided to all not to few. Think you can stay in Taj Mahal Hotel but when you come out of it what you see ?
Vijay, Dallas, U.S.A.

The NDA coalition has done a great job overall with the country. Opening up the country's economy and at the same time investing in research and development has not only enhanced country's standard internationally but also opened thousands of opportunities of high quality jobs for Indians. The only dark spot in the NDA ruling was its unwillingness to take tough action against the rioters of Gujarat. As a Gujarati, I feel sad that such horrible thing had to happen in such an industrialised state. As far as Congress's complaint about not enough being done to reduce the poverty of some 300 million + poor people, let me remind everybody that Congress, in its 49 years of rule, has done nothing but add to that poverty. Therefore, people would do a grave error if they ask Congress to do anything about it. Vajpayee, don't even think about getting out now, your country needs you many many more years to come.
Amar Dave, USA

In spite of all her drawbacks India continues on its way forward Adisesh, USA

Every Country and system has its pitfalls. India has hers too. However the redeeming light is that in spite of all her drawbacks India continues on its way forward. With a huge population, devastated economy, it has managed to overcome the shadow of colonialism. India is the sole former colony in Asia or Africa to have come in terms with its past and moved forward. Poverty levels continue to lower and technology (other than computers) continue to improve. Give India time, it's only 57 years old. It will reclaim its former glory as the 'Golden Bird'. Its not easy for a nation to come in terms with becoming one of the poorest nations in a matter of 200 years. Colonial rule shattered India's manufacturing capability and reduced it to a supplier of raw materials and an importer of finished goods. India barely gets any Foreign Direct Investment(FDI) unlike China and this fact is making Indian home grown companies behemoths in their own right and one these companies will give the western MNC a run for their money. We will overcome
Adisesh, USA

It is truly a new India but it is a wheel that needs a few more spokes. For instance, the best broadband connection still cannot deliver water and the best surgeon cannot solve problems due to lack of personal hygiene. The state in its Nehruvian policy to deliver equal results for all has lowered the standards for all. It is time to dump that and privatize infrastructure so we may finally have electricity supply to light our India Shinning board!
Ashesh, Dallas, USA

BJP's loss in this election only furthers my belief that politicians in India have only but one thing to do. Economic reform right after the election and spend six months before the elections helping out the poor to convince them they are starting mega super duper social programs and quietly jettison them right after the election.
Amit, USA

I believe India to be heading in the right direction Karthik, Baton Rouge, USA

I believe India to be heading in the right direction. Though I am in the United States, I wish I could vote. It's not that people living abroad do not want to be a part of the elections. If only there was a possibility of people outside India voting, then you can see how many of us would. People talk about secularism, poverty, population, illiteracy etc., well we are all a part of it. How many of us would have thought of helping the poor? All of us just sit and talk and don't do a thing! If India has to be a superpower, "we" need to make a difference, no matter where we are. There should be a day when the whole world watches us and respects us! That day will come soon!
Karthik, Baton Rouge, USA

Considering the huge amount of public money which is being spent on the Election and then in maintaining an ARMY of politicians, it will be better if we discard the present system and go in for a Presidential System, with more powers to the State and Regions. The elected persons are no more than the old Rajahs & Maharajahs enjoying all the privileges on the earth. People with criminal records and those who shift their loyalty from one party to another should be banned. So should be the case with the Regional Parties, who are causing havoc to the nation by their "horse trading" in the event of a "hung" assembly/parliament.
Major, Sikandrabad, India

What does freedom or democracy mean to 500 million living in poverty! Indians should stop exhibiting their pseudo-pride. In over 50 years of independence, India has not produced a world class athlete or a world class automobile or a world class architecture or a world class scientist or even a world class leader. Nuclear and space capabilities were only possible because of foreign collaboration. Thanks to the British and the Islamic rules of the past, we still have a few things to be proud of.
KJ, USA

Prime Minister Vajpayee, Ministers LK Advani, Arun Jaitely, Jaswant Singh are amongst the best of their class in the world. Indian IT industry, Engineering, textiles, pharmaceuticals are amongst the most competitive in the world. Indian agriculture and milk production has come off the age and produces in excess every year. Indian armed forces are amongst the strongest. Indian space scientists, satellites and rockets are unbeatable. Indian democracy and elections are a lesson to the whole world. Can't we reduce our few negatives and become one of the leading nations? Lets start by choosing the right political party which cares for our aspirations. Which sincerely wants to curb the negatives -literacy and population. Indian elections will have much more meaning once the awareness levels of Indians go up. Which can happen with enhancing education and strengthening media and communications.
SIDDHARTH, India/USA

In India a robust democracy is required Awais Qarni, Lahore, Pakistan

I have read the views of other people and many have presented a mature and balanced approach to issues facing India. Here I would say that in India a robust democracy is required and this would be an example for its immediate neighbours as well. Strong government sometimes adopt the form of dictatorship so excessive stress must not imposed on overwhelming government. To me religious harmony, peaceful co-existence with neighbours and preference should be given to developmental projects.
Awais Qarni, Lahore, Pakistan

Now India is becoming a world power in the coming years. Whole credit will go to that government which has create three parts of the formula : stability, development and good governing.
Vimal Kumar Maloo, Bikaner, India

No party/politicians are speaking about the population. India will see much more growth in the coming years. They have to take some decision on population. It is the Indians who must think about it seriously. Crime, poverty, robbery everything will come down if we reduce the growth in population. Then we can think of becoming super power.
Praneesh, Seoul, South Korea

Though our democracy has shortfalls, it's the only way forward. By looking at our neighbours and the vigorous challenges India has been facing in the post-independence age, I am really be proud to be Indian and salute our nation. India will grow as a democratic nation. We need to work hard to tune the system by completely stopping criminals in entering the election field, provision to call back the representatives, by checking that the representatives at least attempted to fulfil their election manifesto (and take appropriate action, if not). This is a time consuming process, I'm aware, but in the end it will lead to a much more successful and true democracy.
Muthukumar, USA/India

The elected leaders should focus on religious harmony, economic prosperity and local infrastructure Rahul, USA

Over the last decade India has slowly emerged as a force to reckon with. I am a 35 years old Indian living in America for the last 10 years and for the first time I feel that India is moving in the right direction. I have always had confidence in the Indian democratic system and think that the Indian voters are pretty smart when it comes to electing their leaders. I am sure they will do the right thing this time too. My hope is that the elected leaders should focus on religious harmony, economic prosperity and local infrastructure.
Rahul, USA

This is fantastic ! India is a beacon for democracy. it is indeed a true democracy when socialists and communists can also run for election. And the electorate makes the final decision. This is a welcome departure from the wealthiest democracy - USA !
Shanti Kumar, Chicago, USA

I am just trying to imagine 670 million people, wow. Can't come to terms with it really. Its a mini miracle in itself.
M Khan, London, UK

India cannot even distantly dream of becoming a superpower Asim Abdul-Salaam, Chennai, India

While it is heartening to see that developmental issues are beginning to feature in the political agenda, it will bear little fruit. Until true democracy is strictly implemented throughout the country and communal politics is abandoned, India cannot even distantly dream of becoming a superpower.
Asim Abdul-Salaam, Chennai, India

My hopes are held high for my nation. May India not lose her legitimate place in the global village. We need to continue with the open-market economic policy and see the Industrial/IT sector booming. Let's not forget that it was the one and only Dr Manmohan Singh who boldly initiated the economic reforms in 1991 after decades of dead economy. We need Dr. Singh once again in the Finance Minister's role. Jai Hind!
Manu George, Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Let us respect and cherish all the good things Mr Vajpayee has done to Indians. Value his creative ideas and his experience in handling political affirms affirmably. I definitely wish BJP a good success and lead the country once again.
Chitra, London, UK

Unfortunately BBC highlighted only the negative views in yellow boxes. Is this the "balance of the opinion" for BBC. Or as someone has written India's progress is difficult for the West (and BBC) to digest.
Raj, Netherlands/India

An awesome display of democracy Jagannath Rao, Berlin, Germany

670 million Indians exercising their franchise is an awesome display of democracy. India as a nation has arrived. The 21st century is bound to be India's tryst with destiny.
Jagannath Rao, Berlin, Germany

Whatever the results may be, the majority of the poor in India will not see any improvement in their daily lives. But it would be better if the people removed the Hindu nationalists from power and ensured the revival of secularism in the world's largest functioning democracy!
Srinivasan Toft, Humlebæk, Denmark

I am 20 and this is going to be my first vote. I don't think the election will perform a miracle, it's just another political stunt. But I do pray that our leaders focus more on rural folks rather promoting laptops and notebooks in the market
Anandou Jeyaraj, Pondicherry, South India

Everyone seems to have forgotten about the real bottleneck for development in India - population. Among other things, the new leader must put population control among his most important tasks.
Syam Tatineni, Basel, Switzerland.

Our politicians should realise that the reason India is shining is not because of the progress done over the past five years. Not even a small scale company can record major profits and grow leaps and bounds in five years. I feel the reason for our country doing well is the percentage of our population between the 25 to 35 age bracket, Our young stars are the true heroes and our politicians should listen to them for a change than gloat in their falsely created images.
Rohit Mhatre, Mumbai, India

There are a lot of positive things happening in India, but we should not lose sight of the marginalised and the underprivileged. Constant work needs to be done and encouragement should be given to this section of the society.
Ajith, Maryland, USA

The main problem India is facing is population Sri, Mpls, US

It's easy to criticize every politician in the elections, but the main problem India is facing is population. No matter how hard the politicians are trying to take the country ahead, it cannot become a super power because the weight of the population will drag it down (corruption, poverty).
Sri, Mpls, US

There is a lot of talk about making India a superpower. To me India would be a superpower when my garbage gets collected every week, I can drink water from my tap, call 911 and someone will answer the phone on the other end, drivers will drive in their respective lanes and stop in a red traffic light. These are my hopes but I do not see any party offering it.
Sanjay Mehta, India

My hope is that the world will pause and wonder why the greatest democracy in the world-that represents one-fifth of humanity- has no place as a permanent UN member?
S. Joshi, MD, New Jersey

For the first time this election is fought on the grounds of governance and development Sharanu, Bangalore, India

For the first time this election is fought on the grounds of governance and development. This is a good sign and a very good beginning. We are far from being a superpower, but we know our rightful place in the world and have already began in the right direction !!
Sharanu, Bangalore, India

I hope India shows America how to count votes.
Gary Chiles, Wellington, New Zealand

I have only voted once, in 1985, just before I came over to Malaysia to get married. Since then I've not been able to vote. This year I wanted to do so but the Indian High had no arrangements for me to do so. I was disappointed I could not play a role in my motherland's future.
Kundavi Sandran, KL, Malaysia

The future will be better if India fights against poverty Ramesh Pathak, Germany/Nepal

I think the future will be better if India fights against poverty. Moreover, it is necessary to build good relationships with all neighbouring countries.
Ramesh Pathak, Germany/Nepal

India has been independent for 55 years and is slowly emerging as a force to reckon with. It is India's time and destiny to succeed in the 21st century and no force can stop this.
Praveen Mungara, USA

It is a great day indeed when 1/6th of humanity decides to go polling. In India, votes are cherished most by those who have the least. I hope India is able to bring to the table what has been promised for 50 years...prosperity and equality for all. India is doing well on all fronts and has managed to gate crash most of the exclusive parties around the world. I hope from now on, India truly shines all the time...not just during the elections.
Vikram Rao, USA/India

We, in Pakistan pray for Vajpayee's ruling coalition to win the election because 1) We look forward to see him fulfilling the promises on Kashmir issue he made to Pakistan during his recent visit in Islamabad. 2) He and Musharraf are the only men in the whole lot to be able to liberate the two nations from the clutches of foolish hostilities.
Javed, Karachi, Pakistan

The feel-good factor is only in the cities while the problems at the grass root level have not been solved Florine Lobo, Frankfurt/India

I hope the Indian politicians work for the poor of the country. We boost of 8% growth rate etc but there are still people who are hungry, taken advantage by the rich or the high class, illiteracy. There is still a wide gap between the rich and the poor. The feel-good factor is only in the cities while the problems at the grass root level have not been solved by any government. I hope the new leaders can make India the super power which it has a capacity to be.
Florine Lobo, Frankfurt/India

India is largest democracy in the world. True to its word most of the politicians also misuse the democracy at their best way. There is a need for a very broad understanding of political awareness. People should be educated to vote based on the performances of the political parties rather than getting carried away by the false publicity of majority of the parties.
Bhargav, UK

The sheer magnitude of eligible voters actually cast the votes puts the western nations to shame. It is a marvellous achievement by India. India and people of Indian origin clearly expect that democracy takes a strong hold and further move the nation to create a prosperous middle class. I have no doubt that India is well on its way.
Vaman, Frederick, MD, USA

Those who really know India are well aware that India is a world of its own on this planet. It has boasts great politicians (e.g. the Mahatma Gandhi) and many artisans; I know of few who are not moved by the beauty of the Taj or impressed by rhythms of Ravi Shankar. Where India has gone wrong is that it has tried to emulate the West - although this has its advantages in our competitive world there has been a price to pay - one has only to look at the disparity in the wealth of those who have and those who have not. A mass education programme and a move to remove poverty and social injustice is the only way forward.
Deepak, London, UK

I have not yet voted. But vote I certainly will. I expect a forward looking government which will put development with an Indian character and context on the agenda. This elections must put all the power brokers and their hangers on in the dustbin of history where they belong.
Ravichandran, Coimbatore, India

Spending $15bn and boasting nuclear capabilities, may sound impressive, but could that money not have been spent to feed a little girl dying of malnutrition? Akshay, UK/UAE

India is one of the great nations of the world. However, the leaders of the nation post independence have failed to bring about equality amongst the people. Spending $15bn and boasting nuclear capabilities, may sound impressive, but could that money not have been spent to feed a little girl dying of malnutrition? We need a sincere leader, who makes sure that all in India are ensured at least the basic necessities.
Akshay, Newcastle, UK/Dubai, UAE

I am a little surprised reading the comments posted by Mr Akshay from UK. History speaks loud and clear that economic prosperity cannot be sustained without military might. True, ideally the best investment of $15bn would be for the poor but never forget our history. If you are rich and not powerful enough to protect your country you are doomed. By investing $15bn towards nuclear/military related capabilities, the present government is sending the right message to the world: "Finally we have learned a lesson form our history."
Keshav Gupta, Bombay, India

There is positivity in the air and positivity in thoughts and emotions. For the first time our neighbours across the LOC waved cheerfully at people going to vote - a smile in place of a bullet! I trust that the feel-good factor will bring in a government that will make us feel great! A process has been set in motion and it is irreversible.
Anjali Sen, India

India needs one leader, who takes the country towards the light of hardworking, honesty and desire to success. India is waiting for that person from past 50 years, hope at least now we meet our great leader, who makes India the Best country in the world.
Sridhar, Bangalore

These elections have shown how far the gap has widened between social segments in India. This is shown by the irrational exuberance and prevailing middle class yuppies in a certain small segment of Indian and NRI populaces, even as all the while 700 million people live on $2 or less per day.
Saj Chakkalakal, India/UK

Indians will need to get rid of the close minded view that technical fields are the only routes to success Ryan Jenkins, USA

I have a lot of Indian friends here in the US. They are wonderfully intelligent folk when it comes to technical fields like medicine, engineering or space science. But it seems like there is a lack of interest for other creative or socially oriented fields. Why is this? I think India is only full of doctors, computer scientists and mechanical engineers. Where are all the artists, the social workers, the environmentalists, the musicians? For India to become a superpower of any sort, Indians will need to get rid of the close minded view that technical fields are the only routes to success.
Ryan Jenkins, USA

Re: Ryan Jenkins, USA: The type of jobs you have mentioned are the ones that get exported. People in India do work in music, movies, fine arts, agriculture, business and a whole lot of other (mostly unknown in the west) kinds of professions. In some of these, the goods get exported (for cheap) and the professionals stay in the country while some others just don't get sold in a country like yours and therefore (some) fail to realise they exist. Fields that bring more money are, by 'natural selection', the most in demand - everywhere.

2 more points: Intelligence has no country of origin. Hard work sometimes does, according to the economic state of a region. The world, including Indians, need to get out of this fantasy of 'superpower' myth. That is something to be learnt from history.
Gita, India

Forget about being a superpower or making Bollywood as good as Hollywood! Vinay Yerramilli, Seattle

To Gita, India: I couldn't agree more with your comments. We as a country should stop evaluating ourselves in terms of what the West or the rest of the world thinks of us... forget about being a superpower or making Bollywood as good as Hollywood! It's time we stopped yearning for compliments from the West. All the progress we have made since independence is just the beginning. We still have tonnes of problems with monstrous proportions to deal with. We as a country (especially the youth) need a certain internal focus and personal responsibility to better ourselves and spread peace and happiness in the country.
Vinay Yerramilli, Seattle, USA

I have voted. I want an India in which caste is not officially sanctioned by the government's issuing of caste certificates and poverty certificates. We need a constitution like South Africa where all people are really equal and there are no official preferences.
M. Seshagiri Rao, Bangalore

Hope that people will choose a stable government which can sustain the economic growth rate and people's mandate will be based on merit, not legacy. This election will also show whether people are concerned with national issues or just think of cast, creed and regionalism.
Sanjeev Manral, Seoul Korea

The west may not like it, but India has entered into competition with the superpowers and apart from BJP, there is unfortunately no other party which can lead the country into this competition. Let's "wait and watch".
Sunil, India/ UK

If we miss the bus today to become a superpower, it could be too late NS Raj, Hyderabad

India today needs a strong leadership like the present president who has made a maiden speech to his fellow countrymen calling upon to cast there valuable vote, never before in the history of the largest democracy one has addressed the nation. The time is ripe for a strong leader to head the nation, because if we miss the bus today to become a superpower, it could be too late. Let's not vote for us, vote for our children.
NS Raj, Hyderabad, India

Indians have good chance to put their view through elections but people don't know about this election. Actually this is a national election and not a regional election but people vote according to their regional problems. So result is that no party is getting total majority and again 15 or 20 parties will collide and form the government. And that government can't make progress of the country. So I think this is a wastage of time and money. First people should be known about this election that this is national election and not a regional election.
Sanjiv Brahmbhatt, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

One would hope that amongst the talk of the shining economy and foreign policy achievements, that the landless and poor of India are not forgotten. It's at times like these that such issues should be brought to the far, and such is the strong economic growth, that which ever party gets elected, be it the BJP or Congress Party, that they work to improve the lives of the millions of poor citizens of India.
Jason Robinson., Dublin, Ireland.

The poor becomes more poor and the rich becomes more rich Sayi PS, Channai

The polls have started and we all are prepared to vote. The government's coming and going. The poor becomes more poor and the rich becomes more rich. We need a revolution in India.

We need a government which can make India developed at least by 2020.We need a government which doesn't divide and rule policy. The government should address all India's problems as an Indian's problem not as a Hindu's or Muslim's, not as North Indians or South Indians. The government which came were not at all bothered about the non-developed Eastern part of the country. We hope at least our next government will address all our problems.
Sayi PS, Channai

This is the cleanest and first fully electronic election in India. NDA seems to secure sufficient seats to make the government again. I hope it'll help the nation since NDA government can cash on the previous good works and follow the very policies they started. India still lags behind many other countries in the world when it comes to the infrastructure - roads, electricity, and rational distribution of resources like water and food. Unstable governments in the past have marred the progress and the execution of multipurpose five year plans. I hope for a stable government like NDA this time, since these issues need to be tackled by devising and executing long term policies which span for years.
Sachin Vats, Delhi, India

Overall, I believe India is better off now than it was five years ago. To complain that there are still people living in poverty is silly; a decade of economic liberalization will not eradicate centuries of poverty and stagnation! India will need many decades of strong economic growth to even begin improving the lives of its poorest. Congress was in power for over 40 years and it failed India, and so far the BJP seems to be doing a better job.
Praneel, USA

It is a irony to see that many people have commented about the way Indians should vote etc, but these people are all living abroad and are in fact not contributing in the Indian electoral process and have chosen to make a living abroad. I believe more people living in Western countries should come back home to start making a contribution to the growth of India and the changes it is seeing.
Mohan, Bangalore, India

India may give the impression of having a strong leadership, but never before in the history of independent India has there been a government which is so obsessed with pandering to the middle classes, while caring so little about the huge swathes of poverty in the country. For more than 500 million people this election will mean nothing.
Brijesh Patel , Bhopal, India

India needs a stable democracy not a government with caste and religion as their first agenda Gauri Advani, London

India needs a stable democracy not a government with caste and religion as their first agenda. Promises in successive elections of building Hindu temples is fundamentalist and most of all upsetting to a country that has always taken pride in its secular credentials.
Gauri Advani, London

Hopefully the new leader will make education and treatment of AIDS a priority. People are becoming infected, and dying at an alarming rate.
Margaret, Portland USA

Hopefully, the flambeau of freedom passes to the yoounger generation, uncluttered by the baggage of past animosities and animated by the promise of the future.
Mohansingh, India

I hope with this election India can continue the path of progress and become a power which can really take care of the people.
Raj, USA

My hope is that some sensible individuals get into power and once and for all sort my country out. But to be honest I don't have high hopes.
Sumeet, London, UK

At best, a majority for single party and at worst a hung parliament. BJP should be given a chance to run the country on its own rather than a coalition. Whether India Shining or Not Shining, the NDA has done a better job than any previous government since independence. It is fair to give it another chance.
Lakshmi Srinivasan, Newcastle, UK

I hope people vote just selfishly - shun the injected `collective' mentality. Individual happiness will result in collective happiness - no fallacies here.
Natarajan Ramachandran, Sirumugai, India/US

While the vote turnout is heartening, elections in India will never be as productive as they could be, as long as education levels are so low that many people are easily swayed along the lines of caste and religion, as opposed to issues. Realistically, the biggest hope is that there will be minimal violence and loss of life.
Rustam Roy, England (ex-India)

India must elect honest politicians and improve business ethics KJ, USA

In order to have a sustained recovery, India must elect honest politicians and improve business ethics. India should compare itself with China - a country that became independent at about the same time but is leaps and bound ahead of India.
KJ, USA

If Indians vote with their heads rather then their hearts, India is in for a shock. More reforms, more social developments, better infrastructure, better healthcare, lower illiteracy, good governance and higher economic growth. In five years time India will be glittering.
Swapan, UK/USA

India will only become a global player only if Indians shed their divisive outlook and vote for righteousness and honesty in government, not for religion or caste.
Ajay Macgregor, Aberdeen, UK

Fair & clean polls...majority win by a party/group....strong & stable government for the next 5 years....
Ajay Jagga, New Delhi, India

A few days ago, no one would have given the Congress Alliance even a little chance of improving upon its performance from 1999, but now the race seems to be close again. I think NDA will return to power, but with a slimmer majority. 'India Shining' and 'Feel Good' is only for urban upper middle class entrepreneurs and higher classes- to the masses, it is a misnomer.
Aruni Mukherjee, Kolkata, India