India state elections: 'High turnout' in Uttar Pradesh

Voting has begun in crucial assembly elections in India's most populous state of Uttar Pradesh.

A high turnout of about 62% was reported on the first day of a seven-phase election that ends on 3 March and has nearly 126 million eligible voters.

Uttar Pradesh is ruled by Chief Minister Mayawati, a low-caste Dalit icon who is battling another strong regional force, the Samajwadi Party.

But the poll is also a major test for the beleaguered ruling Congress party.

If it were a separate country, Uttar Pradesh would be the fifth largest in the world by population, with more than 200 million people.      Full Read