The ruling Congress party swept to a resounding victory today in India’s mammoth national elections, defying expectations as it brushed aside the Hindu nationalist opposition and a legion of ambitious smaller parties.

TENS of thousands of troops and police fanned out across parts of India as polling stations opened yesterday in the world’s biggest democratic exercise.

Tens of thousands of troops and police fanned out across parts of India today as polling stations opened in the world's biggest democratic exercise.

India is expected to elect its first female president today in a poll marred by controversy and mudslinging.

The ruling party won a sweeping victory today in state elections in western India – a landslide that could boost Hindu supremacists in national politics and challenge the nation’s secular traditions.