When the ballot boxes finally close on 12 May, the horse-trading for power begins in earnest. Who are the regional and minor parties whose allegiences will shape the next Parliament? Grant Wyeth explores India's crowded political landscape.

India's election will take place at the intersection of two inexorable trends — urbanisation and 'youthification'.

Ashok Malik

The delicate, difficult task for the next Indian Prime Minister will be to develop a strategy for dealing with China that capitalises on the benefits of the relationship - trade, investment, cooperation on issues of mutual concern - while minimising the potential for conflict. By Pradeep Taneja.

The sheer scale of this exercise in democracy is mind-boggling.
Pradeep Taneja

With the marathon vote building to a crescendo on May 12, some heavy-weight contests are in play in ballot boxes today, the third last voting phase. Ashok Malik surveys the prospects.

India's general election promises to be louder, bigger and more colorful than the Mardi Gras, the Carnival and La Tomatina put together.
Amitabh Mattoo

An Australian TV journalist working in New Dehli provides an insight into the difficulties providing comprehnsive coverage of the sprawling Indian elections. [Video]