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.
The polls open next week on the epic five-week Indian Election 2014. (From left) Melbourne University's Dr Pradeep Taneja, Australia India Institute (AII) Director Amitabh Mattoo and eminent journalist and AII Fellow Nirupama Subramanian sum up the form of the candidates and the campaign.
Tomorrow India will have a new Prime Minister. The smart money says it will be the BJP's polarising Narendra Modi. Veteran Indian political commentator Swapan Dasgupta, visiting Melbourne, contemplates what that will mean.