NEW DELHI (AP) — Millions of Indians began voting Friday in a six-week election that’s a referendum on Narendra Modi, the populist prime minister who has championed an assertive brand of Hindu nationalist politics and is seeking a rare third term as the country’s leader.

AYODHYA, Jan 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the opening of a temple Monday heralded a "new era" for India, at a ceremony that embodies the triumph of his muscular Hindu nationalist politics, galvanising loyalists ahead of elections this year.