prime minister manmohan singh is not running in the election, making gandhi the likeliest choice for premier if his party wins. the largest opposition force has put modi forward as its candidate for prime minister. he's known for spurring economic growth as chief minister of the western state of gujarat. recent polls suggest his party may make a strong showing in the election. voting will end on may 12th. and ballots will be counted on the 16th. the outcome of the election could take asia's third largest economy in a new direction. nhk's former delhi correspondent explains. >> this time around we could see a change of government in india. the latest opinion polls suggest the main opposition djp and its allies will win more seats than they did in 2009 election, and we have many more seats than the ruling coalition. the national congress party could lose two-thirds of its current seats. bjp's modi has implemented economic reforms that helped the state achieve the fastest growth in the country. modi says he'll push for deregulation, and economic revitalizati revitalization. many indians