India is just one week away from kicking off what is being called the world's largest general election. The vote pits Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling party against an opposition alliance, with main issues including economic disparity and youth employment.

Roughly 970 million people are eligible to vote in this election, which coincides with the expiry of the lower house of parliament's term in June.

Staggered voting will begin on April 19 and end on June 1, with seven different polling dates set for constituencies across the country. More than 1 million polling stations will be set up, with vote counting scheduled to start on June 4.

The ruling and opposition camps have been campaigning vigorously to drum up voter support.

Modi swept to power in the previous general election in 2019, leading the Bharatiya Janata Party, or BJP, to victory. He is seeking his third term in the upcoming election, capitalizing on his national popularity for his perceived strong leadership in driving India's economic growth.

The opposition alliance of the Indian National Congress party and other forces is accusing the Modi administration of allowing wealth inequality to widen in pursuit of economic development. It also says the government has failed to create enough jobs for young people.

Some businesses are benefiting from the election fervor.

A store specializing in election-related products in the capital, New Delhi, has been receiving many orders. Its owner said goods associated with the BJP and the Congress party are selling well.

Workers at a textile factory in northern India are busy creating party flags instead of saris, a traditional garment that they usually make.