Modi faces probe for giving speech after casting vote

Police opened an investigation against Hindu nationalist Narendra Modi, tipped to be the next prime minister of India, after he flashed his party's symbol and made a speech after casting his vote in a violation of election rules.

About 139 million people were registered to vote in the eighth round of a marathon contest pitting Modi against the ruling Congress party, led by the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty. Results are due on May 16.

Voting in his home state of Gujarat, the opposition leader, whose pro-business policies have delighted investors, brandished a white cutout of a lotus flower and made a scathing speech against Congress heavyweights - taunting them for shying away from the fight.