India has reported a record rise in coronavirus infections

The country’s daily COVID-19 cases soared by 103,558 on Monday, the biggest such daily increase, data from the health ministry showed, taking the total to 12.6 million, the highest after the US and Brazil.

Deaths jumped by 478, still one of the lowest death rates in the world, raising the total to 165,101.

India reported more than 90,000 cases every day in September last year hitting a high of 97,894 cases on September 16 after which infections came down sharply.

The western state of Maharashtra, home to India’s financial capital, Mumbai, reported a record 57,074 new cases overnight. The state has contributed more than 55 percent of total cases in the country.

Despite the unprecedented increase in the Covid-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party leaders continue to hold rallies in several states where local elections are underway.

The government has also allowed a huge month-long Hindu festival to go ahead on the banks of the Ganges River in northern Uttarakhand state. The festival draws tens of thousands of devotees daily.