Chasing a fourth term ... Adolf Lu Hitler-Marak during his election campaign.

Chasing a fourth term ... Adolf Lu Hitler-Marak during his election campaign. Photo: Reuters

Adolf Hitler is running for election in India. So is Frankenstein.

The tiny northeast Indian state of Meghalaya has a special fascination for interesting and sometimes controversial names, and the ballot for state elections Saturday is proof.

Hitler, aged 54, has already been elected to the state assembly three times, with little controversy over being named after the Nazi dictator.

He points out that he's not an exact match; his middle name is Lu.

Hitler has travelled the world, including to the United States and Germany. He has often been asked by immigration officials why he has that name.

He says it wasn't his decision.

India played little role in World War II, and many Indians view Hitler not as the personification of evil but as a figure of fascination.

Among the 345 contestants running for the state assembly are Frankenstein Momin, Billykid Sangma, Field Marshal Mawphniang and Romeo Rani.

Some, like Kenedy Marak, Kennedy Cornelius Khyriem and Jhim Carter Sangma, are clearly hoping for the electoral success of their namesake American presidents.

AP