It's election time again; but this time, it's the Big One - the Parliament elections along with Assembly elections in the four states, viz; Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Orissa and Sikkim.

It's that season again when fence-crossing and horse-trading seem only in the natural order of things; when ideology takes a backseat and opportunism takes center-stage. Allies turn foes, and sworn enemies become bosom buddies.

The battle lines have been drawn, with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) taking its position on one side, and the Congress-led 'secular' alliance on the other.

However, what differentiates this election from the previous ones is the veering away of focus from casteist and communal issues, onto the real ones - development and governance.

Indiainfo.com brings you a special section on 'Elections 2004', complete with all the news and developments relating to the unfolding spectacle.