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Home » Spotlight » Elections 2004 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. Andhra Pradesh,  Karnataka,  Orissa,  Sikkim   Political Parties in India    Related Stories June 19, 2004 TRS to join Congress Government in AP on June 23 June 16, 2004 Yashwant files papers for RS polls from Jharkhand June 14, 2004 Mayawati files nomination for Rajya Sabha elections June 12, 2004 SP ropes in Jaya Bachchan as RS candidate from UP June 11, 2004 Najma Heptulla lauds BJP after her surprise entry May 23, 2004 'NDA Govt tried to 'mess up' with education reforms' Sonia's foreign origin to remain an issue for BJP First session of 14th Lok Sabha to begin on June 2 Manmohan Singh - From Professor to Prime Minister PM meets Sonia to discuss Cabinet meet issues Profiles of Union Ministers Cong veterans return to power after nine years May 22, 2004 Time for BJP to pack their bags for ever: Laloo Sonia Gandhi to concentrate on re-organising CWC Mandate is for strengthening secular foundation: Singh Portfolios will be announced tomorrow: Manmohan Patil, Sayeed surprise entries into Cabinet Six former PMs attend Manmohan's swearing-in Dr Manmohan Singh sworn-in as Prime Minister Pranab, Natwar, Arjun among bigwigs to be sworn-in Talks with Cong inconclusive, says Siddaramaiah Politicking continues as Cong leaders meet Sonia Sharad Pawar to get Food and Agriculture Ministry Manmohan-led UPA Govt to be sworn-in this evening CMP proposes repeal of 'grossly misused' POTA New Andhra Pradesh Cabinet will be sworn in today Doubts over induction of scam hit Laloo in Cabinet May 21, 2004 'Everything' sorted out with RJD: Congress Laloo softens stand; hints at RJD joining Govt Agriculture high on CMP; divestment diluted Manmohan holds another round of talks with Sonia CMP draft 'generally acceptable' to CPM: Somnath Nobody can blackmail me, says Deve Gowda Laloo puts forth his 'suggestions' before Congress NCP to join Govt; RJD remains non-committal Cong offers Speakership to Somnath Chatterjee Cong talks to DMK, PMK after hitches with key allies Pawar & Laloo huddle, non-committal on joining Govt Chamling sworn in as Sikkim CM for third time CMP to blend tough reforms and development Cong should take all allies into confidence: Laloo I am no beggar, I do not seek Home portfolio: Laloo 'Cong is a bourgeoisie party, we need mass struggle' May 20, 2004 I make ministers, I have made PMs earlier: Laloo Advani expected to be the leader of Opposition Laloo seeks key portfolios; special aid for Bihar Uncertainty in K'taka as activity shifts to Delhi Sonia's renunciation is historic, says Manmohan Singh Manmohan maintains suspense on Finance Ministry Vajpayee congratulates Manmohan on becoming PM Manmohan terms Left parties as 'great patriots' Manmohan anti-free power to farmers, AP an exception My husband will make a good PM: Mrs Singh Manmohan meets Sonia Gandhi, discusses Cabinet 'Old schemes not to be dismantled; NHDP to continue' Reforms must reach poorest of the poor: Manmohan May 19, 2004 BJP hopes Manmohan would provide a stable Govt Manmohan likely to be sworn-in as PM on May 22 JD-S extends unconditional support to Manmohan Govt BJP president rejects Uma Bharati's resignation Nobody can be a substitute for Sonia: Manmohan President Kalam invites Manmohan to form Govt Rahul Gandhi rules out becoming Minister in new Govt Manmohan likely to be sworn in as PM tomorrow Economic czar Manmohan to take over India's reins Manmohan elected CPP leader; set to be next PM Sonia to remain party president, CPP chairperson I am still very much in politics, says Sonia Sonia mania hits Akbar Road as supporters protest Manmohan Singh all set to be next Prime Minister All newly elected Cong MPs to resign: Ambika Soni K'taka Governor concerned over delay in forming Govt No question of going back on decision: Sonia Many meetings later PM question remains unresolved Congress to get fresh letters of support from allies Congress circulates resolution to elect Manmohan May 18, 2004 Trust me, allow me to take my decision: Sonia NDA dubs Sonia as 'fickle minded', seeks explanation Full text of Sonia's address to the CPP meeting Cong must solve internal problems on its own: BJP Cong workers attempt to storm BJP headquarters Shocked Cong workers stage sit-ins, hunger strikes 'Queen maker' Laloo urges Sonia to reconsider decision Please continue to lead us, Cong MPs plead with Sonia Sonia's children dissuaded her from being PM: Basu A gracious Sonia rejects PM's post to serve nation Sonia Gandhi unlikely to attend CPP meeting Cong, Left, SP leaders meet at Surjeet's house Mass hysteria outside 10, Janpath as rumour spreads Cong dismisses reports of Sonia declining PM-ship CPM has no problem in accepting Manmohan as PM Swaraj meets Kalam to protest Sonia's candidature Uma Bharti quits to protest Sonia's appointment Sonia Gandhi reluctant to be the Prime Minister Jayalalithaa withdraws cases against Karunanidhi CPM makes fresh bid to persuade DMK to join Govt Sonia meets Kalam; discusses Govt formation Sonia's meeting with President Kalam delayed 'Sonia becoming PM a black day in history of India' Sonia offered to make way following Sangh protest May 16, 2004 PMK to join Sonia led coalition Govt at the Centre Karunanidhi meets Gandhi, to discuss coalition Govt CPM bigwigs meet today to decide on joining Govt Laxmi Parvati rejoices Naidu's defeat, fulfils vow May 15, 2004 Rahul Gandhi gets loud applause at CPP meet Most allies have given letters of support: Cong Sonia as Prime Minister would be 'unfortunate': BJP CPI for scrapping POTA, pro-US foreign policy Congress-led coalition Government soon: Sonia Sonia Gandhi unanimously elected CPP leader CPM to decide on joining Government on May 17 May 14, 2004 Vaiko's MDMK not to join Congress-led Govt NCP to go by consensus of other allies on leadership Nationwide debate if Sonia becomes PM: Sangma Manmohan not against divestment; promises growth 'RJD's priority is to form secular govt under Sonia' SP indicates it might support Sonia-led coalition BJP wants polls in Bengal under Army supervision Naidu likens NDA to laddu, Congress to namkeen Don't hijack people's mandate: BJP to K'taka Cong Sonia Gandhi will be next Prime Minister: Surjeet BJP rules out finding 'scapegoat' for poll debacle Left parties should join the new Govt: V P Singh Cong favours secular front with JD-S in Karnataka CPM will support Cong in a 'positive manner': Bose Y S Rajasekhar Reddy sworn-in as AP Chief Minister Verdict not against the State Govt: Jayalalithaa Decision to be taken on Sonia's leadership: Pawar Defeated TDP leader Rehmatullah commits suicide IT savvy campaign fails, road shows rules Indian voter Gowda to decide the fate of next Govt in Karnataka May 13, 2004 We've lost an election, not our determination: PM My mother is my hero, declares Rahul Gandhi Nagaland: NPF emerges victorious with record margin Goa: Congress demands CM Parrikar's resignation Cong to take lead in forming Govt, says Sonia Cong initiates the process of Government formation DMK turns tables, says it may join Central Govt It's 'Paradise Regained' for Sonia Gandhi Equal honours for BJP, Cong in Goa; get one seat each All the best, Rahul wishes Vajpayee 'from the heart' Cong-NCP enrich, saffron brigade drops in M'rashtra Vajpayee hands over papers to President Kalam BJP boosts to 5 in Chhattisgarh, Cong gets one Cong has its sweet revenge; BJP wiped out in Delhi Cong retains supremacy in Assam: wins 3, leads 7 BJP to seek JD-S support to form Govt in K'taka Communists taste victory in Calcutta after 15 years MNF sweeps Mizoram, wins LS seat and by-polls Mulayam non-committal on backing Cong-led alliance Mulish BJP talk of foreign origin issue yet again BJP's pro-Muslim policies led to its defeat: VHP Jaitley to guide BJP for likely hung K'taka Assembly Sikkim will be made a model State: CM Chamling Krishna blames 'drought' for the rout of Congress L K Advani wins prestigious Gandhinagar seat NPFs Konyak leading in Nagaland's lone LS seat Vajpayee to head the NDA and Oppn: Fernandes NDA voted out, Cong allies in for magic number BJP puts good show in MP, bags 14 of the 15 seats Dilution of hindutva ideology led to NDA rout: RSS Congress wins 2 of 7 seats in Delhi, BJP gets one SDF reasserts supremacy in Sikkim, wins all but one Vajpayee to formally resign after Cabinet meeting BJP leaders meet to discuss set back at PM's house Vote against coalition, not for Sonia as PM: Swaraj BJP may not stake claim to form government Cong leads in 5 seats in Assam: BJP, AGP 2 each Karnataka CM Krishna submits resignation Cong candidate Bhakta wins Andaman's lone LS seat Cong blows off BJP in its bastion Gujarat, wins 11 Congress to stake claim to form next Government Left surges ahead in WB, Congress also gains CPM led LDF surges ahead in Kerala, wins 15 seats Soni fires first salvo for Sonia's PM candidature Dy Speaker Lok Sabha Sayeed loses in Lakshadweep NDA, RJD alliance in neck and neck fight in Bihar BJP refuses to comment on early trends Cong ahead in four out of seven seats in Delhi AIADMK-BJP trailing in all seats in Tamil Nadu Cong crosses 200 mark, says will form next Govt BJP takes an early lead in Orissa Lok Sabha seats BJD-BJP combine surging ahead in Orissa Assembly M'rashtra: Neck-to-neck fight among BJP-SHS & INC-NCP NDA leads in initial round in Mumbai BJP leads in six of eight seats in Madhya Pradesh DMK led alliance leading in all seats in TN Cong-led UDF heading for a rout in Kerala BJP establishes early lead in Karnataka Assembly Cong in for an unassailable lead in AP: leads in 35 Cong allies ahead in 83 seats, BJP front in 50 Early trends give mixed signals, saffron trails CPM candidate leads over INC's Antony in Kottayam India votes: Counting begins for 530 LS seats May 12, 2004 NDA hasn't decided on talks with any party: Naidu Sonia holds consultations with senior party leaders Don't call on NDA to form Govt: Cong to tell Kalam Congress always projected Sonia as PM: Shinde Fernandes slaps legal notice for defamation on Sonia May 11, 2004 Sonia Gandhi profusely thanks Andhra voters Rajashekhar Reddy accuses Naidu of being 'Nero' BJP puts up brave face; clings to 300 seats claim 'Extremists, other problems helped Cong in AP' Seat projections still difficult for exit pollsters Possible hung House: Kalam consulting experts Cyber-savvy Naidu logged off in Andhra Pradesh Cong victory in AP vote against NDA: Ambika Soni YSR-A doctor turned leader of the masses Results clear indictment of TDP-BJP policies: Left Defeat in Assembly elections 'unexpected': Naidu Naidu voted out, Cong ends decade-long TDP rule Chandrababu Naidu bids a gracious farewell Chandrababu Naidu wins from Kuppam at ease Cong captures Andhra, leads in 193, wins 3 seats Our victory, silent revolution by common man: Cong Choice of AP voter out today, counting begins May 10, 2004 NDA to fall short of majority: NDTV exit poll Cong says it's in touch with allies to form Govt Chapra repoll: There's something fishy, alleges Laloo Polls countermanded in Laloo's constituency Chapra Slender majority for NDA: Star, Sahara exit poll Polling ends for Lok Sabha; 45 to 50% turnout AIADMK candidate, TN Minister hurt in clashes Congress party will decide on PM candidate: Rahul Sunil Dutt files defamation suit on rival Nirupam Power not important for me and my family: Priyanka Vajpayee, Advani, Jaswant review political situation About 22% polling till noon; 2 killed, 11 hurt Final phase: 10-12 % polling in first 3 hours DMK re-affirms support to Cong, rules out third front Jaya unhappy over missing names in voters list President Kalam casts vote, says EVMs are fantastic May 08, 2004 'Who should be PM: Erudite Vajpayee or naive Sonia?' Vajpayee concludes with call to end dynastic rule Enough is enough; defeat BJP, Sonia tells nation May 06, 2004 BJP leaders 'betrayed' freedom struggle: Sonia Laloo seeks action against BSF for 'non-duty' deeds Decision on saree incident after proper probe: CEC No need for kingmaker, king's already there: Naidu Cong sure of forming Govt, rubbishes exit polls SC stays Patna HC order to EC on undertrial contest Rajnikant to vote for BJP, rules out campaigning To vote is not only a right, it is also a duty: PM May 05, 2004 NDA would touch magic figure of 272: Vajpayee 'Many constituents of NDA will switch allegiance' NDA could fall short of absolute majority: Poll Worry about your own party, not mine: PM to Sonia 15 pc polling in Anantnag; one killed, 18 injured May be Mehbooba had no authority to do it: JK CM 50-55% turnout in 3rd phase; 3 killed in violence 'India will be one of 3 most rich nations soon' Fourth phase polling begins, celebrities in the fray 'If neighbour is bad, you can't carry house elsewhere' May 04, 2004 'Cong baffled over PM's allegation on Telgi' My first task is to remove BJP from power: Sonia Fernandes tells EC to restrain Sonia's speeches NDA alone can provide development, stability: PM Kashmiri separatist group defends Indian polls Militants attack polling booth in J&K, one hurt BJP is showing dreams that remained dreams: Sonia May 01, 2004 Vajpayee not 'fit' to lead nation in 21st century: Cong Cong plays the game of breaking Governments: PM April 30, 2004 AP Cong chief summoned to Delhi on CM issue 'Coffin scam shows NDA cannot safeguard the nation' Give a decisive mandate, not a hung verdict: PM BJP must replace 'forgetful' PM with a youth: Cong 'JK issue will be resolved during Vajpayee's period' Cancel polls where criminals are in fray: HC to EC Congress is a team without a captain, says Advani Exit polls are taking the country for a ride: BJP ACP suspended for campaigning for wife in Andhra Cong MLA, 5 others arrested for possessing weapons April 29, 2004 Don't harbour doubts about BJP: PM to Muslims 'National Devastated Alliance' is rattled: Cong BJP has made only its men prosperous: Sonia 'Sonia can't question PM's role in freedom movement' Rudy v/s Laloo: EC to probe charges of rigging Congress is a team without a captain, says Advani Laloo softens stand, says Mulayam is acceptable Repoll begins in 417 polling stations in Bihar April 28, 2004 Vajpayee is utterly tired and demoralised: Cong Communists -- extinct political species: Advani Bullet v/s Ballot: Militants attack NC rally; 2 dead EC orders re-polling in 502 polling stations One day I will become Prime Minister: Laloo Court dismisses complaints against Dharmendra 'Exit poll results blessing in disguise for BJP' Politicians should retire by 65: Bal Thackeray 'Vajpayee's soldier' promises to develop Amritsar Advani confident of NDA getting a majority Oppn leaders more interested in coming to power: PM Rudy demands countermanding of Chapra election 'Garam Dharam' - A total filmi entertainment! Elections - The great leveller! And more so in MP April 27, 2004 SP to prevent formation of BJP Govt 'at all costs' Don't trust Congress, Vajpayee tells Muslims I will not retire halfway through my tenure: PM Sonia not to campaign in Vajpayee's constituency Mayawati rules out post-poll alliance with BJP EC orders re-polling in 17 booths in Karnataka Cong, allies heading for clear majority: Reddy Ex-minister Dar escapes unhurt in militant attack NDA will get a 'comfortable majority': Venkaiah April 26, 2004 Pawar now says it's silly for him to hope to be PM Mulayam Govt helping Vajpayee, says Jethmalani We'll form Govt without SP, BSP support: Cong 'Pawar's statement shows allies' rejection of Sonia' About 50-55% polling in 2nd phase; eight killed 'Leaders, political parties eager to join BJP' Cong will be baffled to see our victory margin: PM Sena to stay out if NDA takes Pawar's help: Thackeray I'll campaign all over country if needed: Priyanka Polls: 3 killed, 15-20 % voter turnout till noon Legislation on Ram temple not in NDA agenda: Naidu Violence in Manipur during polling; CRPF jawan dead If Devegowda can become PM, why can't I: Pawar 'NDA needs bigger mandate to fulfill many big tasks' Supreme Court refuses to ban exit polls One killed as Cong workers stab TDP activists in AP Polling for 2nd phase begins amidst tight security Electoral offenders will face upto 3 yr jail term April 25, 2004 PM asks people to give NDA a fresh mandate Militants attack Mehbooba's rally; 7 injured Is Advani the chosen successor to Vajpayee? Cong scoffs at Imam's call to Muslims to back BJP Ultras attack JK police station on poll eve; 5 hurt PM rules out talks to groups other than Hurriyat I am not worried of Jethmalani's candidacy: Vajpayee EC yet to recognise HVC's merger with Congress Varun hints at contesting from Sultanpur next time Bihar polls: Shoot-at-sight orders for booth-grabbers Will EC ban telecast of films of star-politicians? Krishna appeals to EC to reduce wait for results Fortunes of Sonia, Rahul to be decided tomorrow April 24, 2004 'Sonia to be PM in case Congress gets majority' NDA will score triple century, says Venkaiah 'What's the use of an ID card if you can't vote?' Vajpayee only alternative for India: Advani Chandrababu rules out possibility of Third Front Cong will stoop to any level for power: Dattatreya Mah Govt making Center a 'scapegoat': Vajpayee PM insulted Hindus by support to Urdu: Togadia April 23, 2004 'Most of independents in Lucknow BJP dummys' Something fishy with Congress-NCP alliance: PM Come towards BJP with open arms: PM to Muslims Opinion polls are only to cheat people: Yechuri Criminals must be in jail, not in politics: HC DF raked up Shivaji issue to hide Telgi scam: Sena Congress-naxal nexus will spell disaster: Naidu 'NDA's foreign policy brought down India's image' EC gives a clean chit to Goa Govt on memo issue SC to hear plea to ban exit polls on Monday Uma Bharti's condition stable, say doctors Repoll at 11 LS constituencies in Bihar begins April 22, 2004 Sari stampede: BJP denies involvement in report to EC 'NDA taking credit for achievements of Cong Govts' New history in the making in Karnataka: Jaitley Cong will return to power at Centre, asserts Sonia Mamata comes to the aide of PM on coalitions BJP disowns responsibility for Lucknow stampede ATTF fires at polling booth; renews boycott call FIR filed against Minister Yashwant Sinha Krishna, Patnaik to retain, Naidu in trouble: Survey April 21, 2004 BJP frustrated and nervous: Rahul Gandhi I will not leave poll battle in Rajasthan: Dharam Cong urges EC for early hearing on Dharam case Shun violence, join social stream, Fernandes to naxals PM will contest from Lucknow, nowhere else: BJP Exit polls not believable, Cong to fare better: Dixit BJP plays down PM's remark on coalitions Jethmalani to reveal 'disturbing facts' about PM Congress raises strong objections to exit polls Muslims' support vital for India's progress: PM CII joins hands with EC, launches voter helplines April 20, 2004 'Couldn't Cong get a leader out of 100 cr Indians?' BJP has become a slave to the Sangh Parivar: Sonia NDA & allies ahead of Congress in exit polls 'Peaceful polls in Guj fitting reply to critics' 50-55 per cent voting in first phase of LS polls Estimated 60 % exercises their franchise in Assam Violence outshines elections in Bihar, Jharkhand Kerala CM Antony begins 'Navothana Yatra' Yashwant Sinha escapes miscreant attack unhurt Omar Abdullah escapes unhurt in militant attack Moderate polling in K'taka, AP, Maha, Assam till noon Violence mars first phase of polling; two killed 'Have you kept oil prices low with an eye on polls' Coalition Govt even if BJP gets majority: Advani Chandrababu Naidu seeks birthday gift from voters Voters struggle with EVMs in Techno savvy Andhra Large-scale violence ushers elections in Manipur Bomb explosion, shootouts at Bihar polls: no casualty 2.26 crore electorate to cast votes in Karnataka NDA likely to come back to power, says I K Gujral April 19, 2004 Chillarai Chitharanjan makes 'change' in poll scenario SP not to field candidate against Rahul in Amethi 'SP won't join NDA even if Mulayam is made PM' PM not my friend, the contest is on: Jethmalani Dons, ex-cops seek electoral glory in Bihar polls Minister Shahnawaz Hussain escapes bid on life April 18, 2004 Plan to blow up polling booth foiled Campaigning ends for first phase Sonia to be PM if Cong gets majority BJP's poser to Sonia on Jethmalani 'No need to name Vajpayee's heir' CRPF deploys 757 companies for polls in 15 States Pro-incumbency factor beneficial for NDA: Swaraj Poll dilemma: AIADMK not keen on Rajnikant campaign Minister Vidyasagar Rao condoles Soundarya's death Kerala polls: Daughter wages 'mother of all battles' Ram Naik vs Govinda, a difficult choice for voters April 17, 2004 'Cong might need imported leadership, not India' Muslim body urges community to vote for BJP Explain your marital status: Cong to Dharmendra I want to be a dictator for 5 years: Dharmendra NDA to win 270-286 seats: Star News opinion poll Saree distribution function organisers surrender Stampede: Cong to observe Black Day in UP on Apr 19 Jethmalani backtracks; says he's still in poll fray Successor to Vajpayee after five years, says Naidu Vajpayee, Mulayam trying to 'shield' Tandon: Mayawati Soundarya killed in crash while on campaign trail Be on the guard against SP, Mayawati tells Muslims Allow voters without photo I-cards to vote: Laloo Naxals use landmines to force out tribals in C'garh April 16, 2004 A day of goof-ups for the Prime Minister NDA to enact law on foreign origin issue: PM Stampede: BJP pleads EC to go easy on Tandon Stampede: EC asks UP to register case against Tandon Sonia has no wisdom to handle complex issues: Shourie Opinion poll predicts NDA victory with 282 seats SC issues notice to EC on PIL 'right not to vote' 2nd green revolution in Northeast, assures Venkaiah Sonia accuses BJP of unleashing tension and fear Vajpayee's opinion is final for BJP: Mahajan Jethmalani withdraws from contest in Lucknow April 15, 2004 Cong to reopen Ayodhya case trial if voted to power Govt not to react to Hurriyat's poll boycott: Advani Line of succession in BJP already decided: PM Jethmalani will not withdraw from contest: Cong Promises galore as Cong releases manifesto in K'taka Yatra created a pro-development movement: Advani Tandon conducts PM's rally, sets speculations at rest I was not inclined to fight elections this time: PM Successes of NDA are Tehelka, Coffin-gate: Sonia V P Singh defends Sonia's on foreign origin issue AICC spokesman Sibal to contest from Chandni Chowk PM files nomination in Lucknow for the 5th time Actor Dharamendra files nomination from Bikaner No need for foreign origin head in India: Vajpayee April 14, 2004 No decision to remove Lalji Tandon: Vajpayee New alternative to Congress would emerge: PM BJP's saree distribution program a poll issue: Cong Advani urges people to give 'rest' to Congress Parties should raise their level of debate: EC Congress has lost its mental balance, says BJP Cong slams BJP for raking up Sonia's foreign origin April 13, 2004 EC seeks report on saree distribution, stampede Left parties to discuss possibility of 'Third Front' Cong, BJP two sides of same coin: Hindu Mahasabha 'With a coalition we've changed the face of India' 'NDA seeking to tarnish image of Gandhi family' Cong may not touch three-figure mark: Advani Paki contesting Indian polls! What's happening? April 12, 2004 BJP devoid of issues to raise before people: Rahul Congress lacks strong leadership: Venkaiah Naidu EC seeks report on saree distribution, stampede Opposition defaming India at home & abroad: PM Congress 'misrule' impeded India's progress: DPM PM, Jaya to address joint election meeting in TN Mahajan defends BJP on Bofors, hits out at Cong Manipur CM rushes to Delhi to discuss LS boycott Advani compares Congmen with colonial Britishers April 11, 2004 NDA raising Bofors as 'feel good' has no takers: Laloo Vajpayee needs rest at this age, says Congress 'Undemocratic' Communists have no future: Advani I will vote BJP, fans need not follow: Rajnikant AP parties go fresh, 'Youth Brigade' calls shots TN leaders try to boost to lack lustre campaign India is one despite religious diversities: PM April 10, 2004 We want peace & devt, not jungle raj: PM on RJD PM puts lid on controversy, says he's Bihari by birth Vajpayee raising Bofors issue deliberately: Sonia 'Frustrated BJP raking up Bofors, foreign origin' PM seeks another NDA term for speedy development Indians want an Indian citizen as PM: Venkaiah 'Jaya TV' shows violative of EC norm, says DMK Inflation, farmers' suicide in NDA rule: Sonia BJP used Gujarat as a laboratory: Manmohan Singh It is necessary for Vajpayee to be PM again: Jaya Let them harp on Bofors, says unruffled Priyanka Ultra threat casts 'fear psychosis' in AP candidates Sinha escapes unhurt in a stone-pelting incident NDA will work you 'take rest', Vajpayee tells Cong April 09, 2004 BJP promises '2nd green revolution' to K'taka voters Two Gaekwads of royal family declare assets BJP asks Cong to explain its alliance with DMK Sorabjee flays EC's proposed Ordinance to ban exit polls People will reject BJP-JDU unholy alliance: Krishna Laloo files nomination against Sharad in Madhepura Mahashakti Bharat & Kamal khil gaya? BJP's new tunes! Advani happy on Ayodhya issue inclusion in NDA Wipe out Laloo-Rabri regime from Bihar: Advani BJP has a vision, Cong & RJD have an illusion: Naidu April 08, 2004 Gandhi family has closed the door on me: Bachchan AK 47 issue: Congress demands arrest of Advani NDA Govt to enact law to deal with federal crimes NDA pledges 8-10 pc growth for next five years It's not yet time for me to give up the post: PM Seven injured in blast near PDP poll rally in JK NDA will not make Ram temple a poll plank: Vajpayee Laloo responsible for fall of V P Singh Govt: Advani Sangma served notice for breach of poll conduct Yashwant Sinha looking for a Hazaribagh hatrick Manipur poll security beefed up due to ultra threat Totally Indian Sonia owns property in Italy: Modi April 07, 2004 'An Indian or a half-baked green horn should be PM?' EC-Chautala row: EC may move SC against Haryana Govt 'Vajpayee remained single for the sake of nation' Sunil Dutt richest of all LS candidates in Mumbai Advani's rath yatra a big flop in Bihar: Laloo Fifteen injured as TDP-Cong activists clash Vajpayee wave sweeping across the country: Advani Cong bowing before a foreigner is 'shameful': Varun 'Foreign origin issue was first raised within Cong' Jethmalani to contest against PM as an independent Deve Gowda files nomination from Hassan too April 06, 2004 PM urges TDP to join NDA govt after LS elections Sonia Gandhi fears serious threat to her family Ayodhya demolition hurt me tremendously: Advani Ayodhya temple construction will start from Oct: VHP Advani using yatra to project himself as PM: Laloo Sonia files nomination papers from Rae Bareilly Nuke button can't be given to a non-Indian: Rajnath Rahul Gandhi not 'heir apparent', says Sonia Temple issue to figure in NDA manifesto: George Priyanka in no hurry to enter electoral politics Parties unanimously demand ban on opinion polls We won't let Assamese be minority in their homeland: PM AP polls: TDP and Cong fight it out in e-media EC holds all-party meeting on exit poll issue April 05, 2004 I was no British informer, says a pained Vajpayee Congress has become middlemen of middlemen: BJP PM rubbishes Oppn talk of differences with Advani People of foreign origin mustn't become PM: Varun Moushumi Chatterjee does a Hema Malini in Bengal PM accuses Cong of pulling down four Govts in past Rahul Gandhi files nomination papers from Amethi Reinvent, have more young leaders, Pitroda to Cong Film star Govinda files nomination from N Mumbai Poll campaign goes high-tech in Andhra Pradesh Offensive poll ads: EC seeks time to regulate 'Third Front' irrelevant at national level: Advani Rajnikant fans send jitters to PMK in Tamil Nadu VP of Manipur BJP resigns due to militant threat Foreign issue hits Cong, MLA asks Sonia not to contest Advani lauds Bhutan for checking ULFA terrorism April 04, 2004 Congress leadership lacks nationalistic zeal: BJP Film actresses Farah, Nagma to join Congress Babri panel convenor Syed Shahabuddin joins Cong 'Corruption and poverty are the relatives of BJP' Gaining strength as third largest force: Left Front It is stars versus Trinamool heavy weights in WB BJP not marketing 'brand Vajpayee', says Jaswant April 03, 2004 PM accuses Cong of not backing Pak peace process BJP claims on tech growth an insult to me: Pitroda Security set-up 'better' in JK than in 2002: EC BJP claims on tech growth an insult to me: Pitroda Krishna flays Centre for giving a 'raw deal' to K'taka EC meeting to decide on SC order on political ads 'Foreign origin issue would figure in NDA agenda' Advani hits out at Cong for claims on Indianness Militant threat makes campaigning low key in Manipur Tension prevails as PMK men 'attack' Rajnikanth fans April 02, 2004 'I never thought I would get sucked into dirty politics' EC 'helpless' against personalised attacks: CEC NDTV to provide 'free airtime' to political parties Ansari faction of Hurriyat calls for poll boycott 'Do you want nuke button in a foreigner's hand?' RJD manifesto is a heinous and cruel joke: Rajnath 'Predicting TN polls as bad as predicting one-dayers' Laloo files nomination papers from prestigious Chapra SC bans all 'shocking, disgusting' political ads 'Foreign origin issue political, not personal matter' Advani seeks consensus on citizenship identity cards 'Sonia took Indian citizenship under compulsion' BJP's indecent remarks don't bother me, says Sonia April 01, 2004 Congress gets more time than BJP on DD and AIR Sonia, Pawar bury differences; share common dais 'Advani misleading nation on concept of Ram Rajya' It's a battle of Bangarappa brothers in Soraba PM to canvass for each BJP candidate over phone, cable Refrain from making personal attacks: CEC Defeat NDA for not keeping promises: Sonia Arun Gawli files nomination papers for LS polls Congress has no understanding of country: Advani BJP aims to make India a super power by 2020: Naidu Vajpayee to file nomination from Lucknow on Apr 15 I am no lame-duck candidate, asserts Jayaprada Poll heat on in Kerala, candidate list released 'Musharraf's message on JK due to domestic pressures' Mar 31, 2004 Key Muslim organisation extends support to BJP Cong may disappear from political scene: Advani Krishna files papers from Chamarajpet constituency Stamp scam accused ex AP minister enters poll fray BJP a thinking, 'India-first' party: Advani Devegowda to seek re-election from Kanakapura Hindutva not poll issue, but a way of life: Naidu Veteran Cong leader, four others resign in AP Mar 30, 2004 Cong's tit-for-tat for SP; No alliance in M'rashtra Cong leader Shivshankar resigns, lashes out at Sonia Cong's Gabaji Thakore to take on Advani in G'nagar Jogi 'indebted' to Sonia for pardon & LS nomination Vithal Pandya files nomination from Gandhinagar BJP's 'vision document' seeks to pacify hardliners Shinde's wife to contest LS polls from Sholapur Krishna will contest from Sathanur, says Shivakumar BJP warns Bihar Govt not to disturb Advani's yatra Cong withdraws suspension; fields Jogi against Shukla I've come to win hearts, not polls: Rahul Gandhi Advani starts 2nd leg of his 'Bharat Uday Yatra' Peeved with Laloo, yet another Bihar minister resigns Mar 29, 2004 Rahul Gandhi charms Amethi on whirlwind tour Hindu, Muslim reconciliation underway: Advani Cong admits its position in Uttar Pradesh is weak Laloo-Paswan 'secular alliance' to campaign jointly UP too late, open for Cong alliance in M'rashtra: SP Mar 28, 2004 TV channels dictating the pace of media campaign Dissent, vandalism and rebellion rock Andhra parties Kerala: Poll fever eludes public, key players active Polls in the fray: rivalry at all time high in TN Mar 27, 2004 Cong again woos Samajwadi Party; again rejected Zee opinion poll predicts over 265 sets for NDA Cong hopes to support Jethmalani against Vajpayee EC gets tough on complaints about unfair TV ads Bangaru's wife named from Jalore, Dharam from Bikaner Ministers, movie actors at electoral race in Mumbai Opinion poll predicts 'feel good' for NDA and allies Mar 26, 2004 Bangarappa's son Kumar returns to Congress Haren Pandya's father to contest against Advani NCP manifesto drops reference to Sonia's origin Anup's bhajans to blend with Bhupen's ballads in BJP India has not shone fully but is shining: Advani EC seeks a 'rate list' of poll campaign expenses Drought-battered Karnataka gets ready for polls Advani leaves for last leg of yatra, PM to join Mar 25, 2004 Naidu dons new avatar, guides Bollywood stars Cong ridicules Advani for comparing PM with Nehru Cong hints at withdrawing support to Mulayam Govt No question of Sanjay campaigning for me: Sunil Dutt 'Govinda's nomination shows lack of good candidate' AP BJP workers protest over allotment of seats No intention of being 'neta number one': Govinda Over 3,000 people disqualified from contesting polls EC seeks report on free AI passes to politicians Time management- a challenge to political parties Check for cash in baggage of air passengers: EC Mar 24, 2004 BJP has gained strength in Southern States: Advani Dharmendra joins BJP; likely to get Bikaner seat Process for Lok Sabha polls-2004 set in motion Sonia Gandhi launches road show in Madhya Pradesh Mar 23, 2004 Laloo wants Priyanka to contest against Vajpayee HC allows political ads on e-media Jaitley, Sushma, Mahajan not to contest LS polls Advani not apologetic over 1990 Ram Rath Yatra 'Vajpayee regarded as a natural PM like Nehru' Beware of vested interest elements joining BJP: DPM Mar 22, 2004 Advani admits to dilution of BJP ideology EC may issue campaign guidelines for parties Congress manifesto is 'stale and pale': BJP chief Sonia not to contest from a second constituency AP is my Janambhoomi, UP my Karambhoomi: Jaya Prada Full equality in all aspects, says Cong manifesto Dynasty has no space in democracy: BJP warns Rahul Mar 21, 2004 Govinda joins Congress; says he may contest polls Separate queue for handicapped at polling booths: EC Sonia to contest from Rae Bareli; Rahul in Amethi 'Someone else in BJP moving coins for Premiership' Congress manifesto identifies 'core' issues Cong, JMM reach electoral alliance in Jharkhand Samata Party has ceased to exist, says Fernandes Baroda princes join BJP Spell out stand on foreign origin issue: BJP to Cong Will BJP's strategy to openly woo Muslims pay off? People of the country will boycott Cong: Advani Mar 20, 2004 Vajpayee blames Cong for stalling Women's Bill EC bans Narendra Modi's 'Narmada Pujan Yatra' EC rejects Samata's merger with Janata Dal-United Sonia's foreign origin a political issue: Advani NDA may enact law barring foreigners from top posts Observers to keep close vigil on poll spending: EC Modi sets off on Narmada Pujan Yatra, Cong nags BJP committed to NDA, even if its gets majority: DPM Mar 19, 2004 Sonia asks Cong leaders to finalise tie-ups soon CRPF to deploy 222 companies for polls in 4 States Saffron leaders need to be re-educated: Cong Dawood's brother in voters' list; will he contest? 'BJP dividing the nation in the name of religion' Gill, Tohra elected to Rajya Sabha from Punjab Special observers to oversee polls in some states: EC Delink Ayodhya issue from elections, says Advani Mar 18, 2004 Cong seeks apology from PM for attack on Sonia Remove all hoardings of Govt achievements: EC Cong struggling to enter into alliances: Vajpayee Cong is defaming the country, alleges Vajpayee Krishna mimics DPM, starts yatra with pomp and show Independents make no waves in polls, says report Mar 17, 2004 Congress flays continuing display of Govt ads BJP-TDP deal on seat sharing; BJP gets 9 & 27 Vote Cong, oust BJP and save the nation: Sonia 'You want better democracy, you better get angry' 'Cong's negative campaign will boomerang on them' Election Commission assures free & fair elections 50% poll officers in districts to be from outside: EC Advani scoffs at critics of 'Bharat Uday' yatra Mar 16, 2004 Singer Kumar Sanu joins the BJP bandwagon 'Vajpayee has wiped out communal tag attached to BJP' EC orders probe into violation of model code by BJP Advani has let the cat out of the bag: Karunanidhi JD-S men stage protest against Advani's Yatra Ram-rajya symbolises good governance, says Advani Cong suffers from crisis of values, I pity it: DPM Mar 15, 2004 Denied ticket, Minister Dilip Gandhi quits Cabinet EC directs Coal India to remove Mamata's hoarding Setback to Naidu: TDP MP resigns on Telangana issue I am in limelight, I don't need anymore: Advani Mar 14, 2004 Cong accuses PM of compromising on foreign policy Vajpayee, Advani, Kalyan in BJP first list Vajpayee Govt is truly national in character: Advani Mar 13, 2004 Was it Priyanka or Vajpayee who did Pakistan in? Foreigners will not rule the nation: Varun Gandhi Krishna flays Centre for blocking intl airport project Naidu hints at TDP's participation in Advani's yatra BSP dampens Congress plans; rules out alliance Role of money, muscle power in politics worrying: CEC 'BJP-Cong match result known, but not India-Pak' Former Union Minister V C Shukla joins BJP Projecting Vajpayee is like 'Thatcherism': Advani Sangma, Mamata form 'National Trinamool Congress' Mar 12, 2004 'Attacking Gandhi family won't be good for Advani' 'NDA proposes to go beyond issues in its agenda' EC applies brakes on TDP govt's pet welfare schemes Venkaiah dares Cong for public debate on achievements 'NDA like Aus cricket team & Cong like Bangla' I am not against Priyanka or Rahul, says Advani Mar 11, 2004 Sangma faction can register as a political party Charges of payments to film stars are baseless: BJP Chandrababu to kick-start campaign from Tirupathi Cong behaving irresponsibly as main Oppn: Advani Bishen Singh Bedi to campaign for Congress Ramakrishna Hegde's son Bharat Hegde joins BJP Cong not to field joint Oppn candidate against PM Cong strong enough to face Advani's yatra: Krishna 'BJP to cash in on anti-incumbency factor in K'taka' Minorities no longer willing to be vote bank: DPM Solution to Ayodhya issue after polls: Advani Mar 10, 2004 Vajpayee is not trustworthy, says Congress States must take action if rath yatra violates law: EC Candidates must declare dues to Govt depts: EC 'No politics behind Advani's 'Bharat Uday' yatra' Vajpayee, a tall leader with bad company: Vaiko March forward...India's time has come, says Advani Mar 09, 2004 Unemployment, farmers' woes to be Cong poll planks 'Deeply hurt' Om Puri joins Congress bandwagon Akali Dal fetes Advani; pledges Sikh support Dy PM Advani leaves for 'India Shining Yatra' EC notice to TDP over 'booklet of achievements' Cabinet approves dates for Lok Sabha elections Sonia to kick-off election campaign in Andhra Mar 08, 2004 Advani must be arrested if he violates law: Cong EC allows Pawar-led NCP to retain clock symbol Bollywood's march to politics- Manoj, Apra join BJP 'NDA spending crores of money on false propaganda' Mar 07, 2004 PM, DPM confident of repeat mandate for NDA Political 'poaching' on the rise in Andhra Pradesh Mar 06, 2004 Feel good seen only among cronies of Govt: Sonia BJP not emerging as 'new Congress': Advani 'Feel-good factor can lead to complacency in BJP' Prasar Bharti seeks to charge parties for airtime Ayodhya issue not in the NDA agenda: Fernandes Union Minister of State Prasad joins JD (S) Cong finalises 19 nominees in MP for LS polls Mar 05, 2004 'EC has an open mind on ads on broadcast media' Bangarappa to contest Lok Sabha elections 'Outlook' poll predicts 'clear victory' for NDA Film stars Zeenat, Asrani, Celina join Congress RSS, BJP leaders meet to review poll preparations Mar 04, 2004 Advani admits t