As the election campaign enters the final stage with the announcement of most of our candidates, the BJP and the NDA are clearly front-runners. We not only have to preserve the lead, but also improve upon it.

Committed politicians need to be obsessed. It is their own choice whether they can be obsessed about their ideological and developmental issues or about themselves.

In the course of my campaign, I have met thousands of people, Trade and Industry Organizations, and several entrepreneurs.  The declining economic situation in the country has impacted all.

In the areas bordering Pakistan, drug trafficking is rampant. A large number of youngsters start with the thrill of experimentation and eventually become drug addicts.

I have campaigned for over two weeks in Amritsar.  It is unquestionably one of the most charming cities in India.

I am in Delhi having to address some public meetings in capital in support of the BJP candidates and to attend the meeting of the BJP Central Election Committee on Andhra Pradesh.

India became independent in 1947. Its Constitution adopted in 1950, accepted parliamentary democracy as its system of government. Its first General Election was held in 1952.

Sensing defeat the Defence Minister AK Antony cautioned the left front that 'Secular' forces may have to team up again to keep the BJP out. It is clear that the Congress will be restricted to a two digit figure. It's only hope is to pop up the third front and support it from outside.

Congress Party has decided to field Ashok Chavan, the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, who is tainted in the Adarsh Scam, as its candidate from Nanded.

At the release of the Congress Manifesto, Rahul Gandhi was optimistic that the BJP's 'Balloon will burst'. The Congress President was equally affirmative that the opinion polls will prove wrong.