rediff.com's expert panel and its battery of reporters across the country answer readers' poll queries:
Georgep, Dibrugarh
Will this election be the beginning of India's disintegration, if the fundamentalists take the upper hand? Will the moderates of Vajpayee's kind manage to survive another term? Will the real BJP ever try to shed their RSS-VHP dependence and be a political party? Will the Congress and its allies be able to make at least a decent opposition?
Answer: Dear George, it looks unlikely that the fundamentalists will gain an upper hand in this election. Even if the BJP wins, it will be at the head of the NDA coalition. It will be a miracle if the BJP wins a majority on its own. So, the fundamentalists will have to keep a low profile for now. Vajpayee looks set for another term at 7 Race Course Road provided the NDA does as well as all the surveys say it will.
I doubt if the BJP will try to shed its dependence on the RSS. As for the VHP, I do not think the party is gaining much from the likes of Pravin Togadia.
As for the Congress, you must have already seen how Rahul's presence has infused a new life into the party. And the party still has a surprise up its sleeves -- Priyanka.
Priyashalit, Chennai
Why doesn't the Congress ask the newly inducted stars to start campaigning?
Answer: Some have already starting campaigning. Asrani is campaigning. So is Govinda. I think these stars will intensify their activities as the polling dates draw closer.
Chandra Prakash Gandhi, Bhilai
BJP denies it is a communal party. If so, then why do they talk of Ayodhya and mandir all the time. And then why talk of construction of temple only and no other religious place like church, masjid or gurdwara anywhere?
Answer: Good question. Frankly, my guess will be as good as yours.
K Ramakrishna, Mumbai
If Priyanka Gandhi is fielded against Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who will win the election?
Answer: From the opinion polls that I have seen, I think Vajpayee would have an advantage. But what a cracker of a contest that would be!
Roky Wilson, Muzaffarnagar
Tell me the date of election in Delhi.
Answer: Polling for the seven seats in Delhi takes place on May 10.
Jaip, Hyderabad
Hi, I would like to know the primary thing to become prime minister of INDIA. Should be parliamentarian, right? Either from Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha, that too either before or after to be elected. To elect to Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha, should be Indian! Prime thing, right??? Our Constitution is accepting Mrs Sonia to become a parliamentarian, but not prime minister??? What's this logic?? How the people are raising this question?? Is it thinkable or not? That does mean they have to think about constitution????? or their mindset??????????
Answer: I think I get what you are driving at. There is nothing in our Constitution that can prevent Sonia Gandhi from becoming the prime minister.
Narasimhan N, Chennai
Can Italian-born rule India?
Answer: Please see answer above.
Suhas, Bangalore
Who will be the main opponent of Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Lucknow?
Answer: At this point of time we don't know about the Congress candidate. But attempts to put up a common opposition candidate seem to be floundering.
Mandar, Mumbai
What is the procedure to apply for an election ticket?
Answer: The procedure varies from party to party, Mandar. The recommendations are usually forwarded by the district units to the state office and thence to the central office.
Atul Arora, Kolhapur
I have written a short poem on 'feel good'. Would you like to include in your election site?
Answer: Can't make any promises, Atul. But do send it across. Let's have a look.
Naveen Jain, Cardiff, UK
I just want to know how many seats NDA will win. And another question about Dausa. Who is going be the winner (Congress or BJP)?
Answer: Various opinion polls are putting the number at 270-290. Congress has the upper hand in Dausa.
Sanket, Mumbai
How many Lok Sabha members does it take to pass a legislation bill in the Lok Sabha. Do one of these members introduce this bill:
Answer: A simple majority (50 per cent + 1) of the members present and voting, other than the speaker or the person acting as chairman or speaker, is required to pass a legislative bill in the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.
A bill to amend the Constitution, however, requires an absolute, or two-thirds, majority of the members present and voting to be passed. Please note that the key phrase in both cases is 'present and voting'. Which is why parties often issue whips to their members to be present and vote on crucial business.
As for the member introducing the bill, you would obviously expect him/her to vote in favour of the bill, wouldn't you?
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