Poll Pundit: Why doesn't Vajpayee retire?

rediff.com's expert panel and its battery of reporters across the country answer readers' poll queries:

Manish, Delhi

I am a student at IIT, Delhi, at the time of election in my city (Lucknow), I have my papers here, is there any provision so that I could also cast my vote. Please Help.

Answer: No, Manish. If you are registered as a voter in Lucknow, that is where you will have to vote.

Sourav

If private companies do not give leave for their employees to cast their vote then is their any legal actions that can be taken?

Answer: Yes, you can take legal action. To be able to vote is your fundamental right.

S R Ghatge, Pune

Is their any site to see detailed statistics of past elections?

Answer: The best site is the Election Commission of India site -- https://www.eci.gov.in.

Shridhar Kshirsagar, Indore

Recently, the exit poll by some of the TV News Channel and News Paper 'Dainik Bhaskar' as per them that NDA will get near about 260 to 270 seats in Lok Sabha, still the magic figure is far away from then and Mayawati and Mulayam Singh and of course Om Prakash Choutala and Ajit Singh are not with the NDA, now Panditji tell me who will support for that majority.

Answer: It's risky even for a pandit to make predictions when it comes to Indian politics. But I can tell you one thing, all three would love to play the kingmaker.

Anilsonar

What will be the result in Pune?

Answer: Pune has become interesting because Sharad Pawar and Suresh Kalmadi -- enemies till recently -- have become friends. But it's a tought fight. The NCP has lost some sheen by joining hands with the Congress. Corruption is another big issue.

Prabodh Bade
Can BJP (NDA) will have clear majority?

Answer: As of now, it does not appear likely.

Shridhar Kshirsagar, Indore

In Bihar, lots of candidates are having charges and also in jail in one or another reason, but still they are taking part in this election and peoples are also winning those candidates, panditji it will possible to that every political party decide not give tickets to those candidates, who have these tyes of background.

Answer: I wish it was possible. Some attempts have been made by the Election Commission, but political parties are resisting change.

A J Rama Rao, Hyderabad

Me and my wife (A Nirmala) have Voter ID Cards issued in April 1996 (AP/31/210/1044086 and 1044087). We have been exercise our franchise in all the elections since then. Today, we were shocked NOT to find our names in the voters' list and were hence denied the privilege of this fundamental right. We have the ID Cards, but since names do not appear on the list, we were not permitted to vote. We stay in Bhagyanagar Colony (Srujana Apartments), Kukatpally, Hyderabad-500 016 (Khairatabad Constituency for State elections). Is there a way whereby I can be permitted to exercise my franchise before evening today. The reason for deletion is mysterious since it was there even during December 2003 when the enrolment volunteer visited our house. In fact, we got my daughter enrolled afresh. I am not sure if I would get a timely response, and whether you can help, but am writing to you since I could not find any telephone contacts of Election Commission Offices in Hyderabad to seek clarification/redressal. Thanks for your prompt attention and response. Regards.

Answer: Sir, here is the Web site that mentions the people you can contact in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer for Andhra Pradesh - https://ceoap.apts.gov.in/Contact/Indexw.html

Ashok Kumar Jha, Jamshedpur

How many seats will the BJP win?

Answer: Various exit polls after the first phase of election put the total number of seats for the NDA at between 260-290.

Narendra, Surat

Expected seats of Congress

Answer: Various exit polls after the first phase, put the number of seats for the Congress and its allies at between 160-180.

Sridhar, Hyderabad

Is it legal to have someone other than yourself to be present while you are voting, I mean at the Electronic Voting machine at the time of pushing the buttons?

Answer: No. That is why it is called a secret ballot.

Amit, Houston, TX

Punditji, exactly how many constituencies are there? and how many of them will be using the electronic voting machine?

Answer: There are 543 Lok Sabha constituencies. EVMs will be used in all of them.

Soumya, Barpali

Who has been formed govt. in orissa

Answer: According to exit poll results after the first phase of elections, it appears that the ruling BJD-BJP combine will retain power.

Krishan K Arora, New York

Vajpayee can't even walk good. Why does he not retire gracefully?

Answer: Please address your question to 7 Race Course Road, New Delhi. Thank You.

Atulvathavale, Pune

What will happen in Maharashtra? Which party will get more seats?