Prospects: Can Mayawati retain the magic, or will she be hit by anti-incumbency? If she improves tally, she will be kingmaker. The ’08 N-deal vote days were a sampler.
Seats won in 2004: 19
Voteshare: 5.3%
All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
Stronghold: Tamil Nadu
Prospects: After the total wipeout in ’04, Jayalalitha's party should do better. However the DMK-Congress side cannot be written off. For the record, the AIADMK is with the Third Front. But no one's betting on how long her party will remain there.
Seats won in 2004: 0
Voteshare: 2.19%
Samajwadi Party
Stronghold: Uttar Pradesh
Prospects: Its alliance with the Congress is in a mess. If Mulayam repeats 2004, he may have a crucial role to play in Delhi.
Seats won in 2004: 36
Voteshare: 4.32%
Telangana Rashtra Samithi
Stronghold: Andhra Pradesh
Prospects: Has tied up with TDP/TF. Post-poll, Chandrashekhara Rao can go anywhere.
Seats won in 2004: 5
Voteshare: 0.63%
Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
Stronghold: Tamil Nadu
Prospects: Is with the AIADMK. But can take an independent line when it comes to supporting a government at the Centre.
Seats won in 2004: 4
Voteshare: 0.43%
People’s Democratic Party
Stronghold: J&K
Prospects: Given the popularity of the NC government, may not improve on 2004 tally.
Seats won in 2004: 1
Voteshare: 0.07%
Pattali Makkal Katchi
Stronghold: Tamil Nadu
Prospects: Karunanidhi and Jayalalitha are both wooing it. May finally opt for a post-poll alliance of convenience.
Seats won in 2004: 6
Voteshare: 0.56%
Praja Rajyam Party
Stronghold: Andhra Pradesh
Prospects: Actor Chiranjeevi's party has not contested an election. But there is a buzz about him given the crowds he draws at rallies. No one can quite predict whether this turnout will translate into votes.
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Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam
Stronghold: Tamil Nadu
Prospects: Actor Vijaykanth’s party has never contested a Lok Sabha election. Is being wooed by the Congress.