Unlike the plethora of political parties which mark the political scene in other Hindi speaking states, there is almost a two-party system in Madhya Pradesh.

Most other political parties including Janata Dal, CPI, CPM and Samajwadi Party have only very minimal influence in the state. Their lack of influence can be gauged from the fact that at present Janata Dal has only four members in the State Assembly, CPI two and CPI(M) AND Samajwadi Party have one each.

Bahujan Samaj Party has at present 10 members in the Assembly but going by its performance, the party may find it difficult to repeat its gains of November 1993 when the last Assembly polls were held in the State.

Both Congress and BSP are divided over the issue of an alliance between the two parties for the Assembly elections. While some Congress leaders favour a tie-up with BSP, a few including theShukla brothers Shyama Charan and Vidya Charan are strongly opposed to the idea.

The first meeting of the MP Congress election committee is slated to be held here on October 22 and it is expected to be attended by all senior party leaders from the State.

For the BJP, the party's all-India general secretary, Narendra Modi has been made the in-charge for the elections. Modi has been touring the State extensively and trying his best to mobilise BJP workers to ensure that the party comes to power in Madhya Pradesh. The elections have a special significance for BJP national president, Kushabhau Thakre, since he hails from the State.

Meanwhile, a section of BJP leaders has began suggesting that the party should not field senior party leaders as nominees and instead give a chance to young faces.

If this suggestion is accepted, there is a possibility that three former chief ministers, Virendra Kumar Saklecha, Kailash Joshi and Sunderlal Patwa may find themselves out of the race for the elections.

But afinal decision on the issue has not been taken as yet and irrespective of the way it goes, it is bound to have a significant impact on the elections.