That the BJP has entered into an electoral alliance with the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) after much dilly-dallying shows that the poll climate is hotting up in the state. The results of the Lok Sabha polls, likely to be held early next

year, would also help see which way the wind will blow in the Assembly elections due in early 2010.

The ruling Congress, which won nine out of 10 seats in the last Lok Sabha elections, is keen to improve its tally. However, it is the main opposition party, the Indian National Lok Dal, for which the elections are very crucial. Undone by anti-incumbency votes and routed in both the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls last time, the INLD is desperate to make a comeback. That explains why it has decided to join hands with the BJP again, though their last alliance collapsed soon after the two grabbed power in the 2000 Assembly elections.

Realising its mistakes, the INLD, led by former chief minister Om Prakash Chautala, has since been trying to make amends with the electorate, attacking the Congress Government on all policies it feels are ‘anti-people’. The party has been holding impressive rallies, and if the huge crowds are any indication, it clearly has an edge over others. The party put up a good show of strength on the occasion of the birth anniversary of late Devi Lal at Bhiwani this year and Ambala the year before. However, crowds do not always translate into votes.

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