20. J. Jayalalithaa, 61AIADMK Chief
Why
You simply can’t ignore a person who honestly believes that she is destined to rule the state. Especially if she is one of the major players lording over as many as 40 precious Parliamentary seats ahead of a crucial general election. Notwithstanding the 40-0 drubbing received by the AIADMK alliance last time, ‘Amma’ was wooed by the Left parties, whose leaders were in Chennai recently to firm up their new-found partnership.
Power punch
In 1998, Jaya rose to national prominence when her party’s support became crucial for the Vajpayee government. When she did not support it, the government fell by one vote.
What next
AIADMK has stitched a partnership with the Left, enlarging the alliance that only has MDMK. S. Ramadoss of PMK may be a potential partner.

21. M. Karunanidhi, 85
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister
Why
Any party combine that aims to capture power at the Centre knows it needs to woo the DMK and its chief M. Karunanidhi. After all, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry send 40 members to Parliament, enough to make or break any alliance. The BJP’s first successful stint in Delhi and the Congress’s first experiment with coalition governance had DMK at the Centre.
Power punch
In 2004, even as poll pundits favoured the BJP-led NDA, Karunanidhi brought together parties opposed to his bete noire AIADMK in the name of the Democratic Progressive Alliance (DPA). The alliance won all 40 seats.
What next
One of the toughest elections lies ahead as Karunanidhi faces an angry PMK, a betrayed Left and agitated MDMK, all of whom were his partners till recently.

... contd.