Key Players in Delhi's Chaotic Politics

ATAL BEHARI VAJPAYEE

His Bharatiya Janata Party squeaked into power last year. Many cheered when government staged nuclear tests, but euphoria faded as food prices rocketed.

JAYARAM JAYALALITHA

If the next election results in as finely balanced government as the last, she could hold power with her MPs from the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

SONIA GANDHI

As president of Congress, Sonia Gandhi has helped the party to improve its standing at state level. Her name and her widowhood help to pull in countryside votes.

JYOTI BASU

The communist Chief Minister of West Bengal. Congress rejected the attempt at the weekend to thrust him into the breach and make him prime minister.

LALOO PRASAD YADAV

Chief minister of Bihar until removed last year because of corruption charges. Controls the Rashtriya Janata Dal party, which could hold balance of power.