INDIA: MAIN OPPOSITION PARTY BJP IS EXPECTED TO GET LION SHARE OF VOTES

Описание: (2 May 1996) Hindi/English/Nat

As voting in the world's largest democracy resumes, India's main opposition party -- the B-J-P -- is expected to get the lion's share of votes.

Traditionally a Hindu nationalist group supported by young radicals, the B-J-P appears to have won over new voters by presenting a new, moderate image.

B-J-P leader Atal Behari Vajpayee says if he comes to power, his government will not pursue a Hindu nationalist agenda.

But Vajpayee has yet to convince sceptics who fear he may not be able to control the extremist elements within his party.

Atal Behari Vajpayee -- the man tipped to be the next prime minister of India -- busy on the campaign trail in his local constituency.

A poet and renowned orator, he heads the radical Hindu B-J-P party, currently India's main opposition.

Opinions polls say the B-J-P will finish ahead of the ruling Congress Party in the country's 545-member lower house of Parliament, but it will still fall short of a majority.

Chosen as leader just a few weeks before campaigning began, Vajpayee's speeches have been a far cry from the usual B-J-P fire and brimstone approach.

Many commentators say the move is part of a deliberate policy to soften the party image.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"He's often been described as the right man in the wrong party even by his opponents. Which means basically they feel he's too liberal to be considered part of the mainstream office party which is seen as a hard core, pro-Hindu party."
SUPERCAPTION: Coomil Kapoor, resident editor of `Indian Express

These are the party's traditional supporters -- young radical Hindus who usually spout anti-Muslim rhetoric.

But while they seem to have accepted Vajpayee's moderate stance, some commentators believe a question mark hangs over whether his views really reflect those of the party.

Traditionally, the B-J-P opposes any form of foreign investment -- in the past U-S firms like K-F-C have had angry mobs outside their doors.

Vajpayee has toned down this stance -- the new party line is opposed to the opening of the consumer sector to foreign multinationals but invites foreign investment in building the country's infrastructure.

On the thorny issue of nuclear weapons, Vajpayee believes India should be allowed to conduct further testing.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"This nuclear apartheid must end. There should be an agreement -- an international agreement -- which will include all nuclear weapons states, all non-nuclear states. This is not fair to prevent only those who are on the threshold. I know we are aware nuclear weapons are not for use -- they will be used as a deterrent."
SUPERCAPTION: Atal Behari Vajpayee, BJP leader

However, the Indian Muslim community remains unconvinced.

Muslims living in Lucknow say they won't be voting for the B-J-P.

SOUNDBITE: (Hindi)
"The B-J-P doesn't care for Muslims. Everywhere, they want to create tension between Hindus and Muslims -- that is why I won't vote for them. They should interact with the Muslims and tell them they will be doing something for them. But they remain anti-Muslim."
SUPERCAPTION: vox pop, Muslim resident of Lucknow

Some Muslims have warned of a bloodbath if the B-J-P wins.

Non-Hindus are worried that their concerns will be ignored, a claim Vajpayee denies.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"It is alright to be an extremist while you are not in power. Once you are voted to power you must shoulder the responsibility of governing such a big country."
SUPERCAPTION: Atal Behari Vajpayee, BJP leader



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