The BJP is adopting a systematic approach to attain the magic figure while at the same time it is ensuring that the Congress is reduced to a two-digit figure in the ensuing polls.

With the poll surveys predicting a good show for the National Democratic Alliance, the mood in the BJP camp is upbeat ...

The BJP strategists reveal a two-pronged strategy saying that the focus is on to retain what it has in the party stronghold - Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh - and to add on more seats by way of new alliances and improving upon the weak constituencies ...

According to the party calculations, there are 140 captive constituencies mostly in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Delhi and Gujarat The party has reportedly undertaken a thorough study of these constituencies and have found that only in 15 constituency the party may face some challenge by way of strong opposition candidates.

The strategists have assessed that the BJP is weak in at least 70 seats out of the 330 constituencies, the party is contesting. This includes the Kashmir Valley, Kerala, and some seats in West Bengal. The strategy here is, the sources said, to focus on these seats through organisational back up ...

Out of the other 120 seats, two-thirds are winnable without much difficulty, claims the (BJP). Based on these calculations, the BJP strategies are confident that the party can cross the 200 marks in the 13th Lok Sabha poll ...

"Be it the leadership image, or the feel-good factor, a new component in favour of the BJP, or confidence in BJP cadre and last but not the lest the token presence of Congress in UP and Bihar BJP stands to gain" claims BJP ideologue Govindacharya.

The party also calculates that this advantage will not peak out or erode in the coming days unless some new factor comes into play.

The BJP strategists also point out that it may be relatively easier for the BJP to reach the magic figure (272) than the Congress with its current 141 as the BJP has won new friends while the Congress by and large stands alone ... (Source: The Hindustan Times, 22 August, 1999)

Sharad Gupta On BJP's Prospects

The BJP claims of getting an overwhelming majority in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, but the number of seats it has been contesting is the lowest in the last one decade.

Contest only 330 seats - a deep fall of 53 seats from last year.

BJP leaders attribute the phenomenon to new alliances forged by the party this year because of which it