Includes bibliographical references (pages 264-288) and index.

Introduction : coalition politics, religious nationalism and public policy : a theoretical examination / Katharine Adeney and Lawrence Sáez -- The BJP coalition : partisanship and power-sharing in government / Alistair McMillan -- The shapes of Hindu nationalism / John Zavos -- In part, a myth : the BJP's organisational strength / James Manor -- The NDA and the politics of 'minorities' in India / Subrata K. Mitra -- Hindu nationalists and federal structures in an era of regionalism / Katharine Adeney -- Social justice and empowerment of the weaker sections and gender rights / Nitya Rao -- Managing the anti-corruption rhetoric : the National Democratic Alliance, transparency and corruption / Gurharpal Singh -- Indian education policy under the NDA government / Marie Lall -- The NDA and the politics of economic reform / Rob Jenkins -- The NDA and Indian foreign policy / James Chiriyankandath and Andrew Wyatt -- The NDA and national security / Apurba Kundu -- The BJP and the 2004 general election : dimensions, causes and implications of an unexpected defeat / Christophe Jaffrelot -- Hindutva's march halted? : choices for the BJP after the 2004 defeat / Meghnad Desai.