NEWSMAKER - Narendra Modi shows he's unstoppable

Modi is a hate figure for Muslims and millions of secular Hindus across the country. He stands accused of turning a blind eye, and even encouraging, the killing of 1,200 to 2,500 people, most of them Muslims, in communal riots in the state in 2002.

The Supreme Court compared him to Roman Emperor Nero, remembered in legend as playing his lyre while Rome burned, and Washington denied him a visa for severe violations of religious freedom.

LARGER AMBITIONS?

"He has won this election through his oratory, his body language and absolute communal agenda," said Veerappa Moily, chief spokesman of the Congress party.

During campaigning, Modi initially chose to seek votes on a platform of growth and development.

But as the two-stage vote on Dec. 11 and 16 seemed to be getting tight, the gloves came off and Modi returned to his pet hardline Hindu themes.

Modi, who holds a master's degree in political science, began as a campaigner in the hardline Hindu outfit Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of the BJP.

He went on to become a BJP strategist in New Delhi and his commitment to the party's agenda and oratory skills saw him being sent to Gujarat as chief minister in 2001 after it was hit by an earthquake in which more than 20,000 people died.