His powerful oration and political charisma led India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, to mark him out as a future leader of India.

In his second term as prime minister - following a 13-day stint in 1996 - Mr Vajpayee surprised the world by undertaking a series of nuclear explosions, which were followed shortly afterwards by nuclear blasts conducted by Pakistan.

In February, he made a historic bus ride to the Pakistani city of Lahore - reviving the troubled peace process between the two countries. But in May of this year, Mr Vajpayee faced his stiffest challenge yet in the shape of an armed infiltration by Pakistani-backed forces in Indian-administered Kashmir. His handling of the crisis drew praise, even from some of his critics.

Within the BJP, Mr Vajpayee has had to control Hindu radicals, often seen as trying to hijack his agenda, especially over India's religious minorities.

He has now become the first incumbent prime minister to be re-elected since 1971 and returns to office more powerful than ever before.

Although he leads an alliance of over 20 parties, he is seen as the undisputed leader which should help him run a government somewhat more stable than the previous one.