Born: December 25th, 1926, in Gwalior, central India. Son of schoolteacher.
Who is he? Hindu nationalist politician from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Why's he in the news? Has been invited by President Shankar Dayal Sharma to form India's next government. Why? The BJP is now the single largest party in the 545 member Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament), despite not holding a majority of seats.
Career: Had his first taste of politics as a student leader at Lucknow, where he studied law.
Entered Lok Sabha (1957).
Leader of Jan Sangii party, predecessor to the BJP (1957-1975).
Was imprisoned by Indira Gandhi in 1975 during a two year emergency which suspended civil rights, but appointed foreign minister in the government of Morarji Desai which toppled her from power (1977). Named BJP president in 1980.
Supported a Hindu nationalist campaign to build a temple on the site of a 16th century mosque in Ayodya, the birth place of god king Rama, according to Hindus.
The mosque was razed by Hindu fanatics in 1992, while helpless BJP leaders looked on. In subsequent rioting 3,000 were killed, mainly Muslim.
Vajpayee was credited with opposing his party colleagues shrill pro Hindu stance, although he stood by them in public.
What's he like? A witty moderate, renowned for oratory, poetry and diplomatic skill, known affectionately as Atalji.
A liberal, he impressed many Muslims when, as foreign minister of the then Janata party, he eased travel restrictions on visits to relatives in Pakistan (1977-1979). Enjoys a reputation for personal honesty.
Last word: Goes to Srikanta Jena, a deputy from the Janata Dal party.
"Let Vajpayee come out of the BJP. He can be the Prime Minister", he said, adding: "Good man, bad association."