BJP starts roadshow ahead of state polls

Bharti, 43, who dres{es in saffron robes, is known for her fiery speeches and is one of the rising stars of the BJP, which ruled India until May when the communist-backed Congress party swept it from power in national polls.

Her 4,000-kilometer (2,480-mile) month-long tour starting from Hubli, in southern Karnataka state, was flagged off by India's opposition leader Lal Krishna Advani.

"The yatra (journey) will focus on three issues -- nationalism, probity in public life and the campaign against pseudo-secular forces," {aid Advani, handing Bharti the Indian flag.

Bharti was released from jail last week after authorities dropped charges against her of inciting a Hindu-Muslim riot a decade ago in the southern state of Karnataka. Five people died when police fired to disperse the mobs.