THE bombs began falling on Baghdad in the early hours of March 20, 2003. For anti-war protesters across the globe, it was proof that their lobbying of politicians had failed.

Civilians died as a result of the war, and its bloody aftermath continues to dominate 24-hour news channels today, nearly two years on.

At the time of the bombing, thousands vowed to make politicians who backed the war in the UK pay at the next general election. But how likely is it that the war will play a part in the democratic process in the UK at the expected May 5 election?

Leaked reports from the Labour Party this week suggested that Blackburn, the seat of Jack Straw - Foreign Secretary, and as a result, one of the most vociferous supporters of the war - had been placed on their 'at risk' list.

With a majority of nearly 10,000, Blackburn should be a Labour safe seat. But with more than 20per cent of the population describing themselves 'Asian' in the last census, there are fears of a backlash.

One of Mr Straw's main community allies, Lord Adam Patel of Blackburn, has been at the heart of the community. But time spent in the Lords since he received his peerage raises questions over his local influence.

Mr Straw has paid close attention to the Asian vote. A recent visit to Pakistan, funded by the Foreign Office, has been decried by Tories as an electioneering stunt.

Mr Straw has denied that and insisted: "To say Lahore is not important is absurd. It is one of the largest Pakistani states.

A number of constituents come from there, but I went there after a invitation from the Pakistani Government as I did to Gujurat, where not many of my constituents come from.

"The Indian sub-continent is also very important in global terms to Britain. To suggest I went there to curry favour with the Asian vote in my constituency is absurd and total rubbish."

But his Tory election rival Imtiaz Ameen said: "The places he visited were of little diplomatic interest."

Several Asian councillors threatened to resign from Blackburn with Darwen Council before the Iraq war, over military action, and were only convinced to stay after talks with Mr Straw.

But Coun Mohammed Khan, deputy leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "As someone from Blackburn, I put what has been done for Blackburn ahead of what has been done in Iraq.

"I have my opinions on the war but think Labour has delivered a lot for Blackburn. I think that without Jack, we would not have got all the housing renewal money."

Burnley MP Peter Pike has also made two trips recently to the Asian sub-continent.

Pendle has the second highest Asian vote, according to the census, with around 15 per cent. But Gordon Prentice's strong anti-war stance won Asian supporters.

In Burnley and Hyndburn, the Asian vote tops 10per cent. Darwen with Rossendale holds around four per cent. Labour's concern in these boroughs has more to do with the potential public-sector backlash over Labour's apparent failure to safeguard pensions. Traditionally Labour voters, a switch by public sector voters could eradicate all of East Lancashire's Labour MPs' majorities.

In Blackburn, the Green Party and an independent - Craig Murray - have indicated intentions to stand on the anti-war ticket.

Lib Dems, nationally will make great play that they were the only party to oppose the war in the Commons.

But does the fact the Tories backed the war make it impossible for the Tories to capitalise? Mr Ameen said: "No, because we voted in favour based on information from the Government, which turned out to be grossly incorrect.

"I believe the idea that Asian voters choose Labour these days is a myth."

His stance is backed by pollsters. A YouGov poll for the Commission for Racial Equality shows just 25 per cent of non-white respondents said the party reflected their views, almost the same proportion as the white Britons questioned .

And Jack Straw will be hoping results don't translate into the same sort of defeat suffered by his long time friend and election agent Sir Bill Taylor - ousted from a predominantly Asian ward last June.