The past two weeks have been nothing less than a solemn celebration in the villages across the state. It was the case in the neighbouring villages too. Thanks to the panchayat elections, scheduled for tomorrow, there is free food, booze, clothes and money flowing in the houses of every person whose name appears in the voters list. Every person contesting, either as sarpanch or ward member, is doling out gifts and cash to every voter, irrespective of his or her allegiance. Naturally in the process - for once, at least - the voter is rich, because he or she is being given money by all those contesting!
I asked our driver, whose wife too is contesting, as to the need for giving this money. His straight reply, "Nothing moves without money or gifts!" I asked, what of honesty and service... is that not worthy enough a criteria for electing people to public posts? "Not anymore," was the immediate reply! Besides this cash and kind, delivered at home, all those who agree to rally behind a contestant for a day - one needs only to walk behind, say a few slogans or carry a banner or flag, nothing more - are given lunch (a packet of chicken biriyani), one quarter bottle (that needs not explanation to an Indian), and Rs 250/- and of course, some snacks and drinks along the walk.
The spy network too is quite interesting. Each contestant appoints some guys, real good for nothing guys, as 'check-posts', to keep him or his lieutenants informed if any other contestant is entering the village or distributing somethings. Our dhobi is a real sample himself. He was chosen by one contestant and - here's the best part - by his opponent too!! So he kept guard for two nights at the entrance of the village watching out for 'the other', and earned Rs 2,000 from both the sides!
The ones I pity most, are the people themselves. They literally and gladly are 'prostituting' themselves today, and loosing their right to demand in the long run. None of them asks the one distributing cash and kind, as to where did he or she get so much money to throw it about. Barely does anyone realise that once elected to power, the politician rules and today's 'king' will be fleeced and stripped of everything he or she owns and has.
The spy network too is quite interesting. Each contestant appoints some guys, real good for nothing guys, as 'check-posts', to keep him or his lieutenants informed if any other contestant is entering the village or distributing somethings. Our dhobi is a real sample himself. He was chosen by one contestant and - here's the best part - by his opponent too!! So he kept guard for two nights at the entrance of the village watching out for 'the other', and earned Rs 2,000 from both the sides!
The ones I pity most, are the people themselves. They literally and gladly are 'prostituting' themselves today, and loosing their right to demand in the long run. None of them asks the one distributing cash and kind, as to where did he or she get so much money to throw it about. Barely does anyone realise that once elected to power, the politician rules and today's 'king' will be fleeced and stripped of everything he or she owns and has.
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