Entertainment From Elections and Thereafter

Apart from the political outcome of an Indian election (serious side), there is a comic or entertaining side to it. The great drama that precedes it, the announcement of dates, candidates, (not the Communist) manifesto and the promises, but most of all the speeches. We don't yet have debates, unlike the U.S. Presidential candidates. But the barbs flying from all sides make the whole thing akin to any other great Indian event, which I think we specialise in. And we have lots more of parties-political parties-than they do.

But it does not end there. The exit polls, the fracas on TV between party spokespeople, the anchors, the fortune-tellers, the analysts, and so on add to the fun. The voter is sometimes hung by a hung Assembly or Lok Sabha, and the suspense is killing, better than an Agatha Christie mystery. The mystery is finally solved when the new C.M. (or P.M.) is installed, and wins a vote of confidence-or otherwise.

I am reminded of an old joke from a column in Filmfare.

Who is a politician?
One who shakes your hand before the election, and your confidence afterwards.

Resemblance to real events is purely coincidental. Jai Hind!

Independence - My Wishlist

As an individual, I wish for independence from

1. LPG gas cylinders- can't we provide piped gas after so many years? Option 2, just provide cylinders everywhere for anyone who wants to buy one. Like Coca Cola.

2. KYC norms meant to harass all honest citizens.

3. Trash on TV. Shoot guys who make bad programs, maybe? Not seriously, but shut them up, at least.

4. SMS salestalk. It's crazy.

5. Email salestalk. Crazier.

6. Phone calls from strangers. I don't answer them, so it's not so serious, but still..

7. Mosquitoes. Can we have a repellant that works?

8. Parliament. They can work on email.

9. Visas. They are very irritating.

10. Independence day speeches.

Many are doable.