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For many people, polls are a religion. TV channels must be thanked for keeping their faith intact.
Pretty young anchor woman: "With the poll campaign hotting up, our channel presents exclusive live coverage of some key constituencies. Let’s first visit Rishwat Nagar which is a crucial assembly seat. Bunty, what is the situation in Rishwat Nagar?"
"Babli, the poll fever is mounting. We are witnessing a neck-and-neck race in Rishwat Nagar!"
"You mean the Congress and BJP are running even?"
"No, I mean Pandit Neck Chand is battling it out with Choudhary Neck Ram."
"Who’s winning?"
"That’s a tough call, Babli! Neck Ram is the son of the soil and very popular. But Neck Chand is running a superb campaign."
"What is the main poll issue, Bunty?"
"Neck Ram is promising change, but Neck Chand is offering thousand rupee notes!"
"We will return to you, Bunty. Let’s go to Hinsabad where news is breaking." "Chintu, what is the situation in Hinsabad?"
"There is serious tension here, Babli. There are widespread allegations that muscle power is being mobilised to prevent voters on polling day."
"Is there any truth in the allegations?"
"I have a seasoned voter, Shri Chaalu Ram, with me. Sir, are you afraid you will be prevented from voting? What will you do to make sure you vote?"
"I will be the first in the queue to cast my vote. I know it will be a very busy day for me but I am determined to cast my vote in all the four polling booths where I am registered as a voter!"
"Hang on there, Chintu. There is news breaking in Saudapur. Babs, what is your report from Saudapur?"
"Babli, as you know Saudapur is the heart of big business. Betting has already started on how this four-way contest will end!"
"You mean the contest between Congress, BJP, Mayawati and Mulayam as they fight for votes?"
"No, Babli. The betting is on Prannoy, Rajdeep, Prabhu and Arnab as they fight for TV ratings."
(Puri can be reached at rajinderpuri2000@yahoo.com)