EVM

Commission announced Lok Sabha poll date,

World’s biggest democracy’s tryst with fate.

MPs are elected across the nation,

Franchise exercised in polling station.

Names-symbol, NOTA on the EVM

Electors have to choose one of them.

Number of seats is five forty-three

Covering each square inch of country.

Anyone over twenty-five can become candidate,

And may promise anything as deceiving bait.

Political party leaders are on the fray,

Independent candidates too come into play. 

Ladakh to Lakshadweep, Amritsar to Aizawl

Every city, town, village – big and small,

Poster, banner, procession, meeting and rally

No stone is unturned to improve the tally.

Door to door campaign, WhatsApp message,

Serious candidates use every passage.

Social media plays an important role,

Hoax and fake message take its toll.

Violence, threats and cash in notes,

Liquor and freebies ensure many votes.

Politicians instigate and incite the mobs.

Criminals and musclemen do their jobs,

Journalists are no saint; sell the news

Rewarded richly for biased views; 

National and regional TV News channel

Telecast screams and shouts of the panel.

Besides politicians fight on the mats 

Celebrities, film stars too throw their hats.

Even some common men with a big dream,

Test their mettle in the political stream.

Hiralal, the drunkard and indolent guy,

Longing a long to give the poll a try. 

Living in a small village with his wife;

Thecchildless couple always in strife.

Jaya, the wife, is a clever woman

Runs the household with her plan.

The family inherits many acres land

The buck stops at wife Jaya’s hand.

Harvests provide them with ample living

Yet, the woman is hardly forgiving.

Sitting on an armchair in the house

Hiralal watching TV along with spouse.

Seeing poll announcement on the news,

He thought he should make its use.

He told his wife burping hooch smell,

“Will contest the election without fail”

Jaya scolded him raising eye-brow

Choicest expletives began to flow

“You idiot, worthless, illiterate man

Except drinking, what you can?

None will vote you; not even me,

Contesting election waste of money.”

Hiralal reacted to Jaya’s profane spat

 “How could you utter nonsense like that?

I am not illiterate, can read and write

Contesting election is democratic right.

Spending some money to fulfil my dream

Not going to affect us; no need to scream.”

He was spirited despite her chide

“Should not allow her to deny my pride.”

Excitement overwhelmed Hiralal’s thought

“This poll, at any cost, must be fought.”

Next morning it was a bright sunny day

Cattle were feeding on dry paddy hay.

Hiralal was planning his next step

How could he give his idea a shape?

He knew nothing about poll procedure

Whom he could consult; was not sure.

 Two big hooch pegs triggered his thought

“Raghu’s assistance may be sought.”

Raghu was a village guy, intelligent student.

Among ignorant villagers; he was prudent.

He read newspaper and up-to-date

Hiralal approached him doing no late   

He revealed his desire, sought advice

Raghu shocked in utter surprise.

Alcoholic Hiralal to fight election

That too for parliament of the nation!

“Ok, uncle, will check and get back to you

It may take a day or a few.”

“Thank you very much, oh my son,

I know I can bank you upon.”

After a few days, Raghu met Hiralal

By the roadside on the bank of the canal.

He apprised Hiralal with a confident feel

“Contesting election is not a big deal

If you are willing to take the bet

File papers as independent candidate

Need to be a voter and have few documents,

Sign of 10 voters and Rupees 25 thousands.

I think you can arrange all these.

 And file nomination at RO’s office.”

Hiralal became pleased getting the info

Thanked Raghu and told him earnestly so       

 “I can afford the cost hands down

 Accompany me to the district town.”

 

They went to the town after few days

And gathered information in details.

Consulted the officials and gained knowledge

Collecting documents returned to village.

Raghu filled up the nomination form

Made sure to comply with each and every norm.

Getting ten voters’ sign no problem at all

Villagers made queue at Hiralal’s call.

Being elated at Hiralal’s effort

They came forward in his support.

All the documents properly made

Encouraged Hiralal went ahead.

‘Bottle’ election symbol he opted for

What could make him happier or?

Along with Raghu and some village men

Hira proceeded to file nomination.

All info provided was very true

Application submitted without woe.

Nomination accepted on the due date

Hiralal’s candidature officially set.

Well-wishers asked him to campaign

He told “no need to take the pain,

Contesting election is only my aim,

Not getting a single vote brings no shame.

I am very happy, will throw a party

Food, drinks, meals, snacks and tea”    

One month there before the poll

Hiralal passed time, euphoric soul.

A young reporter from the town, 

For interview, one day came down.

He asked Hiralal “What’s the reason?

Why are you contesting MP election?”

Hiralal told him offering a glass

“Taste the liquor, quality a class.

 Attain ecstasy sipping the brew

 I relish greatly; hope you too.

Will gift you full bottles some

I am so happy you have come.

Since my young days, have a desire 

To see my name printed on paper.”

 “Okay, okay, that’s a really great cause”

Inebriated journalist said in applause.

He has drunken glassful sips

Liquor wetted his coarse lips.

Since Hira promised him gifting liquor

Reporter’s mind started to flicker.

He too was a lover of drink

Savoured goblets full to the brink.

“Will print news praising you”

The journalist concluded the interview.

Hiralal gave him full bottles four

Reporter bade adieu delaying no more.

After a fortnight, Election Day came     

“Name will appear on EVM,

Lacs of voters will see the same

Will meet my long-cherished aim”.

Got up early morning from his bed.

Exhilaration occupied Hiralal’s head.

Getting ready he walked down to the booth

“Historic is the day, hope all is smooth.”

Someone asked him standing in the queue.

“You are contesting. Are not you?”

“Yes, contesting, symbol is bottle.”

Hira replied looking to all.

After a few minutes, voting did start,

Hira entered the booth, pounding heart.

He saw EVM kept on the table.

Connected to something with a cable.

Went to EVM and searched his name

Fifth from the top, his name came.

“There is my name and symbol is mine”

He felt shivering in his spine.

Stared for a while; then pressed the button

Returning home he drunk like a glutton.

He told his wife in a loud voice   

“Go and vote making  me your choice.

You can see my name and symbol 

Just press the button – that is all.”

Wife giggled and told in jest

“Only two votes – may get at best.

Me and you only – none else ever

Will cast vote in your favour”

Hiralal shouted “I don’t care

Even if I get zero vote share.”

Counting of votes to hold after a week

Nation waiting; excitement peak.

Who would win and form the government?

Would it be a hung parliament?

Counting began at eight morning,

Result trends started coming.

TV channels beaming trends latest

With analysis claiming the best.

After a couple of hours or so

Trends of each seat begun to show

Here A leads, there B trails

Here X party gains, there Y fails.

Hiralal keenly followed the update 

Trying to figure out candidate’s fate.

Alas! That time occurred power cut

Causing his TV abruptly shut.

What to do? Hiralal went asleep

A couple of hours; not too deep

Woke up rattled by chaos outside.

Walked down outdoor in low stride.

Villagers formed a little crowd

Raghu was speaking in a voice loud

“Uncle is leading in vote counting

By a huge margin – astonishing.”

Hiralal could not understand a bit

Still, he was under sleep’s ambit.

“You are winning”. Raghu cheered him.

Hiralal thought that he was in a dream.

“I am winning? What are you saying?”

Hiralal asked him full attention paying

“Yes, all TV channels are informing so

Let’s see, uncle, TV news show.”

Raghu said and Hira entered the room

Jaya was sweeping with a broom.

Hira switched on the TeleVision

Poll trends showing from all over the nation.

‘Hiralal is leading by 3 Lacs margin’

The news was flashing on the TV screen

Perplexed Hira’s head started spinning

How could even he dream of winning?

Hiralal came under undue stress

“If I win; life will be mess”.  

Experts in news channel baffled by the trend

‘Inexplicable’ unanimously concluded at end.

“How is it possible? How could it occur?”

Hira asked Raghu in a grave shocker.

In few hours counting closed

Others candidates vehemently opposed.

Hiralal won by four lacs vote

Election Commission took serious note.

Everyone demanding for re-count

On Returning Officer pressures mount.

Re-counting carried out with due care

Under surveillance - free and fair.

In re-counting too, result remained same

EC declared winner: Hiralal’s name.

Hira’s life faced greatest jolt

As if hit by blue sky’s bolt.

A very common man; no experience

Won an MP seat; made no sense.

Journalists along with TV Cameraman

Reached his village in OB van.

Frightened Hira spoke words few

As he was thrown into the world anew.

Next day he collected twinner’s certificate

Raghu accompanying him taught etiquette.

Hira knew nothing except mother tongue

Raghu was the saviour; whom he clung.

Jaya became worried beyond the limit

Pleaded his husband to instantly quit.

Raghu assured him his assistance

And Hira carried on Raghu’s insistence.

After deliberation and discussion long

Hira reached Delhi; Raghu came along.

No party won the majority, hung parliament

One vote could make or break government.

Each MP counts and worth rupees crore

Hira was offered money and much more.   

No stone unturned in an attempt to woo

Offer made him crazy; panicked too.

X party promised ministerial berth

Y party’s bid was five crores worth.

Raghu was acting as his frontman

However, even what Raghu can? 

He too was naïve and vulnerable

How far resistance they could be able?

With grit Hiralal resisted decoy

Did not succumb to politicians’ ploy

“Maybe drunkard but an honest citizen.

Cannot sell me for personal gain.

Will make the decision with wisdom.

None can influence the choice of freedom.

Luck has provided me with an opportunity

Will work for progress and unity. 

Political parties are wicked thugs band 

Delhi reveals its characters first-hand.

Power and money-making are only goals,

For vested interest, stoop to vile roles. 

No principle, no morality, no truthfulness

Rotten to the core; men in disgrace.

Will support no political party

All parties immoral, all are dirty.”

Leaders of X party intimidated him

Y party leaders too gave warns grim.

Nevertheless, Hiralal kept his cool

Realizing parties trying to make fool.

Meanwhile, X party formed the government

Asked to prove majority in parliament.

X and Y party both made the claim 

‘271 MPs supports with them.’

Hira’s decision would seal the fate

Entire nation excitedly wait.

Raghu too confused with Hira’s intention

He was gripped by utmost tension.

Trust vote day come in due course

“What will Hira do” none could source.

The session started at the scheduled time   

Hiralal occupied attention prime.

Excitement turned all intensely engrossed

Public across nation kept fingers crossed.

Jaya, though, did not understand much

Sat before TV, anxious to watch.

Leaders in parliament delivering the speech

In myriad modulations, few even screech.

Some argued in favour of the motion

Countered by leaders of the opposition  

Hiralal, silently, observing the scene

His thoughtful face zoomed on the screen.

Jaya’s heart seemed to skip a beat

Seeing his husband occupying a seat.

 “This is the MP, miraculously won”

Viewers recollected when he showed.

Speeches ended; voting to start

Drama reaching its climax part.

Few minutes passed by, voting held

Who has the last laugh? Who has failed?

Excitement has reached its peak.

One moment bright, one moment bleak.

Result got flashed on big board

Alas! This has destiny stored?

Confidence motion got defeated

The single vote has sealed the fate.

X party failed to prove majority

Two seventy one no, yes two seventy.

Voting skipped by one member

The rule bars voting of Lok Sabha Speaker.

If votes were an equal resulting stalemate   

Speaker’s casting vote could change fate.

He was from X party – could ensure victory

But, Hiralal’s no voting made history. 

X party lost and the government falls

Now Y party awaits President’s calls.

After a few days, Y called to form the government

And asked to prove majority in parliament.

All focus beamed on Hiralal again

Would he vote now? Million-dollar question.

“Hiralal holds the key” newspapers wrote

Parliament began for a confidence vote.

Entire nation again gripped in suspense

This time situations became more tense

In case, Y party loses floor test

Again nation to hold Lok Sabha contest.

Everyone wished Hira to take part

So that election, nation could avert.

To which political party, he would be kind

 Now Hiralal had made up his mind.

None got a hint of his intention 

Even Raghu nothing could mention. 

“He has not revealed me; what he would do”

Raghu told reporters in the interview.

Parliament began, MPs voted

Hira voted too; everyone noted.

“Now the impasse will be over”

Experts remarked, so good so far.

Results got flashed on the big screen

Everyone heaved a sigh; what they have seen?

It’s a tie – both got two seventy-one

None has lost; none has won.

Speaker’s casting vote can break the tie

He was from X Party, Government was of Y.   

Obviously he voted against the government

This led to re'election of parliament.

Would this time too Hiralal contest?

Putting this question into rest.

Did he win last time due to EVMs fault?

And gave Indian democracy biggest jolt.