Election fever is gripping the suburb. Approx 1.5 million (thanks Debu for the correction) voters will elect corporators for Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC). Currently KDMC is governed by BJP-ShivSena combine, and my estimate says they will continue to be in power.

The other day this contestant on a door-to-door campaign turned up at our doorstep. I happened to be in a not-so-good mood and was irritated by the noise and intrusion of the politician – whom I consider the filthiest creatures on earth.

“___ चा, विजय असो! याच पक्षाला तुमचे अमूल्य मत द्या! यांची निशाणी आहे___”
“जिंकून जिंकून जिंकनार कोन ? __ शिवाय आहेच् कोन “*
“ताई माई आक्का विचार करा पक्का ___ वर मारा शिक्का”
“___ कईसा हय? सोने जईसा सच्चा हय”*
and so on. (*note the accents)

While he sported a perfect ‘Miss Universe’ smile and his chamchas (followers) handed over the manifesto, I interrupted them by asking a naughty question:

“तुमचं किती शिक्षण झालं आहे ?” (“What is your education qualification?”)

Silence. All eyes focussed on me, even our neighbour paused to hear. Then someone quipped – “He is B.Com”. I gladly accepted the manifesto and shut the door; at least the guy knows the names of degrees!

कधी कधी मी उगाच् आगाऊ पणा करतो. आवरायला हवं.
तरी नशीब - “तुम्ही शिकले आहात का… ?” असं नाही विचारलं! गेम झाला असता!

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