Chankya's Chant (42 page)

The Brahmin interviewer was asking a Brahmin teacher:

‘Question One: As a Brahmin, do you think upper castes have been left uncared for by politicians?’

‘Yes.’

‘Question Two: Do you think reservations in education and employment have resulted in Brahmins being left out from remunerative opportunities?’

‘Yes.’

‘Question Three: Do you believe it’s time for someone to speak up for the rights of Brahmins?’

‘Yes.’

‘Question Four: Do I take it that you would be willing to support a bid by Chandini Gupta to give greater voice to Brahmins?’

‘Yes.’

The Dalit survey agent was in the slum. He asked his Dalit subject:

‘Question One: As a Dalit, do you think years of discrimination and untouchability have resulted in Dalits continuing to be inadequately protected?’

‘Yes.’

‘Question Two: Do you think reservations in education and employment need to be increased for scheduled castes and tribes?’

‘Yes.’

‘Question Three: Do you believe it’s time for someone to demand greater representation for the Dalits?’

‘Yes.’

‘Question Four: Do I take it you would be willing to support a bid by Chandini Gupta to give greater impetus to Dalit progress?’

‘Yes.’

The young polling executive approached the university student.

‘Question One: As a youngster, do you think the youth of our country have been denied sufficient voice in the future of our nation?’

‘Yes.’

‘Question Two: Do you think the financial security of your generation is being mortgaged by older politicians running up massive deficits?’

‘Yes.’

‘Question Three: Do you believe it’s time for the next generation to be in the driver’s seat?’

‘Yes.’

‘Question Four: Do I take it you would be willing to support a bid by Chandini Gupta to put the youth of this country in control?’

‘Yes.’

The Muslim interviewer was outside the mosque. Friday prayers had just concluded.

‘Question One: As a Muslim, are you worried about the fact that you’re a minority in a Hindu-majority nation?’

‘Yes.’

‘Question Two: Do you believe that successive governments have ignored Muslim progress?’

‘Yes.’

‘Question Three: Do you think it’s time for Muslims to elect someone who speaks for them?’

‘Yes.’

‘Question Four: Do I take it you would be willing to support a bid by Chandini Gupta to put Muslim issues on the table?

‘Yes.’

Chandini smiled as she watched the evening news. ‘Earlier this week, the
Observer
published the results of a CFC opinion poll it commissioned regarding the general mood of Uttar Pradesh voters on the eve of Lok Sabha polls. The survey found that a majority were dissatisfied by government apathy in New Delhi and believed that the ABNS and Chandini Gupta’s bid to play a role at the Centre must be supported. This is the first time ever that identical results have been obtained across castes, communities, genders and ages. “An overwhelming majority of the electorate seems to think the ABNS under Chandini Gupta can deliver better results by having a voice at the Centre,” said the CFC spokesman releasing the opinion poll results yesterday.’

‘What kind of agency is CFC?’ Chandini asked her secretary.

‘I have no idea. Shall I check with Menon?’

‘Yes. He would know. Gangasagarji had spearheaded the effort,’ said Chandini.

A few minutes later the secretary entered Chandini’s office smiling.

‘I found out the full name of CFC for you. Menon had it.’

‘What is it?’

‘Conjurer’s Fourth Card.’

‘I need astrologers like you to predict a massive win for our party,’ explained Gangasagar to the startled man. He had been pulled off the pavement where he sat conning poor suckers into believing that incredible riches, unbelievable good luck, fame and fortune were on the way.

‘I am not famous, sir. No one will believe me,’ pleaded the astrologer.

‘Leave that to me. I have arranged an interview for you today with a prominent newspaper in Lucknow. You need to predict that a cabinet reshuffle is on the way in Uttar Pradesh.’

‘But I don’t know that!’

‘Now you do. I’m speaking to the chief minister today and she will ensure that a minor reshuffle happens tomorrow. Unlike your kind, I always avoid prophesying too soon beforehand. It’s much better to prophesy after the event has already been ensured. Now, once the reshuffle happens, you shall give another interview.’

‘And what shall I say?’ asked the bewildered man.

‘You shall predict a bumper harvest this year.’

‘But I don’t know that!’

‘Now you do. I have a confidential report of the agriculture ministry. The report shall be made public the day after your interview. That’s when you shall give your third interview.’

‘And what shall I say then?’ he asked predictably.

‘You shall predict unexpected rains in Allahabad.’

‘But I don’t know that!’

‘Yes you do. I have arranged for a small aircraft to seed the clouds over the Ganges with silver iodide. There shall be unexpected showers on the day after your prediction. The press and public shall believe anything and everything you say by then. That’s when you shall offer your fourth interview.’

‘And what shall I say during this fourth interview?’

‘You shall predict an overwhelming victory for the ABNS and Chandini.’

‘But I don’t know that!’

‘Neither do I, but I hope that your prediction comes true.’

Allahabad, situated at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, was tense. Inside the Old City, revelling Hindu youngsters had thrown alcohol on Muslims. In anger, some ill-advised Muslim boys had left cuts of beef on the steps of the Ganges riverbank. The spark ignited, Allahbad had roared into a frenzy of violence.

The chief minister of Uttar Pradesh—Chandini Gupta—had summoned the new police chief. Chandini wanted to know what action was being taken by the police to prevent further rioting. Gangasagar sat on one of the visitors’ chairs while the chief occupied the other.

‘The situation is in control, ma’am,’ said the police chief. ‘Three battalions of riot police wearing riot gear marched into the city and used teargas to disperse unruly mobs. They were attacked by stones and bricks but were quickly able to gain control over key areas of the city. Most of the area is in control except for the Old City, where it may take us another few days to restore normalcy.’

‘Deaths or casualties?’ asked Chandini.

‘No deaths, a few casualties though. The toll would have been higher if an anonymous tip-off had not resulted in us sending the battalions into the Old City in advance.’

‘Fear,’ said Gangasagar suddenly changing the direction of the conversation.

‘What was that, sir?’ asked the chief.

‘Fear! We need order to be restored today—not tomorrow or the day after. Create fear. Fear of the law,’ said Gangasagar emphatically.

‘But sir, curfew has been declared and we await your orders for lifting restrictions. We can achieve results without resorting to drastic measures.’

‘Do what I say. I need the chief minister to address a public meeting in Allahabad by tomorrow.’

‘But sir—’

‘I think that the new police chief has done a commendable job, chief minister,’ said Gangasagar smoothly, ‘but sometimes situations like these require an emotional appeal rather than batons and teargas.’

‘Sir, it would not be advisable to visit Allahabad at this moment. It is a powder keg that can explode,’ spluttered the chief.

‘You’re there to protect the chief minister, aren’t you, chief? Or do we need to search for a new man who can adequately ensure the safety and security of the chief minister when she wishes to meet her beloved citizens?’ asked Gangasagar in almost a whisper.

‘We shall protect her, sir,’ said the police chief as he realised that the decision had been already taken.