Modi for PM

Waiting at Fatephur Sikri bus stand for the return bus to Agra, time passes slowly, quietly.  Only the background hubbub of typical Indian street life.  The road, or should I say the laneway, narrows at the bus stand making vehicular traffic difficult.  The air is suddenly filled with activity and noise as the 'Modi for PM' rent-a-crowd blasts into town.

A motorcycle procession, flags waving, horns blaring, precedes the cavalcade of two vehicles transporting assorted gentlemen.  Maybe the local candidates.  The van with loud speakers, volume turned to at least 11, roars in behind.  Taking over the bus stand, the volume thankfully reduced, the 'political activists' spread in all directions, stickers in hand, looking for any free surface to graffiti.  I strain to make out the speech message.  ‘Modi’, ‘PM’, ‘guru’, I pick out.  Was that 'nirvana' I heard?

I spot the ring leader plastering all and sundry, ripping the backing off sticky plastic posters, carelessly discarding them as he goes.  I recover one from the newly created mountains of litter.  Offer it to him for considered disposal.  I mean he is a visitor to this fine city, with a message of hope for the future.

He grabs it aggressively, gives me the 'if looks could kill' stare, throws it to the ground, and continues with his established work practice.  Mmm, I wonder if things really will be different if Modi is elected PM.

Returning on the bus, we pass a field on the edge of Agra city. It's being set up for a Modi rally.  Too bad it's on the 21st.  We will have left town.  The roadside is covered with oversized billboards featuring Modi and images of his political comrades.  Turbans, Sikhs, moustaches, collars with ties, traditional Indian clothing, even a candidate with a Kula hat.  This man appeals to every caste, sect, minority.  But here's the rub.  They're all male 'cronies'!  Mmm? I wonder again how things might be different if Modi is elected PM.

More billboards flash by as the workers assemble the 'stadium' for the upcoming rally.  Modi beams down from each one to the adoring crowds who pass by.  Regal like, but a 'true' leader of the people.  Hand raised.  Sometimes like the Indian hand flick.  Other times in a 'V' for victory sign.  But perhaps just one was indicating 'up you'.  Modi for PM I say.