Hum Log.. Independance day

This is a Repost of a article written last year for a competition here , I did not have anything more to write on the politics in india so am Reposting it here Again 🙂 A lot has been written already on the politics-independance day and all in blogosphere 🙂  As such nothing much has changed from last year to today .. same thoughts still exist

Phatte: So, the monsoons are finally here huh? Don’t you just love the feel of the rains? The beautiful breeze that flows and how everything is green in Mumbai?

Vijay: You mean of what little green is left in the city? I’m not really enjoying the rains. My house is getting more unstable day by day. Imagine what a day of continuous rain will do to it.

Phatte: But didn’t your MLA start off some initiative to rebuild houses in the chawl? I noticed the posters plastered all over the place.

Vijay: Yes he did. Just like he promised electricity, subsidized food tickets for the needy and a school exclusively for the chawl kids. Somehow those “schemes” are yet to be started and it’s been couple of years already since the last elections.

Phatte: Well, I think you should talk to your MLA about this.

Vijay: That will take at least a few years. What to do about my house till then?

Phatte: Why a few years?

Vijay: Well, the MLA comes only a month before the elections and then leaves a month after. And even during the rallies and pre-election chaos, he only visits some chawls, picks up the weakest looking kids and talks to the women. We just wave at him from a distance.

Phatte: I know. That is the story everywhere. I don’t even remember the name of the MLA of my area. Why don’t you shift bases then? Go to Andheri or some other place?

Vijay: And wade through the floods? Are you nuts? We lost my sister-in-law in last year’s flashfloods. My wife would rather leave me than going to that part of Mumbai.

Phatte: I read in the paper that the Municipal Corporation is going to take appropriate steps to lessen the effect of floods in Mumbai this year.

Vijay: Why would they? Bollywood even made a movie on it and raked in good money. From what I hear, the people at the Municipal Corporation were thrilled that the floods were portrayed so beautifully in that movie.

Phatte: I remember that movie. I had gone to watch it, but unfortunately couldn’t reach the hall on time.

Vijay: Too much rush, eh?

Phatte: Oh no, apparently some minister sahib decided to take a ride around the city that particular day. The Police had blocked all the major roads for his cavalcade of vehicles to pass. And off course, once the roads were opened you know the maniacal traffic in Mumbai; where cows have the right of way.

Vijay: You are right off course. Hey what happened about your son’s admission to ITI?

Phatte: I’m glad you asked! I have good news on that front. My son got through.

Vijay: Congratulations! You were having a harrowing time about it.

Phatte: I know. I had been hopping from office to office trying to sort out our caste certificate. When I went to the ITI admission office, they just looked at me once and said there was no job there for me! Can you believe it? I explained to him, I wasn’t there for a job but to get my son into the institute. So he just asked me which OBC I belong to. I tell you Vijay, if there’s one good thing these politicians have done, it’s this reservation system. My son can attend college now.

Vijay: Brilliant! What was his rank by the way?

Phatte: Oh, he was ranked 1,75,000. What about your son? He has grown up to be a fine young man. What plans do you have for him?

Vijay: He is going to stay with my brother Raj. Raj is the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and he thinks my son has just the right attitude to be a part of MNS. Besides you don’t really need any educational qualifications to join Politics in India.

Phatte: MNS? Isn’t that the party routing for Marathi Manoos?

Vijay: Yes.

Phatte: Gandhiji must have turned in his grave the day MNS came into existence. I mean, he tried to spread the message of brotherhood, tolerance and secularism all his life. Now, some politicians are trying to break our unity on the terms of who is Marathi and who’s not. It is so sad.

Vijay: But I completely agree with their propaganda. Initially our politicians told us to be a secular nation and welcome outsiders to be a part of our society. I mean what a truck load of nonsense is that? This is our city. Why should we let others come here? I like that guy leading MNS.

Phatte: But doesn’t he have a few criminal cases against him for inciting riots in the city?

Vijay: Stop being a hypocrite Phatte. These days every other politician has a criminal record in his name. Does that stop people from contesting elections? Off course not! How does it matter if they have a criminal record, if now they are stepping into the most noble of all services: helping the common man?

Phatte: You seriously think politicians are doing things to help us? Have you seen the bungalow of that MLA from Juhu? It’s right next to Amitabh Bachchan’s house. If he thought of spending even 1% of what went into making that house, I think our whole slum can be rebuilt.

Vijay: Well all the corruption and black money has to be converted to white money in some way right? What better than to make a palatial house in the richest suburb of Mumbai. I bet they have some hi-fi cars too.

Phatte: Yes, bullet proof cars for the politicians, whereas people bleed on the streets everytime there is a terror attack.

Vijay: Seriously what is the world coming to Phatte? I feel disappointed living in this nation which is ruled by such characters.

Phatte: Well, maybe we should elect the other party in the next elections.

A sudden commotion erupts. A lot of people start running hither thither.

Vijay: What is happening? What the hell is going on? Why so much of rush?

Iqbal: (shouting from the crowd): Don’t you know? Vinod Kambli has decided to join politics. He has come to the slums to meet us. I am so excited! A cricketer in our area!

Phatte: This is great! After movie stars now cricketers are also getting into politics. Isn’t there any eligibility criterion for politicians?

Vijay: His earnings from ads and reality shows must have dried up Phatte. And isn’t entering into politics a sure shot ticket to lottery?

Phatte: Come Vijay, lets see how well this politician lies and what unique promises he makes to us.

PS:- Image courtsey a Lovely friend Manna.

PSS:- Where are all you lovely people from the Blue Ink society.. Been ages since we have talked to each other ..

PS:- Please also visit  an Interview by Elegant Chic.  I got interviewed and its been my honour once again for the same.

I have been bad not visited many blogs that I visit regularly , sorry about that will come soon to all the lovely people to have a read .. 🙂 take care all and keep smiling