February 23, 1998

Ghani Khan Chowdhury
Congress

Malda  West Bengal
Electorate: 10.1 lakh
Main Rival: Jiban Moitra (CPI-M)

A.B.A. "Barkatda" Ghani Khan Chowdhury, 71, is interested in elections but manages to look bored. Lord of all he surveys in Malda, from where he has been elected almost dutifully since 1980 -- in fact, as railway minister in Mrs Gandhi's government, he was referred to as "Minister for Malda" -- Barkatda is now a tired, old man struggling with painful arthritis.

Every bit the Nawabzada, mornings see a retinue of servants dressing him up in a pressed shirt, tie, jacket and trouser, all differently coloured. Then, helped all the way to his Mercedes 200D, he is driven around his constituency. He does not meet his voters. They troop into sunny little courtyards all over the place to meet him. There he just sits and listens to what they perceive as Malda's dues from Delhi.

Barkatda makes no promises. Only approving snorts. These, say his attendants, mean only one thing: "Everything will be delivered, just continue voting." Then, abruptly he throws up his hands and personal assistant Tooltool knows he wishes to leave. Soon he is gone, but his believers remain, lost in thought of more rail yards, power plants and jobs. For them, the old days haven't passed yet.

-- Udayan Namboodiri

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