February 23, 1998

Maneka Gandhi
Independent

Pilibhit  Uttar Pradesh
Electorate: 11.1 lakh
Main Rival: P. Gangwar (SP)

In other parts of the country, politicians try to sway the voter's mind. In Pilibhit, Maneka Gandhi, 41, makes up their minds for them. All through, she seeks to control by projecting herself as a stern schoolmistress who knows what's best for the constituency: "Pilibhit isn't developed enough. You can't talk about national and international issues here.

"Once in the Janata Dal, she is now an Independent, banking on the considerable Sikh vote in Pilibhit to take her through. Better still this other Gandhi daughter-in-law has the tacit support of the BJP, the very party which defeated her in previous elections. Her election meetings are models in minimalism. Instead of a speech, she proclaims: "To kar lo gal (So talk)." Confused silence. Then she snaps: "I am not your destination. I am just the road that will get you there." The meeting is over in five minutes, leaving behind a sea of unhinged jaws. She says: "You need to have a tight hold here." But adds: "I wish we could do away with elections, such a waste of time." Ah, now if only she could control that too.

-- Vijay Jung Thapa

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