The Sahus have two children -- Prabodh, 15, and Prabesh, 12. Both study at a local school.

"I have been voting since 1998 for the BJP because Atal Bihari Vajpayee heads it and his speeches impressed me. I believe Vajpayee is the only leader who is desperately trying to build an India that is self sufficient in all respects. He should be given a chance. I will vote for him this time again," says Dharanidhar.

He worked as a tailor for the Indian army from 1989 to 1998 and has a keen sense of patriotism. "[Vajpayee] is a real patriot."

What about L K Advani or Congress president Sonia Gandhi? "I like them both but at the moment Vajpayee is important for the country because of his image and leadership."

Dharanidhar had applied for a loan under the Prime Minister Rojgar Yogana last year but did not get it. He says although government officials approved the loan, bank officials asked for a bribe before sanctioning it. "We did not pay so they did not give it to us. But I will not blame Vajpayee for this. He has good policies which officials do not implement properly." He hopes to get the loan once Vajpayee comes to power again after this election.

His wife has a different view. "I have been voting for Congress since the year I became a voter but this time I would like to know about the candidates who are contesting before I vote," she says. She has not heard of Vajpayee or Advani, but says she has heard of Sonia Gandhi.

Says Pramila, "She is Rajiv Gandhi's wife. She is a foreigner." She does not feel Sonia Gandhi should become the prime minister. "Her children Priyanka Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi can become I have no objections."

If she does not know who Advani and Vajpayee are and does not want Sonia Gandhi as the prime minister, how will she know whom to vote for? She replies calmly, "I know J B Patnaik [former chief minister and senior Congress leader]. He has won from our constituency in the past and has done a lot of good work. We love him. I will vote for him or his candidate in the assembly and the Lok Sabha election."

The couple work very hard to survive. They both believe politicians including ministers or prime ministers can facilitate through government policies those who work hard.

The Sahus' children are not old enough to discuss politics. "I know the names of the leaders but do not know much about politics," says Prabodh.

The Sahus spoke to Giridhar Gopal in Ichhapur, Orissa

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How We Will Vote