Waiting to rule God's own country
"Can you vote for me?" Congress candidate Prof. K V Thomas asks a child as he roams the backwater villages in the Ernakulam constituency.
Prof. Thomas, a former state minister, is a seasoned politician. And his winning streak comes from strong links with the people of his constituency. "I have won a number of times here. I know every family in my constituency, so I just need to go around and smile at them to get votes," he says.
Like Thomas, a number of candidates are roaming the countryside, once again befriending the people who elected or rejected them five years ago.
Do the people like, love or hate them? "Elections have lost the old glamour and seriousness because some politicians are crooks," says 75-year old Congressman Pothuvath Antony.
Children are not very happy either, as elections are held during their holidays. "We used to play cricket on this ground every day. But these days, there is a rally or election meeting daily," says 10-year old Suju. He and his friends will have to wait for the elections to get over before tossing a coin for their next game.
.
Also See: Compelte Coverage: Election 2006