A 100 metres or so down the road is Fortress Mayawati -- and here, all is quiet. The big gates remain tightly shut; the solitary guard stationed in front of the smaller wicket gate informs me that 'Behenji' is at home but no, no one can go in.
On the opposite side of the road are parked over a dozen OB (Outdoor Broadcasting) vans of various television channels; their cameramen and anchors wait patiently for something to happen.
Every once in a while, one of them gets a call, presumably from headquarters. The call causes a brief flurry of activity: the camera is set up, the anchor takes position outside the tight-shut gate, holds up his microphone and goes...
"Yes, I am outside Mayawatijis house right now, as the results are pouring in, and there is an air of expectancy all around. Mayawatiji is closeted with her top leaders; sources say they are engaged in discussions on government-formation..."
The gates remain shut; no one comes out, or goes in. The lone guard, who is the sole purveyor of "information", says he doesn't know if 'Behenji' will be going to meet the state governor anytime soon to stake a claim to form the next government in UP.
Image: The BSP office in Lucknow.
Also see: Seeking signs in Rae Bareili
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