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Some poll strategy!

The arduous Uttar Pradesh tour was over. Atal Bihari Vajpayee had already reached Delhi, but the media corps were still stuck at Lucknow airport as the Delhi airfield was closed. And courtesy Indian Airlines, we were herded to the airport restaurant.

Breakfast with a bit of sun by the window was not a bad proposition.

But we were suddenly grounded with a conversation on how to get votes; the idyllic air dispelled, it was a return to the dusty electoral battle grounds of the cow belt.

"It is going to be really tough this time," said the first crony.

"Yes. We will have to think of something innovative," asserted the second one.

The Lok Sabha member from a nearby constituency at whom all this was aimed, nodded unimpressed and picked his teeth.

The first one was in no mood to relent: "First we should have a big feast. After serving them a sumptuous meal we should ensure that all our men bring the rest of their family and friends to vote for us."

The second one was contemptuous: "That'll never work."

Never a one to admit defeat, the first one countered, "If that doesn't have the desired effect we would know. Then we can always beat up one of us and blame the other community. That would definitely bring all the brethren to our fold."

Ruminating over his followers's ideas the MP flew to Delhi to get his ticket confirmed.

Some poll strategy!