The Last Drop – Episode 5

Jaladhar Srivastav was standing for elections. He started a party of his own and named it Jaljeevan Party. The party logo being a drop of water, blue in color. One evening, he sat with his friend Mishraji, who was also a member of his party, discussing his campaign strategy.

Jaladhar wore a crisp white cotton pajama kurta with a light blue half jacket. His deep set eyes looked grave behind his gold rimmed slim spectacles. He said to Mishraji who was sitting opposite to him .

“So as per our plan, set up temporary shops weekly in various central places in the city and sell Aquatabs at subsidized rates.”

Mishraji interrupted him,

“But the opposition party is doing the same thing”

“I’m not done yet Mishraji”

He continued,

“Exactly one week before the elections, send our party workers to each and every house in the crucial areas and give them a packet of Aquatabs for free. ”

Mishraji interjected again.

“But that will need a lot of fund”

Mr. Srivastav grinned broadly.

“If we win, we will be rolling in funds …But we need to invest something first… There is no profit without investment.. Do you get my point?”

“I am planning to make another promise to the janta which will win me sure shot votes”

“What is that?”

“I will promise them hope”

” Hope?… Hope of what?”

Jaladhar opened his specs and said wiping the glass with his handkerchief,

” Of drinking water”

Mishraji was shocked.

“We heard Lalwani is selling drinking water…. But at exorbitant rates…we can’t give them that!”

Jaladhar gave a hearty laugh and said calmly.

“Are you new to politics Mishraji? Lalwani sends me that water at times just for my personal use. Ah the taste! It’s excellent. He says it’s from some Himalayan spring or so.”

“But it’s impossible to give it to the janta!”

“The only thing we will give them is…hope…people in this crisis situation are so frustrated that they will believe anything”

“Some might think that my promise is false… But some of them might also think that maybe I have a way to do this impossible task if they voted me…”

Mishraji said looking somewhat unconvinced,

“But later when they find out that you actually can’t give them drinking water… Then?”

Jaladhar wore his glasses back again and said,

“Then what? That time we will think of something else Mishraji. We will handle that situation also. How many ministers have fulfilled the claims which they made before elections after winning? Right now winning is important. We should concentrate on that”

” Am I wrong?”he asked eyeing him.

Mishraji was convinced that Jaladhar Srivastav was determined to win this election…. By hook or by crook…