After the polls, it is time for prayers, parlours and parleys. With just a few hours left for the results to spill out of the EVMs and lead to another round of hectic political activities, leaders and bureaucrats in Uttar Pradesh are making most of the two-day break between the end of polling and the beginning of counting.
Majority of the candidates have already left on pilgrimage to places as close as the Kashi Vishwa Nath temple in Varanasi and as far as Shirdi and the Tirupati temple.
A senior bureaucrat, known to be among Ms Mayawati’s blue-eyed boys, paid a visit to the Pitambara Peeth in Datia to pray, perhaps, for his suitable rehabilitation in the next government while another BJP leader is busy organising a massive “puja” in Varanasi.
A Congress leader is headed for the Vindhyachal temple while a former BSP minister has vowed to renovate two temples if his wife manages to win the elections. Several candidates have been organising havans in their homes for “peace of mind and soul” after the hectic campaigning. While many are searching for peace of mind and soul, others are reaching out for physical relaxation during the two day break. Masseurs are much in demand for the conservative politicians who prefer a vigorous massage within the confines of their homes.
“These days, the netas are liberal with their tips. We give them a massage that relieves them of the physical stress and the tensions of the past several days and they reward us with heavy tips, “says Manohar Lal, a local masseur who has several politicians as his clients.
The modern netas, however, have no qualms about driving down to parlours for a facial, massage and the works. “The atmosphere in a parlour is much better because there are no diversions like phone calls, guests and visitors. After a few hours in a parlour, you come out feeling completely rejuvenated,” admits a young Samajwadi leader.
Apart from prayers and parlours, several top ranking politicians are also holding discreet parleys with leaders of other parties. With reports of a hung Assembly looming large, several politicians are busy sending and receiving messages across the political spectrum.