‘Hey bro! You are contesting in this election on behalf of “Y” party, aren’t you?’

Listening to this sudden question, Sudhinbabu narrowed his eyes to look at the inquirer carefully. It was Uncle Shyam, the most influential and fearsome person of that area. It was surprising that someone of his stature was talking to him with such modesty.

A small crowd, with curiosity in their eyes, had gathered around them to check on what was happening.

‘Yes, I am a candidate. Why?’

‘Nothing serious,’ Uncle Shyam smiled heartily, all his teeth visible, ‘Please don’t get out of your house with your family on the election day. The weather may not be good. Bye!’

The shrouded threat worked; Sudhinbabu did not go to the booth on polling day.

Uncle Shyam was a dedicated cadre of ‘X’ party. Although he was widely respected for being an efficient goon, his fame soared rapidly for his contribution during election time. He and his coterie of supporters made lists containing the names of the supporters of ‘X’ party, the opponents and the undecided people. Then their final task was to rig the election scientifically. They checked the whole procedure thoroughly so that nothing would seem out of order.

Uncle Shyam was always cautious to avoid any unwanted situation such as casting more than 100 per cent votes in a given area. His charisma was effective in the other wards too. He had earned himself a special nickname for this, ‘The Voting Machine’.

Due to Uncle Shyam’s tactics, Sudhinbabu could not win the election. His brilliance and skill in rigging had defeated many promising leaders in several elections in the past. However, a time passed, rigging did not remain a cakewalk for him. Central forces were deployed in polling booths and they were very strict. The common people had also stopped fearing him. There was not a single person who could save ‘X’ party from losing. That year Uncle Shyam could not justify his nickname.

Five years passed by.

One day Uncle Shyam got a call on his cell phone.

‘Brother Shyam, forget what brewed between us in the old times. I need your help now. You will not have any dearth of money; just do your job well.’

‘Don’t worry, Sudhinbabu. This “voting machine” is not rusty yet.’

Uncle Shyam was back to fulfil his duty once again.