...And Robert joined politics!

Robert and Priyanka were thinking for a long time about their future in India. The congress leadership was not so strong as before. Sonia’s health was deteriorating with each passing day due to the mysterious illness. Rahul was making brave attempts to boost his political career, but success still looked far away. Manmohan’s image had turned in last 8 years from a clean and honest economist to an inefficient and spineless administrator. Giving him another term was not even an option, considering the spate of scams surfacing with each passing day. Pranab and Chidambaram continued their big fight behind the screens and could not be trusted anymore, as their personal agenda was taking deep roots now.

Robert said to Priyanka,” Do you think we should join the mainstream politics now?”

Priyanka thought seriously and said,” May be, yes. This is the right time that I capitalize on the looks inherited from my grandmother. We had a good family life so far. Now let us have some public life. After all, it is in my genes...!”

Robert said,” Yes... I think this is the right time. I have been in business making lot of money through whichever means. But the pleasure of moving on road with red sirens, police cavalcade, stopped traffic, awed looks of the common man etc. is a different thing. Somehow, my mind is craving for that aura which comes with it. Everywhere you go, people run behind you. The stage and mikes are set for you. You become the centre of attraction. Isn’t it fascinating?”

Priyanka smiled and said,” Of course. And we are fortunate enough to get it on a platter. People have to struggle to get this stature in public life. We would be only fools not to use this opportunity.”

So, they decided to consult Sonia before taking decision in this matter. Consulting Rahul was inconsequential anyway.

Sonia met Priyanka and Robert in the lawns of her house. The three got straight into subject after exchanging the niceties.

Sonia looked thoughtful. She was reminded of her young days, when she arrived as the daughter in law of the most powerful family in post Independence era in India.  She remembered how her small children Rahul and Priyanka would sit on lap of their grandmother and play with her in their leisure moments. The time flew very fast and now the time had come to take yet another bold decision to continue to Nehru Gandhi parivar’s legacy in the Indian politics.

Sonia sipped the tea and looked straight at Priyanka. “So, you two want to join politics?”

Priyanka said in an obedient tone,” Yes, mama. See, we are now getting bored with the routine. Thanks to your blessings, the businesses are running well. We are earning lot of money. But, we are now looking for something different, you know. We want the glamour, the spotlight, the attention, the power…”

Robert interrupted,” Yes mammiji, we would also like to contribute our share in strengthening the party. No doubt Rahul is there, but still it is always better to have someone beside you to always support you, in the long run.” Robert tried to make it as family’s requirement rather than ‘their personal’ requirement.

Sonia reacted,” What do you think about Rahul?”

Robert said,” Well Mammiji, honestly speaking, read any national magazine and you will find all stories about how he is still not ready for the top post. We need to fill the gap quickly before it is too late. And Priyanka has already imprinted her Indira-like image in minds of people through her strategic appearances.”

Sonia smiled. She said,” You two seem to have done a lot of homework before coming to me with this proposal.”

Robert looked flattered. He said,” Well, no... Yes….I mean...”

Sonia thought about something and asked Robert like in an interview,” Tell me, Robert. Why should you join politics? Give me some good reasons.” Probably she was preparing herself for the onslaught of journalists and media about this wild card entry into the scene.

Robert enthusiastically said,” Well mammiji, there are actually many good reasons. First and foremost reason is that the dependency on Digvijay Singh shall be totally removed. I shall be Rahul’s advisor. We let loose Digvijay Singh with all his eccentricities and used it to our advantage thus far. But off late, I think that age is catching up with him and he is really becoming eccentric. We should not risk Rahul’s career with this guy, especially at the take off stage.”

Sonia was wondering how much study this guy had made before coming to her.

Robert continued,” The second reason is that we cannot trust the Kalmadi and likes anymore. These people are always a hazard to us and may spill beans anytime under pressure. We have been flourishing in business because of the government contracts awarded by these people, but we cannot take them for granted forever. You know how much we had to struggle to get Kalmadi out on bail, so that he keeps quite. After all, family matters should remain within family.”

Sonia looked impressed with the logical reasoning presented by Robert. Since last few months, with Anna Hazare movement, there was certainly a threat to the entire political clan from the ‘awakened sentiments of common man’ for any corruption related matters. His reasoning made sense to her.

Priyanka, who had been actively listening all along, got a chance to speak at the pause. She said,” And mama, we need to build our base before it is too late you know. Still there are lots of rural areas in India where they value us because of the dynasty. We should live up to their expectations.”

 Sonia hesitated and then asked Robert, “Do you think the people will accept you?”The question was blunt and straightforward.

Robert was waiting for this question, as he had the answer ready. He said with a mischievous smile on his face, almost in a cinematic style,” Mammiji, you were a foreigner bahu...Still they accepted you. I am a desi damaad..!” 

Sonia was shocked at this reasoning. She had never thought of it before. Yet, it made some logic.

Finally, Sonia was convinced that the time had come now to extend the parampara and start handing over the baton to the younger generation.

She said finally,” Well, fine. I think you both make sense to me. Plan your media exposure and ‘calculated statements’ now. UP elections are getting closer. This last minute move might bring us to the third position at least.”

As an afterthought she said, “Don’t forget to violate some code of conduct somewhere. Some honest officer will try to stop you and we will transfer him. The media is news hungry. They will instantly put spotlight on you for few days. In politics, you need to be in news. It doesn’t matter much, whether you are in news for good reasons or bad reasons…”

And the next day Priyanka started making appearances in Amethi. A week later Robert was seen in public.

There were a couple of quick statements and denials about his joining politics. Robert had lived a life of a business man all along. He had all the money. Now he wanted money with power.

His destiny was calling him in another direction.

…And Robert joined politics.