The Great Poll Drama Poem by Ajit Das

How does the poll drama unfold,
when it's time to be at the hustings?

First, idealism, dug out, dusted,
put in a cover artfully printed,
is pledged to arouse cynical masses.

Then, slogans, banners, scripted afresh,
pitch attuned, visuals focussed on,
serve as a ploy to attract attention.

Promises galore are showered next;
they spring from an alluring text
for swing on caste and religious lines.

The campaign, peaking up, declines
into acrimony, mud-slinging;
masks falling off, nexus emerging.

Doubts hover, gripping the air.
Is anti-graft stir an issue that matters?
What will ultimately secure votes:

jingle of bottles, whirr of notes
or choice of voters, undeterred,
and the watchdog standing guard?