Parade Charade
Each time there is political turmoil in one of our states (currently, the laughs are on in Karnataka, but each state takes turns), a "dishshen" to "parade the MLAs in front of the governor" will be taken. A headline appears next day to the effect.This turn of phrase always intrigues me. A theatre of the absurd is hurriedly erected in my mind. I can see hard-working Raj Bhavan employees rolling down miles of red carpet. Soon, the MLAs, herded by the Chief-wielding-a-Whip, make their way. Like restless schoolchildren, they are made to line up beside the red carpet. They wait, and they wait. Some may even faint in the hot sun. Soon a flutter - the governor's here! The guv'nor walks down the carpet, taking his time. He picks out some random Hon. Member of Legislative Assembly. He looks at him head to toe. He moves on. The random MLA sighs in relief. Another member is picked out. This time the 'mahaamahim' addresses him. "Didn't I see you in a parade last time too?", he asks. The MLA nods. "Sir, that was a different party. I got a better offer here, on-site opportunities, a bungalow." "Good, good", says the rajyapaal. At the end of the line, he turns to the leader of the legislative party. And nods his assent. But what is this? a rogue MLA, a traitor belonging to the opposition, raises his hand behind the unsuspecting governor and yells "yeh sab kyaa ho rahaa hai"...
At this point I wake up. The absurdity censor has demanded a cut. "Too absurd", he declares.
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