17. Shivaram gets ticket with influence

CHAPTER 17

Shivaram gets ticket with influence

Bhaskaraiah phoned to jilla president. “I am coming to see you tomorrow. I want to discuss something.”

Party President asked, “Tell me. Any tender?”

“No sir. I am requesting for a seat.”

President was surprised. “A seat? Are you planning to enter politics?”

“No sir. My wife’s brother, Shivaram wants MPP seat in Rajadurga area.”

“There was great competition. It is only 2 years since Shivaram joined the party. But since you say so, I will give the B form to him only. Tell him to meet me tomorrow itself.”

“Thank you sir. “

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Shivaram got the ticket and many people congratulate him.

Shivaram was very happy. He thought, “I have got the ticket but what about the money for election? I must visit Bhaskaraiah again.”

At night all were sitting in Bhaskaraiah’s house.

Shivaram said, “Bhava, because of your help, I got the seat. Now I have to win in the elections.”

Bhaskaraiah said, “The party you are standing for is an all India branded party. So there is no problem for you.”

“No bhava. Nowadays nothing is a guarantee. The person who spends the most wins in the elections. If we don’t distribute wine and money, we can’t win. The country has come to such a state.”

Bhaskaraiah said, “Gandhiji and other leaders sacrificed everything to get us independence. But within few years everything has changed. The politics has become so corrupt and the rulers have become so blood thirsty. Tell me what you are going to do for money.”

Shivaram said sadly, “I don’t know what to do. I am planning to mortgage my land.”

Bhaskaraiah was shocked. “Suppose you lose? What will you do? You will become a beggar.”

Varalaxmi said to her husband, “You only have to do something. He will definitely win.”

Bhaskaraiah closed his eyes for a while.

Varalaxmi said, “You keep giving lakhs of rupees to other leaders at the time of elections. Why don’t you help my brother in the same way?”

 Bhaskaraiah thought for a while.

Shivaram said, “Uncle, if you help me financially now, I will return everything in 6 months once I have won in the elections.”

Bhaskaraiah was shocked. “I got you the seat thinking that you will not amass wealth as soon as you come to power. I hoped that at least one person will follow the Gandhi marg in this district. Please don’t do such a job. I will give you the money.”

Shivaram was happy. “Thanks bhava. I will never forget the favour.”

Bhaskaraiah was worried about his son. “Please don’t tell Shivayya. He will not like it.”

Shivaram said, “Do you think that I will tell the person who made me promise on the photo of Gandhi.”