20. Shivayya’s Subash marg

CHAPTER 20

Shivayya’s Subash marg

Elections started. Shivayya held a meeting in a village.

Shivayya said to his men, “Since 20 years we have been making that Manohar win. He became not only the MLA but also the minister and earned cores of rupees. Has he done at least one good deed in our village? It was my father who built that water tank with his own money. The panchayat has only 3 or 4 roads in its name. They have eaten all the development funds. His opposition is only a bit better than him. If we all join hands and stop rigging, he cannot do anything. We can challenge him.”

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During the elections the village boys joined and do not allow rigging. Fights took place. 

Manohar came to know and phoned to Shivayya’s father. “Brother. What is this? Why don’t you control your son? This is becoming a nuisance.”

Bhaskaraiah said on phone, “What can I do? He is a grown up boy. Already he is a very angry person. I am trying my best. Please don’t think otherwise.”

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In Shivaram’s area, the MLA died and by-elections were declared. Many people applied for the post. Shivaram also applied.

A meeting was going on in Shivaram’s house. Shivaram’s brother, Venkatraidu and followers were sitting with Shivaram.

One follower said, “You must try to get the ticket in the party. We will all work for you.”

Shivaram said, “True. I have 3 or 4 competitors. District president is planning to give the seat to his brother.”

Venkatraidu said, “Brother, if you catch bhava, you can take the ticket from State President himself.”

Shivaram closed his eyes. “I am helpless. I have to approach him only. I wonder what he will say.”

Venkatraidu said, “You just go through your sister. If you leave him, you will lose the chance of becoming MLA.”

“Yes. I will go tomorrow itself.”

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Shivaram was sitting with Bhaskaraiah.

Bhaskaraiah said, “What you say is true. But as MPP, you have a bad name already.”

Shivaram took it easily. “I have just done what everyone else did. But the developments I have made in the district have never been made by anyone else.’

Bhaskaraiah said seriously, “You placed your hand on the photo of Gandhiji and became MPP. But already you have built such a big house and acquired so much land. In just 2 years you have already earned more than 10 cores. Do you think I don’t know all that?”

Shivaram said seriously, “Bhava, you can scold me as much as you want. But you have to get me the MLA seat. It is my prestige. Otherwise I will commit suicide.”

Bhaskaraiah was surprised.

Varalaxmi said, “After all he was asking for just a small favour. If you just put a word to the party president, he will get the MLA ticket.”

Bhaskaraiah remained silent. Varalaxmi had tears in her eyes. Bhaskaraiah was shocked.

Varalaxmi asked, “Do you want my brother to die?”

Bhaskaraiah’s heart melted. He felt helpless. “Please don’t cry. I will phone to the party president today itself.”

Shivaram was very happy. He went to the photo of Ghandhiji hanging on the wall and placed his hand on it. “Thank you bhava. This time, I will place my hand over Gandhiji’s photo by myself and say that if I become the MLA, I will serve the people.”

Bhaskaraiah said, “You are lucky Shivayya is not at home today.”

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Elections are over and results are announced. The news appeared in the paper that Shivaram had won in the election. CM made him a cabinet minister.

Varalaxmi was watching TV. She was very happy. “See my brother has become not just the MLA but also a cabinet minister.”

Shivayya looked at his mother. “Now he will start constructing palaces. The man who placed his hand on photo of Gandhi will now place his hand on the heads of the people.”

Varalaxmi was shocked. “You should be happy to see his progress. After all he will soon be your father-in-law.”

Shivayya was angry. “Don’t compare Laxmi to her father. Wonder how she was born to such a crooked man.”