Page 223 of The Circle of Exile
“One year ago.”
“Why?”
“To take down the current regime.”
“That’s your neighbour’s party.”
“And they don’t respect his ideals anymore.”
Atharva scrutinised the words that Vikram was not saying out loud. He identified a deep-rooted motivation when he saw one. And the reasons behind it would come out. In due time. For now, he had a man who was willing to power through and break into the Himachal political space.
“Ok, Vikram — here is my honest projection for Himachal Pradesh 2019 Legislative Assembly Elections,” Atharva turned the tissue around and uncapped his pen.
Total seats: 68
2019 projections:
Janta Party: 18+
HJS: 25-30
Others:24
Majority needed: 35
“Himachal Jan Sangathan is not crossing the majority mark on its own. Last time, they got the support from independent candidates to form government. This time, those seats are our target. HDP will not be able to form a government on its own. We are too new. But we can become the younger brother and shift the power dynamics from HJS to Janta. Take five years to learn the ropes, inside the government as well as on the ground. And in 2024, climb higher.”
If he allied with Yogesh Patel over Himachal Pradesh, got him a government here, he could demand to be let off the SIT. Or at least, demand the externment be lifted off. Bargaining chips needed to be built, and here was his biggest one.
“Out of these 24 Others’ seats, 17 were marginal victories. Barely 1-2%,” Vikram pointed, excitement swirling in his voice. Atharva was thrilled to see he had done his homework.Nowthey were talking.
“And who were the candidates that were just under the margin?”
Vikram’s solemn, straight face broke into a grin.
“These are the candidates to be targeted, after checking their background and ideology. Even number three or four will do, as long as they have a sizeable vote share and share our ideals. And honestly, Vikram, most people working in politics, however money-minded, are here to build something lasting. For some, it may be buildings and highways, for some, it may be their reputation, for others, it may be legacy. We just need crossovers that are strong enough. A man or a woman ready to work for something greater than themselves, in the interest of their people.”
“Where do the Booth Heads come into play here?”
“Pushing these candidates over the majority mark. It’s a simple game of numbers. You have to reverse-engineer, decide how many votes you need in a particular constituency, and go after the areas that are most likely to bring them to you. In Kashmir, the division is intensified by religions and sub-sects, in Jammu, it is communities. Here, it is going to be castes.”
“I have a document put together on that breakdown.”
“Share it.”
“Will you be the face of HDP?”
“No.”
“But I thought…”
“I am a Kashmiri. If ever I fight an election again, it will be in Kashmir.”
“So… who will be the face here?”
“I cannot decide that. I am here to consult and ideate in an official capacity. Unofficially, I can give you the support and resources you need. Take these plans, set them in motion in Sirmaur, and bring results in the Panchayat election in March. Pitch it to high command after that and get approval for more districts. Start building a cadre instead of relying on yaks and cats from random membership drives.”
“But I want to attack Shimla.”
