Politician A sets the room ablaze with his charm as he holds the mic, preparing to convince people that leg-piece-only biryani proves he is the perfect candidate. The audience awaits the debate between the two most popular political leaders of the nation. This debate is also to act as the grand reveal of the election manifestos of both parties. Meanwhile, politician B scans the room calmly, with her assistant making TikTok edits of her from a secret fan account.
After the formalities and due greetings towards all present, politician A begins, “Once we come into power, of course, the very first order of business would be to turn all deserts into parking lots because we promise that every individual will get their own luxury car. That is how strengthened our economy is going to become. Trust me, we have deals with the IMF.” The tasbeeh beads in his hands keep being counted as he talks. “Our education system will become so top-notch that Harvard, Cambridge, Yale, and Oxford will become second-tier in comparison. And all the aristocrats in the world will be sending their kin to pursue higher education here.”
“Very well, Mr A,” continued politician B, “but Party B has its eyes on the prize. Many nations before have sent their astronauts to space; there has been research on Mars, but we will build a new city on water. With a new city, there will be more jobs and more resources for a smaller population. It will release some of the burden on some of our assets as well. That is a foolproof plan.”
“Foolproof but not delusion-proof. You see, we will also generate electricity from oxygen power plants and sell it to other countries for a profit. We understand that power is important, and in order to make it uninterrupted, we will have to make it in-house. If water and wind can generate power, why can’t oxygen? We have an abundance of it.” The crowd cheers loudly at the prospect of a future with expensive vehicles and endless electricity. However, politician B’s supporters weren’t hopeless; they looked towards her with expectations as she resumed her points.
“Make electricity out of time, too, while you’re at it,” she sneered delightfully, then turned to her loyal voters in the audience. “Nothing is unrealistic if leaders are dedicated to working for the betterment of their people. With our water city, people will effectively use boats to travel. And the fuel we save from that will create a surplus in the markets, making fuel affordable for others.”
The journalists were restless and oozing with curiosity at these vowels. As the floor for questions opened, there was a barrage of questions about what both politicians would do for social welfare. And they exclaim together.
‘No more receding hairlines.’
‘Inter-caste marriages will prevail.’
The crowd goes wild with happiness, and the innocent journalist who just wanted to say, “And judicial independence?” cannot be heard.