Snatching of ballot papers, killing and rioting are what constitute a general election today. ``Long time back, there was no chaos. The voter did not fear to stand in a queue to exercise his franchise,'' the 86-year-old Homai, who has captured several important moments in India's history, reminisces.

What can you expect if officers at polling booths are themselves dishonest, she reasons, recounting her own experience during the past two elections when she went to cast her vote. ``I was told that someone had already voted in my name,'' she says. ``They were all laughing as if they had done something great.'' Political parties do not bother giving even voters' slips these days,though these were religiously distributed earlier, she regrets.

The greed and selfishness of leaders and masses had worsened the state of affairs, according to Homai, who goes on to talk about ministers like Rafi Ahmed Kidwai, who stood in a queue at post-offices, travelled in buses and occupied the last row at functions to keep himself away from the arclights and nearer to people. Today, a minister never travels without a convoy, she notes. Still, the eminent photojournalist points out, these leaders have no dignity, and have to beg for respect. Earlier, the masses gave respect due to the role played by the leaders in the struggle for independence.

Homai also rues the degradation of Parliament, ``which looks nothing better than a fish market''. ``During fights, fisherwomen throw fish on each other. Politicians throw microphones,'' she quips. According to her, the reason for this behaviour is easy to understand. While earlier politicians were statesmen and hardly 10 per cent were bad, now only 10 per centare good and others are just interested in filling their own pockets, Homai adds. She also urges youngsters to come forward and change things, asserting: ``After all, things can improve only if good people enter politics.''

The only welcome change, according to her, is the increase in number of polling booths. ``Now at least voters are not brought to the booths in vehicles. I have seen thekedars (contractors) bringing labourers for voting,'' Homai says.

However, in some respects, politicians remain politicians. Homai points out that during Indira Gandhi's time, people were given Rs 5 to Rs 10 to attend a rally. They still get paid, if a little more.

The other incident she recounts -- ``for the first time'' -- though not election-related, is more reflective. According to Homai, the train which carried Mahatma Gandhi's ashes to Allahabad had third-class compartments on the up journey, but was turned into a first-class train on the return trip. While journalists were served moongfuli (groundnut) and chanawhile going, one could reportedly have a choice of alcoholic drinks while returning. Since then, of course, our leaders have done much else to make Mahatma Gandhi shed tears of blood.