The other day I happened to be passing by the BJP headquarters at 11, Ashoka Road, New Delhi, when a flurry of high musical notes, accompanied by a slightly off-key harmonium, hit my ear. I mean, it’s not every day that you come across a political party that is actually prepared to face the music. And how often do you get one which thinks that it is the political equivalent of Laxmikant-Pyarelal and their 100-piece orchestra? I instantly decided to interview the party’s spokesperson, no mean singer himself...

ME: What’s all this music about?

PARTY SPOKESPERSON or PS (clearing his throat): Vande Maataram/ Sujalaam suphalaam malayaj...Sorry just practising. Each party worker has been given the responsibility of mastering the song. The party has a cunning new plan to capture the hearts and minds of Indians. It’s simple: the Mataram is the Message.

ME (puzzled): Sorry, didn’t get it. Correct me if I’m wrong but does the BJP have plans to start a band?

PS: Shiitalaam/ Sasyashyamalaam maataram (he spluttered angrily). You media people bring all down to your petty level.

ME (suitably squashed): Right.

PS: Shubhrajyotsnaa pulakitayaaminiim/ Pullakusumita drumadala shobhiniim/ Suhasiniim sumadhura bhaashhiniim/ Sukhadaam varadaam maataram...We wish to demonstrate to the nation that ours is the only political party that can strike the right chord with people.

ME: Quite.

PS: Koti koti kantha kalakalaninaada/ karrale/ koti koti bhujairdheitakharakaravaale...Our singing shall sweep through our beloved matrabhoomi.

ME (sceptical): But don’t people expect something a little more..er..substantial from a major political party?

... contd.