As poll dates near, fortune tellers are in great demand, as superstitious politicians turn to them for advice on how to conquer poll victory
As poll dates near, fortune tellers are in great demand, as superstitious politicians turn to them for advice on how to conquer poll victory
Astrologists and numerologists may not have foreseen this. Politicians across parties are visiting fortune tellers
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luck matters: While other candidates visit astrologers, MNS's Ranjeet Shirole (left) said he had faith in himself and voters |
to help them win the elections. From lucky charms to lucky colours, they seem to be hanging on to every word of advice. However, none of the astrologers are ready to reveal the names of the candidates.
Astrologers charge anything between Rs 3,000 and Rs 5,000 per consultation. Shweta Jumani, the numerologist who advised Ashutosh Gowarikar to add another "a" to Jodhaa Akbar to make it a success, said that several candidates have consulted her on what to do to ensure victory.
"I have advised a few to change their signature, while I have told others to wear their lucky colours at the time of campaigning and especially at the time of voting. I also caution them against wearing black."
Another astrologer Amit Kapil said, "This is certainly a busy time for us, as politicians are keen to know what anushthan (ceremony) they should perform to ensure victory."
Though Kapil refuses to name the candidates who have visited him, he cited an amusing incident wherein one of his clients got very angry when he saw his rival also consulting Kapil. "He literally shouted at me not to advise the rival candidate," recalled Kapil.
So is business booming in election time? Kapil says it has shot up considerably though he is not able to quantify it in terms of percentage. However, Shweta feels the rise is only marginal because the economic downturn has had a negative impact.
When MiD DAY asked MNS candidate Ranjeet Shirole whether he had visited any astrologers because of the elections, he said, "I have faith in myself and my voters, not in fortune tellers."
