Politicians are trying every trick in the book to make sure that the stars shine down on them in the upcoming elections. S Suresh Kumar offers a ringside view. Take it with a pinch of saltu00a0 The poor voter is out in the cold. There are no snaking queues of khadi-clad netas, promising him free rice, free TVs, free pilgrimages though the election is round the corner. That's because the politicos themselves are on pilgrimages to the abode of their chosen spiritual guru to make sure that their stars don't cross them.u00a0 <img alt="" src="/imagedata/2009/mar/stars.jpg" align="right" border="1" />The world could be moaning about the meltdown but for astrologers, it's boom time. Their well-heeled clients, ranging from movie stars to musclemen, are ready to fork out a fortune on rituals that guarantee them the coveted party ticket and a chance to enter the corridors of power.u00a0u00a0 We hear that Roja, the South Indian actress who plunged into politics a few years ago, organised a special yaga for the return of her mentor Chandrababu Naidu as chief minister. The yaga is sure to energise her party, she claims. She herself will contest on a TDP ticket from Chandragiri and has endeared herself to the women in the constituency as she gifts them bangles, flowers and vermilion. Moms-to-be get VIP treatment as they present a great photo op.u00a0 It's startling to learn of how candidates are finalised by another major party in the south. The process of elimination of candidates by Jayalalitha reportedly rivals even the jugglery employed by Lalit Modi and Co to finalise the IPL match schedules.u00a0 If our sources are to be believed, amma, as J is fondly known, received 3,500 applications from hopefuls. The list was whittled down to 35 after bank statements, secret vaults and benami properties were closely examined, claimed an insider. That left the list with just 15 names. Party loyalty was the next acid test and just three candidates cleared it with flying, sorry, kneeling powers.u00a0 As there had to be just one candidate the first among equals the resident astrologer was called in for expert advice, the source alleged.u00a0Wouldn't be a bad idea for the IPL guys to start scouting for similarly gifted fortune tellers. What say?

Politicians are trying every trick in the book to make sure that the stars shine down on them in the upcoming elections. S Suresh Kumar offers a ringside view. Take it with a pinch of salt

What the stars foretell

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What the stars foretell

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