Game is On

The game is on. The newspapers are full of reports and in fact one can follow the activities of leaders of most parties to see it. They are going round the country, not as much to publicise their programmes or manifestoes as to contact possible post-poll allies. During press conferences, it is a common refrain. The parties are not shy to say they will do it to get into power. The voters can vote in anyway but their verdict will be definitely twisted to get into a shape that suits the political formations.
Pankaj Vohra said 4th May in Between Us (HT) the election appeared "issueless," and its most crucial phase could be starting on 16th May when results come out. TOI on front page survey said 6th May whichever party emerges biggest bloc, it will have to "rope in" many partners after the results. ET report Alliance Dalliance 5th May is sure the existing fronts will break up after 16th May, the components bargaining hard to get the best deal. Subhash C. Kashyap (Indian Express 8thMay) fears the same scenario -- large-scale horse-trading of MPs, together with demand for money, ministership, withdrawal of criminal cases etc. He has given suggestions to the President to save the situation. Express 9th May has a report on parties preparing for post-poll tie-ups.
Pappus will do it till 13th May, and then Papas will be on the job from 16th May onwards.