Ganderbal, September 20
High drama prevailed in the Beehama chowk area of Ganderbal, where thousands of people had gathered to see film stars. For three long days, they were being convinced by the BJP candidate from Ganderbal, Mr Abdul Rashid Sheikh, that the stars would address the BJP rally on Friday.
Announcements were being made that Sridevi, Hema Malini, Shatrughan Sinha, Vinod Khanna and Sanjay Dutt would be present at Beehama chowk. However, nothing of the sort was to be.
After waiting for about six hours (from 10 am to 4 p.m.) at the chowk to see their favourite film stars, people were finally greeted by Abdul Rashid himself. Some BJP leaders had joined him from Delhi.
Jilted as they felt, people walked back in resentment immediately after they realised that the BJP had fooled them. Some youngsters even lifted stones to hit the BJP candidate, but security personnel on duty saved the situation.
Finally it turned out to be just another plank to attract gathering for the rally. Interestingly, the BJP candidate had managed the drama quite well. Heavy security deployment in the area gave an impression that some celebrities were to arrive. Even CRPF, BSF and Jammu and Kashmir Armed police personnel had information that the film stars were actually coming. So they had parked themselves all around the venue of the rally. They also waited for some action along with the curious villagers, some of whom had travelled 15 km to see the stars.
As the evening descended, people began to move back home. Some had even brought their kids along. Disappointed with this breach of faith, all they had to say was, “The very first promise made by the BJP has turned out to be false. No one will vote for the party. The BJP has lost even before contesting the elections.”
