In our city, there was a well-known politician named Brijmohan Babu. People fondly nicknamed him “the rolling eggplant,” because he had a remarkable talent for switching sides depending on the situation. Wherever opportunity appeared, he would smoothly roll in that direction.
As the election season approached, his energy multiplied. In the morning, he would sit among farmers and declare, “I am a farmer by birth.” By afternoon, at a business conference, he would proclaim, “Trade is the backbone of the nation.” In the evening, clicking selfies with youngsters, he would announce, “You are the future of this country.”
One day he truly outdid himself. In the morning press conference, he stated firmly that he supported strict regulations. By noon, when public opinion shifted on social media, he released a statement saying, “I have always stood with the people’s sentiments.” That evening on a TV debate, he insisted, “My words have been twisted and misrepresented.”
Even his supporters were often confused. Before printing campaign posters, they would cautiously ask, “Sir, what’s our slogan this time?” Brijmohan Babu would smile and reply, “Whatever the public wants.”
At a public meeting about the city’s water crisis, he stepped onto the stage and boldly promised, “We will conserve water.” Someone quickly reminded him that last year he had opposed the new water plant project.
Without missing a beat, he clarified, “I wasn’t opposing it—I was in favor of improvements.”
Even the neighborhood children began teasing him. While playing cricket, they would say, “We’ll join whichever team wins!” and then laugh, adding, “Just like our leader!”
When the election results were announced, he won. A journalist asked, “What’s the secret of your success?” Thumping his chest, he replied proudly, “I always stand with the people.”
From the crowd, someone muttered softly, “Stand? You roll more than you stand.”
Brijmohan Babu pretended not to hear. After all, there’s one advantage to blowing hot and cold—wherever the benefit lies, that’s where you settle. And our leader had mastered that art perfectly.
RAJEEV VERMA 