Basanti’s eyes are like limpid pools. Through them you can see the gentle soul within. I can understand Gangu Ram’s affection for her as he stands there, nuzzling her neck lovingly. She seems like a fine, upstanding citizen, although in this case, she is standing on four legs.

“The social composition of our state is changing,” says village pradhan Gangu Ram, patting Basanti’s head, “Many young people have turned 18, and become old enough to vote. In Haryana, only 30 per cent of them are girls. Society is in peril. We need to correct this imbalance. If our buffalos are allowed to vote, we can make up the gap. It will also mean a proper representation of our village society.”

Basanti nods her head. She seems to like the idea of enfranchisement. I imagine she will vote for the BJP, given their position on cows. Unless the Congress revives its cow-and-calf symbol, later replaced by the hand. Apparently, they almost chose an elephant, because Buta Singh got confused between haath and haathi, until Narasimha Rao explained everything. No doubt, surveys will soon be conducted to investigate bovine preferences. That’s when things will become clearer. Overall, some adjustment will be required. I foresee problems getting them into polling booths, for example. Also, once they have the right to vote, how long before some of them decide to fight elections? Eventually, will they not aspire to ministerial positions?

“Aren’t you afraid that one day a buffalo may become a minister?” I ask. Gangu Ram laughs uproariously, slapping Basanti’s flank. Basanti eyes him indulgently, chewing.

“We’ve had that for years,” he says.

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