The ‘jawan’ of the day, of course, was Rahul Gandhi, and Nanded was all anticipation to get a glimpse of him. The constituency is the turf of Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, and his brother-in-law Bhaskar Khatgaonkar is the Congress candidate. To this family affair, the scion of the Nehru-Gandhi family was to add the dynastic touch.

“When Rahulji comes, we will all greet him with Jai Ho,” the announcer exhorted the gathering. A few fillers later, a Congress-style version of the Rahman-number, stripped of all its digital embellishments, heralded his arrival, sending a ripple of excitement through the audience.

Those sitting on chairs stood up, much to the annoyance of those sitting cross-legged on the ground. A jostle here and an argument there, as all eyes turned towards “India’s future.”

The “future” arrived in a chopper from Wardha, wearing the aura of the Sevagram Ashram he had been to, and flanked by State bigwigs Mr. Chavan, former Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Manikrao Thakre. Expectant cries of “Desh ki andhi, Rahul Gandhi” (India’s rage, Rahul Gandhi) rose from some sections. However, Nanded’s encounter with the rage turned out to be something of a damp squib.

Mr. Gandhi began on a solemn note, in tune with the mood set by the patriotic songs. Congress’ policies are for the “aam aadmi” (common man); he rattled them off one by one: employment guarantee programme, mid-day meals, loan waiver etc.

Meanwhile, dry fruit packets were being distributed in the press area. “Kasab’s snack,” remarked a wag. Mr. Gandhi made a disparaging remark or two about the Opposition’s divisive politics, and before anyone knew it, it was all over. ‘Vande Mataram’ completed the repertoire.

Forming an opinion on the rally was a difficult task. But Sheela Jacob of Nanded seemed pleased: “I liked the way he spoke about the aam aadmi. The Congress is talking of the poor, so we support them.”

Having braved the scorching heat only to see the young Gandhi, her mission had been accomplished. She pointed in the direction of a nearby gurudwara. “In Nanded, the Congress has the support of Sikhs too.”

As the crowd began streaming out of the pandal, the loudspeakers were playing Jai Ho once again: the original score. It was just another day during election time, but one of a kind for Nanded.

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