Click to play videoMumbai: The sound of the drums and the display of colourful placards in Mumbai’s slums are a sure sign that the city is in the grip of the election fever.
But if you thought it's the colourful pageantry that swings the votes, think again. It is the local dada (goon) and loads of money that actually hold the key to the local votes.
CNN-IBN goes undercover as financers accompanying a genuine independent candidate to find out how the rigging process begins.
The Muscular young man meets us at the rendezvous to begin the process of negotiations.
Local dada: You will have to sponsor us.
CNN-IBN: How much is the sponsorship?
Local dada: At least 20 to 30
CNN-IBN: Rs 30,000? And how many votes?
Local dada: 100 votes from the Waghria community.
Candidate: Who is the main man?
Local dada: It is Ramesh, my friend.
The man then talks about how communities only vote on the lines directed by the local strong men.
Local dada: These people only listen to their community leaders. In the lower castes it works like that.
CNN-IBN: If I say the vote should go to a particular candidate, will it?
Local dada: It will go to that candidate.
But that isn't all. It isn't just promises. The man says he will ensure that the right number is pressed on the voting machine.
CNN-IBN: Who sits with the voting machine?
Local dada: We have two or three boys who sit. Last time we did a tie-up with the Congressman Bobadi.
CNN-IBN: You have worked earlier for the Congress?
Local dada: Yes we did, but this year we have fallen out with Bobadi, because we wasn't willing to pay us even Rs 15,000.
CNN-IBN: If I pay you, what guarantee is there that you will not run away with the money?
Local Dada: I'll make you meet the Main guy, I am telling you we have a 100 votes amongst us.
CNN-IBN: What is the last date I can pay you?
Local dada: It is today, after this it will be too late.
The next step would be to deliver the money and seal the deal - a step we don't intend to take.
That is the first step of initiating the process of rigging an election. But we had no intention to rig it, but only demonstrate how money has become an important part of the election process, and how loyalties are bought and sold.
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