Panchkula: Drummers returned empty handed

Chandigarh: While party supporters were restless outside the counting centre at the Government College in Sector 1, a group of dholiyas sitting nearby did not care at all about who was winning the Panchkula seat. These dholiyas played for the winning candidate, irrespective of the party, just to make a quick buck. When the leader of the group was asked if they were called by any party, he said, “Jo jeetega, uske liye hi baja karenge.” These dholiyas, who hail from Sector 14, claimed that they have earned thousands this festive season. “Music systems and modern dholiyas have taken away our business. There was a time when we used to get good money and gifts from the winning candidates,” said Sonu, a member of the group. Their 70-year-old leader recalled the days when winning candidates used to hold victory rallies to thank voters and dholiyas were in great demand. Roop Lal said, “I have played for many victorious candidates and we used to travel miles with them during victory processions. Nowadays, we are ignored by the parties that take out victory processions with a convoy of vehicles. Some people ask us to accompany them for a limited time. I have a photo of me receiving Rs 20,000 and a wristwatch from a candidate who won the 2009 assembly elections from Panchkula. We are sitting outside the counting centre and hoping that someone will contact us.” They had big smiles on their faces as the final result was announced. However, contrary to their expectations, the happiness of the supporters lasted for a limited time and these dholis had to return almost empty-handed. Phool Chand said, “They want us to be a part of their celebrations. However, no one is coming forward to give us money. Still, we sat idle for about five hours, but now we have to play dhol to respect our profession.” Politics over tea
A small tea and paratha shop near the Sector 14 counting centre, where vote counting for the Kalka seat was underway, was bustling with activity. Party supporters had thronged the place. Pradeep, a young voter, said, “We have come here from Pinjore just to follow the counting and take part in the victory procession of our candidate.” Cars parked outside carried fancy garlands, posters and bags full of flowers.