Vote for Love
Updated : Apr 14, 2009
Although Very Happy Pig isn’t a big fan of politics we have witnessed our fair share of election campaigns, and as a result we have seen numerous mandates and election tickets touted.
Crime, roads, money, schools and such are generally the issues which decide who gets into power, but in India one man is promising LOVE if he gets into power.
A professor dubbed "the love guru" is contesting elections on a more freedom for lovers and standing up to vigilante groups, who frown on public displays of affection, platform.
Matuk Nath Choudhary, who is standing in the Bihar state capital of Patna, is promising that, if he wins, lovers of all ages will be encouraged to give free rein to their emotions wherever and whenever they please.
The softly-spoken Hindi professor, who gained notoriety thanks to a very public extramarital affair with a student three years ago, is running as an independent against many well-established political names.
But the man who made headlines for defying social norms in strictly conservative India to stay with his lover, despite his wife's humiliating the duo in front of TV cameras, appears undaunted by the challenge.
"I am in this on my own steam. Unlike my opponents who have the backing of political parties and huge amounts of money, I have limited resources. But my message -- on love, education, improving society -- makes sense, which is why people are listening to me. Everyone is scared of talking about love and sex. I do this openly and that is why I appeal to the youth.
Choudhary, 55, launched his manifesto last week with promises to bring in "adequate safeguards to lovers" including a "lovers' park" in Patna where couples could meet "away from the prying eyes of society.
The idyllic setting -- envisioned with plenty of trees and shrubs -- will have therapists and counsellors on hand to dispense advice on love, sex and relationships.
Choudhary's words would appear to be music to the ears of India's amorous couples who often struggle to steal a kiss away from family chaperones, vigilante groups and traditionalists.
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