This is about the most amazing poll "trick" I've heard. The marketing guys and other kinds of incentive planners, sit up and take note.

So there is this business man in Hospet, Karnatka (a mine owner actually, by the name of Laad. I forget his first name...) who has political ambition and wants to win a local election. So he gives out color TVs to all the families in his constituency.

So, big deal you might say, all you sceptics who've grown up on such tales of democracy-in-action.

But this deal had a kahaani me twist. All the TVs were purchased on credit, to be paid for in monthly installments. The gentleman told ever recepient of the TV that if he won the election, there was no need to pay the installments, and if he didn't they were free to keep the TV, but the installments were to be paid by them...

Last I heard, the man had been happily elected and was even spotted doing some work for his constituency.