Farmers and the Sangh

You would think
That farmers would be
The Sangh Parivar’s first love,
Considering how they tend
The holy cow, and are
Custodians of Creation’s
Most pristine ambrosia,
Namely, cow’s urine.

You would think they
Would be beloved
Of the Sangh, considering
They live next to
Heaps of dung, which, as
You know, is therapeutic
Of the highest rung.

You would think
Farmers to be prized
Offspring of Bharat Mata,
Given that they are the
Realm’s Anna Data.
And for being closest
To tradition which
Places custom above
The Constitution.

Think again. The Sangh
Is not as unlettered
As you might assume: of all
India’s protagonists, the
Parivar knows best
Which side its bread
Is buttered. Which
Is not with yokels of
The hinterland, but
Smart money-spinners
Of the Ambani-Adani brand.

Badri Raina