I am a master in India

Chapter 332 Big News

No one expected that Yadav would crash, especially at a large gathering.

It is said that the helicopter encountered a malfunction during takeoff, and the pilot's lack of experience and improper operation caused the fuselage to lose balance.

Yadav and his six companions all perished; the out-of-control rotor struck the crowd, killing more than sixty villagers in the process.

The scene was like a hellish landscape; everyone was completely terrified and didn't know what to do.

It was Yadav's brother, Satya, who realized what was happening and immediately called the police.

However, the fastest to arrive was not the police, but Sun TV.

Since resuming broadcasting more than six months ago, SunTV has expanded extremely rapidly, establishing branches in almost every state in India.

This is thanks to the widespread distribution of Suer TVs, and the brand collaboration has enabled Sun Cable TV Network to enter thousands of households.

Uttar Pradesh is India’s largest state, and SunTV’s offices in Lucknow are comparable in size to those in Mumbai.

The plane crash in Winnau, near Lucknow, was a direct hit by the crash. Television reporters rushed to the scene the moment they received the news.

They ran faster than the police, which made headlines.

In the live broadcast on SunTV, the helicopter wreckage was reduced to a metal frame, and viewers could even see several human-shaped charcoal figures.

As if afraid that people wouldn't be able to tell the difference, the oblivious reporter pointed to one of the figures with eight gold rings on one finger and introduced it as former Chief Minister Yadav.

The scattered human remains in the middle of the venue were all captured on camera by the television station, and viewers throughout Uttar Pradesh, no, throughout India, witnessed this scene.

By the time the Socialist Party headquarters and the police finally arrived, Sun TV had even managed to give a rough estimate of the number of casualties.

Unsurprisingly, this big news instantly became the front page headline of major newspapers.

The Uttar Pradesh general election, the leadership of the Socialist Party, large rallies, and heavy casualties—there are so many breaking news stories that no media outlet will miss this news feast.

This incident also had an impact on the general election, with the Socialist Party strongly demanding that the Election Commission suspend the voting process in Uttar Pradesh.

However, the Bahraini Socialist Party and the BJP disagreed, arguing that they should be the ones to demand that other parties also halt the election process after their own accident.

After several days of back-and-forth arguing, voting finally returned to normal after Satya took over the Socialist Party leadership.

As Yadav's brother, Satya is the most suitable successor to the political legacy. He already has his own constituency, so taking over this time is a natural progression.

As for Yadav's son, he was too young and had no foundation within the party.

Satya's personality was much milder than Biadav's, and many socialists were actually happy for him to become the new party leader.

And so, Satya, who had been hastily put into campaigning, continued to canvass for votes in the Awad region.

However, it is clear to everyone, including the Socialist Party, that Satya is likely just a runner-up this time.

Not to mention his lack of public support, the compensation for the 60 or 70 people injured or killed in the helicopter accident is still stalled.

There are too many people; it would take tens of millions of rupees to resolve. The Socialist Party is unwilling to spend that money, which will further disappoint the public.

Sure enough, just a week later, in mid-March 1996, the vote count results for Uttar Pradesh came out.

The Bahraini Socialist Party and the BJP achieved a near-overwhelming victory, with the Socialist Party gaining an advantage in Rohirkand, the "back of the boar's neck," but losing all other areas.

After the election, the first thing the winning party will do is hold the swearing-in ceremony for the Chief Minister.

Without a doubt, Mayawati will become the new Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, and will be the first Dalit woman to be elected Chief Minister in Indian history.

The political significance of this event was immense, so all the major media outlets in the country rushed to Lucknow to report on the grand occasion of the oath-taking ceremony.

SunTV, being in a privileged position, became almost a semi-official media outlet in Uttar Pradesh under Ron's management.

The BJP, the Socialist Party, the Progressive Party, and several other smaller parties had already allocated their positions as soon as the election results were announced.

On the day of the swearing-in ceremony, everyone took their seats according to their rank. Ron rightfully sat in the middle of the first row, and no one objected.

Just kidding, he's an ally of the BJP, a major donor to the Socialist Party, and the behind-the-scenes boss of the Progressive Party.

All the political parties with any real power in Uttar Pradesh are his people; what can the opposition do against him?

Well, the biggest opposition party is the Socialist Party; Satya just called him.

Ron casually crossed his legs and watched as Mayawati, surrounded by admirers, slowly walked to the front of the stage.

The oath-taking took place in the outer hall of the Chief Minister's office in Lucknow, where police and reporters stood on both sides.

Other members of the United Party sat in chairs below, including Fidel B. Adiyah and Progress Party leader Muna.

Mayawati held the sworn document and began the process.

“I, Mayavati, in the name of God, solemnly swear that I will be fully loyal to the Constitution of India, which is established in accordance with the law. I will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India.”

After the Chief Minister took his oath, the ministers of the various departments below him also took turns to take their oaths.

Aditya was thrilled. He used to be just a municipal councilor, but his first time in politics resulted in him becoming the Minister of Public Works.

This position carries considerable weight; although it doesn't allow for direct decision-making on major national issues, it is still a highly lucrative post.

The vast majority of infrastructure projects in Uttar Pradesh are inseparable from him, and he also has the authority to submit planning proposals.

The most ingenious part is that he also has the authority to manage the bidding and winning of bids, and Adiya knows what to do next.

“I am ready to come up with a proposal immediately to persuade the Chief Minister to build the road from Mirzapur to Sumbadra.”

"Hmm?" Ron turned his gaze away from the stage.

“This would open up transportation routes connecting the family’s mines, cement plants, and coal resources, all the way to Varanasi. Building roads ourselves last year was too wasteful; the best solution is, of course, to use government funds.”

“It would be best if it passed, but there’s no need to force it if it doesn’t.” Ron chuckled. “Don’t forget you’re the Minister of Public Works. Infrastructure is the main business in the entire Uttar Pradesh. There’s no need to ruin relationships over a road.”

“I understand. Just focus on the big projects; everything else is secondary.” Adiya nodded.

"The development of the east is best entrusted to Muna. As the Minister for Development of Underdeveloped Regions, it is perfectly legitimate for him to make such a request. Look, he's in power now."

The Progressive Party contributed more than ten seats, so it's normal for Muna, as the party leader, to take a relatively unimportant ministerial position.

Everyone looked at this young, somewhat excessive minister and couldn't help but murmur among themselves, but no one dared to underestimate him.

Everyone knows that the Sur family is supporting the Progressive Party; they're just fooling the ignorant masses. Those present are all politically astute; they know exactly what's going on behind the scenes. Besides, according to the state government's registration documents, Muna is twenty-four years old this year, a minister in name only—that's not unacceptable.

He walked onto the stage, and surprisingly, he didn't show any signs of excessive nervousness.

Faced with a barrage of flashing lights, Muna tried to straighten his back.

He was naturally nervous and excited, but he still tried his best to maintain his composure.

Who would have thought that just a year ago he was a servant, he would become a high-ranking minister?

Look, the civil servant who handed him the oath was actually bowing to him.

What a great miracle of democracy!

Looking at the sea of ​​black seats in front of him, Muna really wanted to grin and shout: I'm a minister now! A big shot!

"I, Muna Harwi, solemnly swear..."

The power transition in Lucknow was a lively and bustling affair.

The Socialist Party, having moved out of here, could only slink away to its headquarters two blocks away, a three-story building.

Satya was sitting at the party leader's desk, on which sat a framed photograph of Yadav.

He remained motionless for a long time, without saying a word. After a while, he reached out and touched the photo, then placed it against his chest.

This is a Hindu prayer gesture, used to show respect.

“Brother, there’s only one chair. If you leave, I can sit here. Now you can see Mom and tell her you’ve kept your promise.”

Satya leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and let out a long sigh.

The Socialist Party suffered a crushing defeat in this election, a massive loss, but that's okay.

That Dalit queen had no political views of her own; she only used empty talk to win the votes of the common people.

This method won't work as well next time.

The key to her securing the Chief Minister's seat this time lies with the BJP and the Sur family.

Therefore, Satya tapped his fingers on the table, knowing that once their alliance collapsed, Mayawati's rule would crumble.

Satyah guessed it wouldn't take more than five years; Mayawati's domineering personality was notorious throughout Uttar Pradesh.

They are bound to clash, and that will be the Socialist Party's opportunity.

Yes, we need to plan ahead. Satya is preparing to contact the BJP and the Sur family at the right time.

We're all playing politics; self-interest is the fundamental driving force behind alliances.

"Sir, you wanted to see me?" Lamar, the assistant, came in. He was also Yadav and Satya's cousin.

Politicians' confidants are all like this: either relatives or partners of the same caste.

"Lamar, is everything arranged?"

"Yes."

"Bring him to me."

Lamar went out and soon brought in a young man.

“Sit down, sit down, Barum, don’t be shy. You’re part of this family!” Satya put on a smile.

The young man named Barum was instantly filled with pride. He squatted on the floor, as happy as a gleeful dog, waiting for Satya to repeat himself.

He was the Yadav family's servant and driver, and had served the two brothers faithfully for several years.

Such opportunities for a private audience are rare, and Barum was very happy.

Satya lit a cigarette; he had never smoked before. He squinted at Barum.

"You must stay home obediently for the next few days. You can't go anywhere, not even on the street. This is very important, understand? And you can't say a word about this to anyone."

"Understood, Master."

Satya stared at him for a while, smoking, then said, "You're part of this family, Barum."

"Yes, Master."

Satya nodded to Lamar beside him, and soon led another person in.

He was wearing a black overcoat and carrying a black briefcase. Inside was a printed sheet of paper, which he took out and read silently.

His lips, stained red with betel nut juice, trembled rapidly as he waited to make sure it was the right one before handing it to Satya.

“Sit down, Barum, sit however you’re comfortable,” Satya said with a smile again.

"Yes, Master."

The servant, Barum, remained crouched on the ground, still feeling rather uncomfortable.

“Would you like a betel nut, Barum?” Satya asked.

"No, Master."

“Don’t be shy, Barum. You chew betel nut, right?” Satya laughed, turning to the man in the coat and saying, “Give him a betel nut to chew.”

The man in the black coat reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of betel nut. Barum reached out to take it, but the man tossed the betel nut to him without even touching Barum's hand.

"Put it in your mouth and chew it, Barum, this is for you."

“Yes, Master. It’s delicious and chewy. Thank you.” He was very happy.

“Let’s take it slow and explain things clearly, okay?” said the man in the coat.

As soon as he opened his mouth, the betel nut juice almost dripped down.

“Okay.” Satya nodded, squinting.

(End of this chapter)