How quickly we grow up and imagine we have stopped behaving like children.
But all it takes is a little observation and suddenly the entire political landscape looks like the school playground we all once knew so well.

Do you remember those days?
The strong fellow in class. The one with bulging muscles and a loud voice. The one who controlled the class football field and the cricket bat. We all remember him. When he stared at us, we trembled. When he frowned, we froze. When he smacked us on the head for not passing the ball, we took the blow and pretended it did not hurt. We were afraid. Terribly afraid.

And then something funny happened. Instead of standing up to him, we searched desperately for someone weaker than him, to befriend. Someone who also lived in fear. We called him over. Hugged him, and announced to the class that we had a friend. A strong ally. A power on our side. The other chap was so delighted. He suddenly believed he was a protector. He even felt taller.

Together we walked past the strong man. Chest pushed out. Chin held up. Pretending we were invincible. Pretending we did not care about the mighty fellow smirking at us. Pretending we were now the new bosses of the playground.

But the strong man only stood there smiling. Relaxed. Calm. Amused.
He knew the truth.
We knew it too.
We needed him more than he needed us.

What a lovely replay of this schoolyard drama we are seeing today in Delhi. Except the stakes are slightly higher than a bruised forehead or a lost cricket ball. The strong man now watches from across the Pacific Ocean, smiling at the desperate little alliances being stitched together. The timid voices pretending strength. The loud declarations that mean nothing. The hurried visits and grand handshakes. All of it like frightened children trying to convince the world that they are the new strong force on the playground.

And the strong man?
He grins and presses a little button.
The dollar climbs.
Up.
And up again.

And suddenly everybody realises who controls the real game, even as we hug and hug and hug. Make grand statements. Blame imaginary enemies. Celebrate made up victories, and pretend they are huge triumphs. But every time we glance sideways and see the dollar rising, our heart sinks. Our pocket trembles. Our pride melts.

When will we realise the truth, we’ve never wanted to face?

That we are back to school, playing childish games, and instead of displaying strength, we display insecurity. Instead of leadership, we display fear. Instead of solving problems, we play piggy back and kabaddi. We run around forming alliances not out of conviction but desperation. Not out of strategy but panic.

Not built on truth, but lies.

And the strong man watches.
Calm.
Still grinning…!

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