“Jhoothon ne jhoothon se kaha hai sach bolo, sarkaari elaan hua hai sach bolo

Ghar ke andar to jhoothon ki ek mandi hai, darwaaze par likha hua hai sach bolo

Guldaste par yakjahti likh rakha hai, guldaste ke andar kya hai sach bolo

Ganga maiya doobne waale apne the, naav mein kisne chhed kiya hai sach bolo”

- Rahat Indori

With Maharashtra Legislative Elections around the corner, the campaign fervor in Nagpur district is reaching its peak. Candidates are employing every possible strategy, from door-to-door visits to connect with older voters, to engaging social media influencers to extend their online presence. Khadi-clad politicians are leaving no stone unturned in a bid to capture the public's attention and are now using shayaries and old songs as a part of their campaign.

Some A-listers have even created songs for their parties and themselves as a part of their promotional efforts. Meanwhile, others are drawing on the timeless appeal of shayaris and old songs to spark reflection and inspire change among voters.

Shayari, traditionally a means of expressing love and conveying sentiments to one’s beloved, has also been wielded by poets as a potent tool to challenge wrongdoing. From administration to religious institutions, these shayars have often expressed fearless criticism. One such poet was the late Dr. Rahat Indori, who frequently questioned and critiqued those in power. Now, politicians are using his powerful words to find resonance with the public: "Jhoothon ne jhoothon se kaha hai sach bolo, sarkaari elaan hua hai sach bolo!"

“Ban ke ek hadsa bazar me aajayega, jo nahi huwa hoga, wo kal akhbar me aajayega

aur chor uchakko ki karo kadar, kya pata kon kab kis sarkar me aajayega” – Rahat Indori. 

This shayari not only holds a mirror to the media but also takes a subtle jab at politicians with questionable pasts, highlighting the uncertainty of power and influence in politics.

Adding to the poetic ambiance, many are playing the classic song written by Sahir Ludhianvi, famously sung by Mohammad Rafi from Laila Majnu movie: “Tere dar pe aayaa hoon, kuch kar ke jaaoongaa, Jholii bhar ke jaaoongaa ya mar ke jaaoongaa.”

Songs with patriotic fervor such as "Meri Jaan Tiranga Hai," "Maa Tujhe Salaam," and "Vande Mataram" are also featured prominently in these campaigns to stir a sense of national pride among voters.

Yet, while these songs and promises abound, past elections have often left voters with only memories of unmet promises, reminders of which opposition parties eagerly offer to ruling governments. For such disillusionment, Dushyant Kumar aptly penned, “Yaha tak aate-aate sukh jati hai nadiya, hume khabar hai pani kaha tehra hoga.”

In a time when one party vows to protect religion and another to uphold the constitution, Dr. Rahat Indori's bold and controversial lines still echo: “Sabhi ka khoon hai shaamil yahan ki mitti mein, kisi ke baap ka Hindustan thodi hai!”