BATTLE FOR BITTORA by Anuja Chauhan

If the most controversial and talked about event is at the center of the plot, it’s got to be interesting. The book takes the readers into politics via Lok-Sabha elections and through that to a cute, political romance. Jinni and Zak were closest of buddies as children but only to part and to meet again after 9 years as rivals of opposing parties. Their love life is what makes for the twists and turns of this ‘different kind of love story’.

The book is about the younger India with its changing outlook and a different way of taking on life. The book makes for a delightful read, being a cheesy take on our democracy and the Indian politics. Jinni is a happy go lucky kind of a gal who loves her ‘kitaanu’ animation work more than anything but finds herself half-heartedly convinced by her bossy grandmother to contest elections from Bittoragarh. She pitches in to uphold her Bauji’s honor and her family’s longtime political relationship with Pragati Party. She accepts this challenge to do her bit for her homeland, Bittoragarh. She finds herslef pitted against her childhood friend, Zain Altaf Khan who stands from the opposing party, IJP. He is an idealist, young guy who has a charming effect on our Sarojini Pande (Jinni) every time their encounter happens. ‘Every time they met, it was an Indian love story in the making.’

The story moves swiftly from filing of nominations to finalizing the crack team and campaigning. The preparations for Lok Sabha elections are on and Sarojini Pande falls in step with zeal and enthusiasm. Draped in cotton saris, all set for the new endeavor, she works hard to meet people, goes campaigning and makes all efforts to win their votes. But elections in India can never be won without propagandas, corruption, betrayal, horse-trading, accusations and lashing out at one another. Anuja, the writer exposes the malicious truth of our elections. It’s a tough blame-game full of ‘frenemies’ at every step.

In the battle for grabbing the seat from Bittora, the two wannabes MPs live up to the expectations of the readers. The characters of Jinni and Zak have a universal appeal. The book is fun-filled and has a perfect blend of cute and wicked comedy. Anuja Chauhan has done a great job, has a unique style of writing, quite inspired by bollywood. The use of hinglish words gave it an Indian touch and my favorite was Pushpa Pande’s accent and her way of being completely straightforward. The Battle for Bittora is completely absorbing and makes for a great read. Now I want to go back and read her first book,  The Zoya Factor.

HAPPY READING FOR THE YEAR 2011.