25th June 2000

Who will get the axe?

These days, everyone talks of match-fixing. A local bookmaker, fascinated by the idea, contacted someone in the blue camp, trying to fix the forthcoming big match between the blues and the greens. He wants the match fixed, so the greens would win.

This is how the conversation over the cellular phones went

"Can you arrange it, then?"

"For the sum you offer, I will try".

"That's not good enough, I'll offer a million more".

"I'll do my best; maybe we can arrange some more troop withdrawals"

A few days later, the bookmaker is not happy.

"Why, nothing is happening despite the withdrawals"

"What can I do? The people don't seem to care, so there is no backlash"

"I'll give you another million, just ensure the greens win"

"All right, we will try to raise the price of gas"

A few days later, the bookmaker calls again.

"It still looks as if the blues are ahead"

"It's the lady, you know; she has so much of support"

"I understand, and I'll give you another million, but we want the greens to win"

"We will increase the bus fares, that ought to do the trick"

A few more days later, the bookmaker is still not happy.

"The polls say the greens are far behind"

"What can I do, their captain is still leading them, so it is difficult to lose to them"

"Do whatever you want, I'll give you another million"

"We will try increasing diesel prices; that will affect everyone and they will be disgusted"

A week later, the bookmaker is still very anxious.

"They say the blues still have a lead; you will have to do something"

"With Athu as the vice-captain, it is very difficult to make them win"

"But do something on your side; I'll give you another million"

"I'll try; maybe increasing telephone and electricity charges will do the trick"

Another week later, the bookmaker calls again.

"What are you doing? The blues are still comfortably ahead"

"What can I do? Our captain is meeting your captain almost daily and talking to each other. They must be exchanging information"

"I'll give you another million but you must somehow make the greens win"

"We'll get the rupee devalued. That will send all the prices rising and blues won't be able to survive"

A week later, the bookmaker is still unhappy.

"The match will be played soon but the greens are still lagging behind"

"How much can I do? All the people are angry about the rising prices but the greens are not doing anything"

"All right, so you want more. I'll give you ten million but you must finish this now"

"I'll do my best"

One week later, the man in the blue camp is angry. He calls the bookmaker.

"Take all your money back; I can't do it"

"Why, I have paid you so much. How much more do you want? Tell me and I will pay"

"No, I know your tricks; you have lied to me"

"What are you talking about? I was only paying you to make the blues do things that will help the greens win"

"Yes, and I can't get the greens to do anything to take advantage of that and now I know why"

"Why?"

"Because," said the man from the Blue camp, "you are paying the greens even more for not doing anything; so, they are very keen on losing despite all the opportunities that have come their way"

The bookmaker did not say anything in reply.

The Jungle Telegraph

Editorial/ Opinion Contents