This thread has gotten too serious. I swear the below news is not from FakingNews.
Hanging on the telephone: What happens when the Congress calls | Firstpost
I received a helpful SMS today from the Indian National Congress. "What does the Congress election 2014 Manifesto have for you? To know just give a missed call (Toll Free) on 1800 208 2020," it read.
I dutifully did as told. Self-education is a duty of every voter, after all. The Congress party responded with alacrity, though not quite as expected.
"Thank you for following Indian National Congress Tweets by SMS. To turn off this service give a missed call to 08067913041," read the next SMS that pinged my phone. Wait, what? I didn't sign up to follow the INC. This was starting to feel a bit like one of those fake brand promotions that lure you into parting with your personal contact information, just to drown you in spam.
Sure enough, the next SMS informed me, "@INCIndia:
Rahul Gandhi will address 4 public meetings in Kerala today - Kasargod, Idduki, Chengannur and Attingal today. Check
Indian National Congress"
Good for Rahulji, but what about the manifesto?
Just as I was beginning to feel cheated by India's oldest national party, my phone rang. That's right. I got a call from the INC. I was all agog with anticipation. A personal tete-a-tete with a party worker, perhaps? Or maybe just a recorded message from Rahulji himself? Nope, it was an automated call that presented me with an elaborate menu worthy of Airtel. I was invited to press any number between 1 and 7 to hear all about the part of the manifesto dearest to my heart.
So many options, so little time. Should I press '4' for Corruption, '7' for Panchayati Raj…. As a concerned
bharatiya naari, I first picked '5' for women's empowerment. Also: Rahul's pet theme this election season. For some reason, my choice didn't register. The automated recording looped right back, inviting me yet again to choose.
Ok, I'll play, again.
This time I picked '2' for economic development…. and was promptly disconnected. All attempts to call back have failed thus far.
In other words, it was just like every other UPA project. Ambitiously conceived, poorly executed, leaving behind the lingering aftertaste of incompetence.
Dear Rahulji, a party that can't communicate its promises, can hardly be trusted to deliver on them. And no, I won't be picking up the phone the next time your party calls. I'd much rather call my mobile company instead.