Former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar and Ballia are synonymous. So when newspapers gave headings on his nomination papers from that constituency in eastern UP, it was a non-news. But former young may have to sit up and think this time. His great admirer and friend, former union minister Kalpnath Rai, is no more. Contesting from the neighbouring Ghosi Lok Sabha seat, Rai was a great source of strength for Chandra Shekhar. Rai even campaigned for his victory while fighting for himself.

Not that the former Prime Minister is greatly worried this time. He has seen far more tumultuous times. Is it not his credit that the one-man Samajwadi Janata Party, headed by him has survived the onslaught of politics even in these trying times?

No, perhaps Chandra Shekhar excels in such situations. After all, he once became the Prime Minister of the country with a handful of supporters in the Lok Sabha, leaving political bigwigs like late Rajiv Gandhi, Vajpayee and othersbehind. Simply put, a hung Lok Sabha suits him most. Who knows he may become the rallying point like it was some years ago?

Given the hype in favour of Vajpayee or Sonia Gandhi, for that matter, Chandra Shekhar's name should not even be conjured up, most people will argue. But politics is a strange game and nothing is impossible. Maybe Chandra Shekhar is still harbouring a dream to become yet again a rallying point in politics. Good luck to him!