India, Jan. 13 -- Once upon a time, BMC election manifestos promised roads without potholes, water without leaks and timely disposal of garbage. Today, somewhere between '24x7 water supply' and 'world-class infrastructure', a new constituency has wagged its way in-the canine voter.

Citizens' charters now speak of pet parks, crematoriums and designated feeding zones as if pedigrees and strays have unionised and submitted a joint memorandum. Political parties, not to be outdone, are courting this four-legged vote bank with the seriousness once reserved for coastal roads and metro lines.

On Monday, an event 'Dog walks and neighbourhood talks' organised by the Oval Cooperage Residents Association had around 30 to 40 pet owners, with comedia...