New Delhi, Nov. 6 -- As the IndiGo flight to Patna prepared for take-off from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on 21 October, the pilot began the usual pre-flight introductions. What caught the passengers - including myself - by surprise was that the voice on the intercom belonged to Rajiv Pratap Rudy, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from Chapra in poll-bound Bihar.

"We will cover the 800 kms in about 1.5 hours. I am the captain of this journey. My name is Rajiv Pratap Rudy. Just to dodge the curiosity I am also Member of Parliament from Bihar," Rudy announced as the flight headed to Patna, the capital of Bihar, where elections are being held in two phases this month.

The first phase is being held for 121 seats t...