VADODARA, Sept 1: For more than two hours they stayed put, waiting for yesteryears superstar Rajesh Khanna. But the star came, saw, spoke (briefly) and left; leaving behind the gathering of 15,000 odd at Kishanwadi with little memories to take back. Whatever applause for the cine star came from children, who, apparently, have nothing to do with elections. For others, who will decide the fate of many on September 5, there was hardly any mention of their problems. ``Dialogues are fine on the screen, but when it comes to serious issues like elections, he should realise that local issues are important,'' said local resident Bikhubhai Shah. Clearly, Khanna's hamka maaf kardo sahib - an apology for his late arrival did not break much ice with those who mattered.So what did Khanna deliver? Kargil, obviously, and the Bharatiya Janata Party's obsession with Congress president Sonia Gandhi's origin. ``If the BJP is questioning Soniaji's foreign origin what about Advaniji? His origin roots back to Pakistan,'' Khanna remarked.But the rhetoric seemed not to impress the gathering. ``Who is bothered about the origins? We are worried more by inadequate water supply and soaring prices of essential commodities,'' complained Bikhabhai Machi, a local businessman.People were disappointed with the local Congress leaders for not briefing the cine star about their basic problems. ``Understandable that he would not have been aware of the local problems, but then the Congress candidate should have briefed him,'' said Vikas Sutharia, a local businessman.While many were disappointed, for some it was a lifetime opportunity to have a glimpse of the star. ``I am a big fan of his, and ever since childhood I dreamt of seeing him face to face. This happened today. I am excited,'' said Shantaben Vyas. ``I just did not care about what he said. Why should I? To me he is a star and not a politician.''But Shantaben was among the few who were star-struck. Those who pondered over the real issues left disappointed. ``Can't he see for himself the condition of roads? Here local issues overpower the national ones,'' said another resident Janakbhai.What also peeved the people, including Congress workers, was the apparent arrogance of Khanna. A few local residents had gathered on the dais before Khanna's arrival to relate their woes. But they got a jolt when the star rudely ordered them to vacate the dais on his arrival. ``This is unbecoming of a star. If he has come here to beg for votes he should have listened to our problems, instead he shooed us away,'' said an angry resident, Satish Pandya.When it came to Kargil, Khanna carried his mudslinging from Dholka. ``How will he realise the agony of a mother who has lost her son in a war spurred by BJP's inability? Obviously he (Vajpayee) doesn't have kids and that is why he is oblivious to the pain,'' Khanna commented. Only not many lapped it up.
