November 22–December 15, 1989
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The 1989 Lok Sabha elections arrived like a storm long in the making.
Raj had positioned Bharatiya Pragati (BP) perfectly.
(Name changed from Bhartiya Party to Bhartiya Pragarti ).
TBF's relentless coverage of Bofors corruption, the "crumbling Soviet ally" series, and subtle praise for "peace returning" in Kashmir and Punjab had eroded Congress's credibility. UFT's rural prosperity, Bata's affordable reach, Luxmi Bank's loans, and the Shiv Temple's spiritual pull plus many other industry created a groundswell of support—visible progress voters could touch.
BP contested 250 seats, focusing on Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Campaign themes: clean governance, cultural revival, rural development, national security. No extreme rhetoric—just "Pragati for Every Indian."
Results trickled in over days. Congress crumbled to 180 seats—down over 200 from 1984, battered by scandals and inflation. Janata Dal, led by V.P. Singh, emerged strongest with around 130 seats. BJP secured 60, limited by vote split with BP's softer appeal.
BP stunned analysts: 85 seats won. Maharashtra delivered 35, Gujarat 18, northern pilgrim belts 20, rural pockets another 12. The party became the unexpected kingmaker in a deeply hung parliament.
Raj watched returns in his Mumbai war room, surrounded by Suraj, Arjun Das, and Priya (now visibly pregnant, glowing despite late hours). No majority existed; coalitions were inevitable.
V.P. Singh reached out first. Meetings in Delhi—discreet, through proxies—followed. Raj's conditions were non-negotiable: BP would support the National Front externally (no full merger) in exchange for key concessions.
- Home Ministry portfolio for a BP nominee (influence over internal security, benefiting ASUR ops).
- Rural Development Ministry (accelerate UFT-like national schemes).
- Special protection bill for religious sites (safeguarding Shiv Temple and future expansions).
- Independent probe revival into major corruption cases.
Singh agreed. The government formed in early December—fragile, but with BP's external support ensuring stability.
Raj gained quietly: policy levers without direct exposure. TBF framed it as "People's Victory—New Era of Accountability." BP's rise positioned it for greater dominance in future instability.
Back home, life blossomed amid politics.
On December 10, Priya went into labor. Raj rushed her to a private Mumbai hospital—top obstetricians on standby, ASUR securing the wing.
After hours of tension, their daughter arrived healthy at dawn December 11: Riya Mehra. Tiny, perfect, with Priya's eyes and Raj's determined grip on his finger from the first moment.
Raj held her, voice breaking for the first time in years. "Riya," he whispered. "Our light."
Priya, exhausted but radiant, smiled weakly. "She's going to rule the world like her father."
Jyoti, waiting outside, entered with tears. She cradled Riya gently, then looked at Raj with playful challenge. "My turn soon, you know."
Raj laughed softly, kissing both women. The empire had a heir—and more on the way.
That evening, as Riya slept in the nursery, Jyoti pulled Raj aside in the bedroom.
"I saw the doctor yesterday too," she said, hand on her stomach. "I'm pregnant. About eight weeks."
Raj's eyes widened, then softened with joy. He pulled her close. "Another child. Our family grows."
Jyoti grinned. "Boy or girl—doesn't matter. They'll both be unstoppable."
Outside, Delhi buzzed with coalition drama. Inside the Mehra home, a new generation began—bloodline of an empire-builder, born into a nation Raj was quietly reshaping.
BP held the balance of power. Riya Mehra entered the world. Jyoti carried the next.
And in the rural heartland that had helped deliver those 85 seats, the United Farmers Trust continued its quiet conquest. Over the last few seasons, member farmers had reaped consistent profits—40-50% higher yields turning skepticism into envy. Word spread through village chaupals and markets. By December 1989, UFT had expanded to 100 villages across Maharashtra, with strong pilot programs now thriving in several Gujarat districts. Thousands more farmers signed on, drawn by proven dividends and the security of Raj's model.
The future arrived—all at once.
Guys, this is my UPI ID: jatin288sharma-1@okicici
If you send me ₹10 through this, I'll upload one more chapter tomorrow.
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Chapter is rushed becuase i am not at home and got some free time so i have uploaded.
Tomarrow i will upload 2 chapter.
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