Goat for me

Almost a fortnight has passed since Eid-ul-zuha was celebrated but festive times continue for cattle traders in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. The price of goats, which are traditionally sacrificed on that day, have been steadily rising instead of falling after the festival. The reason has to do with the upcoming Assembly elections. In the Bastar tribal belt, goat meat is served with rice as a celebration. So, some Vidhan Sabha aspirants have spotted an opportunity that probably escaped Election Commission scrutiny and, to the surprise of villagers in the area, the dawn breaks with an unusual gift - a goat tied outside their hut.