All is fair in love, war, and politics. Purnima, a celebrated doctor and social worker, is persuaded to run in the upcoming by-election in Delhi. Reuniting with Robin, her teenage crush and lifelong idol, brings her joy. However, fate has other plans. She discovers that her opponent in the election is none other than Robin himself! As their campaigns heat up—scandalous exposés are released, old friends turn into worst enemies, and prying journalists dig into their past. Amidst an uncertain future and a chaotic present, Robin and Purnima must decide what truly matters.Will they sacrifice their love for political victory? Or will they navigate the brutalities of the election and life together?
Author: Jayanta Borpujari | Publisher: Nu Voice Press | Genre: Politics, Fiction | Pages: 303
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Jayanta Borpujari’s Ballots and Betrayals is a fast-paced and emotionally-rich political novel that offers readers a nuanced look at the tangled web of ambition, morality, and personal sacrifice. With edgy storytelling and a keen understanding of the human psyche, the book is sure to hit at the hearts of its readers leaving a lasting impact. The novel revolves around Purnima, a respected doctor and social worker who is reluctantly thrust into the murky world of politics. This development is further complicated by the revelation that her political opponent is none other than Robin, her teenage crush and a man with whom she shares a complex emotional past. This unexpected twist sets the stage for a touchy narrative that explores not just political rivalry, but the personal histories and emotional undercurrents that influence public personas.
Through the eyes of Purnima and Robin, readers witness how electoral campaigns are more than just strategic battles and at times cost more than they offer. Political ambitions are emotional minefields where morals crash and loyalty is tested against the weight of personal dreams. The novel doesn’t shy away from portraying the true nature of politics, but it does so without caricature or cynicism. Instead, Borpujari presents a realistic albeit heart-wrenching portrait of the ethical compromises and internal conflicts that one has to eventually choose between. Both the protagonists are as human as characters can get and therein lies the power of this story. Their flaws, desires, ambitions, regrets, fears, etc. offer a digestible platter of emotions and paint a moving story where the readers have their heart and mind rooted for them both. Each chapter deftly introduces a new character who has a role cut out for them in Robin and Purnima’s story. The interlinking of past and present thus drives the plot forward smoothly.
Borpujari’s writing is simple, contemporary, yet layered with emotional and political commentary. The political protocols and processes highlight author’s knowledge on the subject and that ascertains readers’ engagement while also craving for more in-depth exposure. That said, the prose gets dialogue-heavy and too verbose periodically diluting the fictional frenzy and making it mundane. For readers who enjoy detailed narratives, this will service just fine. But for those craving cerebral labor, it might feel less of a thriller and more drama. The novel steadily moves toward a climactic confrontation that is as emotionally charged as it is politically consequential, with the end extracting satisfied sighs from readers!
In many ways, Ballots and Betrayals is a meditation on the cost of power; not just in terms of political capital, but in what individuals are forced to relinquish in the pursuit of influence. It raises important questions about integrity, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between personal ethics and political necessity. For readers drawn to political dramas with emotional substance, Ballots and Betrayals is a standout. It is not just a tale of elections and strategies but a deep dive into how politics infiltrates the most personal spaces of life—relationships, moralities, and self-identities.
Please note: I received an ARC from the author but the review remains unbiased.
An Electronics Engineer(BITS, Pilani, India) and a Master in Business Administration(Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University, UK), columnist, and author presently based in Oman, Jayanta has published columns in The Indian Express(India), Asia Times(Hong Kong), Times of Oman(Oman), The Assam Tribune(India), and DailyO(India) on various socio-political issues. ‘Beyond the Blinding Sun’ is his debut literary fiction, published over a year back. His musings based on various street-level experiences around the world are widely acclaimed by readers. These are available on his blog http://pensivereflex.blogspot.com/. Jayanta is an avid golfer and a passionate music enthusiast.
