India, June 22 -- Every few months, we are treated to the same political circus. A party wins an election. Voters celebrate. Defeated parties lick their wounds. Commentators analyse the verdict. Then, just when everyone thinks the story is over, the real entertainment begins.

MLAs and MPs suddenly develop what can only be described as a miraculous change of ideology. Overnight, they discover that the party they spent years criticising is actually a wonderful place to be. Principles evaporate faster than a puddle in the May sun. Loyalty packs its bags. Conscience quietly slips out of the back door.

The whole country watches in disbelief as elected representatives cross the floor in large numbers, carrying with them the mandate given by ...