Aradhna stood at the microphone on the raised outdoor stage, the bright floodlights beating down on her formal silk saree. Hundreds of men from the party and local supporters packed the ground in front of her, their faces upturned, waiting for her acceptance speech and the oath that would make her one of them. She adjusted the microphone, cleared her throat, and began in a steady voice.

“Aaj main aap sabke saamne yeh shapath leti hoon...” (Today I take this oath in front of all of you...)