I've had a fascinating look at Indian politics this weekend. Sonia Gandhi, widow of the late Rajiv and leader of the the Congress Party is visiting Bangalore today to address a rally. It's a one day trip but over the course of Friday night the city has been transformed. Every (and I mean EVERY) available space has been covered in posters offering her a hearty, or in many cases heartly, welcome to Bangalore.


It's not just posters - did I mention the flags and the bunting?


Or the 60 foot high effigies?

All of this for a one day visit. It all seems like a Potemkin village. I wonder if, like the Queen, everywhere smells of fresh paint for her?

Just think what would Tony Blair give for a bit of this action.