Famous and forgotten names come to life in election fray

Hitler, Lenin and Frankenstein are all contesting India's general elections from the north-eastern state of Meghalaya later this month. Mountbatten, Chamberlain, Truman and Chesterfield have also entered the fray.

According to reports from the state capital, Shillong, Mr Adolf Hitler Marak of the Congress party is clashing with Mr Chesterfield Marak of the United Democratic Party (UDP) in the Rang sakona assembly constituency, while Mr Lenin Marak is opposing Mr Truman Marak in nearby Rangoonaggini.

Fireworks are expected in the constituency of Ronchuggiri where Mr Momon Rockefeller is trying his luck this time, having shifted constituencies, while Mr Mountbatten Sangma is contesting Dallu where he lost his deposit the last time around.

The Congress has also fielded Mr Frankenstein W. Momin from Mend Mendipathar and Mr Chamberlain Marak from nearby Bajengdoba. A majority of Meghalaya residents are Christians. Frequently they are named after world leaders, irrespective of their role in history.

Meanwhile, farmers in the mainly rural constituency of Sirsa in northern Haryana are urging an election boycott and are blaming all political parties for failing to solve their problem of waterlogging.