Priests are generally expected to act as intermediaries between deities and their worshippers. Although this pastoral bonding has evolved and undergone significant changes over time, the core structure of the relationship has remained constant - priests perform rituals to fulfil the wishes of their patrons, who reward them with daan and dakshina (alms and honorarium).

When desires are granted, priests receive praise for their efforts; but if wishes remain unmet, they provide further guidance to the seekers. The process continues until the goal is achieved. But this unwritten code of conduct was recently disturbed in election-bound Uttar Pradesh when a priest was allegedly taken hostage by two men, who demanded a ransom of ₹1 lakh from his family after their wishes remained unfulfilled following a religious ceremony. Apparently, the accused were seeking the return of ₹1 lakh spent on the ritual.

This demand from the duo appears rather strange. What can priests do if gods don't grant blessings? Moreover, priests are chosen by patrons, not the other way around.

These two individuals, along with others, can learn from the seasoned politicians of Uttar Pradesh. As elections approach, candidates of all hues have turned to kathavachaks (religious storytellers) for better results. All of them know that outcomes can either be beneficial or unfavourable. Still, one can rest assured that these political pros won't at least hold kathavachaks accountable if they perform poorly in the assembly polls. Win or lose, they will keep turning to sacred preachers.