Democracy’s true essence isn’t the elections, but the days that follow after it ends, when we shed our voting hats and return to the routine of being citizens. Everyday life does not depend on political beliefs. So despite what we may feel about our differences, we work and live alongside people without bothering to identify someone as “sickular”, “bhakt”, or “commies”.

If exit polls are to be believed, the BJP is likely to improve its tally in Mamata Banerjee’s West Bengal. Some suggest a neck-and-neck fight between Trinamool and the BJP. But for those hoping for a change in the state, the two parties have more in common than they would like to admit.

Even though West Bengal sends 42 MPs to Parliament — six less than Maharashtra and 38 less than Uttar Pradesh — all eyeballs seem to be on the current battle between Didi and Modi. Didi’s final walk in the heart of Kolkata on Thursday had the air of a Bengal tigress prowling her territory.

During BJP President Amit Shah’s roadshow, BJP and Trinamool workers clashed on the streets of Kolkata. A statue of 19th century reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was vandalised. And though the violence was unprecedented, for as long as I can remember elections in the state have been a bloody affair.

#TheArréWeeklyPodcast: This Lok Sabha election has thrown up some exciting contests, but few are as thrilling as the battle between AAP's education expert Atishi and BJP's former World Cup winner Gautam Gambhir. A day before Delhi goes to vote, join our panellists as they try and figure out which of these two candidates deserves the vote. Also let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

It is remarkable that for elections in the national capital of the country, political parties have pretty much taken the electorate for granted. A majority of the candidates contesting from Delhi, especially the ones who have been parachuted in at the last minute, look like complete misfits.

For middle-class and rich Mumbaikars, election might be a five-yearly farce that fails to shake their educated antipathy. But for our domestic helps, postmen, milkmen, poll season brings along with it hope. When the politicians come to their basti once every five years, they are tempted to believe that their life might become a little better.

The MMRDA Grounds in Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex where Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally on Friday evening was partially empty. I wish I could say the same about the multiplexes that screened Avengers: Endgame.

#TheArréWeeklyPodcast: Just before Mumbai goes to the polls in the #LokSabha election, here's what we are discussing: In these divisive times, is it okay to be apolitical? Host @Kahini Iyer chats with @Amal Singh who believes that "It's crucial to have a voice, especially when voices are being silenced all over the world." And on the other side is @Damian D'Souza who argues that "Being apolitical doesn't mean you're not politically aware." Do you agree? Comment below to tell us whose side you're on!