Number of politicians consulting Pune's 500-odd female fortunetellers grows by 25 per cent in four yearsu00a0u00a0u00a0

If the queues of politicians lining the doorsteps of Pune's 500-odd women astrologers are any indication, fortunetellers of the fairer sex can be assured of a bright financial future.

What's my future?
Dr Shilpa Agnihotri (41), chief president, Mahila Jyotirvid, a representative body of Pune's women astrologers, says business has increased by 25 per cent since the 2004 Assembly polls.

"The growing stakes in politics, which is considered a career, is attracting youngsters, who are not from political families. This category is particularly keen to know what the future holds for them," explained Agnihotri.

Growing numbers
Arundhati Potdar (32), said, "I got an unusually large number of politician clients in the last few weeks. This is a new experience for me. Everyone wants to win, but not everyone is fated to."

Savita Mahadik (35), said she does not only study the client's horoscope but also the horoscope of the political party and its founder.

"This helps me make more accurate predictions," said Mahadik.u00a0

Male astrologers are not losing out on clients either.

Nandakishoreu00a0 Jakatadar, president of the Brihan Maharashtra Jyotish Mandal (BMJM), said, "Only 40 per cent of the candidates who contested the Lok Sabha polls consulted astrologers. The number is over 60 per cent this time."

"While politicians from 75 constituencies engaged my services during the Lok Sabha polls, I am engaged in 123 constituencies for the Assembly polls. I get about 10 to 15 calls a day from politicians," added Jakatadar.