As I made my way to St. Thomas College, Kozhencherry, where I pursued English literature, I found myself seated in the college's special bus, Grace, next to a middle-aged individual. Engaging in small talk, I inquired about his name as he prepared to disembark at a junction where the Kozhencherry-Ranny Road began. To my astonishment, he introduced himself as Y. Mathai, equal to a combination of American President Richard Nixon, Soviet Union President Nikolai Podgorny, and Chinese Prime Minister Chou-en-Lai.

Instantly, I realised I was conversing with someone grappling with grandiose delusions, and it left me reeling. This encounter offered a glimpse into the mind of an individual consumed by fantasies of significance, a poignant reminder of the complexities of mental health.

Years later, the late PM John, founder of Antara, a sanctuary for the mentally unwell in West Bengal's 24 Parganas district, introduced me to an inmate there who fervently believed himself to be Joseph Stalin, the notorious dictator, underscoring the tragic manifestation of delusional thinking within the realm of mental illness.

The revelation by the Leader during a recent interview was profoundly unsettling, akin to the disconcerting encounter with Y. Mathai. His assertion that following his mother's passing, he came to believe that he lacked a biological birth and was dispatched to fulfil a predetermined mission echoed the delusional fervour experienced in Mathai's equation of self-importance.

When questioned by a correspondent about his ability to maintain a demanding schedule without fatigue, the Leader responded with clarity, albeit with occasional pauses. This inquiry came in the wake of the Leader making his third electoral bid from Varanasi, a city steeped in mythology and believed to be founded by Lord Shiva. The constituency is slated for polling on June 1, marking the seventh phase of elections for the 18th Lok Sabha.

Let me quote the Leader: "When my mother was alive, I used to believe that I was born biologically. After she passed away, upon reflecting on all my experiences, I was convinced that God has sent me. This energy could not be from my biological body, but was bestowed upon me by God. I believe God has given me abilities, inspiration, and good intentions for a purpose… I am nothing but an instrument. That's why, whenever I do anything, I believe God is guiding me".

His mother's death at the age of 99 on December 30, 2022, marked a significant moment for her son, who was known to have a close bond with her. Their relationship was highlighted by a poignant gesture when he wheeled her around his official house, a scene orchestrated for media coverage portraying him as a devoted son. This public display of filial piety further solidified his image as an ideal caregiver.

His startling revelation suggests that he was not biologically born of his mother's union with his father. This assertion, made after her demise, challenges conventional notions of parentage and birth, introducing a concept akin to immaculate conception but within the context of human existence.

The juxtaposition of his public portrayal as a dutiful son with the revelation of his unconventional birth origin adds layers of complexity to his personal narrative. My scepticism regarding his mental equilibrium arose when he addressed Parliament while advocating for the Bill on Reservation for women in legislative bodies.

Recounting the unfulfilled aspirations of his predecessors, the Leader asserted that he was divinely appointed to realise this longstanding goal. It is a different matter that reservation for women is still aeons away. This proclamation marked a notable departure from his previous rhetoric. His assertion of divine ordination to fulfil a political objective raised concerns about his mental state, suggesting a departure from conventional political discourse. It was a moment that underscored the intersection of personal belief, political ambition, and public service, prompting reflection on the boundaries between faith and governance in the political arena.

In Hindu tradition, the concept of avatars underscores the belief that celestial deities descend to Earth in human form to accomplish divine missions. This principle is exemplified in stories such as Lord Krishna's incarnation to vanquish the tyrant King Kamsa and Lord Rama's birth to bring an end to the oppressive rule of Ravana in Lanka. Again, it is a different matter that Hanuman's narration of the opulence found in Ravan's palace contradicts the view that the 10-headed ruler was oppressive. Each divine incarnation is believed to possess a unique purpose and mission, serving as a manifestation of divine will in the mortal realm.

These narratives of divine intervention underscore the cyclical nature of existence and the intricate interplay between the celestial and earthly realms in Hindu cosmology. They serve as potent allegories of virtue triumphing over vice and the eternal struggle between righteousness and malevolence, offering profound insights into the intricacies of human spirituality and the pursuit of higher truths.

The Leader's perception of his own divinity seemingly took root as he observed his supporters attributing wisdom to his seemingly unconventional actions. One notable instance was when he urged the nation to switch off all electric lights and illuminate diyas while also urging the use of mobile phone torches to combat the coronavirus. Additionally, he directed naval ships to shine their lights in honour of healthcare workers, acknowledging their sacrifices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These actions, though unconventional, were embraced by his supporters as symbolic gestures of unity and resilience. The adoration and interpretation of his directives as inspired acts of wisdom, perhaps, contributed to his growing sense of divine significance, reinforcing the notion that his leadership transcended mere politics and tapped into a deeper spiritual connection with his followers.

Furthermore, at one point, the Leader urged citizens to utilise all metallic objects in their households to create noise as a means of warding off the coronavirus. Despite India's reputation for having a substantial number of scientists and technologists, most people adhered to this directive, demonstrating an illogical adherence to seemingly irrational measures. Media outlets, rather than critiquing the action, framed it as an effort to foster national unity, thus perpetuating the narrative of virtue in folly.

In contrast, within his party, there was a conspicuous absence of dissenting voices akin to the child in the tale who fearlessly proclaimed the emperor's nakedness. This absence highlights a complete lack of critical discourse within the party's ranks, underscoring the challenges of confronting authority and holding leaders accountable for their actions.

An Indian play titled "Ulakuda Perumal," crafted by my mentor-like figure, Omchery NN Pillai offers a poignant allegory reflecting the Leader's predicament. The protagonist, despite marrying multiple women, finds himself incapable of siring an heir to carry forward his legacy. Aware of his infertility, his courtiers resort to sycophancy, fabricating the notion that the king is pregnant.

Day by day, they feed him the delusion that his swelling abdomen signifies the impending birth of a child. Enveloped in this illusion, the king eagerly awaits the arrival of the nonexistent offspring, oblivious to the deceit orchestrated by his aides.

This narrative serves as a powerful metaphor for his perceived divinity, as it illustrates how blind devotion and flattery can perpetuate a leader's delusions, ultimately leading to a disconnect from reality. The play underscores the dangers of unchecked authority and the consequences of surrounding oneself with sycophants who prioritise appeasement over truth.

Omchery's motivation to pen the play stemmed from his experience as a senior officer in the Government of India's Information Department during the Emergency. Tasked with preparing a daily news bulletin for the Prime Minister's personal reading, he also included reports on protests against the regime. When pressured by a police officer to report only positive news, Pillai's refusal led to his reassignment. The play served as his commentary on how sycophancy blinds rulers, exemplified by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's obliviousness to public resentment during the Emergency.

The Leader's delusions escalated to the point where he christened his party's election manifesto as his Guarantees. Astonishingly, the party failed to grasp the incredulity of entrusting guarantees to a septuagenarian leader whose age had surpassed the average life expectancy in India. This emblematic act underscored the extent to which the party had become a mere extension of his will, symbolising his firm grip on its operations and messaging.

The deliberate placement of a massive billboard featuring the image of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, with the Leader depicted striding towards it while holding the hand of a childlike Ram, was a calculated move. This imagery, though blasphemous to some, served as a potent symbol of his perceived divine connection and his role as the harbinger of Hindu nationalist aspirations. Despite the sacrilegious undertones, there was a conspicuous absence of dissent within the BJP ranks, highlighting the party's reluctance to challenge his authority or question his actions.

The hoarding's depiction encapsulated the fusion of religious symbolism and political messaging, further solidifying his image as a messianic figure entrusted with the fulfilment of Hindu nationalist objectives. The lack of opposition within the party underscored the extent to which he had consolidated power within the party, creating an environment where his actions were beyond reproach. This episode exemplified the confluence of religion and politics in India, where leaders leverage religious sentiments to bolster their authority and shape public perception.

A BJP spokesperson, surgeon, and Member of Parliament recently made a statement claiming that Lord Jagannath also revered the Leader. Jagannath is the revered deity of the Jagannath temple in Puri, Odisha. He later dismissed his statement as a slip of the tongue.

This incident coincided with the Leader's assertion of a non-biological birth, prompting speculation about his origins, including jests about being a test-tube baby. However, conception through in vitro fertilisation necessitates the fusion of male and female chromosomes, followed by embryonic development within a womb, making such speculation implausible. The absurdity of the test-tube baby notion is further emphasised by the physical impossibility of an embryo developing into a 4-5 kg child within a test tube.

The revelation of his claim of a non-biological birth warrants clarification to the nation, as it challenges established notions of his origins. The scientific community worldwide would undoubtedly be intrigued by such information, as it defies conventional understanding of human reproduction. Previously, the public had accepted the narrative that he was one of six children born to a Gujarati couple. However, his assertion prompts a reevaluation of his personal history and raises questions about the authenticity of his familial background.

In the interest of transparency and accountability to the people he serves, he owes the nation an explanation regarding the circumstances of his unconventional birth. Providing clarity on this matter not only satisfies public curiosity but also ensures the integrity and credibility of his personal narrative as a leader.

The Leader is cognisant that his tenure is drawing to a close. Even a victory in the upcoming election by a narrow margin won't extend his time in power past the age of 75. His decision to sideline LK Advani and MM Joshi due to their age reflects this awareness, as he adheres to the same retirement threshold he enforced on them.

Evidently, he seeks to exit the political stage on his own terms, aspiring to retire as a revered figure akin to a deity, worshipped by the populace. His recent proclamation must be interpreted within this framework, showcasing his desire to leave a legacy of adoration and reverence among the masses as he prepares for the next chapter of his life.

Despite not hailing from a traditional priestly lineage, he, as the Leader, assumed the solemn duty of consecrating a temple. This task transcended mere ceremonial inauguration, entailing the sacred ritual of Pran Pratishta, infusing life into the stone-carved idol of Ram Lalla. His unprecedented role drew criticism from Shankaracharyas, who recognised the departure from customary practice and abstained from participation.

However, his audacious action fuelled a delusion of divine incarnation within him. Thus followed his assertion that he was not a human but a divine being. What a tragedy that the nation has such a delusional leader! The earlier he departs from power, the better it would be for Bharat, that is, India.