This time he is locked in a straight contest with Colonel Sawant of the Congress. Since voters now have a choice of just two candidates, will it make Prabhu's task that much more difficult? At Fanasawadi village in Amboli, where the most pressing problem is water, Prabhu is asked a direct question. "Dead people can't vote. If people die, who is going to vote for you?" asks one man. Their faces are lined with anxiety and anger and the searing heat of the summer has matted their clothes with dust and perspiration even as it parched their throats.

"Our women go to the jungle at two in the night in search of water." Yet, they are generous. On the table in front of Prabhu are three vessels filled to the brim with precious drinking water.

Prabhu -- a trained chartered accountant -- says he understands their situation. He explains what he has tried to do to ease their problems, but says his hands are tied to a certain extent because water is a state issue. Though the funds have been released from the Centre, he explains it is up to the state government to make sure the benefit reaches the people.

"You voted for the Congress," he tells them, "and this is what they have done for you. So vote for the Sena now. And in two months, when the assembly elections take place, make sure the Sena comes to power. Then we can take on your problems."