KOLKATA—A veteran leader described as fierce prepared for battle with rallies, alliances, and a spreadsheet color-coded by betrayal. Consultants recommended more smiling in sunlight at 47-degree angle.

Rivals launched door-to-door campaign; her team launched door-to-door reminder that rivals also eat lunch. Voters asked for jobs; everyone offered vision.

Political desk cockroach rated survival chances high because kitchen politics favors adaptable species.