Shillong: From government offices to the durbars of tribal kings, from the chief minister's secretariat to the Raj Bhawan, and in schools and colleges—the only topic of discussion in the north-eastern state of Meghalaya is the much-watched reality television contest Indian Idol.

"Will Amit Paul be the next Indian Idol?" is the oft-repeated question asked by everyone. Even the wrinkled grandmother who knows nothing about Hindi songs is enthusiastic.

There is a frenzy in this predominantly Christian state of 2.3 million people because the 24-year-old singing sensation from Shillong is now in the Top 2 of the highly-rated reality music show on Sony TV, where a contestant is eliminated based on the least number of votes received via SMS or phones. The finals are scheduled to be telecast live on September 23.

Catch the action on Indian Idol | Your ready reckoner for all things Amit and Prashant | Watch all Idol videos | Read exclusive interviews

"Music has transcended all cultural barriers and even the durbars of local kings [there are 25 durbars in Meghalaya] are talking about Amit and appealing for votes through SMS and phone calls," said John F Kharshiing, spokesperson of the Federation of Khasi States, the apex body campaigning for legal status for the durbars in Meghalaya.

Local media reports, quoting mobile telephone service providers, said that an estimated Rs 4,50,000 worth of SMS messages were sent every hour from across the state during the last couple of days.

"Amit should be the next Indian Idol," appealed Patricia Mukhim, a well-known writer and Padma Shri award winner from Meghalaya, through SMS messages to her friends and well-wishers.

Leading the bandwagon for supporting Amit is Meghalaya Chief Minister D D Lapang himself. And jostling for space to campaign for the local hero are all the ministers and opposition parties.

"We have conferred him the honorary title of Meghalaya's 'Brand Ambassador' to foster peace, communal harmony and excellence," Lapang said.

Giant hoardings and posters with Amit's photographs have sprung up across Meghalaya asking people to vote for him.

"This is definitely more than an election and Amit's success in the contest has brought name and fame to Meghalaya," said Paul Marbaniang, a college teacher.

"There is a frenzy all over the place as the catchword now is Amit and only Amit. Some members of his fan club have opened a free telephone booth for people to vote for him, while an Internet café has also been set up exclusively to vote for Amit," said K Mawlong, a local singer.

Amit's rival in the contest Prashant Tamang from Darjeeling is also drawing huge public response with the authorities forced to enforce a ban on sale of liquor from September 22 to 24, fearing wild parties if he wins.

Catch the action on Indian Idol | Your ready reckoner for all things Amit and Prashant | Watch all Idol videos | Read exclusive interviews

Tamang's supporters across Darjeeling and other parts of West Bengal have been working overtime to garner support.

Amit fever is also catching up in adjoining Assam with at least a dozen of the state's leading actors and singers organising a street campaign to garner votes for the Shillong youth.

"Amit is the pride of the northeast and we should all rise to the occasion and vote for him," said Munin Baruah, a noted Assamese filmmaker.

Amit has been into singing since his childhood and had quit studies to pursue a career in music—he can sing in six languages making him the darling of the Indian Idol judges.

Another youth from Assam, 29-year old Debojit Saha, had earlier won Zee TV's Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005, earning him the coveted title 'India's Voice'.