Benudhar Barik (80) is the oldest of the six contestants who is in fray as an Independent for Baleswar Sadar constituency which is going for poll on November 3.
Although he has hardly any resources to fight an election yet he is trying his luck.
The 80- year-old man, a resident of Gudipada under Sahadevkhunta police station limits is campaigning without any posters, banners or pushing cards. He is seeking votes by visiting door- to -door for self by riding a bicycle. “Age is just number for Benudhar. His spirit is very high. He has been working and fighting for the cause of people for years. He has been fighting for the rights of the poor and underprivileged such as patta for landless, minimum wages and other causes. At a time when general perceptions are elections are very expensive, he dares fight without any resources. The voters should consider him as best among others because of his simplicity and simple life style,” said Manoj Nayak, a functionary of Baleswar Bar Association. Benudhar who lives in a mud and asbestos roof house ekes out his livelihood by doing his basic profession.
He is a barber and still in this age he continues to perform hair cutting and shaving of his customers and meet his both ends. Benudhar said he was part of several major movements of India.
Further he said, “If I am elected I would serve for the constituency selflessly," adding, “I could manage the nomination filing expenses as some well-wishers helped me.
I have been going to each house. Besides whoever is coming to me for haircut and shaving I am asking him to vote for me. I am optimistic and people would certainly do justice.”