Often synonymies poverty, deprivation, backwardness and marked as ‘sukha Palamau-bhuka Palamau’ the area has been clearly lacking the kind of leadership required at the national level. The vast stretch of land is again ready to undergo polls to select MP who can solve host of the serious questions. Riding clearly on BJP surge, what is being played out, former DGP of Jharkhand VD Ram is into the fray supposedly to provide an alternative. The retired IPS officer is rated as the most capable and qualified candidate among the race. The Pioneer tried to know the challenges before him amid charges of being an outsider and one who does not mix up well. Excerpts from the interview:
How has been your campaigningIJ
It has been satisfactory. My constituency is very large and there is no doubt about that. It is not possible to visit all the places. We tend to cover at least the block headquarters and arranging public meetings.
What are the main issues in front of Palamau as it is known as one of the most backward areas of the countryIJ
There are lots of issues and every area has its different set of problems. As far as I am concerned I consider irrigation facilities as the main area where there lot of work is required to be done.
leaders of Palamau are said to be visionless with no concrete road map in their mind about taking the area forward. More often it missed the kind of leadership which was required. Are you also emphasizing this point to the voters when you meet themIJ
Definitely. I make them understand that you require a leader who can do goods for you, raise your voice in Parliament. These points have been emphasised.
What are the main reasons do you find behind the backwardness of PalamauIJ
I think no sincere effort have been put and perhaps it can also be said that leaders are not interested in solving people’s problem but are concerned about their own.
It is being perceived that Palamau is going to see a multi cornered contest. Who are you finding your main opponent in the poll battleIJ
We are way ahead.
We are not considering anybody as contestant or near to us. May be Ghuran Ram (Jharkhand Vikas Morcha candidate) is the nearest rival.
I don’t think coalition candidate (Manoj Bhuian) is a challenge.
Do you find Narendra Modi wave and who much it is going to help you in sailing throughIJ
People are overwhelmed by the work done by Narendra Modi in Gujarat. People are finding him as a man who does what he says and as a performer. There is lot of enthusiasm and they want to see Narendra Bhai Modi as the next Prime Minister of this country.
You also have been labeled as one who is an outsider. How are you countering the accusationIJ
Yes, few people say like that but there is no question of me being an outsider. My in-laws are from here. Apart from that Brij Mohan Ram (three-time MP from Palamau) was from Chandwa and others like Kamla Kumari was also from Ranchi. This is not an issue. I think people are looking at a person who can deliver.
Are you confident about your winIJ
Yes, we are very much confident.